Appearance has been a concern throughout the ages. The most significant text in the canon of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) includes treatments for beautifying the skin as well as darkening and thickening the hair. (1)
I've had the privilege of private training with one of my professors from China while studying at the International Institute of Chinese Medicine. With that extra instruction, I secured a position at the Mezanine Spa located in SOHO. At the time it was the premiere dermatological spa in New York City.
Over the years, I have been able to help people with the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Several clients have seen benefit for sagging skin, including droopy eye. This year, I've devoted time to further develop my cosmetic skills with classes in microneedling for facial rejuvenation. And when the opportunity arose to participate in advanced classes for treating hair loss and acne (both outbreaks and scarring), I gladly signed on.
My cosmetic treatments are unique as they combine traditional acupuncture and microneedling so you receive the blended benefit of both modalities. Foucusing on one area of concern, treatment is done while lying on the back and includes body acupuncture to address the underlying constitution, the foundation of health. A second area can also be rejuvenated at a reduced rate.
Research has shown Microneedling treatments to produce significant clinical results, have limited side effects, and be minimally invasive. (2) Additional research shows benefit for facial rejuvenation (3), hair loss (4), acne scarring (5), the effects of photoaging (6), neck and cleavage rejuvenaton (7), upper lip wrinkles (8), and vitiligo (9).
There are some contraindications for these services that you should be aware of. They are: Accutane within 6 months, scleroderma, collagen vascular disease, cardiac abnormalities, blood clotting problems, platelet abnormalities, anticoagulation therapy (i.e.: Warfarin), active skin cancer, chemotherapy, steroid therapy, dermatological diseases affecting the face (i.e. Porphyria), immune-suppression, scars less than 6 months old and Botox or facial fillers in the past 4 weeks. Active bacterial infections and fungal infections cannot be needled directly, but the adjacent areas can be. Treatment is not recommended for patients who are pregnant or nursing. And there are some precautions as well: It is recommended to wait 3 months after skin cancer removal (consult surgeon if unsure), keloid or raised scarring, eczema, psoriasis, actinic keratosis, and herpes simplex.
Patients report seeing some results two weeks after the first treatment and increased benefit as they go through a 4 to 6 month cycle of treatment with long lasting effects. The needle penetrates only 0.3 to 1.0 cm with a minimal recovery time of one month between treatments, with the acception of two weeks for hair. Nanoneedling is recommended for the weeks in between to enhance progress.
Paperwork can be filled out online or in the office at your scheduled appointment.
Click above to download Highlighted Benefits, Micro- vs Nano-needling, and Aftercare Instructions
References:
(1) The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine: https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Yellow_Emperor_s_Classic_of_Medicine/CpfOtTRofwgC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=yellow+emperor%27s+classic+of+chinese+medicine&printsec=frontcover
(2) Microneedling is minimally invasive, has limited side effects and produces significant clinical results: Alster, T.S.; Graham, P.M. Microneedling: A Review and Practical Guide. Dermatol. Surg.; 2018; 44, pp. 397-404. [DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000001248]
(3) Microneedling benefits facial rejuvenation: Krader, C. G.,B.S.P.H.A.R.M. (2020). Stem cell media boosts microneedling benefits. Dermatology Times, 41(10), 48. Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/trade-journals/stem-cell-media-boosts-microneedling-benefits/docview/2458780480/se-2
(4) Microneedling and hair loss: Gentile, P., Garcovich, S., Soo-Ik, L., & Han, S. (2022). Regenerative biotechnologies in plastic surgery: A multicentric, retrospective, case-series study on the use of micro-needling with low-level Light/Laser therapy as a hair growth boost in patients affected by androgenetic alopecia. Applied Sciences, 12(1), 217. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/app12010217
(5) Microneedling beats chemical peels for acne scarring: Rutgers: Microneedling beats chemical peels for acne scar treatment. (2022, Aug 19). Targeted News Service Retrieved from https://www.rutgers.edu/news/microneedling-beats-chemical-peels-acne-scar-treatment
(6) Microneedling increases collagen production and is good for photoaged skin: El-Domyati, M.; Barakat, M.; Awad, S.; Medhat, W.; El-Fakahany, H.; Farag, H. Multiple microneedling sessions for minimally invasive facial rejuvenation: An objective assessment. Int. J. Dermatol.; 2015; 54, pp. 1361-1369. [DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ijd.12761] [PubMed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26096653]
(7) Neck and Cleavage Rejuvenation: Pająk, J., Szepietowski, J. C., & Nowicka, D. (2022). Prevention of Ageing—The role of micro-needling in neck and cleavage rejuvenation: A narrative review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(15), 9055. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159055
(8) Two sessions of microneedling the severity of upper lip wrinkles was improved for most patients: Fabbrocini, G.; De Vita, V.; Pastore, F.; Annunziata, M.C.; Cacciapuoti, S.; Monfrecola, A.; Cameli, N.; Tosti, A. Collagen induction therapy for the treatment of upper lip wrinkles. J. Dermatolog. Treat.; 2012; 23, pp. 144-152. [DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.3109/09546634.2010.544709]
(9) Microneedling and stable vitiligo: Jartarkar, S. R., Manjunath, K. G., Harini, S., & Sampath, S. (2021). A single blind active controlled study to compare the efficacy of microneedling and microneedling with 5-flurouracil in treatment of stable vitiligo. Przeglad Dermatologiczny, 108(4), 275-284. doi:https://doi.org/10.5114/dr.2021.111306