Effect of Single Facial Acupuncture on Dermal Structure and Appearance Satisfaction

Facial aging is a complex, multi-layered process involving cranial bone resorption, fat pad redistribution, and biomechanical imbalances within the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) and facial expression muscles. While conventional aesthetic treatments like botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, and surgical facelifts are effective, they are associated with potential limitations such as expression stiffness, vascular risks, high costs, and extended recovery times. Consequently, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (FRA) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative designed to promote endogenous tissue repair with minimal downtime.

The potential physiological mechanisms of FRA include: regulating myofascial tension by targeting specific expression muscles to restore biomechanical balance; initiating a wound-healing cascade via micro-trauma to stimulate collagen synthesis; and enhancing local microcirculation through axon reflexes. Despite its growing clinical popularity, most existing research focuses on the cumulative effects of 5 to 10 sessions, leaving a significant gap in understanding the temporal dynamics of a single intervention. It remains unclear whether a single FRA session produces only a short-term "Cinderella effect" or initiates a sustained tissue remodeling process. Furthermore, previous studies have heavily relied on subjective assessments rather than objective quantification.

To address these gaps, this single-blind, randomized, waitlist-controlled trial aims to systematically evaluate the short-to-mid-term biological effects of a single FRA session over a 6-week period. Sixty eligible adults (aged 30-60) will be randomly allocated via sealed envelopes to an intervention group or a waitlist control group. The intervention group receives a single comprehensive FRA treatment at Week 0, targeting 20 specific anatomical structures across the neck, jaw, perioral, cheek, periorbital, and fascial regions to release ligament adhesions and adjust muscle tension. The control group maintains routine non-invasive skincare for 6 weeks before receiving a compensatory FRA treatment. To establish robust evidence, objective multi-modal imaging and assessments will be conducted weekly for all participants.

These tools include:

1.High-Frequency Skin Ultrasound (DUB Cutis): To measure changes in dermal thickness and assess collagen density via echogenicity.

2.3D Facial Scanning (Morpheus 3D): To quantify mid-to-lower face soft tissue volume changes and evaluate lifting effects via curved length measurements. 3.Digital Skin Analysis (VISIA): To objectively assess wrinkle depth, quantity, and overall skin surface texture.

In parallel with objective imaging, Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) will track subjective changes in appearance satisfaction, self-confidence, and quality of life. Data collected across the 7 time points (Baseline to Week 6) will be analyzed using Linear Mixed Models (LMM) to evaluate the dynamic trends and interactions of the treatment effects over time.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 30 to 60 years old. Individuals concerned about facial aging issues.
• Individuals without severe chronic diseases.

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant women.
• Individuals with coagulation disorders.
• Individuals with a keloid constitution or tendency for abnormal scarring.
• Individuals with acute or chronic facial hemiplegia/paralysis of any cause.
• Individuals who have undergone facial cosmetic surgery or cosmetic injections within the past 6 months.
• Individuals currently taking anticoagulant medications.
• Individuals with active skin infections.
• Individuals with a history of severe allergies.
• Individuals otherwise deemed unsuitable for facial acupuncture by the investigators.