You’re Cosmetic Acupuncture Questions Answered
What is Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Cosmetic acupuncture is a unique style of acupuncture on the face with the goals of reducing fine lines and wrinkles, brightening the undereye area, gently lifting and sculpting the jawline and cheeks, and giving the skin a fresh, youthful glow.
It’s a natural, non-invasive technique (i.e., nonsurgical) that uses the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine to balance the body and improve skin health and radiance.
My treatments also include a Gua Sha massage and LED light therapy. Watch for more details about these therapies in your inbox over the next few days.
How does cosmetic acupuncture work?
Cosmetic acupuncture works from several angles.
Insertion of tiny needles into the dermis of the skin is considered a “microtrauma” and in response, the body’s natural healing mechanism is to increase blood flow and immune cells to the area.
Along with increased blood flow comes increased oxygen and nutrients that the skin requires to heal, giving the skin a healthy glow.
An additional part of this healing process is that the body sends protein to fill in and restructure the area. This protein happens to be collagen, which can give the skin a lifted, smoother appearance.
In addition, cosmetic acupuncture includes specialized techniques for tightening the superficial muscles of the face (the mimetic muscles of expression). Tightening these muscles can lead to a lifted, more sculpted and overall younger facial appearance.
How many treatments are needed?
Like all types of acupuncture, cosmetic treatments are cumulative. Repeated treatments are needed to create a lasting effect. The general recommendation varies based on desired outcomes and skincare goals. I have clients looking to maintain a youthful appearance who come for treatment every 4-6 weeks, and other who opt for a series of weekly treatments for 10-12 weeks prior to a maintenance regime.
What kind of results can I expect?
I like to describe the results from cosmetic acupuncture as gradual, soft, and subtle. This is not an alternative to the pulled-back look from Botox as we are not inhibiting the muscles – in fact we are doing quite the opposite by bringing blood flow and circulation to the facial muscles; however, it will relax tense muscles, help reset tension patterns in the face and help prevent the formation of deep lines). Specific results and their intensity (for example, softening deep wrinkles) always depend on the patient – overall health, participation (making recommended lifestyle changes, managing stress, etc.), patient age, etc.
To learn more about cosmetic acupuncture follow along on Instagram @missmel_mac and @apricus_wellness.
You can schedule a cosmetic acupuncture treatment at my Shuswap Clinic here