Abstract
Background. The use of acupuncture for cosmetic purposes has gained popularity worldwide. Facial cosmetic acupuncture (FCA) is applied to the head, face, and neck. However, little evidence supports the efficacy and safety of FCA. We hypothesized that FCA affects facial elasticity by restoring resting mimetic muscle tone through the insertion of needles into the muscles of the head, face, and neck. Methods. This open-label, single-arm pilot study was implemented at Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong from August through September 2011. Participants were women aged 40 to 59 years with a Glogau photoaging scale III. Participants received five treatment sessions over three weeks. Participants were measured before and after FCA. The primary outcome was the Moire topography criteria. The secondary outcome was a patient-oriented self-assessment scale of facial elasticity. Results. Among 50 women screened, 28 were eligible and 27 completed the five FCA treatment sessions. A significant improvement after FCA treatment was evident according to mean change in Moire topography criteria (from 1.70 ± 0.724 to 2.26 ± 1.059, P < 0.0001). The most common adverse event was mild bruising at the needle site. Conclusions. In this pilot study, FCA showed promising results as a therapy for facial elasticity. However, further large-scale trials with a controlled design and objective measurements are needed.
Highlights
With extended life expectancy, beauty and skin health are important factors in perceived quality of life
Facial cosmetic acupuncture (FCA) has been increasing in use and popularity but few introductory articles [1, 2] were available until Donoyama et al reported in 2012 on increased water and oil content for facial skin after cosmetic acupuncture [4]
We hypothesized that FCA could be used to improve facial elasticity with needles inserted into the muscles of the head, face, and neck, resulting in restored muscle tone
Summary
Beauty and skin health are important factors in perceived quality of life. Facial cosmetic acupuncture (FCA) is the use of acupuncture on the head, face, and neck for cosmetic purposes. To explore whether FCA has effects on facial elasticity, we designed an open-label, single-arm pilot study using the most frequently practiced FCA technique in Korea. Facial cosmetic acupuncture (FCA) is applied to the head, face, and neck. We hypothesized that FCA affects facial elasticity by restoring resting mimetic muscle tone through the insertion of needles into the muscles of the head, face, and neck. A significant improvement after FCA treatment was evident according to mean change in Moire topography criteria (from 1.70 ± 0.724 to 2.26 ± 1.059, P < 0.0001). In this pilot study, FCA showed promising results as a therapy for facial elasticity. Further large-scale trials with a controlled design and objective measurements are needed
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