facial acupuncture vs tweakments

You will decide what is right for you, your health, and your skin. You can pick and choose what suits you.

Below you will find:

Facial acupuncture versus other treatments including Botox, threads, skin peels etc. We will look at the pros and cons, costs and downtime. You can also click on the pictures to watch videos of the treatments in action.
Apart from facial cupping and gua sha there are other "at home" treatments you can use. I have added a selection below that might give you some more options.

Facial acupuncture vs tweakments

Below takes a look at some of the possible treatments you can use for your face. I am comparing them side by side so you can get a sense of what the treatment involves, the cost, frequency and any downtime.

Cosmetic facial acupuncture is not the cheapest and it is definitely not the quickest. But it is the most natural. You will need to weigh up what is the best for you.

Cosmetic facial acu

Uses needles, gua sha, cupping therapy, LED light therapy & derma rolling to boost fibroblasts & collagen

Pros:

Treats not only your face and skin but we can treat other signs and symptoms as well, simultaneously e.g. headaches, back pain, menstrual issues
A natural and long-lasting way to have healthy skin. Once you have completed your block of treatments you can come in for maintenance treatments as you would like them
No downtime, you can leave the appointment and resume your day
Can be used on a variety of conditions including psoriasis, acne, wrinkles, pigmentation

Cons

It is not an alternative to Botox. It isn't a quick fix and the results will not be the same
The length and time is an investment

Botox

Botox is a neurotoxin injected into muscles in the face which stops the muscles from contracting

Pros

Immediate results
No downtime
Quick procedure
Can be used on wrinkles but also on other conditions like migraines and hyperhidrosis.

Cons

Facial expressions can be lost
As with any of these treatments choose your practitioner VERY wisely
Not permanent and will have to keep doing regularly to keep results

Face peel

A skin peel uses lactic or glycolic acids to dissolve chemical bonds that secure dead skin cells to the surface of your face

Pros

Can work on a number of conditions e.g. acne, wrinkles, pigmentation
Effects can last

Cons

Depending on the depth the downtime can be quite long and redness, swelling, crusting, itching and peeling can occur
You will need to be very careful in direct sunlight
Will need 4-6 treatments to get maximum benefit

Laser rejuvenation

Ablative lasers burn away the uppermost layers of the skin. Non-ablative creates heat in the skin creating a wound healing response

Pros

Can work on a number of conditions e.g. acne, wrinkles
Quick results

Cons

Ablative has a longer downtime that can include redness
Skin could be discoloured if not performed by a trained practitioner

Radio frequency

Radiofrequency tightening also creates heat in the skin to kick-start the wound healing response that freshens and tightens the skin

Pros

Tightens your skin immediately but also gives it a longer-term boost by stimulating it to produce more collagen.
Radiofrequency facials can also boost your skin’s oxygen levels, thus giving dull-looking skin more radiance
Safe

Cons

Six to eight treatments at one-month intervals and then treatments every few months, or in some cases every year, to maintain the improvements.

Threads

PDO (polydioxanone) is a synthetic fibre widely used in areas of medicine such as general surgery and cardiology. In aesthetics, the threads help to lift sagging skin as well as stimulate new collagen - your own natural collagen.

Pros

The relatively quick procedure
Lasts from 15 to 18 months on average.

Cons

Expect to pay about £1500
Common side effects:
- small holes in your face from where the practitioner inserted the threads and drew them tight.
- Swelling
- Bruising.
Less common side effects:
- Rippling of the skin.
- Granulomas
- Threads sticking out of the skin
Downtime: stopping vigorous activity and impact sports and avoiding anything that will require stretching your mouth open wide, from having a dental appointment to biting into a whole apple.

Other at home options

I cannot vouch for the efficacy of any of these options (other than the sleep mask) but I thought I would show you some other "tools" that you can buy and do at home.

I have no idea if these work - so I would be thrilled if you have tried anything and you could let me know your experience?

Nu Face: £175

Using ‘microcurrent’ technology it emits extremely low-voltage electrical currents that mirror your body’s own natural currents, stimulating collagen and elastin production and repairing skin. It tones skin to improve your facial contour, giving a visible ‘lift’ while minimising wrinkles and working towards more radiant, youthful skin.

Frownies: £25

Frownies stop you from making repetitive facial movements which create wrinkles. I have actually just brought these because I know I frown in my sleep. I removed the plaster in my sleep the two nights I tried them. I will persevere!

Face Yoga: £40 for 4 months

Face Yoga focuses on exercising the 57 muscles in your face and neck for up to 15 minutes a day.

If practised daily you can improve your appearance by toning, tightening and slimming your face.

Face Gym: £415

Definitely one of the more interesting tools I have seen (although an acquaintance swears by it) this is a wearable mask which provides an electrical stimulation mask, designed to target the cheeks and lower face muscles, giving an instant lift to your complexion.

Doctor Harris Face Mask: £90

I have actually brought this and cay say it definitely didn't work for me. But perhaps I was unlucky.

"Using 2R Technology (resistance and relaxation), the silicone dots gently grip your skin to prevent the underlying muscles from contracting. This resistance helps to prevent sleep creases – usually caused by your pillow – for smoother skin around your eyes. Enjoy physical relaxation of muscles and emotional relaxation as the mask stimulates your mechanoreceptors - tiny little nerve endings in your face".