Facial Acupuncture: Treatment Advice & Aftercare
Updated: 6 days ago
Before & After Your Facial Acupuncture Treatment
Facial acupuncture is a gentle treatment using very fine acupuncture needles placed at selected points on the face and, where appropriate, the body.
At Eco Skin Clinic, the treatment is used as part of a holistic approach to facial wellbeing and skin health. Your treatment is personalised according to your individual needs and may be combined with facial massage or other complementary techniques.
Before Your Treatment
Very little preparation is required.
Before your appointment:
Eat normally beforehand — avoid arriving on an empty stomach.
Keep normally hydrated.
Avoid alcohol before your treatment.
Avoid arriving immediately after very strenuous exercise if possible.
Tell us about any medication, supplements or herbal remedies you take.
Let us know if you take medication that affects bleeding or bruising.
Tell us if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Let us know about any recent injectable or advanced facial treatments.
Tell your practitioner if you have a tendency to faint or feel unwell around needles.
You don't need to remove your makeup before attending; your practitioner can cleanse the areas being treated where required.
Is Facial Acupuncture Suitable for Everyone?
Facial acupuncture can be adapted for many people, but your medical history needs to be considered first.
Please tell your practitioner if you:
are pregnant or trying to conceive
have a bleeding or clotting disorder
take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication
have epilepsy or a history of seizures
have a significant heart or circulatory condition
have a weakened immune system
have an active infection or are feeling acutely unwell
have an active skin infection, cold sore, wound or significant inflammation on the face
have recently had facial surgery
have recently had dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections or another advanced facial treatment
have a significant medical condition or have recently experienced a major change in your health.
Not all of these mean that acupuncture cannot be performed. Your practitioner may adapt the treatment, avoid particular areas or recommend postponing your appointment.
Do not stop prescribed medication for acupuncture unless advised by the healthcare professional who prescribed it.
Pregnancy
Acupuncture can be performed during pregnancy by an appropriately trained practitioner, but certain acupuncture points and techniques may be avoided.
Please always tell your practitioner if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, even during the very early stages.
What Does Facial Acupuncture Feel Like?
The needles used for facial acupuncture are extremely fine.
You may feel a brief prick as a needle is inserted, followed by sensations such as:
tingling
warmth
heaviness
a dull ache
mild tightness.
Many clients find the treatment relaxing.
Occasionally a needle may feel uncomfortable. Tell your practitioner if this happens so it can be adjusted or removed.
What to Expect Afterwards
Most people can return to their normal activities immediately.
Following treatment you may experience:
temporary redness around a needle point
mild tenderness
a small amount of bleeding when a needle is removed
minor bruising
temporary light-headedness or tiredness.
Small bruises are one of the more common cosmetic side effects of facial acupuncture because the face contains many small blood vessels.
Bruising usually fades naturally, but occasionally may remain visible for several days.
Aftercare
There is very little specific aftercare required.
Following your treatment:
Keep normally hydrated.
Avoid rubbing or repeatedly touching areas that feel tender.
Avoid strenuous exercise immediately afterwards if you feel light-headed or tired.
Avoid excessive alcohol immediately following treatment.
If you feel light-headed, sit or lie down until you feel completely well.
Continue your normal gentle skincare routine unless your practitioner advises otherwise.
If a small bruise develops, allow it to resolve naturally.
Makeup & Skincare
You can normally return to your usual skincare and makeup following facial acupuncture.
If a needle point has bled or feels particularly sensitive, allow the area to settle before applying makeup directly over it.
Use clean makeup brushes and applicators.
Other Facial Treatments
Tell your practitioner if you've recently had dermal filler, anti-wrinkle injections, skin boosters, polynucleotides, microneedling, laser or another advanced facial procedure.
We may recommend leaving an appropriate interval between treatments or avoiding recently treated areas.
When Should I Contact Eco Skin Clinic?
Temporary redness, mild tenderness and occasional bruising are normal possible reactions.
Please contact us if you experience:
significant or persistent swelling
increasing pain or redness
signs of infection
persistent bleeding
an unexpected reaction that concerns you.
Serious complications from appropriately performed acupuncture are uncommon, but seek medical attention if you become significantly unwell following treatment.
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