Cosmetic / Facial Acupuncture
What to Expect at your Appointment
what we Can Help to treat:
Using a specialised technique, fine acupuncture needles are inserted along the lines or wrinkles which promotes the production of collagen and elastin. This may help to soften lines and wrinkles on the face.
The needles cause what is called a "microtrauma" to the area which can stimulate the body to produce collagen and elastin as it attemps to 'repair' the skin.
This may help to soften lines as well plumping the face from underneath, creating a more vibrant appearance.
Cosmetic Acupuncture uses facial needling to stimulate blood circulation to the face, which can assist in treating dryness and dullness. By promoting blood flow, it not only may address surface dryness but also may revitalise the health of the underlying soft tissues, which is essential for nourishing the skin and retaining moisture.
With Cosmetic Acupuncture, the skin receives an immediate boost of blood flow, which can improve the health of both the skin and connective tissues. This enhanced circulation can allow for better moisture retention, making your skin feel more hydrated and manageable.
sagging, drooping & loss of firmness
Sagging and drooping often result from a loss of firmness and elasticity in the skin and tissues of the face. Facial acupuncture can promote the regeneration of facial fibers by stimulating the production of collagen, elastin, and healthy tissue.
Facial acupuncture may also help to address sagging by targeting the underlying muscles. As we age, the muscles that help keep the face taut can weaken and atrophy, affecting the overall appearance of the skin. By needling specific muscles, we may help to stimulate tightening and strengthening, lifting certain areas for a firmer look.
Cosmetic Acupuncture can be used to target tension in the face - commonly seen in the forehead and between the eyebrows. Needles may be helpful to relax and release the muscles of the face.
Additionally, general acupuncture can be applied to the body which may help to alleviate stress and restore balance. We conduct a thorough assessment of your overall health, providing full-body acupuncture, which can help you to relax. Acupuncture may also be beneficial for relieving stress and anxiety and is frequently used to address various depression and stress-related disorders.
preventative anti-ageing
Cosmetic Acupuncture may be effective as a form of preventative anti-ageing. The fine Acupuncture needles stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in your skin, which in turn may result in a more youthful and radiant face for longer.
acne scarring & scars
Those who have suffered severe or long-standing acne may experience scarring, which can show up as dark red and purple spots, pitting, lumps and bumps or small indentations in the skin.
Cosmetic acupuncture can help to enhance blood flow and circulation in the skin, which may assist in the healing process. By addressing stagnant blood, it may help to fade purple spots and scars, allowing fresh blood to nourish the area. Additionally, this technique promotes the renewal and regeneration of skin tissue by stimulating collagen production, which may help to soften unevenness and pitting.
pigmentation, Dark spots & uneven skin tone
Cosmetic acupuncture may assist in reducing the appearance of dark spots and may promote a more even skin tone.
Pigmentation issues often arise from poor circulation in specific areas of the face, leading to uneven skin tone. By needling targeted areas, Cosmetic Acupuncture may encourage blood flow to the surface. This process may help to fade dark spots and address the stagnant pigments responsible for discolouration.
Results
Week 1 - 2
Within the first 1 - 2 weeks, the skin may start showing results of increased softness, radiance and hydration. The increased blood flow increases the oxygen and nutrient flow to the face which can assist with dehydrated and dry skin. Skin may appear brighter with more colour in the face. Muscles of the face may begin to release and tension in brow and jaw areas may soften.
Week 3 - 4
At the 3 - 4 week mark, muscles that were once weak with loss of firmness may begin to feel lifted and tightened due to the stimulation of specific muscles and motor points as well as increased circulation. The skin may feel softer and large pores may begin to shrink. The skin may visibly look tighter and fine lines may begin to soften.
Week 5 - 7
During weeks 5 - 7 the effects of collagen stimulation may become noticeable. You may experience tightening in the skin around the mouth and cheeks, along with softened lines and the muscles in your face may feel lifted. The soft tissue of your face may feel firmer and denser, giving it a plumper appearance. You also may notice volume restoration in areas that have experienced loss.
Week 8 - 12
During weeks 8 - 12 the most noticeable improvements typically occur. Your face may continue to feel firmer and tighter, with lines around your mouth and nose lifting. Fine lines may soften and your skin may look plump, bright and hydrated. Your complexion may be more even, redness reduced and pores may appear smaller.
Maintenance
Remember that the Cosmetic Acupuncture is cumulative. Meaning that regular sessions for the first 1 - 12 weeks is necessary to see maximum results and to get the most out of your treatment, as benefits add on to each other through each session. Maintenance appointments are then recommended every 4 to 8 weeks in order to maintain the results of your treatment. The frequency of maintenance sessions depend on your age and skin type/concerns.
The results of Cosmetic Acupuncture are a result of your own bodies ability to respond to the treatment and needles, so results will vary depending on your age and health.
What to expect
Arrival
For your first session, please arrive 10 minutes early to your appointment in order to fill out a new patient form. Preparation is minimal for your Cosmetic Acupuncture appointment, arriving with a clean face (no makeup) is appreciated and ensuring to eat before your appointment so you don't experience any dizziness or light-headedness.
Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Elena will discuss with you your skin concerns and she will assess your muscles, soft tissue and skin. She will also assess your overall health with tongue and pulse diagnosis to find any internal imbalances that could be contributing to your skin or general health issues.
During your first appointment, we will discuss a comprehensive treatment plan and set realistic expectations, to understand how many sessions you might require and what to anticipate.
Treatment
Your treatment will be tailored to your individual skin needs, though it will most often include Facial Acupuncture, Body Acupuncture (to address any internal imbalances), Gua Sha (a smooth stone tool to promote lymphatic drainage and circulation) and a gentle facial massage.
After the ultra-fine needles are inserted, the needles are left in for approximately 30 minutes as you are left to relax.
Allow 60 minutes for your Cosmetic Acupuncture appointment.
Frequently asked questions
DOES COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
The short answer is no, Cosmetic Acupuncture doesn't hurt. The needles we use are ultra-fine and are only 0.12 millimetres.
There is a possibility for some sensation but it should only feel like a subtle prick and will only last as the needle is being inserted into the skin. This will only last for a few seconds and the rest of your appointment should be relaxing and pain-free.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Cosmetic Acupuncture is very gentle and after your appointment you should experience no downtime, this means you can continue with your regular makeup and skincare applications and can resume your daily activities - although we do recommend some rest following each appointment so your skin can begin to rejuvenate!
Some people may experience redness of the face post-treatment (this is due to increased blood flow) and occasionally there can be some bruising to the face where the needles have been inserted. This should resolve itself in just a few days and should be pain-free.
WHAT TYPE OF NEEDLES DO YOU USE?
We use high quality, specialised ultra-fine facial acupuncture needles from Japan, the needles are only 0.12 of a millimetre. The needles have a silicone coating for smooth and nearly painless insertion. They are designed to gently separate skin molecules without cutting or damaging the skin.
CAN I CLAIM COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE ON PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE?
No, because Private Health Companies have defined that you cannot claim Cosmetic Acupuncture.
Your Practitioner:
Dr. Elena Bacash, Chiropractor & Acupuncturist, Director Fairfield Wellness
After 3 years of study, Dr Elena Bacash, Chiropractor has completed her Masters of Acupuncture. She is currently offering Acupuncture alongside Chiropractic and can offer sessions with both modalities or separately. Her areas of interest include:
- Musculoskeletal issues - frozen shoulder, knee pain, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, disc lesions, soft tissue injuries, wrist and ankle pain, hip pain.
- Pregnancy - foetal positioning is important to a comfortable pregnancy and birth. Dr Elena is trained in Webster Chiropractic technique which can help with optimal positioning and alignment of the pelvis to alleviate pain and discomfort during pregnancy as well as acupuncture techniques to support birth, position and labour
- Headaches, migraines, vertigo and dizziness, tinnitus, epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, tremors.
- Acupuncture for cancer support and survivorship
- Mental health support for anxiety and depression
- Cosmetic / Facial Acupuncture which includes a constitutional assessment with tongue and pulse diagnosis as well as facial acupuncture which helps improve collagen production from needling lines, to helping firm up sagging in the face by targeting the muscles of the face by stimulating them with needles and improving that 'tired' look that we can all have with bags under the eyes. In Chinese Medicine the different parts of the face relate to different organs and meridians and so we gain an insight into what is going on internally.
Availability:
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays