What is Microneedling?
There are three distinct ways of answering that question – from a Western, Eastern, and Integrative perspective.
Western perspective
Microneedling uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, thereby stimulating collagen and elastin production, and promoting cellular regeneration. It’s used to treat a variety of skin issues, including wrinkles, scarring, acne, enlarged pores, and hyperpigmentation, as well as to promote hair growth. Microneedling can also be used to improve the effectiveness of topical treatments (serums) by allowing them to penetrate more deeply into the skin.
Eastern perspective
Microneedling has its roots in Plum Blossom technique, which has been a part of Chinese Medicine’s canon for over 2,000 years. Plum Blossom technique is a superficial tapping on the surface of the skin with tiny needles, to promote blood circulation. Since Microneedling is a form of acupuncture, it can heal the skin locally as well as work systemically through the body.
Integrative Microneedling
This synthesizes the modern tools of Microneedling, using a “pen” device, with the internal health benefits of Chinese medicine.”
What is Nanoneedling?
Nanoneedling is a non-invasive skin treatment that heralds a multitude of benefits as well as improvement in tone and texture, appearance of enlarged pores, improvement to fine lines, and reduced pigmentation. Unlike Microneedling, the usual needle cartridge is swapped out for a Nanoneedling cartridge which is silicone tipped and gentler on the skin. Nanoneedling is designed to exfoliate the skin and stimulate cell turnover, rather than penetrate deep into the dermis as Microneedling does. Nanoneedling is helpful to accelerate the benefits of anti-aging in between Microneedling treatments and increases smoothness and hydration of the skin for a plumper and firmer feeling overall. Your skin will also have better microcirculation and will benefit from the increased nutrients (depending on which serums you choose to use). Nanoneedling is very effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines, especially around the eyes and lips. Nanoneedling is safe for all skin types, and can be used on all areas of the face, and neck. There is no downtime or pain associated with Nanoneedling.
Customized Chinese Topical Serums
There are seven Chinese herbal topicals that have been well
researched and provide the benefits we are looking for when it
comes to bringing health and radiance back to your skin! All
products are natural, clean, and without preservatives. You can
choose one or two serums with your treatment.
1. Ping Guo is a stem cell builder. It helps to promote the
reproduction of facial cells under the epidermis as well as to
stimulate dormant hair cells to regrow hair. These stem cells
come specifically from Uttwiller Spatlauber apple trees in
Switzerland, and have been scientifically proven to activate the
epidermal cells of the skin. This helps to start the self-renewal
process at a similar rate to that of early youth. If you search
online, you'll see all kinds of apple stem cells. What you will be
receiving in this office will be professional quality, lab-grade
stem cells.
2. Xiang Gu is a natural collagen and elastin builder. Collagen
and elastin are skin supporting proteins. This extract contains a
shiitake mushroom extract that stops collagen deterioration
and improves the organization, quality, and structure of
collagen. Xiang Gu is also a strong antioxidant and lessens
damage by reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation.
3. Fu Ling is a natural collagen and elastin builder. It also is best
used for those with damp acne, greasy skin, and older thinning
skin. This herbal extract helps to build skin thickness, improve
microcirculation, and the radiance of your skin. It does indeed
lessen the appearance of wrinkles and is great for menopause
or mature skin. It is also an antioxidant.
4. Hai Zao helps to clear bilirubin and fluid buildup around the
eyes. This helps to get rid of eye bags, dark circles, and
puffiness. Swelling (liquid retention) which leads to puffiness
combined with bilirubin accumulation, causes vascular
pigmentation to occur. This means you start to get dark circles
under your eyes. This herbal extract also is a collagen and
elastin builder. It lessens glycation of collagen to maintain
strength and elasticity of the dermis.
5. Zao Lei clears melanin pigmentation from the skin and helps
to get rid of age spots and melasma. This means that it will
decrease the visibility of hyperpigmented areas and balance
your skin tone. In research, it has been shown to decrease the
amount of melanin pigment products by melanocytes by 61.3%.
This extract will give you the luminosity (brightening) you’ve
been wanting.
6. Chen Pi Ganxibao, helps cells regain their ability to grow and
divide normally. This extract is made from orange stem cells
and helps to organize the inner structure of the skin for a
younger appearance. It is best for mature older or thick skin
due to recovered skin elastic properties. You can think about it
as recovering the elasticity you had 12 years ago. You’ll be
happy to have skin that is smoother and more silky. It is also
used to bring blood flow, energy, and nutrition to the area of
application.
7. Ji Xue Cao helps to speed up facial repair after
microneedling. It is also anti-inflammatory and can be used on
insect bites, minor itching, and eczema. It increases collagen
synthesis and improves the skin’s tensile strength.
Benefits:
Both Microneedling and Nanoneedling are an elevated experience for anyone looking to prevent skin damage and step into the direction of positive aging. These unparalleled facial rejuvenation treatments are like a “gym for your face”, that create sustainable and long term results.
Microneedling uses a cartridge of 12-16 tiny microneedles to puncture the skin. This process of “Collagen Induction Therapy” naturally stimulates the production of collagen and elastin while reducing wrinkles, pigmentation issues, or scars. Nanoneedling uses the same technique with microscopic hair-like cones on the epidermis that can be done as weekly maintenance to increase cell turnover and pigment reduction.
Improves:
Fine lines
Reducing deep wrinkles
Uneven skin tones
Age spots
Areas of redness
Scarred areas
Acne
My Approach
As a Licensed Acupuncturist and Functional Medicine Practitioner, with training in both dermatology and aging, I focus on all aspects of the body, mind and spirit in an attempt to harmonize and balance the imbalances. Functional Medicine additionally takes a deeper dive into the dynamics of autoimmunity, GI health, metabolic health, cardiovascular health, and hormonal health for a more integrative approach. I practice Microneedling in a unique way (different from an aesthetician), that treats the hormonal and systemic root cause imbalances that affect the appearance of the skin. As an integrative health practitioner, I understand that patients will look their best when they are healthy from the inside out.
My Experience is a Strength
As an Acupuncturist in the US, by definition, I am a needling expert with a minimum of 3500 clinical hours of training in a clinical setting. My background and expertise with acupuncture and Facial Rejuvenation acupuncture are why my patients feel both internal and external benefits. I strongly believe in supporting a patient’s constitution during any aesthetic acupuncture process. My experience in rigorous Microneedling study have given me ample supervised hands-on practice to use Microneedling devices and practice protocols. I am constantly learning new techniques and practices. I consistently build credibility through knowledge, expertise, and effective results.
How Is Microneedling Different from Other Cosmetic Modalities?
Microneedling is different from chemical fillers and injections. The results appear more natural and subtle. Microneedling involves using a pen with fine needles to create controlled micro injuries on the skin surface. These micro injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing response, promoting collagen and elastin production, and enhancing the skin texture and firmness. The procedure usually takes about 15-30 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.
The Process:
- Start with full health history intake
- Acupuncture points to balance organ function and relax the body.
- Apply a layer of cell-building, skin loving serums combined with hyaluronic acid to the skin.
- Use of Microneedling or Nanoneedling of face and neck if desired
- Application of a cooling aloe vera and serum mask
Post-Treatment:
Most patients notice a bright redness. The healing time depends on skin sensitivity to the treatment. Typical redness goes away in 8-12 hours.
Follow-Up Visits:
Visible changes to the skin develop over the course of several days and weeks.
It is recommended to have at least 5-6 treatments to achieve optimal results. Microneedling treatments are recommended once a month and Nanoneedling can be repeated weekly for faster results.
Once a course of treatment has been completed, results can last up to 3-5 years. Treatment outcomes can be improved by bi- yearly maintenance visits.
Rates:
$395
MICRONEEDLING OR NANONEEDLING SERVICE FOR THE FACE, INCLUDING ACUPUNCTURE FOR 1 HOUR. (INCLUDES HYLURONIC SERUM AND 1 HERBAL SERUM OF YOUR CHOICE)
$100
ADDITIONAL NECK
$25
ADDITIONAL EYEBROWS
$1,900
INTRODUCTORY PACKAGE OF 5 MN OR NANO TREATMENTS (INCLUDES COMPLIMENTARY AFTERCARE SERUMS KIT)