Need-les Wrinkles? Try an Acupuncture Facelift

The recipe for old age might sound something like this: drooping eyelids, dragging jowls and lots of lines and wrinkles. If going grandma makes you want to run and hide but you're not ready for Botox or scalpels, you might consider an acupuncture facelift.

Though it may sound like you’ll look as good as the weird bald guy from Hellraiser, adding lots of thin, flexible needles to the face can result in facial rejuvenation. In fact, cosmetic acupuncture was popular with Chinese Emperors' wives to achieve clearer and smoother skin.

Acupuncture is based on the belief that the body’s vital energy circulates through 20 channels; branches to these channels circulate to the organs and can create disease or complexion issues if there is an imbalance or interruption.

So how do lots of little needles turn your frown lines upside down? It’s a matter of circulation. Acupuncture promotes qi (or chi) and blood circulation. Increased circulation nourishes the skin, tightens pores and improves the complexion. 

The facial treatments typically involve 60 needles and are around 90 minutes. Some acupuncturists use a topical anesthesia to minimize discomfort. The face is more sensitive than other areas of the body, meaning that even if you’re able to easily tolerate needles in your back or neck, a large quantity of facial needles might cause uneasiness.

The procedure involves no cutting, no downtime and very minimal risk at a cost of $125 to $300 per treatment. While the results are not as dramatic as the effects of a scalpel session or Botox, when paired with high-quality skincare, it might just keep Father Time ticking a little more softly.

Would you try it? Or does the idea of needles in your face negate the possible results?

Photo credit: kenshimrmt and SuperFantastic on Flickr