Microneedling is also called "collagen induction therapy" and it uses a high-quality electronic microneedling 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 neck and can also treat various scars, age spots, discolorations and large pores. Microneedling can only be performed by doctors and acupuncturists.
How does it work?
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.
What does it treat?
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
Microneedling is not for:
Local infections (such as warts)
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)
What is a microneedling session like?
Each session starts with 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 - some cosmetic acupuncture points to address specific areas of the face - and the rest on the arms and legs to balance the body and create peace and relaxation using the traditional Chinese meridian system. Then we will do the microneedling portion of the treatment which lasts about 15 minutes. We'll always do a thorough check-in before your treatments so I know about your specific needs and what your goals are for the treatment.
Does it hurt?
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 decide not to continue with microneedling 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.
How quickly does it work and How long do results last?
Patients often see results within a few days of their first treatment, but for very noticeable results we recommend at least 3 sessions spaced out a month apart. Over time the results are cumulative. Those wanting to do an acupuncture "facelift" usually do 1 microneedling session per month, and one cosmetic acupuncture per month, for 6 months.
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 typically 3-5 years, and are recognized to last longer than injectable treatments.
What is the Investment?
Many practitioners charge anywhere from $400-$600 per microneedling session! At Lawrence Acupuncture we believe in making natural health and beauty services accessible to more people.
- Initial Microneedling Session - $300
- Microneedling Follow-Up - $275
- "Adorn Me" Package - $1500 - Series of 6 Microneedling sessions
The Adorn Me package is an acupuncture and microneedling “Face Lift” series designed to completely revitalize your face with 6 total professional microneedling treatments booked once a month for 6 month for targeted results.
We also offer an opportunity to rent a red light therapy device to use at home in between treatments, to heighten your body's ability to produce collagen and to help you get great results!
Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture
Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture is more than just a cosmetic treatment; it is designed to increase overall vitality, making your whole body feel and look younger. As early as 475 BC, there are records of the Chinese using mei rong, although it was considered a lavish process, primarily reserved for the Empress and the imperial concubines.
During a Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture treatment you will receive a whole body treatment as you would during a regular acupuncture session, as well as dozens of tiny needles expertly placed in the face to stimulate collagen and elastin in the skin. Benefits include improvement in the appearance of fine lines and diminishing of deeper wrinkles, firming of jowels and sagging skin, improvement in tone of skin, and reduction of acne or rosacea. For an acupuncture “facelift” a series of 10 bi-weekly sessions is recommended, but a stand alone treatment is deeply relaxing and a spa day treat!
Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture effects may include the following:
- Fine lines may be entirely eliminated and deeper wrinkles diminished
- Bags under the eyes can be reduced, jowls firmed, puffiness eliminated, droopy eyelids lifted and double chins minimized
- Moisturizing of the skin with increased local circulation of blood and lymph to the face
- Increased collagen production, muscle tone, and dermal contraction
- Tightening of the pores; brightening of the eyes
- Improving of hormonal balance to help acne
- Reduction of stress evident in the face
- Overall bringing out the innate Beauty and Radiance of an individual
What To Expect
During a facial acupuncture treatment you will receive a whole body treatment as you would during a regular acupuncture session, each treatment being tailored to your individual needs based on your diagnosis. Dozens of tiny needles will be placed in specific points in the face and or neck as well. This process is not painful and is often deeply and profoundly relaxing.
A 90 min Cosmetic Acupuncture Session will include facial acupuncture as well as a whole body - balancing acupuncture treatment, and always includes therapeutic LED light therapy.
How quickly does it work?
If you are not utilizing microneedling and only doing Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture, I recommend committing to 10 treatments, twice a week for 5 weeks. After the 5 or 6th treatment is when you really start to see a change. That being said, in my experience, you can see results much sooner than the sixth treatment. You will usually notice a glow or radiance shining through after just the first treatment!
For more dramatic and longer lasting results, many patients combine the Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture with Microneedling. Many clients choose to combine microneedling with Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture, and we offer a 10% discount for custom packages. Please reach out to schedule a consultation!
What is the Investment?
- Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture - 90 min session $135