Micro-Needling

What Is Micro-Needling? 

Micro-Needling, also called Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), is a natural treatment to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scaring, hypo or hyper pigmentation, resulting in younger looking, more radiant skin. Micro-Needling activates the reparative cells of your own body to generate collagen* and elastin*, which are vital for improving skins tone and texture and diminishing the signs of aging. This medical grade device utilizes single use, sterile, fine needle cartridges, that are attached to the edge of the pen.  These hair fine needles create tiny punctures in the top layer of the skin (.5-1mm) which triggers the body to create new collagen and elastin. Just like a lawn that gets airyated to grow lusher and greener, the skin is getting a natural boost to repair itself by taking out the old and bringing in the new. From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, this treatment helps to vent heat from the body and directs the flow of qi by stimulating superficial facial points. 

What Can I Expect from the Treatment?

Micro-needling is not intended to give the same results as chemical fillers and injections. The results from micro-needling appear more subtle and natural. During the initial appointment, the session begins with a brief intake to go over the patients’ medical history. The treatment starts with acupuncture to help relax the body during the micro-needling session. Next, a thin layer of hyaluronic acid* will be applied to the skin and the appropriate pen setting selected based on individual needs. The pen will be gently pressed against the skin while gliding in a crosshatch motion until the entire treatment area has been covered (the face, into the hairline, and the neck). Finally, a cooling aloe-vera mask is applied to the face and the patient relaxes for 10 minutes before the treatment is complete. Skin sensitivity varies greatly, however, if you find that the treatment is too painful a topical anesthetic can be applied or an alternative less painful method of nano-needling* can be used.

Immediately after the treatment most patients notice a bright redness to the skin. The healing time depends on individual sensitivity to the treatment, but typically the redness will go away in 8-12 hours. It is recommended to have at least 4-6 treatments to achieve optimal results. The procedure usually takes about 15-30 min depending on the size of the area being treated. Visible changes to the skin develop over the course of several days and weeks. 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. Please note that individual results may vary, there is no guarantee provided. 

How to Prepare for Your Treatment:

1. Complete the forms that will be sent to you prior to your appointment. 
2. Wash your face and remove all makeup. 
3. Remove your contact lenses. 
4. Please be aware that your face and neck will be red after the treatment. It is recommended to go directly home and rest 

After-Care: Important Please Read!

1. You will be red for 8 to 12 hours post treatment. Aloe vera can help reduce redness. 
2. No exercise today as sweat can irritate the face.
3. Stay out of the sun the day you receive micro-needling. It is recommended to wear a mineral sunscreen for at least a week after a micro-needling treatment.
4. No makeup today.
5. Do not use a facial cleanser today. You can wash your face with just warm water. 
6. Back to your normal facial routine tomorrow.

*It takes 2 weeks to fully see the results from a micro-needling treatment. You must wait 3 weeks between each treatment; however, nano-needling* can be done once a week to help increase/speed up the results between micro-needling treatments. 

Contraindications to Micro-Needling:

• Active acne 
• Pregnancy—can use nano-needling 
• Moderate to severe chronic skin disease such as eczema and psoriasis 
• Blood disorders, or patients on anticoagulant therapy 
• Extreme keloidal tendency 
• Patients on chemo radiation therapy

Additional Information:

*What is Collagen and Elastin?

Collagen and elastin are fibers that make up the supporting structure of the skin. Collagen gives skin its firmness while elastin makes the skin tight. 

*What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is a substance that is naturally present in the human body. Hyaluronic acid works by acting as a cushion and lubricant in body tissues. It is found naturally in our skin and keeps it hydrated and plump. 

*What is Nano-Needling?

Uses the same type of oscillating motion to treat the skin but the cartridge encompasses 81 silicone cones. These microscopic hair-like cones separate the cells within the epidermis to allow active products to be pushed into the skin. Nano-Needling only affects the epidermis, treating within the upper .15 mm of the skin. The benefits of this serum infusion treatment include pigmentation reduction, increased cell turnover, skin rejuvenation and an immediate glow with no downtime. This treatment can be done weekly to exfoliate the skin. 

Rates for Micro-Needling:

A. Micro-needling service for New patients at Mind-Body = $225 for 1 hour session (includes Acupuncture)
B. Micro-needling service for Existing patients at Mind-Body = $185 for 45 min session (includes Acupuncture)
C. Micro-needling service for Existing patients at Mind-Body = $175 for 45min session* (includes Acupuncture)
*(when purchasing a package of 4 Existing patient Micro-needling sessions = $700.00)

** Please Note:  Insurance policies that cover Acupuncture do not cover Micro-Needling