Microneedling helps you achieve your dreamiest, smoothest skin.

Desiree Merulli, L.Ac., EAMP, RYT is a microneedling specialist in Seattle, with a passion for helping people get their dreamiest skin while rejuvenating their body, mind and spirit. Call 206-388-3349 to book your appointment.

Get your glow by working with your skin’s intrinsic rejuvenation process.

As an acupuncturist specializing in holistic rejuvenation and wellness, I am excited to offer microneedling to help my patients achieve their aesthetic goals. Microneedling is one of the earlier forms of acupuncture. The microneedling pen, is the electric version of the 7 Star Hammer or Plum Blossom Needle that was used since ancient times for healing, rejuvenation and even hair loss.  Dermal pens are a modern version of these tools. I use a medical grade, professional use only, FDA cleared device for my patients. This device penetrates the skin to the ideal depth to create collagen induction and tighten and lift the skin. 

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How Does Microneedling Work?

Microneedling Therapy also called Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), and Percutaneous (through the skin) Collagen Induction (PCI), is a minimally invasive skin-rejuvenation acupuncture procedure that uses a Microneedle Pen.

The mechanical action of the pen allows the needles to puncture the skin and create a controlled micro injury at a specific depth. Each puncture creates a channel that triggers the body’s natural healing process to fill these micro wounds by producing new collagen and elastin in the papillary dermis. Additionally, this forms new capillaries for improved blood supply. 

Microneedling, parts the top layer of the skin without damaging it, leaving the skin intact. It does not “burn” your skin like peels or more invasive lasers. The needle penetration depth is adjustable, and ranges from 0.25mm to 2.50mm into the skin depending on the area of the body and the skin condition being treated. Performing skin needling consistently will trigger the body’s repair process until the desired level of skin rejuvenation is achieved.

Microneedling results in the production of new collagen and elastin, improvement in skin tone and texture, firmness as well as reduction in scars, pore size, and stretch marks.

How Is Professional Microneedling Different Than At Home Treatments?

The mechanism of action differs between the professional grade devices and home devices. The professional device, AcuMicro, performs a vertical oscillation action at 18,000rpm, versus home devices with a rolling action or vibrating action that can cause excess damage to the skin.

Microneedling Combined With Plant Stem Cell Serums

I combine Hyaluronic Acid and other serums to hydrate and heal the skin.  Depending on your treatment goals, I’ll add in Plant stem cells to address specific issues such as dark circles, pigmentation, and sagging skin.

The micro-channels created by the needles allow for deeper penetration of topical serums for more effective results. This procedure can increase the skin’s ability to utilize the nutrients by up to 3,000 %.

What Is Nano Infusion?

Both the Nano Infusion and microneedling treatments use a pen like device that oscillates a cartridge tip up and down to stimulate a skin reaction. They both induce cell turnover, serum infusion and provoke the healing process that results in skin transformation.

Nano Infusion however, works a little differently. It does use the same type of oscillating motion to treat the skin but the cartridge encompasses 81 silicone tips. Nano Infusion does not puncture the skin and is ideal in specific cases, or in the more sensitive eye areas to help significantly reduce fine lines and wrinkles with each treatment.

These microscopic cones separate the cells within the epidermis pressing active products into the skin. Nano Infusion only affects the epidermis, treating within the upper .15 mm of the skin. The benefits of this serum infusion treatment include pigmentation reduction, increased cell turnover, skin rejuvenation and an immediate glow with no downtime. This treatment can be done weekly to exfoliate the skin. 

What Can Microneedling Treat?

• Acne Scars
• Fine Lines & Moderate Wrinkles
• Pore Size
• Texture
• Tone
• Scars
• Photo Aging & Sun Damage
• Hyperpigmentation
• Hypopigmentation
• Hair Loss
• Dry Skin 

What does each session include?

With every session, I include medical grade hyaluronic serum to increase hydration and skin healing. numbing cream, LED Therapy and a soothing facial mask, post treatment.

I incorporate Lab grade skin growth factors, plant stem cells and extracts to address specific concerns such as under eye discoloration and drooping, pigmentation imbalances, & skin sagging.

Can I Have Microneedling If I’ve Had Cosmetic Surgery, Botox Or Injectable Fillers?

Yes.  Microneedling helps to speed healing and stimulates your natural collagen production and cell metabolism.  We will work together to optimize your results and the timing of your other procedures.

Generally:

Botox: I recommend waiting 2 weeks after Botox before microneedling on the face.

Cosmetic Fillers: The cosmetic-type injectable fillers take about 14-28 days to fully integrate into your skin’s collagen structure.

Cosmetic Surgery: If you are having a surgical procedure, I recommend total body healing acupuncture treatments before and after your surgery, to enhance your body’s healing mechanisms.  Acupuncture before surgery will boost your immunity, while acupuncture post surgery will help speed your recovery while reducing swelling, pain and bruising. After your surgery if you have lumpy scars or uneven skin texture, microneedling can help.

Do I Need To Take Time Off Work?

The treatments don’t require any downtime, however you will be red for 24 hours.  If you are planning a special occasion, I recommend completing your sessions 2-4 weeks ahead of your event.  If you are on blood thinners or bruise easily, Arnica gel/cream and pellets can help minimize bruising. Limiting sugar, processed foods and alcohol before and during treatment will lower inflammation systemically while reducing any chances of bruising.

You will be given a sheet with aftercare instructions.

How Many Sessions Do I Need?

For most people, I begin with 4-6 microneedling sessions spaced 30 days apart for best results. You will notice notice an improvement in your skin the next day, and see the full benefit of an individual treatment accordingly after 2-4 weeks. Those with deeper lines, sagging or texture issues may require more sessions. We will discuss this during your first visit so you know what to expect.

What Frequency Of Maintenance Do I need?

Once you’ve completed your treatment protocol and are happy with the results, we will then determine an optimum frequency to maintain your results. Most people return for touch ups 1-3 times a year.

Free consultations are available to help you meet your goals. I offer both in person and virtual consultations.

©1998-2024 Desiree Merulli, L.Ac., EAMP, RYT

Welcome!  We are OPEN to offer you excellent care in a safe and sanitized space. Everyone must wear masks to enter the clinic, and reschedule if they have respiratory symptoms or covid exposure. As always, all surfaces are sanitized between patients, and UV filters are running constantly.