Aquilia Facial Puncture Clinician
Mrs Sandra Bird
BSc Hons Acupuncture
PGDip Herbal Medicine
Acupuncture, herbal and facial puncture specialist
Aquilia
At Aquilia, we are well-placed to provide self-care services to people who prefer to optimise their skincare and overall appearance more naturally rather than use prescriptive medicine such as Botulinum Toxin or dermal fillers.
Safety
Facial acupuncture is safe and does not carry the same risks or complications as Botox or dermal fillers.
Facial acupuncture ensures facial expression, causing controlled insertion aiming to promote plumper, toned, reduced wrinkles. Efficacy is measurable by before and after observations (photography), assessment and review by the patient – their thoughts, feelings about how the treatment has had an effect. There is limited research on this technique.
In our appraisals facial acupuncture encourages self-repair processes, rather than injecting medicines to relax muscle movement (which prevents overlying skin from creasing) or inserting a filler to restore volume to replace connecting tissue.
Aging
As expert acupuncturists with degree-level acupuncture specialised qualifications, we understand the complex arterial system of the face muscles and nerves. Coupled with our vast expertise in facial needling, our cosmetic acupuncture treatment suits many people seeking alternative methods to look and feel good.
At Aquilia acupuncture, we understand the impact ageing can have on overall well-being and confidence, and we are proud to offer and provide this method as a self-care cosmetic treatment. Facial acupuncture is a treatment we apply for ourselves.
As mentioned above, there have yet to be full-scale randomised controlled trials where scientists have applied rigorous methodology to assess the effectiveness or efficacy of facial acupuncture. However, there is research and biological plausibility regarding what may happen when the face and body are punctured in a controlled manner and how improvements may be obtained. Reviews of the literature on “controlled injury” showed that needling produces a healing response that stimulates collagen and elastin fibre production to promote skin remodelling. A recent and very small study that investigated the impact of cosmetic acupuncture on masseter muscle volume and its implications for facial aesthetics using valid tools for measurement found that all the women in the sample showed decreased facial sagging and noticeable aesthetic benefits and psychological satisfaction (n=10). While there is no robust evidence base for this popular self-care treatment, it is worth observing if it is effective and whether to continue additional treatment.
Consultation for facial puncture
During the assessment, the patient is seated upright to observe facial expression. The clinician at Aquilia Acupuncture will ask the patient to contract the facial muscles and tilt the head in various positions to ascertain areas of concern, needs, requirements, and expectations, as well as set a facial framework for where the punctures will be placed.
At Aquilia, facial needles are inserted in specific safe points on the face. Point locations include traditional acupuncture points believed to be rich in qi-blood paired with areas where facial atrophy may occur, such as around the cheek, nasolabial, and lower regions of the face. Needling also occurs directly into laughter lines/crowfeet, frowns and forehead lines.
The face area is cleansed (either before an appointment or on the premises), and the specific regions on the face and head are prepared before any facial needle insertion.
Process
Facial acupuncture is generally not uncomfortable. This is due to the specialised needling insertion technique, fine facial needles, and the acupuncturists’ skill, which helps avoid sharpness, pain, or discomfort. It is possible that bruising may occur particularly around the temporal or crow’s feet area. This can be avoided by needling alternative areas, however, not completely mitigated.
Sandra Bird lead facial puncture clinician at Aquilia Stamford describes:
“Pro age vs. anti-aging is important to me, making the absolute most of what we have. I think facial puncture it’s an extremely natural wonderful intervention. To be able to offer an alternative all-natural skin treatment using facial points, facial cupping and natural gorgeous herbal applications is highly rewarding and offers a change in clinic from medical care.”
Facial puncture
All needle insertions [30-50] are carried out with the patient lying supine or slightly reclined. The patient remains in this position to allow biological and physiological processes to occur. Patients can expect to relax with the facial points in position for 30-40 minutes. At Aquila, inserting a fine facial needle only takes about 1-3 seconds.
The facial puncture needles width ranges from 0.16 to 18mm. All needles are sterile, single-use, and disposable after treatment. Aquilia clinicians will provide you with a mirror to inspect the treatment output after each session and we routinely discuss your treatment expectations, and strategy.
Several treatments:
The number of treatments depends on the patient’s requirements and age. We recommend 3, 6, or 12 sessions. Although you can have more.
The sessions generally occur weekly. Some facial acupuncture patients prefer to attend facial treatments on an ad hoc basis and are satisfied with this pathway due to the impact of treatment. Patients can vary in response time, which is considered when planning future appointments with individuals.
The appointment time for the full luxurious intervention is 1 hour and 30 minutes and we have developed over the years alternative packages at different price points. Facial puncture needles are retained for a minimum of 30 mins. Appointment duration allows for the:
- insertion of the micro facial puncture insertions
- adequate retention time of the facial needles for the biological and physiological processes to take place
- Safe removal of the puncture points with aftercare.
Side effects and aftercare:
Bruising, erythema, and swelling can occur following facial acupuncture. Minor bleeding may occur when the facial needle is removed.
Aftercare post-treatment is straightforward; for example, cold compression and/or applying pressure at the site can minimise the risk of delayed bruising.
Patients can resume their everyday skincare routines and go about their day as usual. If bruising is a concern an appointment can be scheduled 1 week to 3 days prior to an event.
Advisory
We cannot provide facial puncture in an area where Botox treatment has been conducted due to the migration of the prescription medication or complications that may arise from Botox or dermal fillers. A period of 2-6 weeks or up to 12 weeks on review is required after a medical professional has prescribed Botox.
We are unable to provide facial puncture if there are infective skin conditions on the face.
Please inform the practitioner of any medication and supplements consumed.
Appointment fees:
- Cupping [No Puncture] 45 mins (£69)
- Facial puncture and cupping 1 hour (£79)
- Full luxurious session includes facial puncture, cupping, gua-sha, plant-based face mask, harmonising acupuncture points 1 hour 30 mins (£149)
These specialist appointments are also available in Langham, Suffolk. Call direct 07903645102.
Lianne Aquilina RDN, Dip Ay, BSc Hons, MSc, PGDip, MBAcC, MATCM, MAAC, MBMAS, MRCHM
Director of Aquilia Acupuncture
Acupuncturist, Researcher
This is an opinion piece outlining a new cohort study in press that examined the link between acupuncture during ovarian hyperstimulation and live birth rates.
Lianne holds a specialised Master of Science in Applied Health Research from the University of York. She has over twenty years of experience as an acupuncturist and has served as a visiting guest lecturer on acupuncture for IVF and the critical appraisal of research. Lianne is a trustee of the Research Council for Complementary Medicine UK. She contributed to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) guidelines on the number of embryos to transfer during IVF/ICSI. She is an independent UK expert in research. She is coauthor of the best-selling international textbook for acupuncturists, “Acupuncture for IVF: An Integrated Approach to Treatment Management.”
