Cosmetic Acupuncture
By Dr. Anabelle Lee, DACM, Licensed Acupuncturist, Dipl. O.M.
Facial cosmetic acupuncture is the incorporation of needles either via facial acupuncture needles or micro dermal needles to help the skin look more youthful in a cost-effective and effective manner. Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and has become more popular as people seek alternative non-invasive healing modalities. The utilization of needle insertion to the face allows increased blood flow to the local area, nourishing the skin, tightening loose skin, softening wrinkles, improving and brightening skin tone, reducing the appearance of dark spots, treating acne and acne scars, and lifting the face. Combined with body acupuncture points, these effects are compounded.
So why try facial cosmetic acupuncture? In today’s society, people are always looking for the newest, hottest, and trendiest ways to look better. Especially as we are constantly bombarded by media of gorgeous models, actors, entertainers, and influencers with flawless skin and body. Options for younger looking skin spans from cosmetic surgery to Botox to dermal fillers to at home face masks and face rollers. There are a slew of cosmetic procedures and items on the market but the most compelling reason to try facial cosmetic acupuncture is the fact that it is a great alternative to more invasive and costly procedures. For example, when one receives Botox injections, they are physically injecting a toxin into the local area to paralyze the muscles, causing the wrinkles to soften. For face-lift cosmetic surgery, the skin is cut into and pulled back, and ultimately reshaped to make the face look younger. Lest to say, both methods are examples of invasive procedures with costs that can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending. Comparably, acupuncture treatments range in price from $100 to $500 per treatment but its efficacy is comparable to these more invasive procedures with safer and minimal adverse outcomes when performed by a licensed and accredited acupuncturist.
An Example of the Efficacy of Cosmetic Acupuncture
In a case I was managing, a 66 year old female patient came in seeking cosmetic acupuncture to help her continue to look younger. She received facial and body acupuncture every week for 8 weeks. At the beginning of her visits, it was clear that her skin was already very smooth and that she did not have overt wrinkles, however, she wanted more lifted skin with skin correction. After about 8 treatments, you can see there were subtle changes in her face shape and skin appearance (Image A). Her face after 8 treatments has a smoother edge to her chin region and her skin does appear more raised. In the side profile pictures, you can see that the patient has a circular dark spot on her left cheek which has diminished in color and appearance (Image B). During her weekly treatments, she would receive facial needles focusing on lifting the face and lightening her dark spot. She would then also receive body acupuncture points focusing on her underlying condition and addressing any pain or discomfort he may have had that week.
Frontal view
Pain Management Center of Irvine
In conclusion, cosmetic facial acupuncture is a efficacious, safe, holistic and non-invasive option for better looking skin. Its combination with body acupuncture also helps to treat the whole person and provides healing to the underlying physiology of patients.
References
2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report", American Society of Plastic Surgeons, https://www.plasticsurgery.org..., accessed on October 3, 2022
“Face-Lift.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 4 Aug. 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/face-lift/about/pac-20394059#:~:text=Face%2Dlift%20technique-,Face%2Dlift%20technique,ears%20in%20the%20lower%20scalp.
WebMD editorial Contributors. “Botox Injections: Purpose, Procedure, Risks, Results.” WebMD, WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-botox.