What is Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture (CFA)?
Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture dates back to the Qin Dynasty in China (221-206BC). During this time, Chinese Medical Cosmetology was used on Emperors and Empresses to enhance the natural radiance of the face, delay signs of aging, and help maintain a youthful and beautiful appearance in front of the royal court. CFA is a full body treatment that addresses any underlying health conditions in addition to helping you age gracefully, but is not a face lift. It may help slow down the signs of aging and improve skin complexion and elasticity by improving circulation and lymphatic flow as well as increase collagen production in the face in addition to toning underlying facial muscles.
Dr. Aaron uses hair-thin disposable sterile needles made by Seiren, the Japanese gold standard of acupuncture needles because they are lined with silicon to help prevent bruising. In addition, Dr. Aaron uses facial cupping and gua sha or jade stone massage to reduce inflammation and increase circulation to the face.
Who can benefit from Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture?
CFA is for anyone that is looking to age gracefully and/or lookng to not undergo facial cosmetic surgery, botox, or fillers. It is a natural alternative to Botox, Fillers, and other more invasive procedures but not a replacement. Just as it takes time to age, it also takes time for the CFA treatments to show results and are not as immediate as cosmetic surgery, but the results are long lasting with maintenance and an active skin care routine.
CFA may decrease the effectiveness of Botox and Fillers by having the body process them quicker due to the increased circulation and lymphatic flow to the face.
What is Celluma LED Light Therapy?
Cleared by the FDA for pain management and skin care, Celluma uses LED light energy to improve cellular health by accelerating the repair and replenishment of compromised tissue cells. It mimics a natural photobiochemical reaction process to deliver safe, UV-free low-level light therapy through an FDA cleared, high-intensity LED device.
In the same way that plants use chlorophyll to convert sunlight into plant tissue, high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) utilizing specific, proven wavelengths of light can trigger a natural biostimulatory effect in human tissue. Research has shown that phototherapy can increase circulation, accelerate tissue repair, kill acne bacteria, decrease inflammation, improve skin tone, texture, and clarity, as well as easy muscle and joint pain, stiffness, spasm, and arthritis.
Research indicates that cells absorb particles of light (photons) and transform their energy into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the form of energy that cells utilize. The resulting elevation of ATP is then used to power metabolic processes; synthesize DNA, RNA, proteins, enzymes, and other products needed to repair or regenerate cell components; foster mitosis or cell proliferation; and restore homeostasis. Simply put, the LED light source provides compromised cells with added energy so the cells performance is enhanced. For example, fibroblast cells will increase collagen and elastic production in connective tissue.
Your Initial CFA Treatment:
Your first cosmetic facial acupuncture treatment will include a consultation going over your current health condition and areas that you want Dr. Aaron to focus on.
Your initial session will be about 2 hours and follow-ups are about 1.5 hours.
The following is a general outline of a typical treatment:
Step 1: Body Acupuncture
Dr. Aaron will choose points that promote relaxation and address your full-body health.
Step 2: Facial Acupuncture
Dr. Aaron will then choose points on your face to address your specific facial concerns.
Step 3: Celluma Light Therapy
Once all the facial needles have been applied, Dr. Aaron will then place the Celluma Light Panel over your face for a 30-45 minute application.
Step 4: Facial Cupping and Gua- Sha
Dr. Aaron will then remove all of the needles, apply an herbal cupping and facial oil and begin facial cupping and gua-sha or jade massage.
Step 5: Derma Rolling and Mei Zen Skin Care Application
Dr. Aaron will then wash your face with a cleanser made by Mei Zen Skin Care, and then derma roll your skin with the Acu Lift Derma Roller. He will the apply Mei Zen serums and moisturizers to help with rejuvenation post treatment. This is basically a facial.
Frequency of Treatment:
A full round of Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture and Celluma Light Therapy is 12 treatments including the initial treatment. It takes about 1-2 months for collagen to build, but results can be seen in as a few as 3-4 treatments with an active skin care routine. Dr Aaron will go over all the tips and tricks to help you age gracefully between treatments.
It is recommended that your initial 6 treatments be 2 times per week for the first 3 weeks and then to taper off to once a week, but this is dependent on your current skin complexion. After a full round of treatments, it is recommended to come once every 2 weeks and then once per month for maintenance treatments to keep your skin looking firmer and radiant.
Pricing:
Due to the nature of Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture and Celluma Light Therapy, treatments are not covered by health insurance. Pre-pay package pricing is available and certain services are a-la cart such as the Celluma Light Therapy by itself for the treatment of acne or rosacea between Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture sessions. Contact our clinic for more information about pricing.
Results:
Results vary and are dependent on lifestyle, eating habits, and an active skin care routine. Your initial treatment includes an Acu Lift Derma Roller to use at home in between in-house treatments. This will keep results consistent and it is recommended to use the Derma Roller 1-2 times in between treatments and to include it in your skin care regimen. Below are a few results that patients have seen with Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture at our clinic.
