ACU Blog: Microneedling

I became interested in Microneedling from seeing its effects on my patients who were receiving it. This year, I’ve gotten extensive training on gentler yet more effective techniques than you’ll find at medical spas, received treatments myself, and given many treatments to patients and colleagues.

Microneedling’s roots lie in the ancient Chinese Medicine art of plum blossom or seven-star needling, and uses modern technology to do this at 18,000 RPM. It strongly stimulates your body’s collagen and elastin production in your face and neck. I love offering this natural and efficacious alternative to the harsh and toxic beauty treatments out there.

How is Microneedling different from Facial Acupuncture?

While both Facial Acupuncture and Microneedling stimulate plumper, more glowing skin and reduces wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, Microneedling has a much stronger effect on the surface of the skin. Facelift Acupuncture additionally affects the structure of the face, such as addressing sagging, drooping, jowls, and puffiness.

Now I call Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture “Beauty from the Inside Out,” as it treats not just the face, but your overall health. So Microneedling is not a health treatment. In fact, the way Microneedling works is by creating inflammation to stimulate your body’s healing response. Thus, Microneedling is contraindicated for those with autoimmune or inflammatory skin conditions, undergoing chemo or radiation treatments, pregnant or breastfeeding.

Acupuncture, however, is great for folks in those categories (though we avoid facial acupuncture in pregnancy). You can also choose Nanoneedling which is a gentler alternative to Microneedling that uses non-invasive silicone "needles" that stimulate the skin without creating inflammation. This treatment is a great option for those who can't receive Microneedling.

If you are a good candidate for Microneedling, then it along with Facial Acupuncture  work synergistically together. Because you must wait 4 weeks between Microneedling treatments (4 - 6 treatments are recommended for optimal results), doing Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation or Facelift Acupuncture in between is a great way to receive the benefit of both treatments and enhance the effects of Microneedling.

After getting Microneedling treatments myself, I noticed a reversal of the haggard look that seems to have descended upon so many of us during the pandemic, and in my 50th year, have been receiving even more compliments about my skin, which is a great feeling. I’m very happy to offer this powerful, natural skin renewal treatment to others!

Prajna Choudhury, L.Ac
SPECIALIZATION & PRIMARY POSITIONS
Primary Care, Facial Acupuncture, Microneedling, Gynecology & Obstetrics, & Dermatology