Microneedling in Portland, Maine

Microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a pen-like device with fine, oscillating needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin. These intentional micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing response, promoting collagen and elastin production that tighten and smooth the skin. Depending on the depth of needle penetration, microneedling can provide a range of benefits, from enhancing product absorption to clinically targeting scars, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Microneedling offers a wide range of skin benefits:

• Improved skin texture, tone, and firmness

• Reduced appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scarring

• Enhanced absorption of serums and skincare products

• Overall support for skin rejuvenation and renewal

Microneedling offers a wide range of skin benefits:

• Smooths texture, balances tone, and increases firmness
  By stimulating collagen and elastin production, microneedling helps refine skin texture, reduce roughness, and improve elasticity. This leaves the skin feeling firmer and more even in tone.

• Diminishes fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring
  Microneedling helps soften the appearance of fine lines and deeper wrinkles while promoting collagen remodeling, making it especially effective for flat or depressed acne scars and other visible signs of aging.

• Boosts absorption of active ingredients & skin care products
  The micro-channels created during microneedling allow serums and skincare products to penetrate more deeply, increasing their effectiveness and allowing targeted ingredients to reach deeper layers of the skin for enhanced results.

• Comprehensive support for skin regeneration and repair
  Microneedling activates the skin’s natural healing response, encouraging cell turnover and renewal. Over time, this leads to brighter, healthier, and more resilient skin.

MICRONEEDLING
Microneedling uses a pen-like device with tiny, oscillating needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the dermis, triggering the skin’s natural healing response. This process stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, helping to improve skin texture, tone, and firmness. It’s particularly effective for addressing fine lines, flat or pitted acne scars, enlarged pores, and uneven pigmentation. Because it works more thoroughly within the skin’s structure, microneedling tends to produce more rapid and noticeable results with fine lines and wrinkles, especially when performed as part of a series.

COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE
Cosmetic acupuncture involves placing ultra-fine needles at strategic points on the face to improve circulation, stimulate collagen production, and restore muscle tone and balance. Thin needles are inserted into specific points on the face, often motor points, where nerves connect to muscles, to help lift and firm underlying musculature that may have weakened or diminished over time. Overactive or tense areas can be gently relaxed, softening expression lines and restoring facial symmetry. The ability to both tone and release specific areas of the face creates a natural lifting effect. By increasing local blood flow and encouraging collagen and elastin production, cosmetic acupuncture also enhances skin elasticity, texture, and tone over time. Cosmetic acupuncture is an ideal option for those seeking a natural alternative to facial rejuvenation with cumulative, long-lasting results.

Nanoneedling uses the same type of oscillating pen as microneedling, however, the cartridge contains 81 ultra-fine, silicone tips that are shorter and gentler than traditional microneedles. These microscopic, hair-like cones gently part the cells of the epidermis without puncturing the skin. This enhances the delivery of active serums and skincare products. Because nanoneedling only affects the outermost 0.15 mm of the skin, it’s ideal for boosting product absorption () and revitalizing the complexion with no downtime. This gentle, exfoliating treatment promotes increased cell turnover, reduces pigmentation, enhances skin rejuvenation, and delivers an immediate glow. It’s safe for use on delicate areas like the eyes and lips, and can be performed weekly to maintain a smooth, radiant appearance.

In short, microneedling works deeper, reaching the dermis to stimulate collagen and elastin production, while nanoneedling stays within the outer layer of skin (the stratum corneum), making it a safe and effective option for surface-level skin concerns, treatment of delicate areas, and increased serum infusion.

Nanoneedling treatments can be performed twice per week, while Microneedling can be performed once per month.

Yes! Improvements accumulate with each session, and collagen remodeling continues for months after treatment. It’s ideal to begin with a series of 4–6 monthly microneedling treatments to build momentum and support long-term results. After the initial series, we recommend maintenance treatments every few months to preserve collagen levels and continue improving skin tone, texture, and firmness.

Microneedling treatments are typically 75 to 90 minutes. Sessions include a thorough intake, microneedling of the face & neck, stem-cell serum, cooling TCM botanical mask, 30 minutes of LED light therapy, relaxing arm & hand massage, and full body acupressure to enhance treatment.

Microneedling can be performed every 4 weeks to support healthy collagen renewal and healthy skin regeneration. For best results, a series of 4-6 monthly treatments is recommended followed by maintenance treatments every few months.

Yes! Chinese herbal medicine is incredibly powerful for treating skin conditions and supporting long-term skin health. When combined with microneedling and facial acupuncture, personalized herbal formulas are written to address both the symptoms and root causes that contribute to acne, dryness, premature aging, and much more. Integrating herbal medicine with external treatments enhances results and promotes lasting skin vitality from the inside out. Used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, herbs offer a time-tested, effective way to restore balance and nourish the skin from within.

What to expect:

• You may be red for 8–12 hours, similar to a mild sunburn

• Avoid exercise, sun exposure, and makeup for the rest of the day

• Avoid prolonged sun exposure for 3–5 days

• Do not wash your face the night of your treatment

• You may notice pinpoint bleeding or light peeling over the next few days

• Hydrate your skin, you will go home with a small jar of stem-cell serum to moisturize

• Do not exfoliate for at least 48 hours (or longer if skin feels sensitive)

• You can typically return to your normal skincare routine about 5–7 days after microneedling, as long as your skin is no longer red or sensitive.

  General guideline:

  • First 24 hours: No washing, makeup, sun exposure, or exercise

  • Days 2–4: Use only gentle cleansers, hydrating serums, and moisturizers

  • Day 5–7: If your skin feels fully healed (no tightness, flaking, or redness), you can resume regular products, including retinoids, exfoliants, or active serums

• Results typically begin to appear within 1–2 weeks

• Treatments should be spaced at least 4 weeks apart

Microneedling should be avoided or postponed in the following cases:

• Current use of blood thinners (Warfarin, Plavix, Eliquis)

• Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy

• Pregnancy

• Active or recent herpes simplex (cold sores) outbreak

• Active acne (especially cystic, pustular, or widespread inflammation)

• Moderate to severe inflammatory skin conditions, including:

  • Psoriasis

  • Rosacea (especially during a flare)

  • Eczema or dermatitis

• Open wounds, lesions, or infections on the face or treatment area

• Warts, fungal infections, or impetigo in the treatment area

• History of severe keloid scarring or hypertrophic scarring

• Recent facial surgery (within the past 6 months or as advised by surgeon)

• Recent sunburn or ongoing sun exposure to the area being treated

• Bleeding disorders or conditions affecting clotting

• Recent cosmetic injectables, including:

  • Botox or Dysport (wait at least 4 weeks)

  • Dermal fillers (wait at least 4 weeks depending on the area treated)