Younger, healthier skin with a natural alternative to Botox and surgery

Our skin cells “turnover” approximately every 28-40 days, which means the top layer of skin that we see, the epidermis, is replaced by new skin cells every 4-6 weeks. Cell turnover slows down after the age of 30 and skin integrity breaks down from cellular oxidative stress caused by years of sun damage, dehydration, and inflammation which can appear decades later. These combined factors degrade the “scaffolding” protein of skin known as collagen which leads to fine lines and wrinkles and breaks down the “anti-gravity” recoil protein of skin known as elastin which leads to skin sagging. These proteins reside in the deeper layer of skin, called the dermis, which is formed from cells called fibroblasts.

The degradation process causes the skin to become thinner as we age; studies show that skin thickness decreases about 6.4% per decade on average, with earlier onset in women than in men. The earlier onset of degradation in women's skin compared to men’s is due to the estrogen depletion associated with menopause which accelerates skin degradation in women. Post-menopausal skin dryness is characteristic of hormonal changes that result in skin thinning.

The acupuncture facelift and necklift protocols are safe, non-surgical, and effective alternatives to invasive surgical procedures and toxic injectables with natural-looking and long-lasting results. The acupuncture protocols involve inserting small diameter needles into the dermis of the skin at a shallow depth, approximately 2-3mm, which creates a micro-trauma and stimulates fibroblast activity that increases collagen and elastin production. Repeated application of the procedure causes the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, to thicken which can help smooth facial expression lines and improve elasticity which produces a “lifting” effect.

The improvement in skin integrity helps improve the definition of the cheekbones and jawline while increasing blood flow to the skin which supplies more oxygen to the skin that creates a “glowing” complexion that is more even in tone. This is one reason why infants and children have radiant skin because skin oxygen reserves are at their peak and then decrease with age, measurably after age 30.

A minimum of 10 treatments provides optimal results, with either 2 treatments a week for at least 5 weeks or 1 treatment a week is equally effective, but it takes longer to see results. The results build on consecutive treatments, with most patients beginning to see results after the 5th treatment but may take longer if more advanced skin aging is present.

Results are best observed at the rate of skin cell turnover, every 28-40 days, which means the effects of each treatment are seen approximately 4-6 weeks later after the cells have reached the skin surface. The skin continues to produce more stable collagen and elastin fibers for several months after the final treatment which maintains the increased skin thickness. A single treatment is recommended every 1 to 3 months to maintain optimal results.

In addition to the office treatments, Dr. Kiselka provides patients with an after-care guide that discusses skincare, diet, and lifestyle factors to remove obstacles and complement the acupuncture effects for a comprehensive, natural approach to improving skin integrity and appearance.