Cosmetic acupuncture is a safe, soothing and completely natural technique suitable for a variety of skin issues, including, hyperpigmentation, scarring, and tension in the face, neck and jaw. Cosmetic acupuncture has been developed from the principles of traditional acupuncture as an anti-ageing treatment.

Cosmetic acupuncture in Carlton North is awesome for people who desire the benefits of cosmetic treatment without the nasty chemicals and toxins of botox, fillers and peels.

Cosmetic acupuncture may help to dissolve wrinkles and fine lines. It may improve firmness, lift sagging skin and promote circulation for that dewy, bright and glowing skin we’d all love to have!

A question that comes up a lot in our treatment sessions is how old is cosmetic acupuncture? These protocols are not new, having been developed over 5000 years. They’ve been refined more than ever, though, in recent years as we’ve seen an upsurge in popular desire for natural and safe anti-ageing treatments.

In the clinic, we use ultra-fine needles made especially for the face that are 12 times finer than an injection needle. These special needles minimise any discomfort whilst still being powerful enough to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to achieve a face-firming effect.

What Can Cosmetic Acupuncture Help With?

Dark areas or pigmentation
Acne
Wrinkles and fine lines
Sagging areas and droopy skin
Dry or dull areas
Dark and puffy eyes
Forehead, jaw and neck tension
Acne scarring or other facial scars
Bell’s Palsy (treatment works best within the first 24 hours or as soon as possible)

How Does Cosmetic Acupuncture Help the Skin?

Improves circulation of blood in the face and moisturises the skin
Increases firmness and elasticity of the skin
Improves muscle tone
Stimulates production of collagen
Helps with lifting
Reduces sagging and drooping
Fills out sunken areas
Helps reduce fine lines and soften wrinkles
Reduces dull tone to help achieve healthy and glowing skin
Helps lift droopy eyelids
Softens scarring (acne or otherwise)
Slows the aging process from inside out
Helps to switch on the parasympathetic nervous system to help you feel relaxed and rejuvenated

How does Cosmetic Acupuncture work?

Cosmetic Acupuncture works in three ways.

Regulate Tension of Facial Muscles

Tight facial muscles can sometimes lead to wrinkles, lines and other signs of ageing. On the other hand, weak muscles may result in drooping, sagging and sunken facial areas. Acupuncture targets the muscle level to strengthen or relax the muscles on the face depending on what is needed.

2. Hydration and Blood Flow

Ultra-Fine needles (made especially for the face) are inserted to encourage the passage of qi, blood, and nutritional material. This stimulation helps to hydrate the face at a deeper level compared to moisturisers – from the inside out rather than from the outside in! Acupuncture can actually increase the oxygen supply to the cells which allows cells to hold more water. It’s just like watering a plant… when the roots are dry and shrivelled, the plant is unable to absorb water. In order to combat this, it is important to target the root to build a healthy, hydrated and plump skin.

3. Stimulating Collagen Production

The “microtrauma” from our fine acupuncture needles encourages fibroblast production. Fibroblasts are vital cells that helps with tissue repair and collagen synthesis. Fibroblasts produce elastin and collagen which are important in achieving plump and firm skin. This process helps with reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and creates more elasticity in the skin.

Does it Hurt?

Cosmetic acupuncture needles can be as thin as 0.10 of a millimetre. This is thinner than half a strand of your hair!

Most clients experience nothing at all, although it is not uncommon to feel a little and momentary prickle as the needle first enters the skin. This sensation only lasts for an instant and the remainder of the treatment is essentially easy and discomfort-free. Lots of clients are surprised at how relaxing cosmetic acupuncture can feel.

The needles used are premium Japanese facial needles with a special insertion tip that are designed to – instead of cutting through the skin – push the skin cells apart to enter, in order to achieve a smooth and pain-free insertion.

Are There Any Side Effects of Cosmetic Acupuncture?

There are rarely side effects from cosmetic acupuncture treatment. It is a very gentle and natural type of cosmetic treatment, especially when compared with some invasive procedures such as Botox, fillers and surgery! This means you can go about your life as usual after a session of cosmetic acupuncture.

Slight blushing of your face and possibly some temporary redness are the most typical effects post-treatment. This is brought on by the increase of blood flow and will resolve quickly.

On rare occasions, temporary and minimal bruising may develop where the needles have been placed. This typically is painless and reduces after a few days. To help reduce the duration of any bruises, arnica cream is a good option to apply directly.

The beneficial effects of acupuncture – collagen production, muscle balancing and hydration – may still be actively taking place even after the needles have been taken out. It’s therefore advised to take it easy after each session.

Are There Any Precautions I Should Take?

Cosmetic acupuncture is quite gentle and thought to be a relatively safe procedure. There are a few contraindications that we must be made aware of, though, in case they may affect your treatment. Please let your therapist know if any of these things apply to you:

Intense headache and Migraines
Blood thinners and anticoagulant medication – these may increase your risk of bruising
Cold sores – active outbreaks are not suitable for treatment
Laser or Peel – these may make the skin sensitive. Cosmetic acupuncture is best to have before a laser or peel rather than after.

Our Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner

Dr Zoe Zhanshu Yang, Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner & Acupuncturist

Fees

Facial acupuncture, also includes body acupuncture (addressing internal imbalances etc)

New patient ~ 75 minutes ~ $180
Return patient ~ 55 minutes ~ $140

Packages Available for Cosmetic Acupuncture

Buy 6 and save :

6 treatments for $780 (Normally $880).

Saving of $100 over a course of 6 treatments with $16 off each treatment.

Treatment cost works out to be $130

Valid for 6 months.

Buy 10 and save

10 treatments for $1150 (Normally $1440).

Saving of $290 over a course of 10 treatments with $29 off each treatment. Treatment cost works out to be $115 each.

Valid for 12 months.