6-Month Microneedling Transformation
Microneedling is a minimally invasive, relatively painless, aesthetic procedure to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin, improving skin texture, tone, and overall appearance.
I recently had the pleasure of working with Asheville photographer Briana Autran on an overall skin reset.
Briana was looking for a way to revitalize her skin and deal with hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, and mild rosacea.
After our initial consultation, I recommended we start with a 6-month course of Microneedling, with sessions paced every 4-6 weeks. Along the way we added in an herbal consultation and acupuncture to support overall wellness, hormone balance, and digestion.
Read on for the details of Briana’s full experience.
Reposted from Briana’s Blog, “Bridal Skincare Reset”. See original post here.
Bridal Skincare Reset:
My 6-Month Microneedling Journey in Asheville with Nine Flowers Acupuncture
A Transformative Treatment to Start 6–12 Months Before Your Wedding.
Over the past six months, I’ve been on a skincare journey with Nine Flowers Acupuncture, a serene and holistic studio nestled in the heart of Asheville, NC. Guided by the gentle hands and deep knowledge of Allison, I completed a full microneedling series — and the results have been nothing short of transformative.
Whether you’re preparing for your wedding, healing old breakouts, or just longing to feel more confident in your skin, microneedling might be the reset your skin has been waiting for. In this post, I’ll walk you through my experience, what microneedling is, why it works, and why starting 6–12 months before a major life event (like your wedding!) is ideal.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates the body’s natural healing response — ramping up collagen and elastin production — which leads to smoother texture, improved tone, smaller pores, and even helps reduce acne scars and fine lines.
It’s a treatment that works with your body, encouraging it to restore and renew itself gently over time. At Nine Flowers, it’s done with an integrative approach that honors both the science and energetics of skin health.
Why I Chose Nine Flowers Acupuncture in Asheville
I knew I didn’t want a rushed, med-spa-type environment. I wanted thoughtful care — and that’s exactly what I found with Allison at Nine Flowers. Allison has a calming presence and clinical expertise. She took time to explain the process, assess my skin goals, and provide aftercare tailored to my unique needs. Her approach felt informed and intuitive — both grounded in expertise and healing.
I especially appreciated how gentle yet thorough each session was. I never felt rushed. The healing process was clearly mapped out, and she made sure I was supported every step of the way — from the in-session care to the aftercare serum (which I’ll share more about below!).
My Microneedling Results — Month by Month
Here are photos showing my skin before my first microneedling session, immediately after the first session, during the healing phase, and one month after — followed by progress after additional treatments. I spaced my sessions about 4–6 weeks apart, allowing time for full healing and collagen remodeling between visits.
Key improvements I noticed:
Smoother skin texture
Smaller pores (especially around the T-zone)
Faded hyperpigmentation from old breakouts
An overall glow I didn’t realize I was missing
The changes were subtle at first — but by month four, friends were commenting. By month six, I felt like I had completely reset my skin.
When and why to start Microneedling before your wedding
If you’re getting married, I recommend beginning your microneedling series 6 to 12 months before your wedding day. Here’s why:
You’ll give your skin time to fully renew — this isn’t an overnight fix, it’s a build.
Downtime is minimal (peeling/redness for a few days), but you don’t want to be healing close to the wedding.
You’ll notice the most glow and collagen boost around the 3–6 month mark — perfect for engagement photos, bridal showers, and the big day itself.
Think of it as part of your wedding self-care — like dress fittings and hair trials, but for your skin.
Before first Microneedling session
After 4 months of regular Microneedling
Aftercare and Healing
One of the things I appreciated most about my microneedling experience at Nine Flowers was the intentional aftercare. Allison customizes her post-treatment serums to meet the needs of each client’s skin. The base is a deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid, enhanced with plant extracts and botanical stem cells targeted to specific concerns — from fading dark spots and clearing acne to reducing inflammation and supporting collagen and elastin production.
She also incorporates Heilbron Herbs hydrosols during the treatment, which help soothe the skin, reduce redness, and deeply hydrate.
After each session, my skin responded beautifully. I was only red the first day, experienced mild peeling on day two, and by day three, my skin had already returned to normal. The downtime was surprisingly minimal, especially given how effective the treatments were.
My Final Thoughts
Microneedling is more than a skin treatment — it’s a journey of renewal. Whether you’re preparing for a wedding or just craving a reset, I can’t recommend Allison over at Nine Flowers Acupuncture in Asheville enough.
The results speak for themselves, but the experience — the trust, the calm, the intention — is what truly made it worthwhile.
✨ Learn more or book your consultation here: nineflowersacupuncture.com