What is microneedling?
Microneedling is the insertion of very fine short needles into the skin for the purpose of rejuvenation.
What does it do?
Microneedling stimulates the body to produce collagen. Depending on the depth of the needle penetration, microneedling can offer skin rejuvenation levels from the simple enhancement of product absorption to the clinical treatment of scars and wrinkles.
What can it treat?
Acne scars, fine lines, skin laxity, large pores, melasma, lip wrinkles, age spots, stretch marks, hair restoration as well as areas that are hard to treat with facial acupuncture such as crow’s feet.
What are the benefits?
Microneedling is a low risk, minimally invasive, effective treatment. The recovery time after treatments is typically 12-24 hours, sometimes even a few hours.
Treatments are comfortable with minimal pain and results can last up to 5 years.
How does it work?
The needles create tiny micro-channels on the surface of the skin (epidermis). The micro-channels stimulate a healing response in the skin, which increases production of both collagen and elastin. The increase of collagen and elastin causes the skin to become firmer, reduces scars gradually and smooths wrinkles over time.
What is nanoneeding?
Nanoneedling uses the same oscillating motion as microneedling to treat the skin but the cartridge encompasses 81 silicone tips.
These microscopic hair-like cones separate the cells within the epidermis to allow active products to be pushed into the skin. Nanoneedling only affects the epidermis, treating within the upper 0.15 mm of the skin. The benefits of nanoneedling with serum infusion 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.
Microneedling is best for targeting deeper wrinkles, scarring, pigmentation whereas nanoneedling allows for skincare products to be absorbed better and will give you more of an instant glow.
What is the difference from facial acupuncture?
Both microneedling and facial acupuncture are based on the Traditional Chinese medicine principles of moving qi, blood, and engendering flesh to increase collagen and elastin production. Microneedling is better at treating wrinkles, age spots, scars, skin tone and acne. Results are visible days after the treatment and last 3-5 years!!! Microneedling increases serum absorption by 3000%. The serums used during microneedling treatments use apple stem cells and other herbs inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Facial acupuncture is better at lifting, firming and tightening the skin. It is best for treating sagging neck, cheeks or eyelids. By addressing the body as a whole, facial acupuncture treats the constitutional causes of aging at the source. On average, results are noticeable after 12-24 treatments.
What does a treatment consist of?
Treatment includes microneedling on the face and neck paired with a Chinese herbal facial serum, LED light and full-body acupuncture.
What herbal serums are used during a microneedling session?
Zao Lei (algae): Clears melanin pigmentation from the skin. Gets rid of age spots and melasma. Improves luminosity and decreases visibility of hyperpigmented areas to balance out the skin tone.
Hai Zao (seaweed): Helps clear bilirubin and fluid buildup around the eyes. Gets rid of eye bags, dark circles & puffiness.
Ping Guo (apple stem cells): Promotes the reproduction of facial cells under the epidermis.
Tian Men Dong (formulated asparagus tuber): Helps cells regain their ability to grow and divide. Best for mature, older or thin skin.
Fu Ling (poria cocos): Natural collagen and elastin builder. Best for damp acne prone, greasy skin and older thinning skin.
Xiang Gu (lentinus edodes extract or shiitake mushroom extract): Improves the structure, organization, and quality of collagen, all of which are associated with a firmer, smoother complexion.
Ji Xue Cao (formulated asiatic pennywort herb): Helps speed up facial repair process post-microneedling.
How many microneedling sessions do you need?
Typically 4-6 monthly sessions are recommended.
Gradual changes are noticeable up to 2 weeks after the first session, but treatments are cumulative and build upon each other.
You can come in for nanoneedling in-between microneedling sessions in order to increase and speed up results.
How do I prepare for a session?
Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medication, drinking alcohol, or taking fish oil tablets for 3 days before your microneedling treatment. This will help minimize bleeding.
What should you expect after a session?
You will be red and peel/flake for 8-24 hours.
You may soothe your skin with aloe.
You may use hyaluronic acid when you feel dry and before you go to bed
Avoid using makeup.
No exercise because sweat can irritate the face.
Avoid sun exposure.
Do not use facial soap to wash your face. Please only use warm water.
You may return to your regular facial routine 24 hours after your first session. Facial products have a much higher absorption rate the week after microneedling.
Who should avoid microneedling?
Patients on blood thinners.
Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation.
Patients with moderate to severe skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, eczema or active acne or infection, warts, or herpes.
Patients with severe keloids.
Patients that are pregnant.
