The provincial hospital of traditional Chinese medicine and Gulou Hospital for facial sagging improvement in New York City!

Introduction

Facial sagging is a common concern for many individuals, especially as they age. In New York City, there are several avenues to address this issue, including the utilization of services from provincial hospitals of traditional Chinese medicine and well - known institutions like Gulou Hospital. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the different approaches, treatments, and benefits offered by these medical entities in the context of facial sagging improvement. We'll draw on various resources and research to provide a thorough understanding of the options available to those seeking to enhance their facial appearance and reduce the signs of sagging.

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Facial Sagging

Overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine in NYC

In New York City, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a significant presence. Institutions such as the New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (NYCTCM) offer educational programs related to TCM, which is also applicable in the field of facial rejuvenation. The NYCTCM has a community teaching clinic that provides affordable acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Acupuncture, a core TCM treatment method, is based on the principle of regulating the flow of energy (qi) in the body through the insertion of fine needles into specific acupoints.

Acupuncture for Facial Rejuvenation

Acupuncture for facial rejuvenation, also known as facial acupuncture or cosmetic acupuncture, has gained popularity as a natural alternative to invasive cosmetic procedures.

• How it Works: Facial acupuncture works by stimulating blood flow and collagen production. The insertion of fine needles into specific points on the face encourages the body's natural healing processes. Collagen and elastin are crucial proteins for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. As we age, the production of these proteins decreases, leading to sagging skin. Acupuncture stimulates the body to send more fibroblasts, which are special repair cells, to the face. These fibroblasts regenerate collagen and elastin beneath the skin's surface, thereby improving overall skin tonicity and restoring lift. It also promotes lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness and improving skin tone. According to a 2005 paper, the benefits of face acupuncture include the reduction of some wrinkles, a decrease in the length and depth of others, reduced facial edema, decreased acne, improved muscle tone, tighter pores, and less sagging around the eyes, cheeks, chin, and neck.
• Benefits:
  • Improved Skin Tone: By enhancing blood circulation, facial acupuncture leads to a healthier and more even skin tone.
  • Reduced Wrinkles: Stimulating collagen production helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For example, wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, and mouth can be effectively targeted.
  • Increased Elasticity: It promotes collagen and elastin production, which improves skin elasticity and firmness.
  • Detoxification: Enhanced lymphatic drainage helps detoxify the skin, reducing puffiness and promoting a clearer complexion.
  • Stress Reduction: Acupuncture can reduce stress and improve overall well - being, which positively affects skin health. Stress can contribute to premature aging and skin sagging, so addressing stress through acupuncture can have indirect benefits for the face.
• Side Effects: Facial acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. However, some people may experience minor side effects such as redness, swelling, or bruising at the needle insertion sites. These effects are usually temporary and should subside within a few hours to a few days.

Other TCM Treatments for Facial Sagging

In addition to acupuncture, there are other TCM treatments that may contribute to facial sagging improvement.

• TCM Herbal Medicine: Herbs in TCM are selected based on their four natures and five flavors, and prescriptions are tailored according to an individual's TCM examination. Some herbs may have properties that nourish the skin, improve blood circulation, or support the body's overall health, which can indirectly affect the appearance of the face. For example, certain herbs may help in reducing inflammation or promoting the production of beneficial substances in the body that are related to skin health.
• TCM Cupping Method: The cupping method uses suction cups or fire cups to create a vacuum on the skin. While more commonly known for its use in treating body pain and promoting blood circulation, it can potentially be applied in the facial area to improve blood flow and stimulate the underlying tissues. This may contribute to better skin tone and a more lifted appearance.
• TCM Moxibustion: Moxibustion involves burning moxa or other herbs on carefully selected acupoints or meridian channels to apply thermal therapy. Although less commonly used directly on the face, it can be used on body acupoints that are related to facial health. By regulating the body's qi and blood flow, it may have a positive impact on the facial skin.

Facial Rejuvenation Programs in NYC

Acupuncture NYC Clinic

The Acupuncture NYC Clinic is one of the best acupuncture practices specializing in facial rejuvenation acupuncture treatments. Andre Yershov, L.Ac., a practitioner with over twenty - four years of experience in acupuncture, uses a style deeply rooted in balance method acupuncture.

The facial rejuvenation program at this clinic consists of 12 weekly treatments that include acupuncture, facial gua sha, and external herbal applications. The objective of this program is to encourage visible changes in the complexion by removing wrinkles and facial asymmetries while also promoting a healthy skin tone. Even after the first treatment, patients may notice a difference, but the clinic recommends the entire treatment course for long - lasting results. After completing the program, monthly treatments are encouraged to maintain the results.

Facial gua sha is an important part of this program. It is used to massage facial muscles and facilitate lymphatic fluid drainage. It relaxes facial muscles and drains stagnant fluid from the face, exfoliates dead skin, and improves a dull complexion, reclaiming brightness. It also addresses the neck and jawline’s sagging, removes puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. All - natural skin care products made with Chinese herbs, organic essential, and carrying oils are used, which nourish the skin and create a more youthful glow.

Combination Treatments at Gotham Wellness

Stefanie DiLibero's signature treatment at Gotham Wellness combines traditional Chinese medicine techniques with modern tools. Using a number of TCM techniques like acupuncture, cupping, and gua sha, along with modern tools like microcurrent treatments and LED light therapy, this treatment offers a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation.

• Initial Consultation: The treatment starts with an in - depth conversation about the patient's overall health, including how they are feeling, sleeping, eating, and what is stressing them out. This is to ensure that the acupuncture session is treating the root causes of what's happening in the body, as in TCM, internal imbalances can manifest on the face.
• Acupuncture and Microcurrent: A full - body acupuncture session is followed by microcurrent treatment. The microcurrent device sends out tiny electric currents to stimulate the facial muscles. The idea is to combine the ancient TCM concept of chi with the modern electrical approach to stimulate the muscles and make the tissue healthier. There is research showing that both acupuncture and microcurrent skin treatments have anti - inflammatory properties, making it a potentially potent combo.
• Cupping and Gua Sha: Depending on the patient, facial cupping or gua sha may be used before or after the microcurrent treatment. The purpose is to move blood and chi, remove dampness, and create a more sculpted appearance.
• Facial Acupuncture and LED Light: Facial needles are inserted, which not only address internal causes of skin issues but also stimulate collagen production by creating micro - traumas. After that, LED light is used. The LED light stimulates cells to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which fuels healthy cell growth and speeds up healing. While the needles and the LED light do their work, the patient listens to a guided meditation to relax.

Modern Medical Approaches to Facial Sagging

Weill Cornell Medicine

The compassionate plastic surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine offer a full range of cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non - surgical, to enhance facial features.

Non - Surgical Options

• Chemical Peels: These are personalized to help patients achieve their desired results, including reducing fine lines, acne, acne scars, or improving the skin’s overall texture. Chemical peels work by removing the outer layers of the skin, promoting the growth of new, smoother skin.
• Botulinum Toxin (Botox) or Collagen Injections: Botox is used to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause them. Collagen injections can plump up the skin and fill in wrinkles, restoring a more youthful appearance.
• Radiofrequency Skin Tightening: This treatment uses radiofrequency energy to heat the tissue beneath the skin, stimulating collagen production. It can be used on the neck, arms, legs, and abdomen, and can help tighten loose skin. Most people have 1 treatment and feel some tightening right away, with the best results seen in about 6 months. Results can last 2 to 3 years with the right skin care.
• Non - invasive Thread Lifts: These are used for the brow, face, and neck. They work by inserting threads under the skin to lift and tighten the area, providing a more youthful contour.
• Non - invasive Skin Tightening: This can be achieved through various technologies, such as ultrasound. Ultrasound sends heat deep into the skin, causing the body to produce more collagen. With 1 treatment, most people see modest lifting and tightening within 2 to 6 months, and additional treatments may provide more benefit.

Surgical Options

• Minimally Invasive Scar Treatment or Scar Revision: This is used to improve the cosmetic appearance of scars, including those that have healed poorly.
• Ear Surgery (Otoplasty): It is used to reshape or reposition the ears for a more balanced facial appearance.
• Face - lift (Rhytidectomy): A face - lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and tightens the underlying muscles and tissues, providing a more dramatic and long - lasting result for facial sagging.
• Brow / Forehead Lift: This procedure can correct sagging eyebrows and smooth out forehead wrinkles, giving a more refreshed and youthful look to the upper face.
• Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty): It can reshape the nose, which can have an impact on the overall balance and harmony of the face.
• Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): This surgery removes excess skin and fat from the eyelids, reducing puffiness and sagging, and making the eyes look more alert.
• Lip Augmentation: It can add volume to the lips, enhancing their fullness and youthful appearance.
• Fat Transfer (Liposuction): Fat is removed from one area of the body and injected into the face to add volume and improve the contour, reducing the appearance of sagging.
• Lip Lift: This procedure shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip, giving a more youthful appearance to the lips and mouth area.
• Neck Lift: A neck lift tightens the skin and muscles in the neck area, reducing sagging and creating a more defined jawline.

Comparison of TCM and Modern Medical Approaches

Choosing the Right Treatment for Facial Sagging

Consultation with Professionals

Whether considering TCM or modern medical approaches, it is essential to consult with professionals. In the case of TCM, consult with a licensed acupuncturist or TCM practitioner. They will conduct a comprehensive examination, including taking into account your overall health, diet, lifestyle, and emotional state, to determine the most appropriate TCM treatments for you.

For modern medical approaches, consult with a board - certified plastic surgeon or a dermatologist. They can assess your skin condition, the degree of facial sagging, and your overall health to recommend the best non - surgical or surgical options. A consultation will also involve a discussion of the risks, benefits, and expected results of each treatment.

Personal Factors to Consider

• Health Condition: If you have certain health conditions, some treatments may not be suitable. For example, if you are pregnant, have a skin infection, or take certain medications, you may need to avoid certain non - surgical or surgical procedures. On the other hand, TCM treatments can often be adjusted to accommodate different health conditions.
• Budget: Treatment costs can vary widely. TCM treatments are generally more budget - friendly, especially for non - surgical options like acupuncture. Surgical procedures, however, can be very expensive and may not be covered by insurance in most cases. You need to consider your financial situation when choosing a treatment.
• Time Availability: Some treatments require more downtime than others. Surgical procedures usually have a longer recovery period, during which you may need to take time off work and avoid certain activities. Non - surgical options like TCM treatments and some non - invasive modern medical treatments have little to no downtime, allowing you to resume your normal life immediately.
• Desired Results: If you are looking for a quick and dramatic change, a surgical procedure may be more appropriate. However, if you prefer a natural and holistic approach with gradual results that also improve your overall well - being, TCM treatments may be a better choice.

Conclusion

In New York City, individuals seeking to improve facial sagging have a wide range of options available, from traditional Chinese medicine treatments like acupuncture and herbal medicine to modern surgical and non - surgical procedures. Traditional Chinese medicine offers a holistic approach that focuses on the body's internal balance and overall well - being, while modern medical approaches provide targeted solutions for specific facial concerns. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of results, side effects, cost, and recovery time.

It is crucial to consult with qualified professionals, whether TCM practitioners or modern medical experts, to make an informed decision based on your individual health condition, budget, time availability, and desired results. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the most suitable treatment to achieve a more youthful and lifted facial appearance.

If you're interested in learning more about facial rejuvenation treatments, share this article with your friends and explore other related topics on facial health and beauty. You can also schedule a consultation with a local TCM clinic or a modern medical center to get personalized advice and start your journey towards a more confident and beautiful you.