Written by licensed Acupuncturist, Michelle Thelen.
What is facial or cosmetic acupuncture, and how does it work?
Cosmetic acupuncture, also known as facial rejuvenation acupuncture, is a safe, non-toxic, and holistic method of treating the skin. Numerous training sessions are conducted across the U.S. to train acupuncturists in this technique, with the goal of helping reduce early through progressed signs of facial aging. These techniques don’t just limit themselves to one area of the face, and are applicable to eye areas, neck, décolletage, mouth, forehead, and jaw areas.
Why choose facial rejuvenation over other more popular cosmetic procedures such as fillers?
Many women have had dermal fillers and other cosmetic procedures. The results can be good, but temporary. Or they do not wish to “overdo” it with these treatments. Other women simply want to try something more natural and beauty enhancing, rather than invasive and potentially harmful. Acupuncture needles used on the face are extremely fine, even thinner than the ones used on the body, and are specifically designed for facial skin that is more than 70% thinner than body skin. They work by stimulating chemicals in the tissues surrounding the point, and thereby induce many healing processes including stimulating collagen and enhancing lymphatic exchange at the needle site.
What are some of the cosmetic benefits of facial acupuncture?
The results of cosmetic acupuncture treatments reflect not only a change in external appearance, but also an improvement in total body wellness. In terms of the face and skin, you may notice the cosmetic acupuncture helps reduce:
- Wrinkling of skin around mouth
- Forehead furrows
- Frown lines
- Sagging neck lines
- Deep grooves between nose and lips
- Sagging skin
- Drooping jawline
- Crows feet
- Redness or blotchy skin tone
- Drooping eyelids
- Eye puffiness
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Pigmentation changes on facial areas
- Redness or blotchy skin tone
How can I determine if I am a good candidate for facial acupuncture?
Unlike standard cosmetic procedures, the goal is not to “correct” skin damage but to reduce it and also to enhance those areas of natural beauty. At the initial consultation, it is a good idea to identify one or two areas or issues (i.e., sagging jowls, mouth wrinkles, crows feet) for treatment. It may take only 5 treatments to achieve your goal, or it can take up to 10 or more for advanced or stubborn cases. A recommendation is always provided after the initial treatment.