Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that has gained significant recognition in both traditional and modern medicine for its ability to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Often applied in combination with acupuncture, this therapy utilizes fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering a cascade of healing responses that improve skin texture, reduce scarring, and enhance overall skin health. At Empirical Point, microneedling is performed as a complementary treatment that aligns with Traditional Chinese Medicine principles while incorporating evidence-based modern techniques.
The History of Microneedling
The origins of microneedling can be traced back to ancient healing practices, though its modern development has occurred relatively recently. The concept of using needles to stimulate healing gained momentum in 1995 when Orentreich and Orentreich first described dermal needling techniques for scar treatment. The scientific understanding of microneedling has evolved significantly over the past two decades. Early practitioners recognized that controlled skin injury could stimulate beneficial healing responses, but modern research has revealed the complex biochemical processes underlying these effects. Today, microneedling is recognized as both a standalone treatment and a powerful adjunct to other therapeutic modalities, with applications ranging from cosmetic enhancement to medical treatment of various skin conditions.
What Happens During a Microneedling Treatment?
During a microneedling session, the treatment area is first prepared with antiseptic solutions to ensure optimal hygiene standards. The skin is then stretched with one hand while the microneedling device is applied perpendicularly, rolling five times each in horizontal, vertical, and oblique directions. The treatment endpoint is identified by the appearance of uniform pinpoint bleeding, which indicates that the optimal depth of skin penetration has been achieved.
This controlled injury stimulates the release of various growth factors, including platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor alpha and beta, connective tissue activating protein, and fibroblast growth factor. These biochemical signals initiate a wound healing cascade that promotes neovascularization and neocollagenesis through the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts.
Modern microneedling employs sophisticated devices designed to ensure both safety and therapeutic efficacy. We use only FDA-cleared microneedling devices that meet the highest standards for medical-grade equipment.
Which Conditions Are Helped By Microneedling?
Microneedling has demonstrated remarkable versatility in treating a wide range of dermatological conditions, supported by extensive clinical research. One of its most well-established applications is in the treatment of acne scarring, where studies have shown significant improvements in scar appearance and skin texture. Research indicates that patients with atrophic acne scars experience 51-60% improvement in scar appearance after three months of treatment, with 80-85% patient satisfaction rates.
Microneedling has also proven highly effective for addressing signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles. Clinical trials have demonstrated statistically significant improvements in facial wrinkles, with 93.8% of patients reporting improvements and 87.5% expressing satisfaction with the treatment procedure. The anti-aging effects are attributed to increased collagen and elastin production, with histological studies showing up to 400% increase in collagen deposition at six months post-treatment.
Conditions Treated by Microneedling
Microneedling can treat a wide range of dermatological conditions, including:
Melasma and other pigmentation issues, like age spots
Enlarged pores
Stretch marks
Hair loss
Alopecia areata
Microneedling at Empirical Point Acupuncture
Jeanne has been licensed to practice acupuncture and Chinese Medicine since 2018. She holds the highest credentialing available from both the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Jeanne has deep knowledge and understanding of how acupuncture and Chinese medicine modalities can provide relief and numerous health benefits for the unique range of issues experienced by her patients for lasting relief.
In addition, Jeanne has completed continuing education certificate programs in Fertility, Pregnancy and Post- Partum health as with her Sports Medicine Apprenticeship program with Whitfield Reaves and continues her learning in these fields.
