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What is microneedling?

 

Microneedling is also called "collagen induction" therapy and it uses a high-quality electronic derma-roller-like device. The purpose of treatment is to generate new collagen and skin tissue for smoother, firmer, more toned skin with reduced lines and wrinkles. Microneedling is mostly used on the face and can also treat various scars, age spots, discolorations and large pores. Microneedling can only be performed by doctors and acupuncturists.   

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How does it work?

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Microneedling works by making extremely small but very effective pathways into the dermis (the layer of the skin that contains the most collagen and elastin) to infuse the dermis with hyaluronic acid, plant stem cells and herbal serums. With the use of microneedling, the absorption of these nutrients is increased several thousand-fold compared to applying them onto the surface of the skin, and goes directly into the dermis where they are most needed. The result is much healthier, plumper, toned and smooth skin. 

 

Microneedling is mostly used to improve overall skin tone and to fill in lines and wrinkles naturally, and because microneedling can penetrate into the dermis (or deeper if needed) it can also help reduce scars, ages spots and other discolorations (including uneven skin tone). Microneedling is a sterile procedure and it does not create bleeding or peeling unlike many other types of facial treatments. It also works by infusing the dermis with important nutrients that plump and tone and balance, rather than by removing the top layers of the epidermis like a chemical peel. 

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​What does it treat?

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• Lines and wrinkles

• Sun damage

• Reduced skin elasticity (of face and/or neck)

• Age spots

• Dark spots or patches on the skin (hyperpigmentation)

• Stretch marks

• Large pores

• Bags under the eyes

• Acne scars

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Microneedling is not for: 

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• Keloid growths and scars (can stimulate more growth)

• Moderate to severe skin diseases on the face (eczema and psoriasis)

• Patients on chemo/radiation therapy

• Pregnancy (no known risks but this is recommended)​

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What is a microneedling session like?

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We'll always do a thorough check-in before your treatment starts so I know about your specific needs and what your goals are for our time together.  Each hour-long session starts with the microneedling portion of the treatment which lasts about 15 minutes.  Then, you'll receive a round of Red Light Therapy (which is known to increase collagen-elastin production and strengthen the immune system). During this time you will also receive gentle acupuncture on the arms and legs to balance the body and create peace and relaxation using the traditional Chinese meridian system.  This final portion of the session is extremely restful.  You'll be laying down on a comfortable, heated massage table during each part of your treatment.  

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Does it hurt?

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A bit! Microneedling does include a little bit of discomfort for most people but it is short-lived and on a scale of 1-10 my clients have told me that the most uncomfortable moments are a 2 or a 3. I have never had a patient have trouble tolerating the sensation, or not want to receive further treatments due to pain or discomfort, and the needles used are very fine and small. A few areas of the face tend to be more tender for most people (like the forehead) and we are only working on these areas about 30 seconds to one minute per treatment.  

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How long do results last?

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Because microneedling works by plumping, toning and nourishing the dermis, the results last until they naturally "age away" - in other words, the results last for quite a while and are recognized to last longer than injectable treatments such as Botox and Juvaderm (which may last 3 - 9 months).  

 

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How much does it cost and how many treatments do I need?

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A microneedling Treatment costs $250/session, and although this might sound very expensive, many practitioners charge between $400 - $700 per treatment! I don't believe in charging that much for a treatment, which would make it prohibitive for many people to try and benefit from microneedling as a natural and non-invasive and effective way to care for their skin. And, the tools, products, supplies, devices and training that go into each microneedling treatment are very costly which is why these sessions cost more than a traditional acupuncture session or the other types of services that I offer.

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It is recommended to do four microneedling treatments (spaced one month apart) to achieve the full potential of results when you get started. Most of my clients return every 5 - 6 months for a follow-up session to maintain and build on their results.  

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Sarah before + after her 4 microneedling sessions