Microneedling in Vancouver — SkinPen Precision Elite

• Overview
• Red Light Therapy
• How It Works
• What It Treats
• Why Acubalance
• FAQ

Overview

Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that uses tiny sterile needles to stimulate your skin’s natural healing response, supporting collagen production to soften fine lines, improve acne scars, and refresh skin texture. At Acubalance in Vancouver, it is performed by regulated health professionals using the SkinPen Precision Elite.

At Acubalance, we believe healthy skin is not just about what you put on your skin. It is also a reflection of what is happening inside your body.

Your skin is influenced by many factors, including collagen production, hormone balance, inflammation, oxidative stress, sleep, nutrition, gut health, and how well your body ages at a cellular level. That is why our approach to skin rejuvenation is integrative and holistic.

We have long been known for helping patients heal from the inside out through integrative care that supports whole-body health. But many of our patients — especially those in perimenopause and menopause — told us they also wanted support from the outside in.

They were already coming to Acubalance for fertility, hormone balance, menopause care, acupuncture, photobiomodulation, IV therapy, and other integrative services, but were going elsewhere for cosmetic treatments such as microneedling, cosmetic facial acupuncture, and Botox. They asked us if we could offer the same high-quality, evidence-informed, integrative approach for skin rejuvenation within the clinic they already knew and trusted. That is one of the reasons we introduced microneedling at Acubalance.

Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that stimulates your body’s natural healing response to improve skin texture, support collagen production, soften fine lines and wrinkles, improve acne scars, and promote healthier, more youthful-looking skin. We use the SkinPen Precision Elite, widely considered the gold standard in microneedling technology — a premium medical-grade device — the first microneedling device to receive FDA clearance, and also Health Canada–licensed.

Our microneedling treatments are performed by highly trained regulated healthcare professionals, including our naturopathic doctors, doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and registered acupuncturists. To further support healing and recovery, every treatment includes post-treatment photobiomodulation (PBM), a soothing recovery mask for the face and neck, and access to a specially selected post-treatment skincare kit designed to support optimal healing during the first five days after treatment.

Our goal is not to make you look artificial or overdone. Our goal is to help you age well — supporting healthier skin, better collagen production, and a refreshed appearance that still looks natural and like you. Microneedling is one part of our broader skin rejuvenation services.

The Acubalance Difference: Microneedling + Red Light Therapy

At Acubalance, we combine SkinPen® Precision Elite Microneedling with post-treatment red light therapy (photobiomodulation) to support healing, reduce inflammation, and further stimulate collagen production.

By creating thousands of precise microchannels in the skin, SkinPen® Precision Elite encourages the production of new collagen and elastin—the essential building blocks for youthful, resilient skin. As your skin repairs and renews itself, fine lines, acne scars, uneven texture, enlarged pores, and signs of aging gradually become less noticeable.

Why We Combine Microneedling with LED Red Light Infrared Therapy (Photobiomodulation)

At Acubalance, every SkinPen® Precision Elite treatment includes LED red light infrared therapy (photobiomodulation) because the combination delivers more than either treatment alone. Microneedling creates the signal. Red light therapy amplifies the response. This powerful combination helps your skin heal smarter, recover faster, and achieve optimal results from each treatment.

LED red light infrared therapy (photobiomodulation) works at the cellular level by stimulating mitochondrial energy production (ATP), the fuel your cells need for repair and regeneration without damaging the skin’s surface. When applied after microneedling, red light therapy helps calm inflammation, support tissue healing, reduce post-treatment redness, and optimize collagen remodeling.

How It Works

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment that uses tiny sterile needles to create controlled microchannels in the skin. These microchannels trigger your body’s natural healing response, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin — two essential proteins that help keep skin firm, smooth, resilient, and youthful.

Collagen provides structure and support to the skin, while elastin helps the skin maintain flexibility and bounce.

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment that uses tiny sterile needles to create controlled microchannels in the skin. These microchannels trigger your body’s natural healing response, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.

As we age, collagen and elastin naturally decline. This process often accelerates during perimenopause and menopause as estrogen levels fall, which is especially relevant for many women in their 40s and 50s. Research suggests women may lose up to 30% of their skin collagen within the first five years after menopause, followed by an additional decline of about 2% per year thereafter. This helps explain why many women notice more rapid changes during this stage of life, including thinner skin, fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, reduced elasticity, and slower healing.

Rather than adding artificial volume or temporarily relaxing muscles, microneedling supports your body’s own regenerative capacity — helping your skin do what it is already designed to do: repair, regenerate, and renew. That is one reason many patients are drawn to this treatment: they want to look refreshed and healthier while still looking natural and like themselves.

How Microneedling Works

Microneedling works by creating thousands of precise, controlled microchannels in the skin. These tiny micro-injuries are intentional and carefully controlled — they signal to the body that repair is needed, activating the skin’s natural wound-healing and regeneration process.

The goal is not to damage the skin; it is to stimulate repair while minimizing unnecessary trauma to surrounding tissue. At Acubalance, we use the SkinPen Precision Elite, which uses 14 medical-grade stainless steel needles and creates up to 98,000 precise microchannels per minute.

This healing process occurs in three phases:

1. Inflammation

In the first phase, the body recognizes the microchannels and increases blood flow to the area. Immune cells move in to clean, protect, and prepare the tissue for repair, triggering the biological signals that tell the body healing and rebuilding are needed.

2. Proliferation

In the second phase, the body begins generating new healthy skin cells. Fibroblasts become more active and start producing collagen and elastin, the structural proteins that help skin remain smooth, firm, and resilient. This is where the rebuilding begins.

3. Remodeling

In the third phase, collagen fibres reorganize and mature. Over time, the skin becomes stronger, smoother, and more refined in texture and appearance. This remodelling phase continues well beyond the treatment itself, which is why improvements often continue to develop over weeks and months after a session.

Once microneedling has activated the repair process, post-treatment photobiomodulation (PBM / LLLT) helps support the healing environment by calming the skin, supporting cellular energy production, and promoting recovery. It is one of the features that makes the Acubalance microneedling experience unique.

Why Skin Ages

Aging skin is about much more than getting older. While chronological age matters, how your skin ages is also influenced by what is happening inside your body at a cellular and metabolic level.

At Acubalance, we often talk about inflammaging — chronic low-grade systemic inflammation that accelerates biological aging. Over time, this chronic inflammation can contribute to premature degenerative changes, including aging skin, reduced tissue repair, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic dysfunction.

This is one reason two people of the same chronological age can look very different — one may have a much older biological age, reflected in dry or sagging skin, wrinkles, thinning skin, and age spots. Many factors can accelerate skin aging, including chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, blood sugar dysregulation, hormonal changes, poor sleep, chronic stress, and reduced circulation.

Skin is the largest organ in the body, and like every other organ, its cells require oxygen, nutrients, energy, and healthy circulation to function optimally. This is one reason we have always emphasized healing from the inside out. Diet, exercise, sleep, stress resilience, supplements, herbs, acupuncture, photobiomodulation, IV therapy, and hormone support can all help improve the internal environment that influences how your skin ages.

At Acubalance, we believe the best approach to skin health is bidirectional: we support healing from the inside out by addressing the internal biological factors that influence aging, and we support rejuvenation from the outside in.

At Acubalance, we believe the best approach to skin health is bidirectional: we support healing from the inside out by addressing the internal biological factors that influence aging, and we support rejuvenation from the outside in through treatments such as microneedling, cosmetic facial acupuncture, photobiomodulation, and Botox.

What It Treats

What Can Microneedling Help?

Microneedling is a versatile regenerative treatment that can support a wide range of skin and scalp concerns. By stimulating collagen production, improving tissue remodelling, and supporting the skin’s natural healing response, it can help improve both the appearance and quality of the skin, typically over 3 to 6 sessions.

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Acne scars and other mild scarring
• Enlarged pores and uneven texture
• Skin laxity and crepey skin
• Sun damage and age-related changes
• Stretch marks and surgical scars
• Hair thinning and hair loss
• Overall skin radiance and glow

How microneedling can help with each of these:

• Fine lines and wrinkles — microneedling can help soften their appearance by stimulating collagen and elastin production. Common areas include around the eyes (crow’s feet), upper lip lines, forehead, cheeks, neck, chest/décolleté, and hands. This is especially popular among women in perimenopause and menopause, when collagen loss often accelerates.
• Acne scars — one of the most commonly used treatments for acne scars. By stimulating collagen remodelling, it may help soften the appearance of certain acne scars and improve skin texture over time. Multiple sessions are usually needed for best results.
• Enlarged pores and uneven texture — can help refine the appearance of enlarged pores; many patients notice smoother, more even-looking skin after a series of treatments.
• Skin laxity and crepey skin — may help improve skin firmness and support healthier skin structure in areas affected by laxity, commonly the neck, décolleté, jawline, and hands.
• Sun damage and age-related changes — may help improve the appearance of skin affected by sun exposure and collagen loss, including rough texture, dullness, fine lines, and age-related thinning.
• Stretch marks and surgical scars — may help improve the appearance, texture, and flexibility of stretch marks and certain scars, including some C-section scars, by supporting collagen remodelling and tissue repair.
• Hair thinning and hair loss — microneedling can also be used on the scalp to support hair restoration. By creating controlled microchannels in the scalp, it may help support circulation and create a healthier environment for hair growth, often as part of a broader integrative approach.

While microneedling can be very helpful, results vary depending on factors such as age, skin health, hormone balance, inflammation, and the number and consistency of treatments. This is why we tailor recommendations to your goals, skin concerns, and overall health.

What Areas Can We Treat?

At Acubalance, microneedling is not limited to the face. While facial rejuvenation is the most common reason people book, many patients are equally concerned about areas that often reveal aging even sooner. Common treatment areas include the face, neck, chest, hands, scalp, and certain scar areas.

• Face — the most commonly treated area, for fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, enlarged pores, uneven texture, and overall rejuvenation. Common focus areas: forehead, cheeks, around the eyes, and upper lip lines.
• Neck — often reveals age earlier than the face because the skin is thinner. Many patients notice fine lines, crepey skin, laxity, and thinning, especially during perimenopause and menopause.
• Chest / décolleté — sun exposure and collagen loss can accelerate visible aging here, with fine lines, crepey texture, pigmentation changes, and thinning skin.
• Hands — one of the most overlooked areas in cosmetic medicine. Even when the face looks youthful, the hands often reveal age through thinning skin, wrinkles, dryness, and visible collagen loss.
• Scalp — used as part of a hair restoration plan, often combined with nutrition, hormone assessment, supplements, and other supportive therapies.
• Abdomen and scar areas — may support certain scar areas, including stretch marks and some surgical scars such as C-section scars. Since 2000, we have helped patients support scar healing and tissue recovery using therapies such as acupuncture and photobiomodulation; microneedling gives us another regenerative tool.

Typical appointment times (including numbing and post-treatment photobiomodulation):

• Face: approximately 60 minutes
• Face, neck, and chest: approximately 75 minutes
• Face, neck, and hands: approximately 90 minutes

Why Acubalance

Why Choose Acubalance for Microneedling?

Not all microneedling treatments are the same. The device matters. The experience and training of the practitioner matters. The safety protocols matter. And what is included before, during, and after treatment can significantly influence both your experience and your results.

At Acubalance, we offer more than just microneedling — we offer an integrative skin rejuvenation approach that combines advanced technology, evidence-informed care, and a whole-body perspective on healthy aging.

• We use SkinPen Precision Elite — widely considered the gold standard in microneedling technology. This premium medical-grade device is one of the first microneedling pens to receive both FDA clearance and Health Canada approval.
• Your treatment is performed by regulated healthcare professionals — including our naturopathic doctors, doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and registered acupuncturists, with strong training in anatomy, physiology, tissue healing, and patient safety.
• We include post-treatment photobiomodulation — every session includes photobiomodulation (low-level laser therapy / red light therapy) to support cellular energy production, calm inflammation, and promote tissue recovery.
• We treat skin from the inside out and outside in — we look at hormones, inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolic health, sleep, stress, gut health, and mitochondrial function, not just what is done to the skin from the outside.
• We have deep experience with hormones and healthy aging — since 2000, helping patients with fertility, hormone balance, perimenopause, and menopause; many of the same biological systems also influence skin aging.
• We support recovery after treatment — each session includes a soothing recovery mask for the face (and neck when treated), plus a specially selected post-treatment skincare kit to support healing during the first five days.

Why SkinPen Precision Elite Is Considered the Gold Standard

At first glance, many microneedling treatments may appear similar — but the quality of the device can significantly influence safety, comfort, consistency, and results. SkinPen Precision Elite is widely considered one of the most trusted and clinically validated microneedling devices available today. It was the first microneedling device to receive FDA clearance (De Novo DEN160029) and is also Health Canada–licensed, and per the manufacturer is backed by more than 90 validation studies and tests.

• Safety — a sealed handpiece and single-use sterile needle cartridges designed to reduce the risk of cross-contamination between treatments, for a cleaner, safer treatment experience.
• Precision — 14 medical-grade stainless steel needles validated for sharpness, durability, and consistent penetration depth, designed to enter and exit the skin in a highly controlled, uniform manner — rather than the uneven punctures, dragging, or tearing that lower-quality devices may cause.
• Performance and comfort — a medical-grade motor operating at 7000 RPM that can create up to 98,000 precise microchannels per minute; lightweight, cordless, and ergonomically designed for precise control.
• Clinical confidence — clinical studies have shown significant improvements in skin texture and acne-scar appearance after a series of treatments; in the manufacturer’s clinical data, 90 percent of patients said they would recommend SkinPen treatments to family and friends.

What’s Included in an Acubalance Microneedling Treatment

At Acubalance, the treatment experience matters as much as the procedure. A typical session includes:

1. Consultation and treatment planning — an assessment of your skin concerns, goals, treatment areas, and health history, including internal factors such as stress, sleep, nutrition, hormones, and inflammation.
2. Skin preparation and numbing — your skin is thoroughly cleansed, then a topical numbing cream is applied to improve comfort. Most patients tolerate microneedling very well, especially with numbing.
3. SkinPen Precision Elite microneedling — treatment depth is adjusted to the area and your specific concerns, which helps optimize both safety and results.
4. Recovery mask — a soothing recovery mask for the face (and neck when treated) to cool and calm the skin immediately after treatment. Many clinics charge extra for this; we include it.
5. Post-treatment photobiomodulation — included in every session to calm the skin, support cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and promote recovery. For an additional fee, patients may upgrade to our GIGA laser system, which combines laser and LED diodes for a more advanced photobiomodulation treatment.
6. Post-treatment home care support — the first five days are part of the healing and remodelling process. Patients have the option to purchase a specially selected post-treatment skincare kit (offered at our staff/wholesale pricing), chosen to support healing while avoiding ingredients that may irritate newly treated skin.

How Many Sessions Will I Need, and When Will I See Results?

The honest answer is that it depends on your goals, skin concerns, age, and your skin’s overall health. Some patients notice an early glow or improvement in skin texture after a single treatment — often related to temporary swelling, increased circulation, and the beginning of the repair response. The deeper benefits come from collagen remodelling and tissue regeneration, which take time.

Most patients are recommended a series of 3 to 8 treatments, spaced approximately 4 weeks apart, because collagen production and tissue remodelling are gradual biological processes and each session builds on the previous one. The number often depends on what we are treating:

• Fine lines and early skin aging — many patients do well with 3–4 treatments.
• Acne scars or deeper scarring — often require more sessions; many patients may benefit from 5 to 8 or more, depending on severity.
• Stretch marks or surgical scars — often require multiple treatments because tissue remodelling is gradual.
• Hair thinning or hair loss — typically requires consistency and patience; results depend heavily on the underlying cause and whether internal factors (hormones, inflammation, stress, nutrient deficiencies) are also being addressed.

Many patients notice some improvement in skin texture, tone, or glow within 7 to 10 days, with more visible collagen-related improvements developing gradually over 6 to 12 weeks and continued improvement over several months as remodelling continues. Microneedling is not about instant artificial change — it is about stimulating your body’s natural regenerative capacity. After an initial series of 3 to 8 sessions, many patients choose maintenance treatments every 3 to 6 months to help support ongoing collagen production and healthy aging.

Who Should Avoid Microneedling?

Microneedling may not be appropriate for everyone. Treatment may need to be postponed or avoided if you have:

• active acne or cystic acne
• skin infections
• open wounds
• eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, dermatitis, or other inflammatory skin conditions
• recent sunburn
• a tendency toward keloid or hypertrophic scarring
• recent isotretinoin (Accutane) use
• certain bleeding disorders or use of blood-thinning medications
• a history of frequent cold sores or shingles
• significant immune suppression

If you have a history of cold sores or shingles, additional precautions such as antiviral support may be recommended before treatment. Microneedling is generally not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Your practitioner will review your health history to ensure treatment is appropriate and safe for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Who is a good candidate for microneedling?

Microneedling is suitable for most skin types and is commonly used for fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and certain other scars, enlarged pores, uneven skin texture, skin laxity, sun-damaged or aging skin, stretch marks, and hair thinning or hair loss. The best candidates are those looking for a natural, regenerative approach to improving skin quality by stimulating the body’s own collagen production and healing response. A consultation helps determine whether microneedling is the right fit for your goals and skin.

→ Can microneedling be combined with Botox or other treatments?

Yes. Microneedling is often combined with other treatments as part of a more comprehensive skin rejuvenation plan, which at Acubalance may include Botox, cosmetic facial acupuncture, photobiomodulation, naturopathic support, hormone optimization, and nutrition and supplement support. If combining Botox and microneedling, we typically recommend spacing treatments by at least 2 weeks on either side to support optimal healing and results.

→ Is microneedling covered by insurance?

Microneedling is considered a cosmetic treatment and is typically not covered by extended health benefit plans. However, because Acubalance is an integrative medical clinic with services provided by acupuncturists and naturopathic doctors, some therapeutic acupuncture or naturopathic visits may be eligible for coverage depending on your plan. Cosmetic facial acupuncture and Botox treatments are also usually not covered. Please check with your insurance provider for details.

→ What is included in Acubalance microneedling pricing?

Your session includes more than just the needling procedure. It typically includes consultation and treatment planning, SkinPen Precision Elite microneedling, topical numbing, post-treatment photobiomodulation (red light therapy / LLLT), a soothing recovery mask for the face (and neck when treated), and post-treatment care instructions. Patients also have the option to purchase our specially selected 5-day post-treatment skincare kit at staff pricing.

→ Why does microneedling pricing vary between clinics?

Not all microneedling treatments are the same. Pricing often reflects differences in device quality, practitioner training, safety protocols, treatment inclusions, and post-treatment recovery support. Some clinics charge separately for add-ons such as red light therapy, recovery masks, or post-treatment products. At Acubalance, we have chosen to build a more comprehensive treatment experience focused on safety, recovery, and results.

→ How many microneedling sessions will I need, and when will I see results?

Most patients are recommended a series of 3 to 8 treatments spaced approximately 4 weeks apart, because collagen production and tissue remodelling are gradual processes. Many patients notice some improvement in skin texture, tone, or glow within 7 to 10 days, with more visible collagen-related improvements developing over 6 to 12 weeks and continuing over several months. The exact number depends on your goals, skin concerns, age, and overall skin health.

Ready to Start

Your chronological age is simply the number of years you have been alive. Your biological age reflects how well your cells, tissues, and body are actually aging — which is one reason two people of the same age can look very different.

At Acubalance, our goal is not to create artificial-looking results or a frozen appearance. Our goal is to help support healthier skin, slower biological aging, and natural-looking rejuvenation, so your outer appearance better reflects how vibrant and healthy you feel on the inside.

That is why our approach combines advanced skin therapies such as SkinPen Precision Elite microneedling, photobiomodulation, cosmetic facial acupuncture, and Botox with a broader understanding of hormones, inflammation, metabolism, stress, and overall health. This is what we mean when we say we support healthy skin from the inside out and outside in.

Whether your goal is to soften fine lines, improve acne scars, support hair restoration, improve surgical scars, or simply help your skin look fresher and more radiant, our team can help you understand your options and guide you toward the next best steps. Explore our full range of skin rejuvenation services, or book a consultation to get started.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Lorne Brown, B.Sc, CPA, Dr. TCM, FABORM, CHt, CLT, RTT, OBAAM, and Dr. Kali MacIsaac Francis, ND, HBSc, MSCP.

Microneedling at Acubalance is performed by our team of regulated healthcare professionals, including naturopathic doctors, doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and registered acupuncturists.

References

1. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. De Novo Classification Request for SkinPen Precision System (DEN160029), 2018; 510(k) K202243. — SkinPen was the first FDA-cleared microneedling device.
2. Crown Aesthetics / SkinPen® (manufacturer). SkinPen® Precision Elite device specifications and clinical validation data (14 needles; 7,000 RPM; up to 98,000 microchannels/minute; 90+ validation studies; patient-recommendation data).
3. Brincat M, Moniz CF, Studd JWW, et al. Decline in skin collagen content and metacarpal index after the menopause and its prevention with sex hormone replacement. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1987;94(2):126–129.
4. Brincat M, Kabalan S, Studd JWW, et al. A study of the decrease in skin collagen content, skin thickness, and bone mass in the postmenopausal woman. Obstet Gynecol. 1987;70(6):840–845.

Device performance and satisfaction figures are per the manufacturer (Crown Aesthetics / SkinPen).