Everything You Want to Know About Facial Rejuvenation
Facial Rejuvenation techniques offer a safe alternative to cosmetic surgery without the traumatic side effects.
Facial rejuvenation is any cosmetic or medical procedure that is used to increase or restore the appearance of a younger age to the human face. Advances in cosmetic and surgical technology have provided our culture with a variety of procedures that help achieve a younger aesthetic or reverse unwanted damage. However, such procedures can be very expensive and have high risk for lasting complications and side effects.
Luckily, Chinese and natural medicine offers a variety of non-invasive facial rejuvenation modalities that gives effective results without the risk of chemicals, surgery, or botox. The techniques discussed in this article are facial acupuncture, facial cupping, red light therapy, and micro-current technology.
Who is a good candidate for facial rejuvenation?
No matter what method you choose, facial rejuvenation is a good for those who may be considering surgery, chemical peels, or botox injections, but would like to try a gentler approach. Along with the aesthetic function of facial rejuvenation, there are many other uses. These include tension headaches and migraines, allergies, chronic sinus problems, TMJ, insomnia, and stress reduction.
How does it work?
All of the mentioned techniques increase microcirculation to the areas treated, which stimulates collagen and elastin production and increases tissue regeneration. The results are improvement of texture, brighter skin, improved muscle tone, and a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles. Here is an overview of the specific modalities:
Facial Cupping: My favorite form of facial rejuvenation, this therapy is performed with hand-held cups that are specifically designed for the face, neck, and chest. A light suction is created on treated areas, which not only increases micro-circulation, but stimulates lymph drainage and detoxification of the blood. The results are a myriad of benefits. I offer a protocol that includes facial cupping and lymph drainage, herbal mask, hot stones, and upper body massage. This is a very relaxing and rejuvenating treatment! Please see the facial cupping blog for more information.
Facial acupuncture: Very fine sterile single-use needles are inserted into the skin at acupuncture points. The acupuncture stimulates qi and blood circulation to the face and reduces blockages in the channels on the face that may cause an accumulation of scar tissue.
Micro stimu
lation: Previously used medically for conditions such as Bell’s Palsy and facial paralysis, this technology offers the same benefits of acupuncture, with some added bonuses. By applying small probes or a hand held device to the area, the soft waves of micro current additionally work on the underlying musculature on the face to help relax overworked tense muscles (which are responsible for our deep expression lines), and strengthens underused muscles (which helps with sagging and loss of tonicity). Hand held devices are now available for at-home use, but you should always consult your trained practitioner before doing so to make sure the device is safe for you and there are no contraindications.
Red light Therapy: This is the safest and most effective wavelength for body tissue regeneration. The 100% natural, non-thermal, non-invasive red light waves penetrate to the dermal layer of the skin and are absorbed by fibroblasts, which stimulate collagen production and tissue regeneration. Although this technology is expensive, and availability of treatment may be still be scarce, the benefits of this therapy are vast:
* Treats acne by decreasing sebaceous gland production
• Treats dermatitis and psoriasis by decreasing inflammation
• Helps protect the skin from free radical damage and the sun’s harmful rays
• Evens pigmentation, age spots, and freckling
• Decreases fine lines and wrinkles and sagging
• Improves skin tone and texture
• Raises serotonin production, so has the added benefit of uplifting the mood.
How many treatments will I need?
Your treatment plan will be dependent on your specific goals and needs. Typically, I recommend 12 treatments (1 treatment per week for 12 weeks, or 2 treatments per week for 6 weeks). Usually patients will see positive results immediately, or within several treatments. Monthly or bi-monthly follow-up treatments are a good idea for continued maintenance.
