Tiny needle punctures stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory system which rush to deliver nutrients and oxygen to facial skin cells, nourishing skin from the inside out. Simultaneously, the micro-punctures stimulate the production of collagen improving skin elasticity, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.

The side effects associated with facial acupuncture are minimal, and most people are a good candidate for this treatment. Some patients use facial acupuncture as an alternative to cosmetic fillers and neurotoxins to avoid certain side effects, such as the potential for facial muscle paralysis associated with BOTOX®. In addition, if you are seeking any of the anti-aging benefits mentioned above, facial acupuncture may be the perfect treatment for you.

All forms of acupuncture (including facial acupuncture) are not recommended for patients who are taking blood thinners or who suffer from a blood clotting disorder. It is important to let your practitioner know if you have received BOTOX® injections so that they can make sure enough time has passed before beginning facial acupuncture treatments.

Facial acupuncture treatment sessions last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. It is a good idea to wear minimal makeup and avoid heavy creams or lotions on the day of your treatment. There are no rigorous pretreatment procedures to follow, although it is a good idea to avoid taking blood thinners, such as ibuprofen.

You should feel comfortable throughout a facial acupuncture treatment session and should not be in pain. The needles used in the face are as little as 0.12 of a millimeter – that’s finer than half of your hair strand. If you do experience any discomfort, let your practitioner know so that they can make adjustments. Many patients find facial acupuncture to be very relaxing and look forward to treatments.

There is no downtime or recovery time needed after receiving facial acupuncture. It is a good idea to stay hydrated, but as soon as you’ve completed your session you will be able to resume your normal activities, including driving and exercising. Mild bruising can occur after treatments, but this is a rare side effect.

The number of treatments is determined by the acupuncturist based on the condition being treated and overall treatment goals. The precise number of sessions required and the frequency of treatments varies from patient to patient. It is common for an acupuncture facial regimen to consist of 10 sessions spread out over a few weeks. After that, maintenance sessions may be scheduled with reduced frequency.

Before beginning treatment, your Naturopathic Doctor will review your medical history to make sure you are a good candidate for treatment. They will also ask questions about your treatment goals and discuss what to expect during facial acupuncture.

On the day of your treatment, you will be asked to lie down on your back and your Doctor will gently tap tiny acupuncture needles into place along your face, neck, and hairline as needed. A few needles may also be placed along your hands or fingers. The needles will remain in place for 20 to 25 minutes. This is a great time to take a break from your busy day and relax, meditate, or listen to music. 

At the end of your session, the needles will be removed, and you will be able to return to your normal schedule. Be sure to drink plenty of water to help flush out any toxins released during treatment, and do your best to avoid consuming a lot of caffeine or alcohol.