How should I prepare for my Cosmetic Treatment?

To ensure optimal results and reduce the risk of bruising or irritation, please follow the guidance below:

Hydration

Arrive well hydrated. Adequate hydration supports circulation, tissue repair, and overall skin response to treatment. Increase water intake in the days leading up to your appointment.

Supplements

If you are prone to bruising, you may choose to take Arnica 30c for several days before and after treatment.
Grape Seed Extract may also support circulation and connective tissue repair.

During your consultation in Galway, you will be asked about any supplements or medications you are taking.

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment and for 24 hours afterwards. Alcohol can increase the likelihood of bruising and inflammation.

Skin Preparation

• Remove all make-up prior to your appointment if possible.
• Do not undergo intense exfoliation, chemical peels, or new skincare treatments in the days leading up to your session.
• Avoid introducing new active skincare products immediately before treatment.

Clothing

Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Some treatments may include constitutional acupuncture points on the body to support circulation and nervous system regulation.

Yes. Cosmetic treatments require appropriate timing and suitability assessment.

Recent Cosmetic Procedures

If you have recently undergone any of the following treatments:

• Dermal fillers
• Anti-wrinkle injections
• Microdermabrasion
• Chemical peels
• Laser treatments
• Other invasive cosmetic procedures

A minimum of 3–6 weeks is required before commencing Cosmetic Acupuncture or Microneedling. This allows the skin to stabilise and reduces the risk of complications.

Recent Cosmetic Surgery

If you have undergone cosmetic or facial surgery, a period of 3–6 months is generally required before cosmetic acupuncture or microneedling can be considered.

Treatment may only proceed under written approval from your Consultant or Surgeon.

Pregnancy

Cosmetic Acupuncture and Microneedling are not administered during pregnancy.

Medical Conditions

If you have:

• Bleeding disorders
• Autoimmune conditions
• Active skin infections
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Recent illness
• Or any significant medical condition

These must be discussed during consultation.

In some cases, systemic acupuncture may be recommended first to stabilise underlying health before aesthetic treatment is considered.

All clients undergo an individual suitability assessment prior to treatment.

Treatment frequency depends on skin condition, treatment goals, and individual response.

A personalised plan will be discussed during consultation in our Galway clinic.

Microneedling

For optimal collagen stimulation and dermal repair:

• A minimum of 2 treatments, spaced 2–4 weeks apart, is recommended.
• Up to 4 treatments within an 8-week period may be advised depending on skin presentation and treatment goals.

Maintenance sessions may be scheduled at longer intervals once the initial course is completed.

Cosmetic Acupuncture

For visible structural and textural improvement:

• A course of up to 10 treatments within a 12-week period is typically recommended.

Results develop progressively as collagen production and tissue repair increase over time.

Following an initial course, maintenance sessions are advised to sustain results.

Supporting Your Results

Skin integrity reflects overall physiological health.

To optimise and maintain outcomes, we recommend:

• Adequate hydration
• Consistent daily SPF use
• Balanced nutrition
• Smoking cessation
• Moderate alcohol intake
• Regular physical activity
• Stress regulation practices

Where appropriate, meditation and nervous system regulation strategies may be incorporated into your treatment plan.

All new cosmetic clients require a consultation prior to treatment. This may be conducted either in-person or via video, depending on clinical suitability.

Microneedling

Following consultation, treatment duration typically ranges from:

30 to 60 minutes

The length of the session depends on:

• The surface area being treated
• Skin condition
• Treatment depth required
• Whether combination acupuncture is included

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Following consultation, treatment duration typically ranges from:

60 to 90 minutes

Duration varies depending on:

• Areas of the face being treated
• Inclusion of constitutional body acupuncture
• Nervous system regulation requirements
• Individual treatment plan

Treatment time and frequency are always tailored following assessment.

Your practitioner will advise on the most appropriate course based on clinical findings and treatment goals.

Downtime varies depending on the treatment type and individual skin response.

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Downtime is typically minimal.

You may experience:

• Mild redness at needle sites for several hours
• Occasional minor bruising

Most clients return to normal activity immediately following treatment.

Bruising is a known risk with any needle-based facial treatment.

Microneedling

Microneedling involves controlled skin stimulation and therefore requires a short recovery period.

Immediately following treatment, you may experience:

• Intense redness similar to mild sunburn
• Warmth or skin sensitivity

Redness usually reduces to a light pink tone within 1–3 days.
Skin typically returns to baseline appearance within 5–7 days.

Some individuals may prefer to allow several days before attending social or professional events.

Event Planning

As a precaution, we recommend:

• Allowing at least 10 days before an event for Cosmetic Acupuncture
• Allowing at least 14 days before an event for Microneedling

• avoid swimming for 72 hours after treatment

This ensures the skin has fully settled and any minor bruising or redness has resolved.

Bruising

Bruising can occur with both treatments. Those prone to bruising may choose to take Arnica prior to treatment. Please discuss any supplements with your practitioner during consultation.

To support optimal skin healing and reduce the risk of irritation, please follow the guidance below.

Sun Exposure

Avoid:

• Sunbeds
• Direct sun exposure
• Excessive UV exposure

Both before and after treatment, as this may increase sensitivity and inflammation.

Daily SPF use is strongly recommended.

Active or Aggressive Skin Treatments

Avoid in the days before and after treatment:

• Chemical peels
• Microdermabrasion
• Laser treatments
• Intense exfoliation
• Harsh or abrasive scrubs

These can compromise the skin barrier and increase post-treatment irritation.

Skincare Products

Temporarily avoid introducing:

• New active ingredients
• Strong exfoliating acids
• Retinol or Vitamin A derivatives
• Highly fragranced products

Use gentle, barrier-supporting skincare during the recovery period.

Pregnancy Considerations

If you are pregnant, avoid skincare products containing:

• Vitamin A
• Retinol
• Retinoids or Retinoate derivatives

Cosmetic Acupuncture and Microneedling are not administered during pregnancy.

If you are unsure about product safety, consult your GP, Obstetrician, or Midwife.

Cosmetic treatments are most effective when supported by consistent, barrier-focused skincare.

The goal is to protect collagen, support hydration, and maintain skin integrity.

Hydration

Adequate water intake supports circulation and skin function. Maintain consistent hydration before and after treatment.

Sun Protection

Daily broad-spectrum SPF is essential, regardless of season.

UV exposure is one of the primary contributors to collagen breakdown and pigmentation. Consistent SPF use helps maintain treatment results.

Morning Routine

A simple, consistent routine is recommended:

• Gentle cleanser
• Targeted serum (as advised)
• Moisturiser with SPF
• Make-up applied after SPF has absorbed

Avoid over-layering active ingredients.

Evening Routine

In the evening:

• Remove all make-up thoroughly
• Cleanse gently
• Apply appropriate serum or treatment product
• Finish with moisturiser or night cream

Occasional hydrating or clay masks may be used depending on skin type.

Adjunct Practices

Where appropriate, the following may support circulation and tissue tone:

• Facial massage
• Gua sha
• Facial cupping
• Facial mobility exercises

These should be performed gently and may be recommended 2–3 times per week, or as advised during consultation.

The choice between Cosmetic Acupuncture and Microneedling OR injectable treatments is a personal one. It depends on individual goals, preferences, and medical suitability.

Both approaches operate differently.

Cosmetic Acupuncture

• Stimulates natural collagen production
• Improves circulation and tissue oxygenation
• Supports skin tone and dermal integrity
• May include systemic acupuncture to regulate stress and hormonal influences
• Results develop progressively over a course of treatment

The focus is on enhancing physiological function and supporting skin health over time.

Injectables

• Use medical products to alter muscle movement or restore volume
• Produce faster visible changes
• Do not stimulate systemic regulation
• Require ongoing maintenance

Injectables modify facial structure or movement directly, whereas acupuncture supports the skin’s natural repair mechanisms.

Choosing the Right Approach

Some clients choose Cosmetic Acupuncture as part of a non-injectable aesthetic plan.
Others transition from injectables to a more health-led approach.
Some combine treatments under medical supervision.

Your practitioner will discuss suitability based on your treatment history and aesthetic goals.

If You Have Recently Had Injectables

A minimum of 6 weeks, and in some cases up to 3 months, is required before commencing Cosmetic Acupuncture or Microneedling.

This interval depends on the type of injectable treatment received and must be discussed during consultation in our Galway clinic.

Cosmetic Acupuncture is grounded in a pro-ageing philosophy.

Ageing is a natural physiological process. The goal of treatment is not to erase age, but to support tissue integrity, skin function, and structural resilience as the body evolves.

In Traditional East Asian Medicine, health is understood as a dynamic process that changes across life stages. Each phase of life carries distinct physiological transitions, including hormonal shifts, changes in collagen production, and alterations in circulation and tissue repair.

Pro-ageing treatment focuses on:

• Supporting collagen physiology
• Maintaining skin density and elasticity
• Regulating stress-related inflammation
• Balancing hormonal influences on skin
• Preserving natural facial expression

Modern stress, poor sleep, inflammation, and environmental exposure can accelerate visible skin ageing. Cosmetic Acupuncture addresses these contributing factors through both local and systemic treatment.

The objective is not artificial reversal, but structural support.

This approach respects the natural progression of life while helping the skin remain healthy, resilient, and vibrant.

In our Galway clinic we provide care that honours all stages of life, rather than resisting them.

Cosmetic Acupuncture at Element Acupuncture & Coaching is informed by advanced postgraduate training in cosmetic and facial acupuncture.

Training has included study with internationally recognised educators in the field of aesthetic and facial acupuncture, including:

Virginia Doran

Founder of the Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture method, Virginia Doran developed a structured system integrating traditional acupuncture principles with facial aesthetics. Her work has been demonstrated on major U.S. media platforms and has contributed significantly to the visibility of acupuncture-led aesthetic care.

Shellie Goldstein

An internationally recognised authority in Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture, Shellie Goldstein has developed comprehensive clinical protocols for facial acupuncture and acupressure-based aesthetic techniques. She is the author of Your Best Face Now and creator of Touch+Glow®.

Michelle Gellis

Michelle Gellis provides national certification training for licensed acupuncturists in facial rejuvenation techniques. Her teaching includes neuromuscular facial conditions, facial cupping, and gua sha. She has published in professional acupuncture journals and is recognised for her clinical precision.

Chris Davis

Chris Davis has trained extensively with leading cosmetic acupuncture educators worldwide. His work integrates tendon and connective tissue physiology with aesthetic acupuncture and cosmeceutical understanding, contributing to advanced tissue-based approaches in cosmetic practice.

Clinical aesthetic treatments offered at this clinic reflect a synthesis of these advanced methodologies, delivered within a medically informed acupuncture framework.