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Cosmetic Acupuncture & Microneedling in Santa Monica

Natural rejuvenation for brighter skin, improved tone, and healthy aging.

A results-driven, needle-based facial therapy that stimulates collagen, lifts the skin, improves texture, and supports whole-body balance from the inside out.
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What is Cosmetic Acupuncture?

Cosmetic Acupuncture is a natural, non-invasive approach to facial rejuvenation that uses fine, painless needles to stimulate collagen, improve circulation, and support healthy skin function. Unlike conventional cosmetic treatments, Cosmetic Acupuncture works holistically—addressing the underlying factors that influence aging, such as stress, hormones, digestion, and inflammation.
Treatments support both the skin’s surface and internal systems, helping improve tone, elasticity, radiance, and overall complexion.

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is an advanced collagen-stimulating treatment that creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin to encourage natural repair and renewal. This process triggers increased collagen and elastin production, helping smooth fine lines, soften scarring, reduce hyperpigmentation, and refine skin texture.
Microneedling pairs beautifully with Cosmetic Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to enhance results and support long-term skin vitality.

The Science Behind Cosmetic Acupuncture

Cosmetic Acupuncture works by increasing blood flow, stimulating lymphatic drainage, activating collagen pathways, and supporting facial muscle tone. Microneedling strengthens this effect by triggering deeper collagen and elastin remodeling.
These treatments may help:
  • Stimulate collagen and elastin production
  • Improve skin firmness and elasticity
  • Brighten complexion and even skin tone
  • Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
  • Support lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness
  • Minimize scarring, acne marks, and texture irregularities
  • Improve circulation for a healthier, more radiant glow
  • Support hormonal and stress-related skin concerns
Both treatments are safe, natural alternatives to injectables and can be customized based on your skin goals.
  • Supports hormonal balance and menstrual cycle regulation
  • Calms the nervous system and reduces stress-related symptoms
  • Improves digestive function and reduces bloating or discomfort
  • Strengthens immunity and supports recovery from illness
  • Reduces inflammation and promotes natural healing

Conditions and Skin Concerns Treated

Cosmetic Acupuncture and Microneedling are effective for a wide range of skin concerns — from early signs of aging to longstanding texture and tone issues. Many patients seek these treatments when topical products alone aren’t delivering the results they want.

Aging Support

  • Fine lines
  • Loss of elasticity
  • Thinning skin
  • Dehydration

Skin Texture & Tone

  • Dullness
  • Uneven tone
  • Rough texture
  • Large pores

Acne & Breakout-Prone Skin

  • Hormonal breakouts
  • Cystic acne
  • Post-acne redness
  • Congested skin
  • Recurring blemishes

Hyperpigmentation

  • Sun damage & age spots
  • Melasma
  • Post-inflammatory marks
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Dark spots & discoloration

Scarring & Skin Repair

  • Acne scars
  • Surgical scars
  • Stretch marks
  • Post-procedure healing
  • Skin barrier repair

Puffiness & Inflammation

  • Under-eye puffiness
  • Facial swelling
  • Redness & irritation
  • Rosacea-related flushing
  • Lymphatic congestion

Meet Plamena Gradinarova, L.Ac.

Plamena brings a unique integrative perspective to cosmetic acupuncture. With advanced training in facial acupuncture and microneedling alongside her deep understanding of Chinese Medicine, she treats skin health from the inside out — addressing the internal imbalances that show up on your face.
Her approach combines collagen-stimulating facial techniques with whole-body acupuncture, gua sha, and cupping to deliver results that look natural and last. Patients appreciate her attention to detail, gentle technique, and the way each session leaves them feeling both refreshed and deeply relaxed.
Patients appreciate her intuitive understanding of what their bodies need and the clarity she brings to complex symptoms.

How it works

Our Process

Skin Consultation & Assessment

We begin with a thorough assessment of your skin concerns, health history, and goals. This helps us identify the internal patterns influencing your complexion and design the right treatment approach.
Facial Rejuvenation Menu Image

Personalized Facial Treatment

Your session may include cosmetic acupuncture, microneedling, facial gua sha, and/or cupping — customized based on your skin goals. Body acupuncture points are also used to support circulation, hormones, and stress from within.

Ongoing Results & Maintenance

Each session builds on the last, stimulating collagen production and improving skin health over time. We recommend a treatment series for optimal results, followed by maintenance sessions to sustain your glow.

Cosmetic Acupuncture & Microneedling in Santa Monica: Your Questions Answered

What's the difference between cosmetic acupuncture and microneedling?
Both stimulate collagen production, but they work differently. Cosmetic acupuncture uses fine needles at specific points to increase circulation, release muscle tension, and address internal imbalances that affect skin health. Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries across the treatment area for a more intensive collagen response. Many patients benefit from both.
Many patients notice an immediate glow after their first cosmetic acupuncture session. For lasting results, we typically recommend 10–12 cosmetic acupuncture sessions (once or twice weekly), followed by monthly maintenance. For microneedling, 3–4 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart is standard, with occasional maintenance sessions.
The needles used in cosmetic acupuncture are hair-thin — most patients feel only a brief sensation, then deep relaxation. For microneedling, we apply a topical numbing cream beforehand, so most patients feel only mild pressure or light prickling.
Yes. We recommend waiting at least two weeks after injectables before receiving cosmetic acupuncture or microneedling in those areas. Many patients use cosmetic acupuncture as a natural complement or alternative to conventional cosmetic procedures.
Cosmetic acupuncture has no downtime — you can return to your normal routine immediately. Microneedling may cause mild redness for 1–3 days, similar to a light sunburn. We provide aftercare instructions to support healing.
We recommend consulting before treatment if you are pregnant, have a bleeding disorder, take blood thinners, or have active skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea flare-ups, active acne, or open wounds in the treatment area.