(NBC) - It's a centuries old practice that is being used to take the years of a patient's face. Cosmetic acupuncture uses needles placed in precise locations on the face to get rid of wrinkles.
Kelli Hodge just turned 40 and is hoping a treatment that's been around for centuries will take a few years off her face. She's having acupuncture by licensed acupuncturist Rick Bernard who explained, "So what we're trying to do is create a micro trauma under the skin to take advantage of the body's natural healing process."
Bernard says that during that healing process, collagen production is revved up which helps fill in wrinkles. And he said there's another benefit, he said, "It wakes the nerve up and gives you a natural lifting effect."
These before and after pictures show a tighter jaw line. Cosmetic acupuncture can also help minimize vertical lines between the eyes.
Nicki Banucci, got cosmetic acupuncture, "I think it's definitely taken off five years." She had ten sessions, "My laugh lines improved completely."
Each session costs $105 and most people need ten treatments.
Kelli says despite all the needles in her face, her 20 minute treatment is surprisingly relaxing, "It's just a slight pinch. The needle goes in and the pinch goes away once the needle is in."
Occasionally the client gets a little bruising and while Kelli may not get the same dramatic and quick results of Botox, she says she'd much rather take this chemical free approach to beauty one that's cheaper than Botox in the long run.
Meantime, Bernard says results should last about 18 months and with maintenance they could last up to three years.
Kelli is on her third treatment, but already she's noticed improvements, "I think the wrinkles diminished and these deep set lines diminished as well."
Best of all, she says she still looks like herself only younger which is why she'll be sticking to this beauty regimen, "I want something natural and authentic to who i am and this seems to be a safe and easy way to go."
An ancient way to treat pain is now the latest way to look younger.Kelli Hodge of San Jose just turned 40 and is hoping a practice that’s been around for centuries will take a few years off her face.?She is having cosmetic acupuncture in Willow Glen by licensed acupuncturist Rick Bernard who is trained in the practice known as Mei Zen.?He places needles in precise locations on the face. "What we are trying to do is create a Micro-trauma under the skin to take advantage of the body’s natural healing process," said Bernard.?"Just as your skin heals from a cut, to heal from these tiny needle sticks your body starts making more collagen, which fills in wrinkles." Cosmetic acupuncture has another benefit too. According to Bernard, the procedure wakes up the nerve and gives a natural lifting effect.He says he has successfully treated clients vertical lines between the? eyes, and marionette lines, but the deep horizontal lines across the forehead are more challenging to treat. The treatment does not offer the same quick and dramatic results of Botox, but clients say they feel the results are much more natural.? Kelli Hodge says despite the twenty needles in her face, the treatment is not painful. She is happy with the results."I think the wrinkles have diminished, especially the deep set lines below my eyes," said Hodge.?Nicki Banucci had ten sessions and is thrilled with the results. "My laugh lines improved completely and I think it has definitely taken off five years," she said.Each session costs $105 and Bernard recommends ten sessions to get results that can last from eighteen months to three years.? Clients also often supplement their acupuncture session with LED light therapy sessions to help treat brown spots and redness along with 100 percent chemical free products developed from the line called Authentic Skin.Hodge says she would never consider Botox or Plastic Surgery so she appreciates this natural alternative. "I want something natural and authentic to who I am, and this seems to be a safe and easy way to go."For more information about cosmetic acupuncture and to see before and after photos go to their Web site.