Microneedling with Exosomes in Calgary
Clinically guided microneedling enhanced with stem cell-derived exosomes to accelerate collagen production, improve acne scars, refine skin texture, and restore a smoother, more resilient complexion.
Best for: Acne scars, uneven texture, fine lines, enlarged pores, dull or aging skin
Treatment type: In-clinic medical procedure (30–60 minutes)
Performed by: Medical skin professionals under the direction of Marie Bertrand, Microbiologist & Joseph MacDonald, MD CFPC
Quick Overview
- What it does: Stimulates collagen and elastin production by creating controlled micro-channels in the skin, enhanced with bone marrow stem cell-derived exosomes rich in growth factors to accelerate healing and regeneration
- Ideal candidates: Patients with acne scarring, uneven texture, enlarged pores, fine lines, dull skin, early signs of aging, or loss of skin firmness
- Typical sessions: 3–6 treatments, spaced 4–6 weeks apart depending on concern severity
- Downtime: 24–72 hours of redness and mild sensitivity; most patients resume normal activities the following day
- Safety profile: Well-established, physician-guided treatment suitable for a wide range of skin tones, including darker complexions where laser treatments may carry higher risk
- When results appear: Initial brightness within 1–2 weeks; progressive texture and collagen improvement over 3–6 months as remodeling continues
- Starting from: $250 per session
What Microneedling with Exosomes Treats
Many patients come to SkinScience feeling frustrated that years of topical skincare products have not meaningfully improved their acne scarring, skin texture, or early signs of aging. Surface-level exfoliation and over-the-counter serums cannot reach the deeper layers of skin where collagen structure has been altered.
Microneedling with exosomes is commonly recommended when:
- Acne scars remain visible despite consistent topical treatment
- Skin texture appears rough, uneven, or dull under certain lighting
- Pores appear enlarged and congested
- Fine lines and early wrinkles are developing on the face, neck, or chest
- Skin has lost firmness along the jawline or neck
- Stretch marks or post-pregnancy skin changes are a concern
- Hair thinning is occurring and non-surgical restoration is preferred
Microneedling works by activating the skin’s natural repair mechanisms and delivering growth factors directly into the treatment zone, rather than masking concerns or relying on surface-level exfoliation.
This treatment may not be appropriate for patients with active skin infections, inflammatory acne flares, or certain medical skin conditions. A consultation is essential to determine suitability.
How Microneedling with Exosomes Works
The Microneedling Process
During treatment, a professional-grade microneedling device creates thousands of controlled micro-channels in the skin’s surface. These micro-injuries trigger the body’s natural wound-healing cascade, stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin over the following weeks and months.
At SkinScience, treatment depth and needle configuration are customized for each patient using a combination of techniques, including dermarollers, microneedling pens, stamps, and advanced devices. This allows precise targeting of specific concerns, from shallow texture refinement to deeper scar remodeling.
Why Exosomes Change the Game
What distinguishes SkinScience’s approach is the integration of bone marrow stem cell-derived exosomes into every microneedling treatment. Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles packed with growth factors, signaling proteins, and amino acids that direct cellular behavior.
When applied immediately after microneedling, exosomes are delivered directly into the micro-channels, where they:
- Accelerate collagen production beyond what microneedling alone achieves
- Reduce inflammation during the healing process
- Support healthier, more organized tissue regeneration
- Reactivate sluggish skin cells that have slowed with age
- Nourish the skin barrier to support faster recovery
This is not a cosmetic add-on. Exosome therapy is grounded in regenerative science, an area where SkinScience founder Marie Bertrand’s background in microbiology and molecular biology at the National Institutes of Health directly informs the clinic’s treatment protocols.
The SkinScience Protocol
Every treatment plan at SkinScience begins with a comprehensive skin consultation, including VISIA Complexion Analysis, to identify underlying skin conditions before any treatment is recommended. Protocols are designed around long-term skin health, not aggressive over-treatment. Treatment depth, exosome concentration, and session frequency are all tailored to the individual patient’s skin biology, lifestyle, and goals.
Microneedling with Exosomes vs Other Treatments
Microneedling with Exosomes vs Standard Microneedling
Standard microneedling relies solely on the body’s healing response to generate new collagen. Results are real but develop more slowly and plateau sooner. Exosome-enhanced microneedling introduces concentrated growth factors that amplify and extend the regenerative response, leading to more significant improvement in fewer sessions for most patients.
Microneedling vs RF Microneedling (Fractora)
Standard microneedling targets surface-level texture, scarring, and pores. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency heat energy for deeper tightening and is typically recommended for skin laxity, jawline definition, or more advanced aging concerns. Patients focused primarily on acne scarring and texture often start with exosome-enhanced microneedling before considering RF.
Microneedling vs Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing uses heat energy to remove and rebuild skin layers. It can be highly effective for severe damage but carries higher risk of pigmentation changes, especially for darker skin tones. Microneedling does not use heat, making it a safer option for a broader range of patients while still delivering meaningful collagen remodeling.
Microneedling with Exosomes vs PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
PRP uses a patient’s own blood platelets to deliver growth factors. Exosome therapy delivers a broader, more concentrated set of signaling molecules derived from bone marrow stem cells. Both approaches enhance microneedling results, but exosomes offer a standardized, consistently potent formulation that does not depend on the patient’s own blood quality or platelet count.
In-Clinic Microneedling vs At-Home Devices
At-home microneedling devices operate at much shallower depths and cannot safely treat acne scarring, deeper texture concerns, or deliver clinical-grade serums effectively. Medical microneedling allows for controlled depth, sterile technique, and professional assessment, which are essential for meaningful results and patient safety.
Results, Timeline & Expectations
Microneedling with exosomes is a gradual-improvement treatment. Collagen remodeling is a biological process that unfolds over weeks and months, not overnight.
- Short term (1–2 weeks): Skin may appear brighter, smoother, and more hydrated as initial healing completes and exosome signaling begins
- Mid term (1–3 months): Texture and pore appearance improve as new collagen forms beneath the surface
- Long term (3–6 months): Acne scarring softens, fine lines diminish, and skin firmness improves with cumulative treatments
- Maintenance: Periodic sessions may be recommended to sustain results, depending on skin goals and aging trajectory
Microneedling with exosomes does not:
- Remove deep wrinkles or surgical-level laxity in a single session
- Replace more aggressive resurfacing treatments for severe scarring
- Produce immediate, overnight transformation
The strength of this treatment is cumulative, progressive improvement that compounds over time with each session.
Safety & Suitability
Microneedling with exosomes is generally well tolerated and has a strong safety profile when performed by qualified medical professionals.
You may not be a candidate if you:
- Have active skin infections or inflammatory acne flares
- Are prone to poor wound healing or keloid scarring
- Have certain medical skin conditions (assessed during consultation)
- Are currently using isotretinoin or certain photosensitizing medications
Common temporary side effects:
- Redness similar to a mild sunburn (resolves within 24–72 hours)
- Mild swelling and skin sensitivity
- Slight dryness or flaking as the skin renews
Compared to laser treatments, microneedling does not use heat, which significantly reduces the risk of pigmentation changes, making it a preferred option for patients with darker skin tones.
A consultation at SkinScience is essential to determine suitability and customize treatment depth and frequency. We assess every patient individually before recommending a protocol.
Our Clinical Approach
At SkinScience, microneedling with exosomes is not offered as a standalone treatment. It is part of a comprehensive, science-driven approach to skin health developed by founder Marie Bertrand, a trained microbiologist with research experience at the National Institutes of Health.
With over 17 years of clinical microneedling experience, SkinScience is one of Calgary’s longest-established independent medical aesthetics practices. Our approach is guided by:
- Proper patient selection based on thorough skin analysis (including VISIA imaging)
- Conservative, evidence-based treatment planning
- Customized technique selection (dermarollers, pens, stamps, Fractora) based on individual skin needs
- Long-term skin health and collagen preservation over aggressive short-term results
Every treatment plan is tailored to your skin biology, goals, and tolerance. We do not recommend treatments you do not need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many microneedling sessions do I need?
Most patients benefit from a series of 3–6 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. The exact number depends on your primary concern (texture vs scarring), the severity of the condition, and how your skin responds to treatment.
What are exosomes and why do they matter?
Exosomes are tiny vesicles derived from stem cells that carry concentrated growth factors and signaling proteins. When applied during microneedling, they amplify the skin’s healing response, accelerate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and improve outcomes compared to microneedling alone.
Does microneedling work on deep acne scars?
Microneedling with exosomes can meaningfully improve many types of acne scarring, particularly rolling and boxcar scars. Ice-pick scars and very deep scarring may require combination treatments or more aggressive resurfacing approaches. This is assessed during your consultation.
Is the treatment painful?
A topical numbing cream is applied before treatment to minimize discomfort. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild prickling. The exosome serum also helps soothe the skin during and immediately after the procedure.
When do results peak?
Initial brightness appears within 1–2 weeks. The most significant improvements in texture, scarring, and firmness develop over 3–6 months as collagen remodeling progresses with each session.
Is microneedling safe for darker skin tones?
Yes. Because microneedling does not use heat or light energy, it carries significantly lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation compared to laser treatments. It is a preferred option for patients with medium to dark skin tones when performed by qualified professionals.
Can microneedling help with hair loss?
Microneedling with exosomes can stimulate hair follicle activity and support hair restoration for patients experiencing thinning. The exosome growth factors target follicles directly when applied to the scalp. This is assessed separately from facial treatments.
Is Microneedling with Exosomes Right for You?
Microneedling with exosomes is ideal for patients seeking natural, progressive skin improvement without significant downtime. It is especially effective for those who want to address acne scarring, texture irregularities, or early signs of aging with a treatment grounded in regenerative science.
If you have tried topical products without meaningful results, or if you want a personalized treatment plan built around your skin biology rather than generic recommendations, a consultation at SkinScience is the right next step.
During your consultation, we will:
- Analyze your skin using VISIA Complexion Analysis imaging
- Identify the specific concerns microneedling can address
- Recommend a customized treatment plan with realistic timelines
- Discuss budget-tiered options so you stay in control
Your skin tells your story. Let us help you write the next chapter with science, not guesswork.
