(Acupuncture facial, cosmetic acupuncture, facial acupuncture, or acupuncture facelift)

Acufacials, is a type of facial treatment that combines acupuncture with traditional facial treatments.

What can I expect from an acufacial treatment?

Here’s what you can typically expect during an acufacial visit:

Consultation: At the beginning of the appointment, the acufacial practitioner will likely have a brief consultation with you to discuss your health history, skincare concerns, and what you hope to achieve from the treatment.
Evaluation: The practitioner will then evaluate your face and skin to determine the best course of action.
Acupuncture: The practitioner will then begin the acupuncture portion of the treatment. This may involve the use of very fine needles inserted into specific points on the face and body, which can help to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation.
Facial Massage: After the acupuncture, the practitioner will typically perform a facial massage using techniques such as Gua Sha or jade rolling. This can help to increase blood flow to the face, reduce puffiness, and improve lymphatic drainage, as well as minimizing the appearance of pores.
Mask or Serum: Finally, the practitioner may apply a mask or serum to your skin to help nourish and hydrate it. This may be a custom-blended product or a pre-made one.

The practitioner may also use other tools such as LED light therapy, microcurrent, or cupping to enhance the results of the treatment. The entire appointment usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.

It’s important to note that every acufacial practitioner may approach the treatment differently, so it’s a good idea to ask questions and communicate your needs and preferences during the consultation.

Additionally, if you have any concerns about needles or acupuncture, be sure to let the practitioner know so they can modify the treatment accordingly.

How many needles are used?

The number of needles used during an acufacial session can vary depending on the practitioner’s technique and the individual’s specific needs. However, typically, 10-20 small, thin, sterile needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points on the face, neck, and ears.

The needles are usually left in place for around 20 to 30 minutes while the individual relaxes. The practitioner may gently manipulate the needles to stimulate the flow of Qi (energy) and blood to the face and neck area. The needles are then carefully removed, and the practitioner may apply a facial massage or other facial techniques to further stimulate circulation and enhance the overall results.

The number of needles and techniques used will depend on the individual’s unique concerns and the acupuncturist’s approach.

How long does it take to see results?

The time it takes to see results from an acufacial treatment can vary greatly from person to person as it depends on the individual’s skin condition at the starting point of treatment, and the severity of the issue being treated.

Some people may see results immediately after the treatment, while others may need several treatments before seeing any noticeable changes.

Regular and consistent treatments may provide longer-lasting and more significant results.

If ten years from today, you imagined having had regular acufacials, vs not having had any acufacials, there would likely be a dramatic difference in youthful looks.

Will getting an acufacial reduce my wrinkles?

The Acufacial may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but it is not as effective as Botox in smoothing out deep wrinkles or expression lines.

Botox works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles responsible for creating wrinkles, while the Acufacial works by improving circulation, stimulating collagen production, and relaxing facial muscles. So, while the Acufacial may help improve the overall appearance of your skin and make it look more refreshed and youthful, it may not have the same level of wrinkle-reducing effect as Botox.

Botox gives a very relaxed look, especially if it is done well, although there are some possibility for unwanted looks such as the “Spock” eyebrows. Other unwanted effects of Botox may be a drooping eyelid or eyebrow. This is caused by an error of the Doctor doing the injection, a skilled Doctor should know how to avoid this. Truly good Botox should be nearly undetectable, leaving you looking fresher and more rested, but not different in a noticeable way.

An acufacial can be used in conjunction with Botox treatments, just make sure to not get the acufacial right after the Botox treatment, but rather wait a few days.

Can an acufacial restore loss of volume to my cheeks or lips?

Acufacial is not specifically designed to restore volume to the cheeks or lips, but it may help to improve circulation and stimulate collagen production, which can help with overall skin health and may have some subtle plumping effects.

However, if you are looking for more significant results, you may want to consider dermal fillers or other cosmetic procedures that are specifically designed for adding volume to the face.

It’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified medical professional to discuss your options and find the best treatment plan for your individual needs and goals, as some people want a stronger effect, and others want a more natural or subtle look.

It is possible to combine acufacials with getting fillers. You don’t have to choose one or the other, you can get both, just not on the same day.

Can acufacials help with sagging skin?

While the acufacial can help improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and increase facial firmness, it may not be enough to completely eliminate sagging skin, such as a “turkey neck.”

Acupuncture may help improve muscle tone and tighten the skin to some extent, but the results may not be as significant as those achieved through surgical interventions, such as a lower facelift or neck lift.

That being said, acufacial may still be a beneficial complement to other skin-tightening procedures, especially if you want to avoid invasive surgeries…

Other treatments to complement the acufacial in terms of sagging skin specifically, would be to follow a daily “facial yoga” regiment. Many videos on YouTube give a great facial yoga workout!

I have underlying health conditions, and/or I am on medication, can I still get acufacials?

It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before trying any new therapy, including the acufacial. They can advise you on whether the treatment is safe for you based on your underlying health issues, medications, and other factors. In addition, make sure to inform the acufacial practitioner of any health conditions you may have before starting the treatment.

It is important to let your acupuncturist know if you are on any medications or herbal supplements, so that the treatment can be adjusted for your specific needs.

The greatest benefits of the acufacial

The greatest benefit of getting regular acufacials is that it can help improve the overall health and appearance of your skin. By stimulating blood circulation, promoting collagen production, and reducing inflammation, acufacials can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.

Additionally, regular treatments can improve skin tone and texture, reduce acne, and increase hydration, leading to a more youthful and glowing complexion.

Acufacials can also help to alleviate stress and tension, leading to a sense of relaxation and well-being.