What is Microneedling?

Here’s the TLDR (too long, didn’t read) version

Benefits:

  • Smooth fine lines and wrinkles

  • Treat sun damage and hyperpigmentation

  • Tone and tighten skin naturally

  • Stimulate collagen and elastin production for supple, revitalized skin

  • Resolve acne and heal scarring

  • Regrow hair for thinning or balding

  • Brighten complexion

Includes:

  • Full body acupuncture treatment

  • Bottle of organic rose hydrosol

  • Apple stem cell serum to enhance results

Treatment Plan:

  • 4 - 6 monthly treatments for best results

  • Results last 3 -5 years, quarterly maintenance optional

  • Offers more immediate results

… And, here’s the full thing.

Credit to San Diego Cosmetic Acupuncture.

Microneedling is a gentle procedure that uses fine, short needles to rejuvenate skin. 

Microneedling stimulates the body’s ability to heal itself, improving skin tone and texture.

This holistic technique uses short, fine needles to penetrate the skin, which stimulates the production of collagen, stem cells, and elastin. 

Microneedling reduces fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun spots, and more. 

We also use herbal-based topical serums to enhance treatment. Microneedling increases skin absorption by approximately 3000%, allowing these products to work their magic effortlessly. 

When we look at this treatment through the lens of Chinese medicine, microneedling works similarly to acupuncture, promoting healing and moving qi, blood, and fluids throughout the face and body.

What this really means is that microneedling has a profound, epic potential to help us release what no longer serves us from the matrix of our faces and restore what we call original shen, or spirit. This allows our inner glow and knowing to radiate outwards, naturally!

We also offer nano-needling, a non-penetrative resurfacing treatment, which we use in more sensitive areas of the face and for thinner skin.

At the studio, we provide microneedling and nano-needling in combination with body acupuncture for a holistic approach to skin care and healthcare.

Following a course of treatment, results last 3 - 5 years. Maintenance treatments are optional, and your acupuncturist will recommend a plan that is best for you.

Credit to San Diego Cosmetic Acupuncture.

Microneedling sessions are a perfect fit for you if you want to…

  • Achieve immediate and lasting improvements in skin tone and texture (3-5 years)

  • Reduce fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and discoloration

  • Promote hair regrowth at the hairline and on scalp

  • Have not seen the results you hope for with facials, peels, or other topical treatments

  • Feel that botox and fillers are not the right fit for you or want to do something to get even more out of these services

  • Experience a holistic, non-invasive approach to improving your complexion and overall health

Credit to San Diego Cosmetic Acupuncture.

What happens during a Microneedling session?

During your first visit, you will chat with your acupuncturist to address your primary skin concerns, goals, and general health history. Then, you’ll get comfy on the treatment table! 

Your acupuncturist will give you the option to apply numbing cream to your face and neck for extra comfort during the procedure. And, she will gently insert some acupuncture needles in to get you feeling nice and relaxed. 

After wiping the numbing cream off, we will do the microneedling on your neck and face. This will take about 15 minutes. Then, you’ll rest for a bit longer with the acupuncture needles in. We’ll use high quality herbal topical serums afterwards to nourish your skin and promote cellular regeneration.

You’ll feel very relaxed and renewed for the rest of your day! 

Credit to San Diego Cosmetic Acupuncture.

How many treatments are recommended?

Just like acupuncture, microneedling has a cumulative effect. For best results, we recommend that patients plan for 4 - 6 sessions spaced one month apart. 

The general health and condition of skin, age, lifestyle, and skincare regimen all play a role in how quickly and dramatically results are seen. 

Those from 20 - 40 who have fewer concerns will likely see results after a few sessions. 

Those who are 40+ and those of all ages who have significant hyperpigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, or scarring, will usually require a total of 6 monthly sessions for best results.

Credit to San Diego Cosmetic Acupuncture.

How soon will I see results after a Microneedling session?

Patients often see immediate brightening in their skin and spirit in the days and weeks following their first treatment. 

Those in their 20’s and 30’s and who have fewer skin concerns will typically see results after 3 sessions.

Those ages 40 and older, and individuals of any age who have significant hyperpigmentation, sun damage, lines, wrinkles, or scarring, will typically need a total of 4 - 6 monthly sessions to see the most improvement.

Because our sessions also include full body acupuncture, we hope you will also see improvements in stress levels, sleep, digestion, and energy. 

Results are cumulative, and you will see continued improvement from session to session.

Credit to San Diego Cosmetic Acupuncture.

What care is needed before and after treatment?

Downtime is minimal. Expect some mild redness, dryness, flakiness, and sensitivity that will resolve in 1-2 days.

After your treatment:

  • Do not wear makeup or use any oil-based products the day of treatment.

  • Use hyaluronic acid or a light spray of hydrosol anytime your skin feels dry and before bed the day of treatment.

  • Avoid washing your face for the first 24 hours.

  • Don’t exercise for 48 hours (sweat will irritate).

  • No swimming for at least 3 days to prevent irritation and infection.

  • Your skin may feel more sensitive to cold immediately after microneedling, so bundle up!

  • Avoid sun exposure the day of and for a few days post treatment, and wear a high quality sunscreen when spending time outside (except for the first 24 hours after treatment, no products during this window of time).

  • No targeted skincare treatments for 3 days post-treatment. This includes AHAs such as glycolic acid, retinol, vitamin C, and enzymes.

24 hours after treatment:

  • 24 hours after treatment, you can return to your normal skincare and makeup routine.

  • You may experience temporary dryness, peeling, or tenderness as the skin heals, so we strongly recommend applying moisturizing topicals like hydrosol, serums, and moisturizers to seal in moisture.

  • Continue using sunscreen if spending time in the sun. 

  • Detailed aftercare instructions will be provided to patients at their appointment.

Credit to San Diego Cosmetic Acupuncture.

Is Microneedling safe for everyone?

Microneedling is appropriate for patients of any skin tones and a range of ages.

There are, however, certain precautions: 

  • Discontinue any retinol products for at least 1 week before and 1 week following a microneedling treatment.

  • Patients should wait at least 2 weeks AFTER Botox treatment so that the injectable has already “settled” in the treatment area before the microneedling procedure.

  • Patients should wait 4-6 weeks AFTER microdermabrasion and strong chemical peels performed by a medical doctor. 

  • Wait 2-4 weeks AFTER non-medical grade peels. Ideally, patients should avoid these treatments while on a microneedling treatment plan.

  • Patients should wait 4 weeks AFTER laser skin resurfacing (IPL, BBL, and other strong lasers). Ideally, patients should avoid these treatments while on a microneedling treatment plan.

  • Patients should schedule microneedling at least 3-4 weeks BEFORE or at least 2-3 weeks AFTER laser hair removal.

  • Microneedling should not be done on areas of active acne, warts, local infections, or scars with keloids, during pregnancy, or during chemotherapy or radiation.

  • Microneedling should not be performed during pregnancy, but nanoneedling is safe. 

  • If you are pregnant and interested in nanoneedling only sessions, please reach out via call / text / email to let us know!

Credit to San Diego Cosmetic Acupuncture.

Why get Microneedling from a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.)?

Well, we go to school for many, many (3 - 4 years minimum on a full time schedule) to learn how to use needles effectively and safely. We are all certified in Clean Needle Technique and professionally licensed in order to offer this service to you all.

AND we get to offer Microneedling in a holistic fashion by integrating it with body acupuncture to promote your overall health, wellbeing, and healing.

If this sounds exciting to you, make sure to book an appointment today.

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