Cosmetic acupuncture, also known as facial acupuncture or facial rejuvenation acupuncture, is a holistic beauty treatment that has roots in traditional Chinese medicine. A minimum of three months commitment is required.
If you are new to cosmetic acupuncture, here is what you should know:
- Origins and Principles: Cosmetic acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s based on the principle that stimulating certain acupuncture points can improve blood flow, stimulate collagen production, and balance the body’s energy, or ‘Qi’.
- Natural Approach: Unlike Botox, fillers, or surgical procedures, cosmetic acupuncture is non-invasive and uses the body’s natural healing abilities to rejuvenate the skin.
- What it Entails: Very fine needles are inserted into specific points on the face, neck, and other parts of the body. This stimulates blood flow and encourages the production of collagen, the protein responsible for youthful skin.
- Benefits:
- Skin Health: Can improve complexion, reduce acne, and promote radiant skin.
- Anti-Aging: Helps in reducing fine lines, softening deeper wrinkles, and lifting sagging skin.
- Duration and Sessions: Typically, a treatment session lasts about 90 minutes. For best results, 12 sessions are recommended, followed by maintenance sessions.
- Safety and Sensation: The procedure is generally safe when performed by a Licensed Acupuncturist. Most people feel minimal discomfort, describing the sensation as a light pinch or tingling. Some redness or minor bruising can occur but usually subsides quickly.
- Expectations: While some might see immediate results after one session, most will notice changes after a few treatments. The results are more subtle and natural-looking compared to surgical interventions.
- Contraindications: While it’s suitable for many, it might not be recommended for those with certain conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or during pregnancy. It’s essential to provide a full medical history to the acupuncturist.
- Aftercare: Following treatment, it’s good to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities and excessive sun exposure, and refrain from consuming alcohol or spicy foods for a day or two.
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a cosmetic procedure that involves using fine needles to create thousands of tiny, invisible puncture wounds in the top layer of the skin. This service is offered once a month and requires a 12 month commitment.
If you’re new to Microneedling, here’s what you should know:
- Purpose: The main purpose of Microneedling is to stimulate the body’s natural wound healing processes, resulting in increased collagen and elastin production, which in turn leads to rejuvenated skin.
- Benefits:
- Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles: By boosting collagen production.
- Improves Scars: Especially effective for acne scars.
- Refines Pores: Can lead to a reduction in the size of enlarged pores.
- Enhances Product Absorption: The procedure can increase the absorption of topical serums and treatments.
- Rejuvenates Skin: Can lead to a more youthful look with improved texture.
- Procedure:
- A numbing cream is applied to minimize discomfort.
- A device equipped with tiny needles is then used to create micro-injuries in the skin.
- Depending on your specific needs, the depth of the needles will be adjusted.
- Duration: The actual procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated.
- Pain Level: Most people report feeling minimal discomfort due to the numbing cream. You might feel a light sensation similar to sandpaper being moved across the skin.
- Downtime:
- Immediately after the procedure, your skin will look red, similar to a sunburn. This can last from a day up to several days.
- It’s essential to keep the skin moisturized and protected from the sun.
- Aftercare:
- Avoid direct sun exposure and always use sunscreen.
- Refrain from using makeup for at least 24 hours post-procedure.
- Avoid strenuous activities and swimming for a couple of days.
- Results: Initial results can be seen a few days post-treatment. However, the most visible results occur after multiple sessions, spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. The skin will continue to produce more collagen over the coming months.
- Side Effects: Potential side effects include redness, swelling, and minimal bruising.
- Who Should Avoid It: Those with active infections, chronic skin disorders, or certain immune system disorders. Pregnant or nursing women.
- Consultation: Always consult with a licensed acupuncturist before undergoing Microneedling. They can guide you on the number of sessions required, potential risks, and expected outcomes.
Cosmetic Acupuncture Pricing:
Mandatory Consultation: $50 (applied as credit to first appointment)
Single Treatment: $200
Purchased as a package (12 Treatments): $2200
Microneedling Pricing:
Mandatory Consultation: $50 (applied as credit to first appointment)
Single Treatment: $250
Purchased as a package (12 Treatments): $2750
Cosmetic Acupuncture/Microneedling Package: This is a 12 month commitment and billed monthly. Cosmetic Acupuncture is performed 3 times a month and Microneedling is performed once a month.
$800/$9600 month/Year
Remember, as with any cosmetic procedure, individual experiences and results can vary. Proper research and consultation are key to ensuring a safe and effective experience.
Wellsentials 