An acupuncture facial treatment involves the insertion of acupuncture needles into fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck in order to reduce the visible signs of aging. In Asian medicine, the meridians or pathways of Qi (energy) flow throughout the entire body from the soles of the feet up to the face and head; consequently, a facial acupuncture treatment addresses the entire body constitutionally, and is not merely “cosmetic.” An acupuncture facial involves the patient in an organic, gradual process, that is customized for each individual. It is no way analogous to, or a substitute for, a surgical “face lift”. A treatment session may confine itself solely to facial acupuncture, or it may be used in conjunction with other procedures.

Facial acupuncture can increase facial tone, decrease puffiness around the eyes, as well as bring more firmness to sagging skin, enhance the radiance of the complexion, and flesh out sunken areas. Customarily, fine wrinkles will disappear, and deeper ones be reduced. As this treatment is not merely confined to the face, but incorporates the entire body and constitutional issues of health. 

​

Contraindications for Treatment:

​

• High blood pressure​

  • Severe Migraine headaches

  • Parkinson’s disease

  • Recent Microdermabrasion

  • Diabetes mellitus

  • Cancer

  • AIDS

  • Recent laser treatments

  • Hepatitis

  • Vertigo

  • Hemophilia

  • Botox treatments

  • Dermal filler (Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse etc)

  • Any skin diseases (poison ivy, eczema, hives)

  • Pregnancy

  • Cold or flu

  • Herpes outbreak

  • Allergic reactions

  • Extreme stress or tension

  • Problems with bleeding or bruising

​

Risks of an Acupuncture Facial - Every procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand the risks involved with an acupuncture facial.  An individual’s choice to undergo an acupuncture facial is based upon the comparison of the risk to potential benefit.  Although the majority of patients do not experience the following complications, you should discuss each of them with your acupuncturist to make sure you understand the risks, potential complications, and consequences of an acupuncture facial.

​

• Bleeding - It is possible, though very unusual, that you may have problems with bleeding during an acupuncture facial. Should post-acupuncture bleeding occur, it will usually only consist of a few drops. Accumulations of blood under the skin may cause a bruise, or hematoma, which will resolve itself.

​

• Infection - Infection is very unusual after an acupuncture facial. Should an infection occur, additional treatment, including antibiotics, may be necessary.

​

• Damage to Deeper Structures - Deeper structures such as blood vessels and muscles are rarely damaged during the course of a facial acupuncture treatment. If this does occur, the injury may be temporary or permanent.

​

• Asymmetry - The human face is normally asymmetrical. Thus, there can be a variation from one side to the other in the results attained from a facial acupuncture treatment.

​

• Bruising And Puffiness - There is a possibility of bruising (hematomas), puffiness, blood, tingling, itching, warmth, pain or other symptoms at the site of the needle.

​

• Nerve Injury - Injuries to the motor or sensory nerves rarely result from facial acupuncture treatments. Nerve injuries may cause temporary or permanent loss of facial movements and feeling. Such injuries may improve over time. Injury to sensory nerves of the face, neck and ear regions may cause temporary or more rarely permanent numbness. Painful nerve scarring is very rare.

​

• Unsatisfactory Result - There is the possibility of a poor result from an acupuncture facial. You may be disappointed with the results.

​

• Allergic Reactions - In rare cases, local allergies to topical preparations have been reported. Systemic reactions which are more serious may occur to herbs used during an acupuncture facial. Allergic reactions may require additional treatment.

​

• Delayed Healing - Delayed wound healing or wound disruption are a rare complication experienced by patients in the aftermath of an acupuncture facial. There is a greater risk for smokers, who frequently have dry, sagging skin, which does not heal as readily as that of non-smokers.

​

• Long Term Effects - Subsequent alterations in facial appearance may occur as the result of the normal process of aging, weight loss or gain, sun exposure, or other circumstances not related to an acupuncture facial. An acupuncture facial does not arrest the aging process or produce permanent tightening of the face and neck. Future facial acupuncture maintenance treatments, or other treatments, may be necessary to maintain the results of an acupuncture facial.