March 01, 2010 | Injection Treatments
5 minute read
As interest in alternative wellness therapies continues to grow, facial acupuncture has emerged as a trendy, non-invasive solution for those looking to reduce the signs of aging—especially wrinkles. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture has long been associated with promoting balance, relieving pain, and improving general well-being. But can it really substitute for tried-and-true cosmetic treatments like Botox or dermal fillers?
According to Pennsylvania-based plastic surgeon Dr. Bruce Genter, the answer is likely no. In a recent ABC News segment, Dr. Genter expressed skepticism about acupuncture as an anti-wrinkle solution, citing a lack of clinical evidence to back the bold claims often associated with facial acupuncture.
What Is Facial Acupuncture?
Facial acupuncture is a specialized form of traditional acupuncture where extremely fine needles are inserted into the face at strategic points. Proponents claim the technique improves blood flow, stimulates collagen production, and relaxes facial muscles—resulting in smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
Some of these reported benefits sound strikingly similar to what cosmetic injectables like Botox and hyaluronic acid fillers deliver, which is part of why the trend is garnering attention from those seeking less invasive or more holistic beauty alternatives.
What the Patients Are Saying
Julia Engstrom, featured in the ABC segment, claims she has seen positive results from her acupuncture treatments—despite having used Botox and laser therapies in the past. As she neared the end of her ten-session regimen, she reported a smoother skin texture, less visible wrinkling, reduced under-eye darkness, and an overall improvement in complexion.
“I’ve noticed that my skin is a lot smoother,” said Engstrom. “There’s a lot less red pigment in there and the wrinkling seems to be a lot less. I’ve been getting a lot of compliments.”
While her experience is anecdotal, it does reflect a core appeal of acupuncture: the promotion of general well-being. In Julia’s case, she noted that improved sleep and relaxation likely played a role in her improved skin tone and texture.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
Practitioners of TCM, like licensed acupuncturist Phyllis Olson, argue that the anti-aging effects of acupuncture come from a deeper place than just surface-level stimulation. In Prevention magazine, Olson explained that facial acupuncture helps correct “imbalances in the body’s flow of chi,” or life energy, which in turn improves circulation and skin health.
Acupuncturist Beata Maslanka, author of The Art of Wellness, adds that acupuncture may not yield dramatic before-and-after results like Botox, but its strength lies in its holistic nature. “When internal imbalances are corrected, outward appearance improves,” she says. That philosophy is reflected in the idea that beauty comes from within.
Still, Maslanka is quick to point out that facial acupuncture does not replace injectables. “You won’t look 10 years younger overnight, but you might feel 10 years better,” she suggests.
What the Experts Say: Skepticism Prevails
Skepticism remains strong among dermatologists and plastic surgeons. NYC dermatologist Dr. Barney Kenet, MD told Prevention that while acupuncture might lead to some temporary benefits like muscle relaxation or increased blood flow, the visible results are likely to be minimal.
“If acupuncture relaxes the muscles, it might reduce wrinkling temporarily,” Dr. Kenet explained. “At most, it will probably give you a temporary rosy complexion—something you don’t want if you have an inflammatory condition such as acne or rosacea.”
And while there are few known risks to the treatment (aside from minor bruising or redness), the consensus in the medical community is that acupuncture simply can’t match the wrinkle-reducing power of FDA-approved injectables like Botox or dermal fillers.
Cost Comparison: Acupuncture vs. Botox
A big consideration for many patients is cost. A full course of facial acupuncture typically involves 10 sessions, each ranging from $60 to $100, totaling between $600 to $1,000. Maintenance treatments are then recommended monthly to preserve results.
By contrast, a Botox session averages $472 and can last 3 to 6 months. That makes Botox not only more effective (with clinically proven results), but also more cost-efficient in the long run. While the relaxing ambiance of an acupuncture clinic may offer added appeal, when it comes to real, visible anti-aging outcomes, injectables win in both price and performance.
The Placebo Effect?
It’s possible that the effects some patients report from acupuncture—such as improved glow, fewer wrinkles, and brighter skin—may result more from relaxation and optimism than from physiological changes in the skin. This raises an interesting question: If you believe a treatment works and feel better because of it, does it matter whether it’s scientifically proven?
For many, the answer might be yes. In aesthetics, confidence is key, and if acupuncture fosters a sense of self-care, calm, and rejuvenation, then its value may lie more in the experience than the outcome.
The Verdict: Relaxing, But Not Revolutionary
If you’re looking for a natural, low-risk wellness treatment that might contribute to an improved complexion and mental clarity, facial acupuncture could be worth exploring. But if your goal is to visibly reduce wrinkles, lift sagging skin, or restore lost volume, modern aesthetic treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, and laser resurfacing remain the most effective and efficient options.
Dr. Genter summed it up succinctly: “If it increases your well-being, that’s great. I just don’t know that it can make your face look younger.”
Choosing the Right Wrinkle Treatment in Eugene, Oregon
At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, we believe in offering patients safe, science-backed solutions that align with their individual goals. Whether you’re curious about injectables, laser resurfacing, or even non-invasive skin tightening options, our team—led by Dr. Lee B. Daniel—can guide you through your options during a personalized consultation.
Contact us today at (541) 687-8900 or visit our Eugene office to explore the treatments that best suit your skin’s needs and your personal preferences.