In the past century, our average life expectancy has risen dramatically. A hundred years ago, the average lifespan was 58 years old. Today, the average life expectancy is 78, with many people living healthfully well into their 90’s and beyond. With today’s increase in longevity and the fact that many people stay active and vital well into their later years, it’s no surprise that both women and men have turned their attention to wanting to look as young as they feel.
Cosmetics is a multi-billion dollar industry, with a huge proportion of money being spent on anti-aging products. In addition, Botox injections, fillers and cosmetic surgery have increasingly become routine choices for people who want to dial back a few years from their appearance.
On the flip side, a number of people want the youthful appearance, but prefer to avoid the invasive nature, downtime and risks involved with surgery or injections. For those who’re looking for a more natural and safe alternative, many are turning to cosmetic acupuncture as a way to perk up their appearance and boost their health at the same time. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about cosmetic acupuncture:
What exactly is cosmetic acupuncture?
Cosmetic acupuncture is a treatment or series of treatments based on the principles of Chinese medicine. The goal is to reverse some of the signs of aging, even skin tone and correct certain skin conditions.
Is cosmetic acupuncture the same thing as a facelift?
No. Cosmetic acupuncture is also called facial rejuvenation acupuncture. However, it has sometimes been referred to an acupuncture facelift, which is misleading. A facelift is a procedure in which the skin in your face is surgically lifted and tightened. Cosmetic acupuncture employs the use of acupuncture needles to trigger responses in your body that heals and refines the appearance of your skin.
How does cosmetic acupuncture work?
The process of placing needles into the skin on your face causes tiny wounds, called microtraumas. In the natural course of the healing process, your body increases the circulation of collagen, which is a protein that holds your body together. In your skin, collagen forms a net-like structure that keeps your skin tight and supple. As you age, the loss of collagen causes loosening and wrinkling of your skin. In addition to collagen, the healing cascade increases something called elastin, a protein that allows your skin to stretch and snap back into place, much like an elastic band. Elastin also decreases as you age, causing your skin to droop. Cosmetic acupuncture is also effective because it increases circulation to the treatment area, which translates into enhanced delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your face. Cosmetic acupuncture also tones or relaxes muscles in the face to reduce wrinkles in the skin.
What can cosmetic acupuncture treat?
It can be used to treat the signs of aging and to boost the overall health and appearance of your skin. In addition, cosmetic acupuncture can help treat specific skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, wrinkling and under-eye puffiness.
What are some of the results of cosmetic acupuncture?
The results vary from person to person, based on the condition of their skin and overall health. However, patients who have undergone cosmetic acupuncture have reported:
- A brighter complexion
- Softening of wrinkles
- A reduction in fine lines
- Reduced facial edema, less puffiness
- A reduction in under eye bags
- Lifting of the skin around the jawline, cheeks, neck and eyes
- Improved skin texture
- Reduction of acne and rosacea symptoms
What happens during a cosmetic acupuncture treatment?
At your first treatment, you and your acupuncture practitioner will talk about your cosmetic goals, such as reducing acne breakouts or treating fine lines around your eyes. Your practitioner will also assess your general health. During your treatment, they will first place acupuncture needles in areas on your body, and then they will place needles in your face. We use a whole body protocol is to balance out the treatment; placing needles only in your face may cause congestion in that area. In addition, a whole body treatment addresses any health issues you may be having, which can enhance the cosmetic results.
How many cosmetic acupuncture treatments will I need?
The number of acupuncture sessions you’ll need will depend on your overall health, the cosmetic issues you want to correct and the style of your practitioner. For some patients, one or two treatments a week apart may be enough, and for others a series of 10 to 12 treatments over 5 to 6 weeks may be recommended. The protocol will be different for each patient.
How long do the results of cosmetic acupuncture last?
The results of cosmetic acupuncture can last for years, but many practitioners recommend a maintenance treatment every six months or so.
What are the benefits of facial rejuvenation acupuncture compared to other cosmetic treatments?
Cosmetic acupuncture is safe and more natural than injections or surgery. There’s no downtime after your appointment and because full-body acupuncture is a part of your treatment, you will likely experience overall health benefits, too. In addition, cosmetic acupuncture is less expensive than plastic surgery and most other cosmetic procedures.
Are there downsides to undergoing cosmetic acupuncture?
Because cosmetic acupuncture involves your body’s own healing cascade, it can take longer to see results, compared to Botox injections or fillers. Facial rejuvenation acupuncture shouldn’t be considered a replication of these cosmetic procedures. In addition, it’s important to know that results can vary from patient to patient, based on their overall health and the condition of their skin. Finally, as with any protocol that involves the use of needles, bruising is possible but temporary.
Are there any contraindications for having cosmetic acupuncture?
People who are generally in good health are good candidates for cosmetic acupuncture. If you have a chronic illness, currently have a cold, the flu or cold sores, your practitioner may suggest that they address these issues before you undergo facial rejuvenation treatments. In addition, cosmetic acupuncture may be contraindicated if you are on certain blood thinners or have bruising issues.
If you’d like to treat your skin naturally, cosmetic acupuncture might be a good option for you. It’s safe and there’s no recovery time involved. Most patients leave the clinic after having a facial rejuvenation appointment feeling relaxed and refreshed. The treatments not only give your skin the TLC it craves, but they also benefit your overall health. It’s truly a rejuvenating treatment in every way! If you’d like to find out if cosmetic acupuncture is right for you, give our clinic a call today.
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