Facial acupuncture
Does facial cosmetic acupuncture hurt?
It’s the question I’m asked most often. Here’s what the needles are like, what you’ll feel, and what I do to keep you comfortable.
Quick answer
Most people find it far less uncomfortable than they expect, and many find it relaxing. You may feel a brief prick as a needle goes in, then a dull ache, warmth or nothing at all. A few spots, around the mouth and eyes, can feel sharper for a second or two.
How fine are the needles?
Acupuncture needles are solid, not hollow, and about the thickness of a hair. They’re far finer than the needles used for injections or blood tests, so they part the skin rather than cutting through it. That’s why there’s so little bleeding or bruising.
The needles I use
- 30mm long, 0.16mm wide, for most of the facial needling
- 15mm long, 0.12mm wide, for sensitive areas such as the forehead
- 5mm long, 0.12mm wide, for fine skin needling, in Deluxe sessions only
All are sterile and used once only.
How many needles are used?
A Lite session uses around 40 to 50 needles. Most go in the face and neck, and a few in the hands and feet to help you relax.
A Deluxe session can use 100 or more. The extra needles are the tiny ones used for fine skin needling, which barely go below the surface.
What it feels like
As the needle goes in
A brief prick or pinch as it passes through the skin. It fades within a second or two.
Once it’s in place
Often nothing at all. Some people feel a dull ache, heaviness, warmth or tingling. These are normal, and usually a sign the needle is in the right place.
Occasionally, something sharper
Now and then a needle sits close to a tiny nerve or blood vessel and feels sharp or hot. Tell me straight away and I’ll move it or take it out. You never need to put up with it.
While the needles are in
The needles stay in for about 20 to 25 minutes. I dim the lights and give you a blanket, and many people doze off. Try to stay still, as moving can make a needle feel uncomfortable.
Taking the needles out
This is quick and painless. If there’s a small spot of blood, I press on it with a cotton bud. I take out the head and neck needles first, then the ones in your hands and feet. In a Deluxe session, the facial massage comes in between.
How to make it more comfortable
- Have a light meal an hour or so before, so you don’t feel light-headed.
- Tell me if you’re nervous. I’ll explain each step and go at your pace.
- Breathe slowly. A long, slow breath out as each needle goes in really helps.
- Let the area relax. Tense muscles make needles more noticeable.
Summing up
Facial acupuncture isn’t completely painless, but for most people it’s much easier than they expect, and many find it one of the most relaxing hours of their week.
For bruising and other side effects, read The side effects and downsides of facial cosmetic acupuncture. You can read more about treatment on my facial acupuncture page.
Try facial acupuncture
Lite, one hour, £100. Deluxe, 90 minutes to 2 hours, £195. At Private Medical Rooms, 679 Clarkston Road.