Acupuncture Facelifts

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/health/061203_hs_acupuncture.html

As baby boomers age, many are searching for ways to get the look of
a facelift without surgery. Some acupuncturists believe their tiny
needles can help fade facial wrinkles.
Already known as an alternative remedy for alleviating backaches and
migraines, acupuncture is catching on as a cosmetic procedure. It
may not produce the dramatic effect of a surgical facelift --but
some patients and practitioners claim these centuries old art of
healing can deliver a more youthful look.

It's a tranquil and simple procedure. Not what you would expect a
facelift in progress to look like. This women says her skin is now
smoother than it use to be. And this patient says her laugh lines
have gone away. These women didn't undergo the knife to change their
appearances. They turned to an acupuncture physician.

"There are 57 muscles in the face and they are all connected to each
other. So when one goes down they all go down together," said Anna
Baker, acupuncture physician, Sarasota, Fl.

Anna Baker says acupuncture can re-tighten the face muscles,
returning the face to a healthier, revitalized youthful appearance.
It's also touted as a way to rejuvenate the cells under the skin.
Emily Leinfuss, 43, used acupuncture to relieve pre-menopausal
symptoms. Then she decided to try an acupuncture facelift.

"I had seen some of the pictures of women who had gotten facelifts
and I though, wow. You know if you look good, you feel better. So I
tried it," said Emily Leinfuss, acupuncture patient.

Patients usually have about 25 sessions -each lasting about 25
minutes. With this procedure five needles are placed in the head.

"They do not hurt. The needles are the size of a human hair."

What are some of the changes patients' experience? Enthusiasts of
acupuncture facelifts say the procedure rebuilds muscles around the
mouth creating fuller lips. They also claim it tightens eyelids
giving a wide awake, vibrant appearance and plumps up muscles in the
cheek for a firmer more chiseled look.

"Certainly everything has lifted, like a smile rather than a frown
is more natural. Maybe it creates an illusion for me that I'm just
growing younger," said Emily.

Another type of acupuncture facelift places needles directly in the
wrinkles of a person's face. While results are seen quickly -some
practitioners say it does not last. Anna Baker claims that
acupuncture facelifts done through the head will last as long as a
surgical facelift. Each session can cost $70 or higher.
Practitioners say it takes about 25 sessions to get results.