As a acupuncturist specializing in holistic rejuvenation and wellness, I am excited to offer a new service to help my patients feel their best. Microneedling is one of the earlier forms of acupuncture. The 7 Star Hammer or Plum Blossom Needle was used since ancient times for healing, rejuvenation and even hair loss.
Dermal pens are a modern version of these tools. I use a medical grade, professional use only pen for my patients. This pen penetrates the skin to the ideal depth to create collagen induction and tighten and lift the skin.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling Therapy also called Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), and Percutaneous (through the skin) Collagen Induction (PCI), is a minimally invasive skin-rejuvenation procedure that involves the use of the Microneedle Pen.
The mechanical action of the pen allows the needles to puncture the skin and create a controlled injury at a specific depth. Each puncture creates a channel that triggers the body’s natural healing process to fill these micro wounds by producing new collagen and elastin in the papillary dermis. In addition, new capillaries are formed for improved blood supply.
With Microneedling, the top layer of the skin is parted without being damaged, leaving the skin intact. It does not “burn” your skin like peels or more invasive lasers. The needle penetration depth can be adjusted from 0.25mm to 2.50mm into the skin depending on the area of the body and the skin condition being treated. Using skin needling consistently will trigger the body’s repair process until the desired level of skin rejuvenation is achieved.
Microneedling results in the production of new collagen and elastin, improvement in skin tone and texture, firmness as well as reduction in scars, pore size, and stretch marks.
How Is Professional Microneedling Different Than At Home Treatments?
The mechanism of action differs between the professional grade devices and home devices. The professional device, AcuMicro, uses a vertical action at 18,000rpm, versus a rolling action or vibrating action that can cause excess damage to the skin.
Microneedling Combined With Plant Stem Cell Serums
Microneedling can be used in combination with Hyaluronic Acid and other serums to hydrate and heal the skin. Plant stem cell serums are available and may be added on to your treatment to address specific issues such as dark circles, pigmentation, and sagging skin.
The micro-channels created by the needles allow for deeper penetration of topical serums for more effective results. This procedure can increase the skin’s ability to utilize the nutrients by up to 3,000 %.
What Is Nano Needling?
Both the Nano and microneedling treatments use a pen like device that oscillates a tip up and down to stimulate a skin reaction. They both induce cell turnover, serum infusion and provoke the healing process that results in skin transformation.
Nano needling on the other hand works a little different. It does use the same type of oscillating motion to treat the skin but the cartridge encompasses 81 silicone tips. Nanoneedling does not puncture the skin and is used in specific cases, or in the more sensitive eye areas to help significantly reduce fine lines and wrinkles with each treatment.
These microscopic hair-like cones separate the cells within the epidermis to allow active products to be pushed into the skin. Nano needling only affects the epidermis, treating within the upper .15 mm of the skin. The benefits of this serum infusion treatment include pigmentation reduction, increased cell turnover, skin rejuvenation and an immediate glow with no downtime. This treatment can be done weekly to exfoliate the skin.
What Can Microneedling Treat?
- Acne Scars
- Fins Lines & Moderate Wrinkles
- Pore Size
- Texture
- Tone
- Scars
- Photo Aging & Sun Damage
- Hyperpigmentation
- Hypopigmentation
- Hiar Loss
- Dry Skin
What is included with each session?
With every session, medical grade hyaluronic serum is applied to your skin to increase hydration and skin healing. I also include a numbing cream soothing facial mask.
You may upgrade your treatment with Plant stem cell serums to address specific concerns such as under eye discoloration and bags, pigmentation imbalances, & skin sagging for additional fee.
Can I Have Microneedling If I’ve Had Cosmetic Surgery, Botox Or Injectable Fillers?
Yes. Microneedling helps to speed healing and stimulates your natural collagen production and cell metabolism. We will work together to optimize your results and other procedures.
In General:
Botox: I recommend waiting 2 weeks after Botox before microneedling on the face.
Cosmetic Fillers: The cosmetic-type injectable fillers take about 14-28 days to integrate into your skin’s collagen structure.
Cosmetic Surgery: If you are having a surgical procedure, I recommend non-cosmetic acupuncture treatments before and after your surgery, as this will increase your body’s healing mechanisms. Acupuncture before surgery will boost your immunity, and acupuncture post surgery will help speed your recovery while reducing swelling and bruising.
Do I Need To Take Time Off Work?
The treatments don’t require any downtime, however you will be red for 24 hours. If you are planning a special occasion, I recommend completing your sessions 2-4 weeks ahead of your event. For individuals who are on blood thinners or bruise easily, Arnica gel/cream and pellets can help minimize bruising. Limiting sugar, processed foods and alcohol before and during treatment will lower inflammation systemically while reducing any chances of bruising.
You will be given a sheet with aftercare instructions.
