Microneedling and facial acupuncture are separate services and are not combined in a single session for safety reasons. Each can be paired with LED AcuLight therapy. Facial Acupuncture can be combined with the whole body acupuncture treatment.
DEFINITION
What is Microneedling and Facial Acupuncture?
GWCIM offers two distinct, complementary approaches to facial rejuvenation and skin health: microneedling and facial acupuncture. Both work by stimulating the skin's natural capacity to regenerate — one through a contemporary medical device, the other through traditional Chinese medicine. They can each be enhanced with LED AcuLight therapy, though they are not combined with each other in a single session.
Microneedling (also called collagen induction therapy) uses an FDA-cleared medical device equipped with fine needles to create controlled micro-punctures in the skin's surface. These precisely calibrated micro-injuries trigger the body's own healing response — prompting a surge in collagen and elastin production that gradually improves skin texture, firmness, tone, and resilience. As a bonus, microneedling increases the absorption of topical skincare products by up to 300%, making any serums applied during or after treatment significantly more effective.
Facial acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, uses ultra-fine acupuncture needles placed at specific points on the face and body to stimulate circulation, encourage lymphatic drainage, release tension in facial muscles, and promote collagen and elastin production. Unlike microneedling, facial acupuncture is not limited to surface-level results — it addresses underlying imbalances in the body that can manifest as skin concerns, including acne, rosacea, and dullness, while supporting overall health and vitality.
Qualifications & Background
Both services are offered by licensed, credentialed providers with specialized training. Ashley Drapeau, PA-C, L.Ac., is a physician assistant and licensed acupuncturist certified in microneedling and LED AcuLight therapy. Dr. Tiffany C. Hoyt holds a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) and specializes in facial acupuncture within the context of whole-person Chinese medicine care. All microneedling procedures use an FDA-cleared medical device and follow established clinical protocols.
INDICATIONS
What conditions does it help with?
ADVANTAGE
Why Microneedling and Facial Acupuncture at GWCIM?
Most skin clinics offering microneedling or cosmetic acupuncture do so as a standalone aesthetic service. At GWCIM, these treatments are delivered by integrative medicine practitioners who understand your skin in the context of your whole health. When Ashley performs microneedling, she brings her functional medicine and acupuncture expertise to the assessment. When Dr. Hoyt offers facial acupuncture, she is drawing on decades of Chinese medicine training — reading your pulse, observing your tongue, and understanding the patterns beneath the surface of your skin.
This means your treatment isn't just a cosmetic procedure — it's connected to your overall wellbeing. If your skin concerns reflect an internal imbalance (as Chinese medicine often finds they do), we can address that too, alongside or through the facial work.
APPROACH
How do we do Microneedling and Facial Acupuncture at GWCIM?
Microneedling with LED AcuLight Therapy
Every microneedling patient begins with a consultation to assess skin health, review medical history, and confirm eligibility. During the treatment session, your provider gently moves the microneedling device over the skin in controlled passes, ensuring even coverage across treatment areas. The depth and intensity of the needling are calibrated to your specific skin concerns and tolerance. The session typically concludes with LED AcuLight therapy, applied with GWCIM's AcuMicro device (15,000+ lumens), which delivers targeted infrared light to further stimulate collagen, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing.
Because meaningful collagen remodeling takes time, microneedling is offered as a package of four sessions, each 55 minutes, spaced to allow optimal skin recovery and regeneration between treatments.
Facial Acupuncture with Optional LED AcuLight
Facial acupuncture sessions begin with a brief Chinese medicine intake — pulse and tongue assessment, and a review of relevant health history. Your acupuncturist then places ultra-fine needles at specific facial and body acupuncture points chosen for your individual constitution and skin concerns. The needles are left in place for a rest period while circulation, lymphatic flow, and muscle relaxation occur. LED AcuLight therapy may be added to the session to amplify anti-inflammatory and collagen-stimulating effects.
The initial facial acupuncture session is 90 minutes, allowing enough time for a thorough intake and full treatment. Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes.
Care Options
Microneedling + LED AcuLight Package: 4 sessions × 55 minutes
$1,200 total (20% discount included). This package format is designed to deliver the best therapeutic results. Sessions are scheduled with appropriate recovery time between them.
Facial Acupuncture — Initial Session: 90 minutes
Includes Chinese medicine intake, full facial acupuncture treatment, and optional LED AcuLight.
Facial Acupuncture — Follow-Up Sessions
Follow-Up Session: 60 minutes — $150.
Packages
Facial Acupuncture — 5-Session Package: 10% discount applied
EXPERTISE
Recommended Providers
Ashley Drapeau, PA-C, L.Ac., MPAS, MAC
Medical Director | Functional Medicine | Long-Covid Program Director
Tiffany Hoyt, DAOM, M.Ac., M.CHM, Dipl. O.M., LAc
Chinese Medicine Doctor
Deirdre Orceyre, ND, MSOM, L.Ac.
Naturopathic Medicine Doctor & Chinese Medicine Physician
Angela Gabriel, MSOM, LAc, SEP
Chinese Medicine Doctor, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
LEARN MORE
What to expect as a patient
Microneedling
Microneedling results build progressively across the package of four sessions, with collagen remodeling continuing for weeks after each treatment. Facial acupuncture results are typically cumulative — noticeable improvements often emerge after a series of sessions, though some patients report a glow and improved tone after even the first visit.
After Microneedling: Expect some redness and mild skin sensitivity for 24–48 hours following each session — similar to a mild sunburn. This is normal and part of the healing response. Your provider will advise you on post-treatment skincare.
Fascial Acupuncture:
The experience is gentle and relaxing. Most people find facial acupuncture deeply calming — many patients enter a light meditative state or doze during the needle retention phase.
Q&A
Q&A
Microneedling is a medical skin procedure that uses a device to mechanically stimulate collagen production, primarily targeting structural skin concerns: scars, texture, pore size, and firmness. Facial acupuncture is a Chinese medicine treatment that uses hand-placed needles at acupuncture points on the face and body, addressing both surface skin appearance and internal health patterns (circulation, stress, hormonal balance, digestion). Microneedling tends to produce more pronounced structural skin changes. Facial acupuncture offers a more holistic approach, particularly suited to patients whose skin concerns have a systemic or stress-related component. Many patients do both — in separate sessions. Your provider can help you choose based on your goals at your first appointment.
Most patients describe mild to moderate discomfort, similar to light sandpaper moving across the skin. A topical numbing cream can be applied before the session if desired. The LED AcuLight portion that follows is entirely painless and soothing.
Collagen production and remodeling are gradual processes. You may notice an improved glow and tone within a few days of your first session. Still, the full structural improvements — reduced scarring, improved firmness, refined texture — build progressively over the four-session package and continue to develop for weeks after your final session.
A: For visible and lasting results, most practitioners recommend an initial series of 10–12 sessions, ideally weekly or biweekly. Maintenance sessions, once a month or seasonally, help sustain results. That said, many patients notice a difference in skin brightness and tension after just one or two visits. Your provider will suggest a plan based on your skin goals and overall health picture.
Plan for 24–48 hours of redness and mild skin sensitivity after each session — similar to a moderate sunburn. During this period, avoid makeup, strenuous exercise, and sun exposure. Most people return to normal activities the next day or the day after.
EDUCATION