Cosmetic Acupuncture & Bells Palsy
Age gracefully, embody your beauty
Cosmetic Acupuncture is a painless, non-surgical method of reducing the signs of the aging process. Cosmetic, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture and Facial Acupuncture can sometimes be referred to as an Acupuncture Facelift, it is more than just a cosmetic procedure. It is a rejuvenation and revitalization process designed to help the whole body look and feel younger.
Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture &
Facial Paralysis Treatment in Oakland
Dr. Kim is one of the Bay Area's leading experts in Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture, she teaches continuing education trainings for licensed acupuncturists in Integrative Cosmetic Acupuncture and the Four Pillars of Holistic Anti-Aging Skincare which train acupuncturists in her unique methods.
Fine lines may be entirely eliminated and deeper wrinkles diminished. Bags under the eyes can be reduced, jowls firmed, puffiness eliminated, droopy eyelids lifted and double chins minimized. Other likely results include: moisturizing of the skin with increased local circulation of blood and lymph to the face; increased collagen production, muscle tone, and dermal contraction; tightening of the pores; brightening of the eyes; improving of hormonal balance to help acne; reduction of stress evident in the face – bringing out the innate Beauty and Radiance of an individual.
*Proof of Vaccination Required for All Cosmetic Procedures*
How Does Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture Work?
Cosmetic facial acupuncture works by increasing the stimulation of fibroblast cells to produce collagen, elastin and other natural by-products which enhance the appearance of the skin. It works with the musculature of the face - helping some muscles to relax while stimulating others to engage which helps to soften some wrinkles and also lift sagging skin.
Overall the treatment addresses the underlying constitution and health of the patient which results in improved blood flow, lymphatic drainage, release of stress, improved sleep and digestion and relieves pain - all of which play a crucial role in how our faces appear on the outside. Cosmetic facial acupuncture is also minimally invasive and this helps us preserve the dermal papillae layer of the skin - meaning it's a great treatment for long term that won't damage the skin structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Course of Treatment? The recommended course of treatment (for the longest lasting and most dramatic effect) consists of an initial 10 weekly treatments. You will notice an effect after the first treatment and the weekly treatments help to solidify this effect and enhance it over the treatment period. The effects become most noticeable and lasting on or about the seventh session. Each person responds differently, depending on his or her condition and lifestyle prior to treatment. Following the initial course of treatment, monthly or quarterly maintenance sessions can prolong the results for one to three years. We like to think of Cosmetic Acupuncture in the same way we think of hair maintenance or nail care - to keep the results and slow the visible effects of aging, it's very important to keep to a regular schedule of treatment.
What does the Treatment include? Every Facial Acupuncture treatment begins like any regular acupuncture session. On your first session Dr. Kim will go through a detailed intake of your health history and any medical problems you may be experiencing currently, then she will go over the cosmetic treatment and address your target areas and expectations. Each Cosmetic Acupuncture treatment includes: -Full body acupuncture to treat any underlying or concurrent health issues or tendencies -Facial & Scalp acupuncture targeted to the areas you specify or your general constitution -30 Minute Celluma LED Light Therapy -Your choice of a Mini Micro-Current Session, Facial Cupping or Facial Gua Sha treatment
When will I see results? Results are usually apparent right after one session! For some results are subtle and for others significant. Immediate results will last 7-10 days then start to fade away, with a series of 10 weekly sessions the end results will be permanent (until the body begins to break down the tissue again).
When is a good age to get this treatment? There's no set age limit or minimum to receive cosmetic acupuncture. As a general rule of thumb: •Younger patients tend to see less dramatic results but the results will generally last longer because of the youthful integrity of the cells and collagen in the skin. •Older clients will often see dramatic results but need to be more diligent about maintenance to keep their results lasting.
Who is NOT a good candidate for Cosmetic Acupuncture? In general MOST people are great candidates for Cosmetic Acupuncture, but there are some exceptions: -Recent Botox or Filler injections (within 4 weeks) -Significant Botox / Filler use (this generally will make treatments seem less effective) -Currently sick with a Cold / Flu -Currently Pregnant -Chronic Migraines (in many cases clients who suffer from migraines will improve with Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments, but sometimes this can trigger a migraine) -Significant Health Issues / Diseases that are uncontrolled (other health issues need to be addressed FIRST in order to get the best results from Cosmetic Acupuncture) -Clients who easily bruise / bleed / on blood thinners (the risk of bruising is increased with cosmetic acupuncture) -Having a big event within 1 week of treatment (due to risk of bruising with treatments, it's best to do your final session at least one week prior to any big event you may have).
What are your COVID-19 Safety Protocols? To help keep our staff and patients safe we are requiring proof of vaccination for all cosmetic procedures, please be prepared to show your COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination on your first visit. -All patients are pre-screened for COVID-19 risks and exposure prior to each appointment -All patients are screened for fever upon arrival -Face masks are required at all times when in the office, for cosmetic procedures your face mask will be removed only prior to the facial needling portion of the treatment. -Sanitization between every patient is performed, along with easy access to hand sanitizer in office
An acupuncture treatment for Bell’s Palsy involves first, treating the underlying constitution of the patient, addressing matters like sleep, stress, digestion, energy, emotions, etc. A Bell’s Palsy diagnosis can be a very stressful event, so it’s important that we address the entire person in this holistic way. The next part of the treatment is focused on the face and helping to decrease inflammation around the 7th cranial nerve.
The initial 2 weeks of a Bell’s Palsy case is the most crucial time to seek out treatment, addressing the disease in the acute phase is more likely to garner an acute recovery, in other words - the sooner we treat the condition, the more likely it is to go into remission faster. Even after the acute phase has passed, cases that are many years old can still garner improvements to mobility, sensation and even complete recovery with frequent, directed acupuncture treatments.
Dr. Kim sees multiple facial paralysis cases every month and is one of the Bay Area's leading experts. She also teaches continuing education courses to other Licensed Acupuncturists to help them learn to effectively treat this condition.
"I've had Bell's Palsy before and it took over 2 months to recover, this time I saw Dr. Kim and was almost fully recovered in a month. She was incredibly knowledgeably on the disease and how it manifests which helped a lot to understand what to expect" -MM
Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture Before & After Photos
Patients usually notice a significant change after only one facial acupuncture session. Multiple sessions are required to make this change more permanent. We see changes like the softening of the forehead and glabellar lines, lifting of eyelids and jowls, and an overall brightening and enlivening of the face. We love the subtle but impactful nature of this treatment!
