What is Cosmetic Acupuncture and Facial Rejuvenation?
The ancient Chinese have known for hundreds of years that true beauty comes from within, in this case, under the skin. They knew that treating the underlying causes of premature aging would cease its effect on the body. Practitioners would take several sharp pin-like needles and pierce just the surface layer of skin in order to trigger specific pressure points. When pricking specific areas of the face, tension would release tight muscles and stimulate the body’s healing abilities. This treatment was called acupuncture.
Cosmetic acupuncture is becoming a sought-after procedure to not only achieve facial rejuvenation, but to help treat underlying causes of premature aging as well. Acupuncture has been known to reduce visible aging, release tension in sore spots and reduce inflammation. Recently, acupuncture has become popular within the anti-aging cosmetic industry as a more natural, non-invasive method of reducing wrinkles. Facial rejuvenation acupuncture was originally developed for patients with paralyzed muscles from Bell’s Palsy or stroke. The result of treatment was so cosmetically pronounced overtime that it was transformed into a program to rejuvenate skin quality. The cosmetic aspect of acupuncture comes from the needles activating your body’s natural instinct to heal itself. When poked with a sharp needle, the body will release collagen. This protein in our bodies promotes hydration and elasticity in the skin, which is what contributes to reducing the look of wrinkles.
What’s Involved?
Cosmetic acupuncture is a form of acupuncture that is offered by qualified practitioners. Fine needles are strategically placed in target areas. This works in a similar way to Botox except acupuncture does not paralyze the facial muscles the way Botox does. (Botulinum toxin, aka Botox, is a neurotoxin and it stops communication between nerves and muscles. Only the growth of new nerve endings can restore muscle function, and that can take months.) Facial cosmetic acupuncture also improves circulation to the skin, which ultimately can increase the texture and brightness of one’s complexion.
If you think a bunch of needles in your face sounds scary…well, it does when you say it like that! Rest assured, cosmetic acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive method of reducing the signs of aging that results in incredible facial rejuvenation with only a few treatments. So really, this isn’t just an acupuncture treatment, but a proven protocol for healthy, rejuvenated skin.
How Many Treatments are Required?
Each patient has different needs therefore duration will depend on a case-by-case basis. On average, 12 sessions of treatment is recommended about twice a week, for optimal results. This truly depends on the patient’s age, skin condition, and lifestyle choices.
Cosmetic Acupuncture and Facial Rejuvenation has a proven success record if the recommended treatment plan is followed through. This plan may also include having to combine other strategies to not only achieve, but to maintain results. Optimal skin health cannot be achieved by acupuncture alone. Healthy skin must be maintained by eating whole, healthy foods, reducing intake of alcohol, not smoking, and avoiding too much exposure to the sun.
Does Cosmetic Acupuncture Really Work?
There are scientific studies that show this is a successful method in revitalizing skin. Results will vary from person-to-person, but there will be results when the individualized treatment plan is followed. Studies as far back as the mid-1990’s have shown this works. In 1996, the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture reported that among 300 people who received facial acupuncture, 90 percent of them saw visible results after one treatment. These positive effects included: the skin becoming delicate and fair, improvement of the elasticity of facial muscles and a leveling of wrinkles as well as an acupuncture facelift.
What Are the Benefits of Cosmetic Acupuncture?
There are two main aspects to the benefits of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture.
- Localized treatment directly addresses facial aging symptoms and localized muscles soreness
- Root treatment treats the underlying cause of facial symptoms such as hormonal balance, digestive problems or emotional stress
Both local and root treatments are performed in each session to provide the best and the longest lasting benefits.
Are There Any Contraindications?
Facial rejuvenation acupuncture can contradict with a few medical and health conditions. Always consult with a physician if you are unsure if cosmetic acupuncture is for you. Some conditions that will conflict with acupuncture include those with:
- pituitary disorders
- heart disorders
- diabetes mellitus
- high blood pressure
- individuals who have a pacemaker
- individuals who bleed or bruise easily (hemophilia)
- individuals who suffer frequent migraines & headaches
- pregnancy
- flu or pneumonia
- severe allergies or during an allergy attack
- acute herpes outbreak
Beauty Med always puts your health and safety first, and our experts can advise you on which options are best for you.
Is Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture For You?
If you want to look younger, slow down the process of aging, or decrease the appearance of wrinkles, acne, and recent scars, this facial rejuvenation procedure is for you. Regardless of age, those with deep wrinkles, fine lines, bags under the eyes, sagging, puffiness, or drooping eyelids will see improvements.
The Benefits of Facial & Cosmetic Acupuncture
Still not convinced? Here’s just some of the benefits of cosmetic acupuncture:
- Acne improvement (caused by hormonal imbalance)
- Helps menopause, PMS and other female issues
- Helps reduce sinus congestion
- Helps reduce headaches (except severe migraines)
- Can improve thyroid function
- Treats most digestive issues
- May help with insomnia
- Might help reduce depression and boost self-esteem
- It may retard hair loss and hair graying
- Improves metabolism
- Reduces stress and promotes relaxation
PicoSure Pro is the first picosecond aesthetic laser platform designed for various cosmetic treatments, including tattoo removal, acne scar treatment, removal of pigmented lesions, and wrinkle reduction. This advanced laser technology delivers extremely short bursts of energy in trillionths of a second to target and break down pigment without damaging surrounding skin, promoting a more youthful and even skin appearance.
Considering your options for skin rejuvenation is crucial. Traditional treatments like face-lifts, fillers, and injectables often involve significant downtime, risks, and side effects. PicoSure Pro laser treatment offers a non-surgical, less invasive alternative that can effectively address your aesthetic concerns. Consult with our experienced practitioners to see if PicoSure Pro is the right choice for you.
Melanin is responsible for our skin color. Pigmented lesions, such as sunspots, age spots, and brown patches, occur when melanin is concentrated in specific areas of the skin. Sun exposure is a common cause, though some people may have pigmented lesions from birth or due to hormonal changes.
PicoSure Pro effectively treats a variety of unwanted pigments, including age spots, freckles, and brown patches. During a consultation, your practitioner will develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve clearer, pigment-free skin.
Most pigmented lesions can be significantly improved with just a few treatments. However, larger, darker, and deeper lesions may require additional sessions. Your practitioner will discuss your specific treatment plan and expectations during your consultation.
Patients generally find PicoSure Pro treatments tolerable and often do not need numbing agents. The laser's pulses are often described as feeling like a quick snap from a thin rubber band.
After treatment, the area may be slightly tender. It’s important to keep the area clean and avoid irritation. Your practitioner will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
PicoSure Pro laser scar treatment uses ultra-short pulses of light to penetrate deeply into the skin’s layers, targeting the underlying structure. The body's natural healing process then removes the older, damaged tissue and replaces it with new collagen and elastin, leading to healthier, smoother skin.
PicoSure Pro is FDA-cleared and Health Canada approved for treating acne scars on any part of the body, including the face.
PicoSure Pro laser scar treatment is suitable for many skin types, from light to darker tones. A consultation with one of our practitioner’s can determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment.
Treatment sessions can be as brief as 15 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during PicoSure Pro scar treatments. Your practitioner will discuss options to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
Noticeable improvements in acne scars can begin after two treatments, with optimal results typically seen after a series of three to five sessions.
Most patients can return to their regular activities immediately after the treatment.
Common side effects include temporary redness and swelling at the treatment site. Treated pigmentation may whiten initially, darken over the next 24 hours, and then gradually fade.
PicoSure Pro targets the three layers of skin affected by aging: surface pigment, mid-dermal wrinkles, and deeper dermal laxity. The body’s natural healing process removes damaged tissue and regenerates it with fresh collagen and elastin, essential for youthful-looking skin.
If you have fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes, mouth, or other areas of your body such as the face, hands, and arms, you may be a good candidate for PicoSure Pro treatments.
Sessions can be completed in as little as 15 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
Your provider will offer options to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Treatment sensations vary, so it’s best to discuss your concerns with your provider.
A series of three to four treatments is usually recommended. Treatment intervals range from two to four weeks, but may extend up to eight weeks for darker skin types. Each patient’s needs will be assessed before starting treatment.
Side effects like temporary redness and swelling usually resolve within an hour but can occasionally last up to 24 hours.
Potential side effects include temporary pigmentation changes, mild redness, swelling, and rare risks of scarring or infection. Following your practitioner's aftercare instructions will help minimize these risks.
PicoSure Pro laser energy targets the tattoo ink, breaking it down into tiny particles. These particles are then naturally eliminated by the body, resulting in the gradual fading of the tattoo.
The sensation of PicoSure Pro laser tattoo removal is often likened to the feeling of getting a tattoo, though the process is much quicker. Your practitioner will discuss comfort options tailored to your needs.
The number of treatments needed for tattoo removal varies based on factors such as ink type, tattoo size, location on the body, the laser used, and your lifestyle habits. During your consultation, a practitioner will assess your tattoo and create a customized treatment plan to achieve optimal results.
Typically, it takes 4-8 weeks for the body to process and absorb the ink particles after each session. However, individual responses can vary. Adhering to the recommended post-treatment care can enhance results and minimize any potential side effects.
Immediately following treatment, you may notice slight whitening or "frosting" of the skin, which will subside quickly. Mild swelling and redness are also common. Your practitioner will provide guidance on how to keep the treated area moisturized.
Before the advent of PicoSure Pro, Q-Switched lasers were the standard for tattoo removal, using thermal energy to break down ink particles. PicoSure Pro uses ultra-short pulses to shatter ink into minuscule, dust-like particles, which are more easily absorbed and eliminated by the body. This technology has shown great success in removing stubborn blue and green inks, as well as previously treated tattoos that were difficult to clear.
Yes, tattoos can be lightened in preparation for a cover-up. Your practitioner may suggest waiting six weeks between your final treatment and getting your new tattoo.
The cost of PicoSure Pro laser tattoo removal depends on various factors, including the size of the tattoo and the number of sessions required. Since tattoo removal is considered an elective cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance. After your consultation, your practitioner will provide an estimate for the treatment series.
For questions, guidance, or more information, call Beauty Med today or contact us to schedule your free consultation at our cosmetic acupuncture clinic in Richmond Hill.
