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Better than Botox?
Facial acupuncture: The new “it” alternative to cosmetic surgery
By Jane Black
Microdermabrasion. Fat injections. The obligatory facelift at 40. Hollywood stars have always gone to great lengths to look perfect. Now notable A-listers—Madonna, Gwyneth, Demi—have a new weapon in their battle against age: tiny, sharp needles. Loads of them.
The latest purported skin-saver is facial acupuncture. And though local practitioners admit that its results can’t quite compete with those of a surgeon’s knife, the non-invasive treatment does reduce puffiness, lift flaccid eyelids and jowls, minimize wrinkles, and create a more radiant complexion.
According to Beau Anderson, chair of the western biomedicine department at the New England School of Acupuncture, when ultra-thin needles, called intradermals, are inserted into the skin, they spur a mild inflammation and wound-healing response. This increases blood flow and oxygen to the face, giving patients a healthy glow and encouraging the creation of collagen and elastin, which can eliminate fine lines.
Needles are also placed in traditional pressure points—hands, feet, and stomach—to promote general health and emotional well-being. Facial wrinkles are caused, in part, by stress, fatigue, and illness, says Wen Chen, who has been practicing facial acupuncture in Newton for 26 years. “It only makes sense that a healthier, happier person looks better,” Chen says.
Still, facial acupuncture is no quick fix. Most acupuncturists prescribe a course of 10 weekly treatments with monthly maintenance after that. A series can cost up to $1,850. But when you consider that the average facelift costs well over $5,000 (and does nothing for your health), that seems like a steal.
>>Dr. Beau Anderson, First Health of Andover, One Dundee Park, Andover, 978-474-9994; Wen Chen, Chen Acupuncture Clinic, 345 Boylston St. (Rte. 9), Newton, 617-527-6076; Stephen Cina, Integrative Acupuncture, 1842 Beacon St., Brookline, 617-251-3743.
The latest purported skin-saver is facial acupuncture. And though local practitioners admit that its results can’t quite compete with those of a surgeon’s knife, the non-invasive treatment does reduce puffiness, lift flaccid eyelids and jowls, minimize wrinkles, and create a more radiant complexion.
According to Beau Anderson, chair of the western biomedicine department at the New England School of Acupuncture, when ultra-thin needles, called intradermals, are inserted into the skin, they spur a mild inflammation and wound-healing response. This increases blood flow and oxygen to the face, giving patients a healthy glow and encouraging the creation of collagen and elastin, which can eliminate fine lines.
Needles are also placed in traditional pressure points—hands, feet, and stomach—to promote general health and emotional well-being. Facial wrinkles are caused, in part, by stress, fatigue, and illness, says Wen Chen, who has been practicing facial acupuncture in Newton for 26 years. “It only makes sense that a healthier, happier person looks better,” Chen says.
Still, facial acupuncture is no quick fix. Most acupuncturists prescribe a course of 10 weekly treatments with monthly maintenance after that. A series can cost up to $1,850. But when you consider that the average facelift costs well over $5,000 (and does nothing for your health), that seems like a steal.
>>Dr. Beau Anderson, First Health of Andover, One Dundee Park, Andover, 978-474-9994; Wen Chen, Chen Acupuncture Clinic, 345 Boylston St. (Rte. 9), Newton, 617-527-6076; Stephen Cina, Integrative Acupuncture, 1842 Beacon St., Brookline, 617-251-3743.
Originally published in Boston magazine, April 2006
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