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Effect of Single Facial Acupuncture on Dermal Structure and Appearance Satisfaction
Sponsor: Far Eastern Memorial Hospital
Summary
This study aims to investigate the effects of a single session of facial rejuvenation acupuncture on skin structure and personal satisfaction with facial appearance. As facial aging involves complex changes in muscles, skin, and soft tissues, facial acupuncture is considered a potential minimally invasive treatment to help restore balance and promote tissue repair. Researchers will enroll 60 healthy adults aged 30 to 60 who are concerned about facial aging. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an immediate intervention group or a waitlist control group. The intervention group will receive one session of facial acupuncture at the start of the study. The control group will continue their normal daily skincare routine for 6 weeks, after which they will receive the same single acupuncture treatment. All participants will be monitored weekly for 6 weeks. The research team will use non-invasive tools, including high-frequency skin ultrasound, 3D facial scanning, and a digital complexion analysis system, to objectively measure changes in skin thickness, facial volume, and wrinkles. Participants will also complete questionnaires at various time points to share their satisfaction with their appearance, self-confidence, and quality of life.
Official title: Effects of Single-Session Facial Acupuncture on Dermal Structure and Aesthetic Satisfaction: A Randomized Controlled Trial Combining High-Frequency Ultrasound and Patient-Reported Outcomes
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
30 Years - 60 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
60
Start Date
2026-06-11
Completion Date
2027-08-31
Last Updated
2026-06-24
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (FRA)
This intervention consists of a single, comprehensive session of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (FRA). The procedure targets 20 specific anatomical structures across the neck, jaw, perioral, cheek, periorbital, and upper face regions. The acupuncturist uses specific needling techniques (e.g., flat, oblique, and deep insertions) to balance myofascial tension-relaxing hypertonic muscles (such as the corrugator and masseter) and stimulating hypotonic muscles (such as the zygomaticus major/minor). Additionally, ligament release techniques are applied to vertical and horizontal retaining ligaments to stimulate tissue remodeling. The intervention is administered once at Week 0 for the experimental arm, and once at Week 6 for the waitlist control arm.
Locations (1)
Neihu Lixin TCM Clinic
Taipei, Taiwan