Micro-Needling for Facial Rejuvenation

Patrice Hapke has been practicing Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs professionally since 1999, after 4 years of study at NIAOM in Seattle, WA. She has specialized in Women’s Health, Fertility and Maternity care for 25 years and is excited to be adding micro-needling for facial rejuvenation as part of her lifelong care for women, as well as men. Beauty radiates from our inner health which is expressed outwardly through our skin. Her unique approach to skin care includes the full Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis, body acupuncture for relaxation, diet, and lifestyle recommendations as well as Micro-needling, which increases the skins natural production of collagen, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, age and sunspots, while toning the skin.

Micro-needling & Nano-needling

What is micro-needling?  

Also known as collagen induction therapy, micro-needling is a minimally invasive treatment that is designed to rejuvenate the skin. It employs a device with an oscillating, single use, disposable fine needle head to make tiny punctures or tunnels in the top layer of the skin.  This micro-damage triggers the body to create new collagen and elastin. Additionally, these “tunnels” allow for the absorption of serums, for example:  apple stem cells.  Micro-needling will naturally reduce wrinkles without any painful surgery or injections and encourages serum topical absorption by 2000%! 

What micro-needling is not:

Micro-needling is not dermabrasion, where a layer of skin is burned off. It is also not like a chemical peel. Micro-needling keeps the top layer of the skin intact.  Micro-needling cannot be properly done at home with a store-bought device.  Only medical-grade devices that Licensed Acupuncturists, for example, are permitted to purchase can achieve the proper, optimal result.

Who Can Perform Micro-needling?

Only Doctors, PAs, Nurses, and Licensed Acupuncturists are permitted to microneedle. 

What is Nano-needling?

Nano-needling uses an oscillating head with silicone cones that separate the dermal cells so serum can penetrate.  This results in pigmentation reduction, increased cell turnover, skin rejuvenation and an immediate glow--with no downtime. This treatment can be done weekly to exfoliate the skin. Nano-needling is done during a Micro-needling session on the fragile, sensitive areas of the face such as under the eyes. Nano-needling plumps the lips and helps remove blackheads.  It decreases sagginess and under eye bagginess.

Do Micro-needling & Nano-needling Hurt?

In my experience, these therapies are very tolerable.  Can it be slightly uncomfortable?  Yes. If you are very sensitive, lidocaine before the session helps mitigate any discomfort.

Here is a list of ways the skin responds to micro-needling/nano-needling:

  •  Elevates overall texture of skin

  •  Helps topical products absorb better

  •  Reduces fine lines and wrinkles 

  •  Shrinks pores

  •  Reduces acne scarring and hyper-pigmentation

  •  Makes skin surface glow

How Does Face Look Immediately After Micro-needling/Nano-needling?

Your face will be reddish, mild/moderate, up to 6-24 hours after. You will want to do it on a day/evening where you have nothing important planned till the next morning. You will not need to hide your face. Think of it as a mild sunburn look (you will need to stay out of the sun until the next day). During treatment there can be pinpoint bleeding (normal). After Nano-needling there is very mild redness, which should not interfere with any planned activities after your session. After Nano wear sunscreen.

Who Cannot Be Micro-needled/Nano-needled:

  •  Pregnant people

  •  Patients with active acne

  •  Patients with infections on face, herpes

  •  Patients with skin diseases on whole face such as eczema

  •  Patients on blood thinners

  •  Patients who form keloidal scars

  •  Patients on chemo/radiation

A micro-needling treatment course involves 4-6 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart and lasts 3-5 years! 

Micro-needling by a Clinician is NOT the same as at-home dermal rolling!

Nano-needling can be done 1x a week or month for as long as you like! 

How Does Micro-needling/Nano-needling Become TCM Micro-needling?

The way micro-needling/nano-needling becomes Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Micro-needling is through the use of body needles that will help send Qi & Blood to the face at the same time you receive micro-needling.  Those points will be constitutional, tailored to your Chinese Medicine Diagnosis products

Please note: micro-needling sessions include nano-needling for delicate areas of the face.

Patrice Hapke, Licensed Acupuncturist, Master’s of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is happy to answer all your questions in person or over phone and map out the right treatment & timing for you! 

Please call 206-851-0228 for more information or to book your sessions.