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
Reccomended 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.
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.
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 be on your way!
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.
