Microneedling and Nano-Needling in Denver
I do gentle microneedling and nano-needling in South Denver, no numbing cream needed.
Microneedling is a skin rejuvenation treatment that uses very fine needles to make tiny, controlled channels in the skin. Your body treats them like a small wound and responds by building collagen and waking up the stem cells in your skin. Over the next month, the layer that was repaired makes its way to the surface and becomes fresher, smoother skin. It can help with acne, facial scarring, hair loss, and wrinkles and fine lines on the face, neck, and décolletage. I also treat the backs of the hands, which people are often glad to have someone pay attention to.
My approach
I practice a gentler technique than most estheticians do. I work at a shallow depth, usually half a millimeter, because the research suggests it works better than going deeper. At that depth most people feel very little, so numbing cream isn't needed. Your top layer of skin stays intact, so you don't peel the way you might after dermabrasion, and healing is quicker.
I'm also a licensed acupuncturist, so I'm looking at more than your skin. I ask about your daily routine, your diet, and your overall health, and I treat you as a whole person. Some people like to pair microneedling with acupuncture or herbs, and we can talk about whether that makes sense for you.
What a visit looks like
I start by cleaning your skin and then glide the pen over a layer of hyaluronic acid. It's a natural sugar molecule your body already makes, and it holds a lot of water. It keeps the pen moving smoothly and helps the skin take in whatever comes next. At the end I apply a high quality serum with vitamin C and collagen, and a plant stem cell cream. Every treatment also includes 20 minutes of red light therapy, which has been shown to calm redness, speed up recovery, and support collagen production. You'll leave feeling rested, with a little color in your face.
Nanoneedling
If your skin is very sensitive, or the idea of needles makes you nervous, I also offer nanoneedling. Nano-needling is a non-invasive skin treatment that gently exfoliates the skin to reduce puffiness and soften fine lines. The tip looks like fine sandpaper and doesn't actually puncture the skin. It feels like a facial massage, and it works well under the eyes and for fine lines, puffiness, and skin that has started to sag.
Whereas microneedling treatments are done at least four weeks apart, nanoneedling can be done weekly and is a great complement to microneedling treatment.
How often to come in for microneedling
I recommend one treatment a month for 6 to 8 treatments. Most people begin to see a change around the fourth visit. Think of it like going to the gym for your face. I can't promise a particular result, but I can help your skin do more of what it already knows how to do. After the full course, many people come back every few months for a tune up. I'll take photos at the start in the same light, with no makeup, so you can see your progress.
After your treatment
Your skin will look pink or red for 8 to 12 hours. Skip exercise that day, keep makeup off, and use only warm water to wash your face. By the next day, you can go back to your usual routine.
Microneedling pricing
Microneedling Treatment: $250
Package of Six Microneedling Treatments: $1,350
* comes with gift bag of stem cell cream, face masks and facial gua sha tool
Nanoneedling Treatment: $200
Frequently Asked Questions about Microneedling
Does it hurt?
Most people feel very little. At half a millimeter it's usually described as a mild buzzing or scratching. The scalp is the least sensitive area, and if you're nervous we can start with nanoneedling.
How long does it take to see results?
Everyone moves at their own pace. Some people notice a change after a couple of visits, and for others it takes longer. I usually tell people to give it at least four treatments, and I'd rather not promise anything before we've seen how your skin responds.
How many treatments will I need?
For most concerns, including scars, fine lines, and hair loss, I suggest 6 to 8 treatments spaced a month apart. We can adjust as we go.
Why wait a month between treatments?
Your skin needs about a month to go through its full healing cycle. Treating again too soon doesn't speed things up, and it can irritate the skin.
What can microneedling help with?
It works well for acne and acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, sun spots, melasma, and hair thinning. I've seen good results on the neck and chest too. It doesn't do much for stretch marks or spider veins, and I'd tell you that up front.
Can it help with hair loss?
Yes. I work on the scalp at a slightly deeper setting, in lines with a little space in between, which lets the herbal serum get in. Most people need 4 to 8 treatments.
Who shouldn't get microneedling?
I can't treat anything raised, like warts, or areas with active acne breakouts, since it can spread bacteria. I also avoid eczema and psoriasis flares, skin with a tendency toward keloid scars, and anyone going through chemotherapy or radiation. Pregnancy is a case by case conversation. Nanoneedling is sometimes an option, but I'm careful about which products I use.
Can I do it right after Botox, fillers, a peel, or a laser treatment?
Please wait a month after Botox, fillers, IPL, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion. I'll ask about this on your intake form. Microneedling over Botox can also make it wear off sooner, so I stay away from any area where you've been injected.
Can I get acupuncture and microneedling on the same day?
It's safe, but I usually suggest leaving a day or two between them so your skin isn't dealing with both at once.
What should I avoid after microneedling?
For the first day, no exercise, no makeup, no facial soap, no oils, and no retinol. Stay out of the sun, or wear a mineral sunscreen with zinc if you need to be outside. Wind and dust can irritate freshly treated skin, so I'd also keep your face covered if the weather is rough.
How is this different from going to an esthetician?
I work at a shallower depth, I don't use numbing cream, and I'm an acupuncturist with training in both the skin and the whole body. My serums are made with Chinese herbs, and I can adjust them to what your skin needs.
What microneedling pen do you use?
I use the AcuMicro microneedling pen, designed for acupuncturists. Higher RPM means less drag and less pain, and this pen has the highest RPM on the market at 20,000. The pen is also made of metal, rather than plastic. Plastic is porous and holds bacteria. I sanitize the metal pen after each visit ensuring cleanliness and safety.
How long do results last?
They can last for years, but skin keeps aging, so I recommend a tune up every four to six months once you've finished your first course.