A minimum of 12 consecutive treatments to see lasting effects. You may choose single treatments, but results will be very slow.

Just like receiving acupuncture for general health ailments, cosmetic acupuncture's effects are cumulative over time, with each treatment building on the previous treatment. The facial rejuvenation protocol is a series of 12 treatments over a 12-week period. This is the amount of time that it tastes for a new matrix of collagen and elastin to develop for lasting results.

In some cases, 2 treatments per week (over 6 weeks) may be recommended for faster results, or to prepare for a special occasion where you want to look & feel your best.

Understandably, life happens and there may be weeks when the treatment frequency fluctuates or needs to be skipped, but the bottom line is: consistent treatment is key.

After completing a 12-week intensive rejuvenation, we move to monthly maintenance treatments. Think of it like going to the gym - it’s an ongoing investment of your time and effort in your health & vitality, not a one-time event.

• Each treatment is 60 minutes (with the exception of your first appointment, which is 75 minutes and we go over your health history, skin concerns and treatment goals). 

• Please refrain from wearing heavy make-up to your appointment. Light make-up is fine.

• First, body needles are gently applied to treat your baseline health and constitution. We can address things like: sleep issues, digestion, energy levels, etc. 

• Then thin, facial needles are applied to focus treatment on facial skin concerns. At all times, be in communication about your comfort levels.

• You'll then rest for 25-30 minutes under a LED Light while the needles do their thing. 

• At the conclusion of the treatment, needles are removed and I address any questions or concerns you may have.

The end! Go about your day with a beautiful, natural glow with zero recovery or down-time.

Results may vary according to your baseline health and lifestyle factors.

If you are in the 30-50(-ish) year age group, after the 12-treatment series, the effects should last 2-3 years with monthly maintenance visits. It is recommended to begin the facial rejuvenation cosmetic acupuncture protocol in your 30s, as that is when collagen production begins to decline and prevention of fine lines and wrinkles with proper skincare is much more effective than trying to go back and "erase" time. 

For those with more mature skin (age 50+), the recommendation is one 12-treatment series annually, along with monthly maintenance visits. 

Regardless of age or skin type, there will be a point in time where you’ll “feel” like it’s time to repeat the full 10-treatment protocol. Kind of like when you’ve been sitting on your behind for too long and need to go for a walk :) You’ll know.

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy or nursing

• Uncontrolled hypertension

• Severe migraines

• Seizures, epilepsy

• Active skin lesions

• Botox or fillers - wait 2 months after most recent injection

• Face lift or facial surgery - wait one year

• Severely sun-damaged skin

• Active smoker

Side effects:

• possible pin-point bleeding (temporary)

• possible bruising (temporary - may last a few days)

• feeling great, better sleep, reduced stress

• Combine the power of Chinese herbal medicine and nutrition principles to further nourish your skin and the anti-aging effects of cosmetic acupuncture. I will recommend Chinese herbal formulas tailor-matched to your constitution and skincare goals, as well as recommended nutrition.

• Celluma LED Therapy is a complimentary inclusion for cosmetic acupuncture treatments. Light therapy increases cell turnover and proliferation, resulting in increased collagen, decreased inflammation and pain. Head over to the Celluma website to learn more about how it works and see before & after photos.

• Continue an at-home skincare routine (proper cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection)

• Quarterly facials to keep your epidermis (the top layer of skin) in tip-top shape.

Following a simple skincare routine morning & evening is a non-negotiable! No fancy products needed, but do follow these 4 steps.

1. Cleanse: using a gentle cleanser (harsh soaps strip natural oils)

2. Tone: Toners help balance the skin's pH and remove excess dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities. If your skin can handle peels, I recommend a gentle acid peel once a week. For sensitive skin, whole unflavored yogurt (which has lactic acid!) is an option.

3. Repair: serums with active ingredients depending on your skincare focus.

4. Hydrate - with a moisturizer.

5. (optional) “lock in” moisture with a face oil

• Good nutrition - nutrients and vitamins are essential for proper skin nourishment. You are what you eat. Avoid inflammatory foods like: processed foods which contain excess sugar and harmful oils.

• Avoid excess alcohol: excess consumption of alcohol can damage the skin due to damage to the liver. Alcohol is also dehydrating.

• Stay hydrated - dehydration causes skin to sag, have poor skin color, increase breakouts, and reduce facial tone. ​​​(Patients have also reported increased needle sensitivity when dehydrated. Imagine sticking a pin in a dry sponge compared wet sponge. Which one would have more resistance?)

• Sunscreen - all day, every day, even when it’s cloudy outside. Don’t forget your neck, chest and hands!

Please see booking site for current fees.