Microneedling and Nanoneedling in Newport Beach, CA
Natural Skin Rejuvenation with Advanced Collagen Induction Therapy
Rapha Acupuncture in Newport Beach, serving Orange County since 2017, combines modern skin science with the holistic philosophy of Oriental Medicine to help patients improve skin appearance while supporting long-term skin health. Microneedling and Nanoneedling are a part of our integrative approach to healthy aging and skin rejuvenation at our clinic. Whether your goal is smoother skin, improved texture, reduction of wrinkles, melasma, scars or stretch marks, or a brighter complexion, these minimally invasive treatments stimulate your skin's own natural repair mechanisms.
Two different treatments for two different skin goals
Microneedling and nanoneedling sound almost identical, but they do not work at the same depth or serve the same purpose.
Microneedling uses very small, sterile needles to create controlled punctures in the skin. This starts a natural repair response involved in collagen remodeling. It is often chosen when the goal is gradual improvement in concerns such as acne scars, fine lines and uneven texture.
Nanoneedling, also called nano infusion or nano needling, stays at the skin's surface. A cartridge with very small tips gently exfoliates the outermost layer and applies selected skincare products. It may be a better fit when someone wants a hydrated, smoother-looking complexion with little or no visible downtime.
At Rapha Acupuncture in Newport Beach, the first step is deciding which approach fits your skin, your goals and the amount of recovery time you can comfortably plan for. In some cases, neither treatment should be started until an active skin condition has cleared or a medical concern has been reviewed.
Quick answer: Microneedling is the stronger option for collagen remodeling and concerns such as atrophic acne scars or fine lines. Nano needling is a gentler, surface-level treatment for temporary smoothness, hydration and glow. Nano needling should not be presented as a painless version of medical microneedling because the two treatments do different jobs.
Microneedling VS. Nanoneedling Quick Glance
Comparison | Microneedling | Nanoneedling |
|---|---|---|
How it works | Fine needles make controlled punctures in living skin and trigger a wound-healing response | Very small tips work at the outermost skin surface for gentle exfoliation and cosmetic application |
Often considered for | Atrophic acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin texture | Dull or dry-looking skin, rough surface texture and a short-term refreshed appearance |
Sensation | Mild to moderate discomfort is possible; comfort measures may be discussed | Usually feels like light vibration, tingling or gentle exfoliation |
Typical appearance afterward | Redness or temporary darkening, warmth, tightness, dryness or mild swelling | Mild pinkness, tingling, dryness or sensitivity may occur |
Downtime | Often a few days, although reactions can last up to a week | Usually minimal |
How results develop | Gradually, as the skin repairs and remodels collagen | Often noticed sooner, but surface-level effects are generally more temporary |
Strength of research | Supported by clinical studies and systematic reviews, particularly for acne scars; evidence for facial rejuvenation is promising but study methods vary | Published clinical evidence for nano needling itself is limited; many benefit claims come from cosmetic practice rather than high-quality trials |
What is microneedling?
Microneedling, sometimes called collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure. A motorized or manual device places tiny needles into the skin at a controlled depth. The resulting micro-injuries prompt a repair process that includes collagen formation and tissue remodeling.[1,2]
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized certain microneedling devices for specific uses, including improving the appearance of facial acne scars, facial wrinkles and abdominal scars in adults aged 22 and older. Clearance applies to a particular device, age group, treatment area, and indication; it does not mean every microneedling device is cleared for every cosmetic concern.[1]
What may microneedling help improve?
Depending on the condition, device and treatment plan, microneedling may help soften the appearance of:
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Atrophic or indented acne scars
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Fine lines and some facial wrinkles
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Uneven or rough skin texture
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Certain surgical or injury scars
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The overall appearance of photoaged skin
Evidence is strongest for acne scarring. A 2024 network meta-analysis included 24 randomized studies and 1,546 participants with acne scars; it found improvement with microneedling and with several combination approaches, although protocols and results differed among studies.[4] A 2025 systematic review of facial rejuvenation included 21 studies and 723 patients. Most studies used more than one session, and patient satisfaction was high, but the authors noted that inconsistent outcome measures limit firm conclusions about the size of the benefit.[3]
This distinction matters: microneedling can improve the appearance of a scar or wrinkle, but it does not erase scars, stop skin aging or produce the same result for every person.
What is nanoneedling?
Nano needling is a superficial cosmetic treatment. Despite its name, many nano cartridges use tiny cone-shaped tips rather than needles that enter living layers of skin. The treatment lightly agitates or exfoliates the stratum corneum, the outermost part of the epidermis, while a skincare product is applied.
The FDA explains that products which do not penetrate living skin and claim only to exfoliate, smooth or brighten the skin generally are not regulated as medical microneedling devices.[1]
What may nanoneedling help improve?
Nano needling may be considered when the goal is:
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Gentle surface exfoliation
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A smoother skin feel
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A temporarily brighter or more refreshed appearance
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Added hydration from an appropriate topical product
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Minimal interruption to work or social plans
Nano needling may leave the skin looking smoother, more hydrated or more luminous soon after a session, particularly because of the exfoliation and products applied. A product that is safe on intact skin can still sting or irritate recently treated skin, so more is not always better. Those surface-level effects should not be confused with the deeper collagen-remodeling response produced by medical microneedling. High-quality clinical research on nano needling itself remains limited, so claims that it treats deep wrinkles, scars or pigmentation should be viewed cautiously.
Which treatment is right for me?
Choose based on the concern you want to change, not simply on which treatment sounds newer.
Microneedling may be the more appropriate conversation if you are concerned about indented acne scars, visible fine lines or persistent texture changes and are comfortable with a few days of recovery. Nano needling may make more sense if your priority is a gentle facial, surface smoothness and a refreshed look before an event.
Skin tone also deserves thoughtful planning. Microneedling can be performed on a range of skin tones, but post-inflammatory darkening or lightening is still possible. Some FDA-authorized devices were not studied in people with darker skin types.[1] Treatment depth, recent sun exposure, active inflammation and aftercare all matter.
What happens during an appointment?
Before treatment
A proper consultation should include your skin concerns, health history, medications, allergies, tendency to form keloids, history of cold sores and any recent procedures. Your skin should also be checked for active acne, rash, infection, sunburn or open areas.
Before microneedling, you may be asked to pause retinoids, exfoliating acids or other irritating products for a short period. Do not stop a prescription medication or blood thinner unless the clinician who prescribed it tells you to do so.
During microneedling
The skin is cleansed, and the device is moved over the planned treatment area using settings chosen for that area and goal. Sensation varies. Some areas, including the forehead and upper lip, can feel more sensitive than the cheeks. If a numbing product is appropriate, it should be selected and used according to professional directions.
A new, sterile microneedle cartridge should be used for every person and every session. Reusing a cartridge is unsafe, even if it has been cleaned.[1]
The FDA has not authorized microneedling devices for delivering cosmetics, drugs, vitamins, or blood products such as platelet-rich plasma into the skin. Ask what will be placed on your skin during and after treatment and why it was chosen.[1]
During nanoneedling
After cleansing, a nano-tip is passed over the skin with an appropriate cosmetic product. Most people describe vibration or light tingling rather than the sharper sensation associated with microneedling. Because the treatment remains superficial, visible recovery is usually brief.
What results can I expect?
Microneedling results are gradual. Some people notice a change within a few weeks, but collagen remodeling continues over several months. A series is often needed. For acne scars, the American Academy of Dermatology notes that treatment plans may involve three to five sessions spaced two to four weeks apart, although your timing may differ based on the device, treatment depth and how your skin heals.[2]
Nano needling results tend to be subtler and faster to see. Skin may look more hydrated or feel smoother after a session, but these surface-level changes are generally shorter-lived. Repeated sessions may be suggested for maintenance, but an aggressive schedule is not automatically better. The skin barrier still needs time and gentle care.
No ethical clinician can guarantee a certain percentage of improvement. Your starting concern, age, sun exposure, smoking, skincare routine, healing response and consistency with treatment all affect the result.
Downtime and Side effects
Common effects after microneedling
The FDA lists dryness, roughness, tightness, redness, itching, peeling, discomfort, burning, bruising, pinpoint bleeding and crusting among the common risks associated with authorized uses. These reactions usually begin soon after treatment and resolve, but severity and duration vary.[1]
Less common risks include infection, a cold-sore outbreak, swollen lymph nodes, lines or tracks on the skin, and either darkening or lightening of skin color. Scarring is uncommon but possible. Systematic safety reviews generally describe microneedling as well tolerated, while also stressing careful patient selection, sterile technique and appropriate aftercare.[5,6]
Possible effects after nanoneedling
Nano needling may cause temporary pinkness, tightness, dryness, tingling or sensitivity. Irritation or an allergic reaction can come from a topical product rather than the nano-tip itself. Tell your provider about known allergies and stop using a product if you develop a concerning reaction.
Contact the clinic promptly if you develop increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, blistering, fever, marked swelling or symptoms that are getting worse instead of better. Urgent or severe symptoms may require medical evaluation.
Aftercare: protect the skin while it settles
Follow the instructions given for your specific treatment. General aftercare may include:
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Cleanse gently and avoid scrubbing, picking or peeling the skin.
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Use only the simple, non-irritating products recommended for the early recovery period.
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Wait at least 24 hours after microneedling before applying makeup, unless your treating clinician gives you a longer interval.[2]
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Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids and other strong active products until the skin has recovered.
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Limit direct sun and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when your clinician says it is appropriate to apply.
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Avoid intense heat, strenuous exercise, swimming pools, hot tubs and saunas for the period advised.
Who should postpone or avoid microneedling?
Microneedling may not be appropriate if you have an active bacterial, viral or fungal skin infection; a cold-sore outbreak; an active rash; inflamed or pus-filled acne; a history of keloids; a bleeding disorder; uncontrolled diabetes; significant immune suppression; poor wound healing; or a suspicious lesion in the treatment area. Recent tanning or sunburn is also a reason to wait.[1,2]
The FDA advises particular caution for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking anticoagulants, receiving chemotherapy, radiation or steroid treatment, or currently taking isotretinoin or who used it within the previous six months.[1] Do not change a medication on your own. Your treating clinician and prescribing clinician should help decide what is safe.
Nano needling is gentler, but it should still be postponed over active infections, open wounds, significant irritation or a product allergy. When a mole, changing spot, unexplained rash or possible skin cancer is present, cosmetic treatment should wait until it has been medically evaluated.
An integrative plan at Rapha Acupuncture
Some patients are interested in microneedling or nano needling as a stand-alone service. Others want to coordinate skin care with cosmetic acupuncture or body acupuncture. These treatments have different purposes, and combining them does not mean that every claimed benefit has been studied as a package.
The practical approach is to build a schedule around your main concern, skin sensitivity and recovery. That may mean spacing services apart rather than doing everything at once. A comprehensive consultation with an experienced acupuncturist at Rapha Acupuncture gives you a chance to discuss what is realistic, what should be avoided and whether another type of healthcare professional should evaluate your skin first.
Microneedling and nanoneedling near Fashion Island in Newport Beach
Rapha Acupuncture has served Orange County since 2017 and practises in Newport Beach near Fashion Island. We welcome patients from Corona del Mar, Newport Coast, Balboa Island, Eastbluff, Newport Heights, Irvine, Laguna Beach and nearby Orange County communities.
📍 Rapha Acupuncture
363 San Miguel Drive, Suite 101
Newport Beach, CA 92660
☎️ Call: (949) 767-0774
📱 Text: (949) 696-6964
Ready to find out which treatment fits your skin? Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals, health history, expected downtime and a personalized plan.
Frequently asked questions
Research and Medical Sources
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Microneedling Devices. Updated October 15, 2025.
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American Academy of Dermatology. Microneedling can fade scars, uneven skin tone, and more.
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Foppiani JA, et al. Microneedling for Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2025.
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Li H, Jia B, Zhang X. Comparing the efficacy and safety of microneedling and its combination with other treatments in patients with acne scars: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Archives of Dermatological Research. 2024.
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Gowda A, et al. A Systematic Review Examining the Potential Adverse Effects of Microneedling. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2021.
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Chu S, et al. Safety Profile for Microneedling: A Systematic Review. Dermatologic Surgery. 2021.
This page is for general education and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
Cosmetic results vary.
Seek prompt medical care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.