What is Microneedling?
Also known as CIT (collagen induction therapy). Medical micro-needling is the insertion of fine, sterile, short needles into the skin for rejuvenation using an oscillating pen to deliver the treatment. Used to treat wrinkles, age spots, scars, acne, and improves skin tone. When facial serums are used the absorption of the serum is increased by about 2000%. This treatment is based on a 2000 year old East Asian beauty method for enhancing and maintaining beautiful skin. Microneedling and nanoneedling are some of the fastest natural ways to improve your skin tone and elasticity while clinical herbal and natural serums to increase healing time.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
Both micro and nano needling move blood, qi, and interstitial fluid to the area of treatment. Much like acupuncture, this causes the body to send its own resources to repair it. In the face, this repair can be seen almost immediately post-treatment through the brightening of Shen or glow. In biomedical terms, the body is beginning its inflammatory response to put down new stem cells, collagen, and elastin through the microchannels we create without jeopardizing the skin barrier.
TARGETED AREAS FOR MICRO-NEEDLING
Micro-needling is most often used on your face to target:
- acne scars
- age spots
- fine lines and wrinkles
- large pores
- reduced skin elasticity
- uneven skin tone
PROCEDURE FOR MICRO-NEEDLING:
- Please arrive with a clean face. No makeup.
- Numbing cream will be applied to the skin for 20 minutes until the face is numb. Body acupuncture is then given.
- Once the face is numb, the procedure will begin by cleaning the face of the numbing cream and wiping down the face.
- Pure Lab Grade Hyaluronic acid and Apple Stem Cells and/or Chinese infused serums will be applied to glide the Micro-needling Medical device across the skin in several different directions to avoid over irritating the skin.
- After the neck, forehead are done, the nose, then mouth area, then cheeks are done.
- To finish, a aloe mask are applied to soothe irritation and the heat sensation, follow by red light therapy.
- At checkout, you will be gifted a vial of product for at home use to maximize your results. Self care will be reviewed once more before leaving for home.
- Downtime includes 2-3 days of downtime (staying away from the sun) and avoiding Retin A products.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS OR SIDE EFFECTS?
Like all cosmetic procedures, micro-needling isn’t without risk. The most common side effect is minor skin irritation immediately following the procedure. You may also see redness for a few days. More severe side effects are:
- bruising
- infection
You may not be an ideal candidate for micro-needling if you:
- are pregnant
- have certain skin diseases, such as psoriasis or eczema
- have open wounds
- have had radiation therapy lately
- have a history of skin scars
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER MICRO-NEEDLING
- downtime: redness like a slight sunburn that lasts 8-24 hours
- avoid: makeup, all facial products (except hyaluronic acid), sweat, sun, dust for 24 hours after microneedling.
- bedtime: use hyaluronic acid before sleep + during the day if your skin feels dry.
- a chance of some redness or peeling for 1-2 weeks after treatment. Plan accordingly if you are planning to do this for a special event!
- No Retin A use for up to 2 weeks
- Synthetic products with fragrance must be avoided for 7 days, and sunscreen resumed a few days after treatment to protect the skin from sun damage if outdoors.
- Will start seeing the results in 2 weeks.
- schedule your next appointment (minimum 4 weeks after first session, 6 weeks maximum benefits.)
- no downtime with nanoneedling or cosmetic acupuncture (which may be done in between microneedling safely) to speed up results..
PREPARING FOR MICRO-NEEDLING
Before the procedure, talk to your doctor about ways you can prepare so you have the best possible outcome. You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as ibuprofen and those for acne treatment, well in advance of the procedure.
It is advised to avoid and stop all Retin A products a week before the session.
Botox and fillers patients should wait at least two weeks after procedure and should talk to their injector to make sure microneedling is safe.
Discontinue over the counter blood thinners such as fish oil and aspirin.
Why get microneedling from an acupuncturist?
- Training in holistic skincare using herbal serums that best fit your constitution
- Choose to add in acupuncture at no extra cost.
- Is a licensed physician.
- Highly trained in Clean Needle Technique.
- Like our acupuncture needles, our microneedle pen tips are discarded after each use.
Nanoneedling:
Slightly less invasive than microneedling, nanoneedling reach the first layer of skin (epidermis). It is best if you are worried about fine lines and wrinkles, swelling or sagging.
These microscopic hairlike cones oscillate just like the microneedle to separate the cells of the skin to drive in the topical product and allow up to 97% product absorption. This allows for the stimulation of collagen production to help with fine lines and wrinkles, a less invasive treatment for acne hyperpigmentation and an overall smoothness and plumping of your skin. This is a great for very sensitive individuals. Nanoneedling is safe and effective way to treat under the eyes and lips.
