At Evergreen Awards, we are proud to recognize node & needle as the Top Scar and Stretch Mark Revision Specialist in the Midwest of 2025—an honor that distinguishes this boutique wellness studio as a regional leader in trauma-informed skin restoration and paramedical tattoo artistry.

This award reflects node & needle’s unmatched expertise in delivering inkless scar revision, stretch mark softening, and medical-grade camouflage tattoos to clients navigating healing from surgery, pregnancy, trauma, and significant life transitions. Selected after a highly competitive review of top practitioners across multiple states, this distinction positions node & needle—and founder Carrie Riley—as pioneers in the art and science of scar healing.

Excellence in Restorative Tattoo Care

At the heart of node & needle’s success is its ability to transform what many clients see as imperfections into symbols of strength. Specializing in inkless stretch mark and scar revision, 3D areola tattooing, and restorative camouflage, Carrie Riley blends aesthetic nuance with clinical strategy—producing visible skin refinement and renewed client confidence.

Unlike cosmetic tattoo studios, node & needle’s services are entirely medical and trauma-informed. Each treatment begins with an in-depth consultation, considering skin history, health background, and emotional context—delivered in a private, tranquil setting in Milford, Ohio.

Demonstrated Clinical Expertise

Carrie Riley, founder and Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (C-MLD), brings nearly 20 years of experience in bodywork and mental health, alongside over 300 hours of advanced lymphatic and skin therapy education. She has trained with leading experts including Miss Lymph, Kathleen Lisson, and Josie Rushing, and was named one of the Top 5 Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Therapists in the World in 2024.

This clinical foundation supports her paramedical tattoo work, offering clients more than just aesthetic outcomes—it delivers empowered healing.

Client-First, Trauma-Informed Philosophy

What truly sets node & needle apart is its trauma-informed care model. Every aspect of the experience is designed for emotional and physical safety—especially for clients overcoming surgery, illness, trauma, or body image challenges. Carrie’s background in clinical mental health allows her to approach skin restoration with the deep sensitivity and skill it demands.

“Scars and stretch marks aren’t flaws—they’re stories,” says Riley. “My job is to soften their visibility while honoring what your body’s been through.”

Regional Impact and Community Healing

This award highlights node & needle’s impact across the Midwest, where it has become a sought-after destination for scar care and restorative tattoo services. Clients travel from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and beyond to experience personalized, medically sound, and compassionate care that is rare in this niche.

Riley’s advocacy for veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors further reinforces the studio’s mission—to offer skilled, dignified care to those often underserved in the wellness space.

About node & needle

Located in Milford, Ohio, node & needle is a boutique wellness studio offering elite lymphatic therapy and paramedical tattoo services. The studio is defined by clinical precision, emotional intelligence, and a luxury client experience. Every service—from inkless scar revision to lymphatic drainage—is customized, discreet, and built on a foundation of evidence-based care.

Learn more or book your consultation at www.nodeandneedle.com.
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