Younger-looking skin is on many people’s wish lists. So much so that the anti-aging industry rakes in millions of dollars a year from people hoping to get rid of wrinkles, sagging skin and other cosmetic concerns.
But before you sign up for Botox, filler, chemical peels or other procedures, there’s another approach you might want to consider. It’s called cosmetic acupuncture, and proponents say it can deliver similar results.
“Cosmetic acupuncture takes a different approach than other therapies,” explains Charles Fleck, LAc, an acupuncturist at Henry Ford Health. “It treats the body systemically and also treats the outward appearance of the face.”
What Is Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient practice. It’s been an important part of traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,500 years. Using the technique to help erase signs of aging is a more recent twist that’s gaining in popularity.
“Cosmetic acupuncture addresses the underlying causes of skin aging—such as stress—as well as the presentation of aging, like the fine lines and wrinkles on the face,” says Fleck. Because it is a holistic, whole-body treatment, the results can go beyond purely cosmetic.
How Does Cosmetic Acupuncture Treat Wrinkles?
Many cosmetic procedures and plastic surgeries work on fixing flaws from the outside only. Acupuncture works both inside and outside the body. “The approach is to treat systemically, then zoom in and focus on the face,” says Fleck.
With age, facial muscles can become lax, leading to skin sagging and wrinkles. “Part of the goal of cosmetic acupuncture is to activate those muscles,” he says. “Bringing them back to life helps tighten the face.”
Inserting acupuncture needles directly into facial lines can also have a more direct effect. “The pinpoint application of the acupuncture needles can stimulate collagen and elastin production and help increase circulation,” says Fleck.
What to Expect From Cosmetic Acupuncture
Unlike Botox, fillers and other so-called “lunchtime procedures,” cosmetic acupuncture is not a quick fix. Don’t expect to see lines disappear or sagging skin tighten up after a single session.
“You typically won’t start to see results until after about five or six treatments,” says Fleck. “We generally recommend doing a series of 10 treatments, with one to two weeks between sessions.” After that, you can maintain results with a session every few months.
A session lasts about an hour. After a consultation, the practitioner places ultra-fine, single-use acupuncture needles into various spots on the body, face, ears and scalp. You’ll then relax, lying down, for 30 to 45 minutes before the practitioner removes the needles.
“Acupuncture is very relaxing to the nervous system, which is part of how it helps treat some of the underlying issues around facial aging,” says Fleck. “It helps to calm the nervous system and increase blood flow.”
Is Cosmetic Acupuncture Better Than Botox?
Henry Ford Center For Integrative Medicine
Whether you think cosmetic acupuncture is a better option than other anti-aging treatments depends somewhat on your goals and priorities.
Botox injections and fillers can deliver almost-immediate results—helping soften and plump up facial lines after a single treatment. But for the most part, those results are temporary. When the product that was injected wears off, the lines will likely return.
Because cosmetic acupuncture takes a more holistic approach, the results can be longer lasting. “The effects will last years after a series of 10 to 12 treatments,” says Fleck. And the results can be impressive. He reports seeing significant changes in both wrinkles and skin tone.
The other upside is that cosmetic acupuncture has no side effects beyond possible mild bruising at some needle insertion points.
It’s important to note that no treatment will (or should) erase all signs of a life well lived from your face. But if you’re looking for one that will help soften the visible evidence—and support your overall health—cosmetic acupuncture may be for you.
Reviewed by Charles Fleck, LAc, an acupuncturist who sees patients at Henry Ford Medical Center – Bloomfield Township and Henry Ford Cancer-Detroit.
