To make an appointment with Melissa Cathcart, L.Ac. call or text 612.735.9993
100 W. 46 St., Suite 2B
Minneapolis MN 55419
612.735.9993
Natural and Physical Medicine, Because Your Quality of Life Matters
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Rejuvenate skin by harnessing your own healing powers. Experience an alternative to injections and surgery in addressing scars, melasma, liver spots, acne, wrinkles & crows feet. Feel the difference in plumper, more vital skin.
Microneedling is also the best solution for hair restoration. Initial research indicates that microneedling may outperform minoxidil (Rogaine®) for people who have vital hair follicles. Microneedling can be used to insert minoxidil into the follicles for superior results. Serums are not used for microneedling the scalp. minoxidil is not provided however if you bring your own I can incorporate it into the treatment. The scalp may be tender for a day or two for some people.
Also referred to as skin needling or collagen induction therapy, the rapid insertion (18,000 rpm) of fine needles into the skin creates micro wounds. Your body heals these by creating collagen and elastin, smoothing out your skin. The use of herbal serums enhances these effects and the needling increases absorption of the serums—by 2000%.
AcuMicro’s Class 2 Medical Device for micro/nano needling oscillates at 18,000 rpm injecting microscopic holes in your skin at precise depths. Other devices may oscillate at lower rpm’s or may only vibrate, causing the device to drag across the skin. This may cause more pain, bleeding, and a longer recovery time.
I use a state-of-the-art needling device, serums from AcuMicro, the most reputable company in Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) dermatology, and a proven protocol for achieving your best results. I use only lab-produced hyaluronic acid which is vegan, cruelty free and controlled for quality.
Pain is such an individual experience. Use of a numbing topical ensures that the procedure causes as little pain as possible but the forehead, the scalp near the forehead, and the areas around the mouth can be particularly sensitive. The needling itself takes a matter of minutes on each part of the skin so if you experience any pain or discomfort it will be fleeting. You may also experience a feeling of windburn after the session for up to an hour or so.
While there may be change with each session, the treatments are cumulative and a course of six sessions ensures best results. Although results are highly individual, according to one study, results may last up to 5 years.
As an acupuncturist practicing since 2001, I am well practiced in Clean Needle Technique as established by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. Needles are sterile and single-use, disposed of in a sharps container. The microneedling device is sterilized with UV light.
Microneedling
Microneedling is the rapid insertion of very fine needles into the dermis, the second layer of skin, in order to effect micro wounds that your body will heal by laying down more collagen and elastin. It can be performed once a month (every two weeks for hair restoration). No other abrasive skin therapies may be utilized that month. At a depth of 0.5-2.0mm, this plumps and firms the skin and has other effects such as treating hyperpigmentation, reducing scars from acne, treating scars and stretch marks, or activating hair follicles. Microneedling enhances serum absorption by 2000%!! The first few days the skin may be reddish and may feel tight and dry. Most patients recover in 2-3 days and may resume their normal skin care regimen.
Nanoneedling
Nanoneedling is the rapid insertion of very fine needles into the epidermis, the superficial layer of skin, in order to separate the cells, allowing insertion of serum. It can be performed up to twice weekly. At 0.15 depth, it is more appropriate for evening out pigmentation, addressing fine wrinkles or crows feet, or swelling & sagging, and for those parts that are more sensitive such as around the eyes or lips and for the hands. Nanoneedling enhances serum absorption by 95%. Nanoneedling can be combined with microneedling in the same session, depending on the patient’s goals. Nanoneedling produces less redness, no pain, and requires little time for recovery.
The Serums
APSTEM® Herb: Ping Guo (apple). Promotes the reproduction of cells in the dermis. Scientists at Swiss lab Mibelle Biochemistry found that at a concentration of only 0.1% an extract of Utwiller Spätlauber stem cells stimulated the proliferation of human stem cells by an astounding 80%! There are a lot of fakes on the market. This is authentic Utwiller Spätlauber stem cells.
CollagenXG+® Herb: Xiang Gu (Shitake mushroom extract). Builds collagen & elastin. Prevents degradation of protein matrix. Antioxidant. TCM: Tonifies Qi, Expels Wind.
Lumos® Herb: Zao Lei. Neutralizes hyperpigmentation. TCM: Moves Blood & Fluid.
Occulus® Herb: Hai Zao (algae). Clears bilirubin & fluid build up around the eyes. TCM: Moves Blood & Fluid.
Senescence65+TMD® Herb: Tian Men Dong. Accelerates skin’s detoxification. Helps skin cells divide and grow. TCM: Tonifies Kidney Qi & Jing
ElastinFL+® Herb: Fu Ling. Builds collagen & elastin. TCM: Tonifies Spleen & Kidney Qi
RejuvXueCao® Herb: Ji Xue Cao. Speeds up facial repair. TCM: Removes heat & toxicity.
Hair Restoration I use a proprietary blend of TCM herbs.
Possible Side Effects
Of course, every individual responds differently. Possible side effects include transitory pain, bleeding, redness, itching, burning sensation, skin irritation, pigmentation changes, and hair growth even where not intended. Unintended side effects may require follow up treatments with an esthetician or medical provider.
Who Is It Not For?
Micro needling is not for everyone. If you are pregnant, nanoneedling is a better choice and I will amend your serum(s). If you are undergoing anticoagulant therapy, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, if you have a tendency toward keloid formation, If you have a moderate to severe skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema, or if you have an active skin infection in the area you want treated, then micro/nano needling is simply not a good option. Talk to your medical doctor.
Pricing & Scheduling
You will be asked to leave credit card information in order to secure microneedling appointments.
Face/Neck/Décolletage/Scalp Sessions are 45 minutes long. Each session is $120.
Scalp Only. Sessions are 30 minutes long. Each session is $60.
Cancellations are a disappointment to everyone—to you, me, and the person who wanted that time slot.