Cosmetic surgery is one of the most costly and invasive procedures that pulls the face taut by removing/cutting out sagging surplus tissue. Once the bruising and inflammation have faded, the appearance of rejuvenation is often remarkable. But many people have reservations about the long–term effect of severing nerves and blood vessels, and the accumulation of scar tissue. Or they may simply not like the idea of having their face cut.

An alternative to this is Botox, a derivative of the botulinum toxin that causes the most deadly form of food poisoning. When injected into muscles that create so–called “frown lines,” Botox works as a nerve poison, paralyzing the area for up to four months. The toxin, however, does not change the appearance of pouches and wrinkles, and there are, as well, unanswered questions about its long–term effects of having botox in body.

Rather than deadening tissue or cutting it, why not rejuvenate your facial muscles and skin naturally through increased circulation of blood and lymph with cosmetic acupuncture?

WHAT IS COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE?

Cosmetic Acupuncture, facial acupuncture or an Acupuncture Facelift is a non–surgical procedure that will help rejuvenate and revitalize your whole body. It will improve blood and energy circulation, nourish your skin and increase collagen production to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging jowls and chin, and dull skin.

Cosmetic Acupuncture is based on the principals of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Classical Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat many conditions and illnesses. The effectiveness of acupuncture has been related to the manipulation of the energy points on the body to balance and to remove blockages in the meridians (channels of blood and energy), in order to achieve health and to prevent diseases.

We have years of study and training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture and therefore have a clear understanding of the meridian system or energy pathways of the body. Through the use of fine disposable acupuncture needles, we can help balance the energy within these pathways to restore and maintain health.

Facial acupuncture/Cosmetic acupuncture  focus is much broader, proceeding from the assumption that only a healthy body and mind can sustain a smooth face and glowing complexion. Single use, high quality disposable hair–thin Seirin and AsiaMed acupuncture needles are therefore inserted not only into the face, but also at points elsewhere in the body, where the flow of energy (known as Qi in Chinese medicine) can be stimulated in order to treat the underlying factors that contribute to the aging process.

The superficial insertion on the face will increase the local circulation to the face and stimulate collagen production, which will fill out the lines and give firmness to the skin for a healthy, glowing complexion and also as the movement of energy improves, a greater amount of energy and blood are circulated to the face, nourishing, hydrating, toning and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles, giving a younger, more youthful appearance to the face.

Facial Acupuncture also has the added benefit of stimulating the body’s production of collagen, a major structural protein that provides strength to the skin. A decline of collagen with aging is one of the main causes of sagging and puffiness in the face.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE?

Glowing, radiant, younger looking skin.

Cosmetic Acupuncture will:

-minimize or eliminate fine lines and improve the look of deep wrinkles

-reduce a double chin and sagging jowls

-help to reduce inflammation on face with rosacea and cystic acne

-diminish age spots/sun spots

-reduce frown lines

-lift sagging skin, puffy or droopy eyelids

-increase collagen production

-brighten the eyes

-improve muscle tone and dermal contraction

-improve hormonal balance to reduce acne

-even facial colour and tone

-increase blood, energy and lymph circulation

-feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated

-gives your face a younger, more youthful look – hence taking off 5 – 15 years of the look of the face

WHY CHOOSE COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE OVER A FACE LIFT?

Cosmetic Acupuncture is not a replacement for surgery; however it is an excellent natural alternative. It is much less costly and a safer treatment. Unlike face lift surgery, it is painless and has no negative side effects; there is no trauma inflicted on the body and there is no need for recovery. There is no risk of disfigurement and you can stop with no ill effects if it does not suit you.

Unlike facelift/cosmetic surgery, which may have an extended recovery period (2 weeks or longer) with swelling, discolouration and scarring, cosmetic acupuncture actually helps heal the face.
 

WHAT IS THE COURSE OF TREATMENT?

Although a radiance of complexion and brightness in the eyes is often noted after a single treatment, for the best results, a series of 10 - 12 sessions performed weekly or twice a week is recommended. Results are visible around the 7th or 8th session. Monthly maintenance sessions will prolong the results as will facial exercises, facial acupressure massage, a healthy diet and a balanced lifestyle. In the clinic, most patients have noticed a lift/tightening of the face and cheeks right after the first treatment session, accompanied with a very relaxed feeling.

DOES IT REALLY WORK?

Cosmetic Acupuncture has been performed for thousands of years in China. As early as the Sung Dynasty (960AD–1270AD) Cosmetic Acupuncture was performed on the Empress and Emperor’s concubines. For centuries, the Chinese have known that beauty radiates from the inside out. If the internal body is nourished and the energy and blood are flowing smoothly, the external body will reveal this radiance. A 1996 report in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture reported that among 300 cases treated with Cosmetic Acupuncture, 90% had marked effects with one course of treatment. The effects include: skin becomes delicate, improvement of elasticity of facial muscles, ruddier complexion, and overall rejuvenation.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS INVOLVED WITH COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture facelift is a far less invasive procedure than surgery and the risks and injuries are minimal. Acupuncture may cause minor bruising, hence, treatment is not recommended for those that suffer from bleeding disorders and certain medical conditions such as idiopathic thrombocytopenia.

HOW LONG DO RESULTS LAST?

Results last from 3 to 5 years. Note that maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet are essential to prolonging the effects of an acupuncture face lift.

WHO SHOULD NOT HAVE COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE?

Cosmetic Acupuncture is contraindicated for some pituitary disorders, heart disorders, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, individuals with pacemakers, bleeding or bruising disorders, and for those who suffer from migraine headaches. Cosmetic Acupuncture should not be performed during pregnancy, during a cold or flu, during an allergic attack or during an acute herpes outbreak.

DURATION OF TREATMENTS

Your initial consultation includes taking full medical, dietary and lifestyle history, and traditional Chinese medicine tongue and pulse diagnosis with some adrenal, skin care regime and toxicity testing. All treatment sessions are 1 – 1.5 hrs long.

Your treatment includes:

1. An initial consultation with the acupuncturist trained in cosmetic acupuncture
2. The use of Dermalogia products to cleanse, tone and prepare your skin for needles.
3. A consultation with each client as to their concern areas for each treatment.
4. Medical acupuncture with Cosmetic/Facial Acupuncture for balancing your skin from the inside out.
5. Finishing with a serum booster to tighten and a refreshing and therapeutic facial mist at the end of the treatment session, leaving you relaxed and rejuvenated.