Cosmetic Acupuncture in San Francisco
Gentle facial rejuvenation acupuncture with Suzanne Lange, DACM, L.Ac, a doctor of acupuncture with advanced training in facial rejuvenation and Japanese-style needling.
Rated 5.0 on GoogleLicensed acupuncturists
- Practitioner
- Suzanne Lange, DACM, L.Ac
- What it is
- Very fine needles in the face and body
- How it feels
- Light and, for most people, deeply relaxing
- Afterwards
- Little downtime; a small bruise is possible
What our patients say
5.0 on Google from 92 reviews
I was introduced to Andrew by a friend who dubbed him as nothing short of magical. After experiencing his expertise firsthand, I couldn't agree more. Andrew's mastery of the human body and its intricacies truly feels like a kind of magic. I've been to other specialists for my chronic upper back and neck pain, but Andrew is different. He focuses on treating the actual problem, not just masking the symptoms. For the first time, I walked out of an acupuncture session and went back to exercising without feeling any pain. It was a game-changer. I feel as if I've been given a brand new back. Honestly, I never thought a life without back pain was possible until now. While I was also working with Andew some other health issues came up that couldn’t be diagnosed by western medicine. His thoughtful and holistic approach immediately made me feel understood and valued. Throughout our sessions, he would patiently explain the various points he was working on or the sensations I was experiencing, shedding light on what was going on internally within my body. Thanks to him, I now have a deeper appreciation for how imbalances in one area can send ripples throughout the entire system. He was able to find the root cause, guiding me slowly but surely on the path to recovery. I feel blessed to have met Andrew, he really has changed my life and I’m grateful for that.
I would strongly (strongly!) recommend Acupuncture for Athletics for both athletes and non-athletes alike. Not only does Andrew help with injury recovery, pain management, and stress relief, but he creates a relaxing and positive environment that enhances the work that he does and leads you to feel better both physically and mentally after each visit. And beyond acupuncture and massage, Andrew goes the extra mile to provide guidance on how to address specific pain-points and injuries, or to simply ensure that you are feeling and performing your best. Again, I can't recommend Acupuncture for Athletics enough!
Andrew is amazing! Very caring and concerned about your health and well being. He genuinely is a very kind person.
Andrew is a cornerstone of my care team. He successfully unwinds my ills before they can become chronic problems.
I came to Andrew after nearly six excruciating months of not being able to run. I had a seemingly minor Achilles tendon injury that simply refused to heal, defying every modality I tried. I hoped Andrew, a specialist in sports injuries, could break the deadlock. The simple answer is that in three visits, I was running again, hardly able to believe my good fortune. The more complicated answer runs deeper. Andrew’s work doesn’t just address physical injury; he works on spiritual and emotional injury and stress too. I didn’t realize that my physical injury was bound up with emotional trauma, but he did, and he figured out how to disentangle them so the healing process could start. The process can be painful; emotional injuries that have lodged in your body have to work their way out through muscle and bone, like a physical illness. But it’s also both profound and unexpected. As another of Andrew’s clients said, he is a true healer.
Andrew is a fantastic alternative and addition to physical therapy. He quickly understands your condition and treats it effectively.
Andrew introduced me to a form of healing which, after years of competitive long distance running and many injuries, I am more than thankful to have discovered! My latest injury, a small tear in my left hamstring, sidelined me for a number of months. After trying rest, physical therapy and anti-inflammatories with little results, I finally met Andrew. His approach from the very beginning was completely methodical, precise and extremely professional. Right away the pain eased, and I felt my body finally respond to treatment. Andrew was instrumental in healing my hamstring, and I trust that his acupuncture/massage techniques will keep me healthy and, importantly, keep me running for many decades and miles.
I’ve always wanted to be able to demonstrate clearly to professional dancers when giving them corrections or setting ballets. However, without the level of daily physical preparation that my body was used to when I danced, my body now has moments of rebellion that, however careful I am, need the assistance of experts to ensure I can do my job fully. Andrew’s combination of acupuncture and soft tissue work always made a significant difference to my mobility, helping me undertake my role in the studio at a level of physicality such that I’m not confined to the minimum level of demonstration. With his level of experience with dancers it was always easy to discuss problematic muscles and joints, and reassuring that he ‘got’ what was going on and what was required to improve the situation efficiently and effectively.
Andrew’s massage and acupuncture techniques have seen me successfully through back-to-back marathons seven weeks apart, plus two active pregnancies and a record-breaking racing season in between. He is a veritable genius in his field — a true healer.
Andrew Castellanos has helped my Achilles tendinosis and tendinitis with acupuncture, not only getting the swelling down, but also massaging the area after. His therapeutic work has enabled me to continue dancing at a high level without having to take a break, so I’m able to dance with injury due to the therapeutic work that Andrew does.
As a professional dancer, I rely heavily on Andrew throughout the performance season to literally fix me in order to get me back onstage. I have chronic problems with my knee and my shoulder, and the combination of acupuncture with electric stimulation and heat has been tremendously helpful. Andrew only needs five minutes to find exactly where he needs to work, and the results are fantastic. His acupuncture work is also gentle, and doesn’t leave me sore the next day — in fact, it’s one of the only therapies I feel comfortable receiving right before a show. Andrew does great deep tissue work as well, and he is very responsive and attentive as a therapist. I’d highly recommend him to dancers, athletes and non-dancers alike.
In our career it is very important to stay physically healthy, because our dance career is very short. We rehearse, work out every single day, and very often, because of the physical pressure from practicing so hard, we get injuries and surgery. My story is about my back, foot and wrist. I joined San Francisco Ballet a year ago. The first day of work, during ballet class, I hurt my back. I have had problems before with my wrist, and sadly, later on with the tough season, my foot got hurt. Luckily, I was recommended to Andrew Castellanos. I started with a few visits a month, and quickly saw results, so I made sure I finished my treatments. Thanks to Andrew, I was able to finish my successful season here. Now I have to spread the word…
A quieter way to care for your skin, from the inside out.
Cosmetic acupuncture, also called facial acupuncture or facial rejuvenation acupuncture, uses hair-fine needles to support the skin and ease the tension that shows up in the face. There are no injections and nothing is added to the skin. For many people it's also an hour of real rest.
At our Cow Hollow clinic, cosmetic acupuncture is led by Suzanne Lange. She holds a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, has more than 20 years of clinical experience, and has pursued advanced study in facial rejuvenation, microneedling and Japanese-style acupuncture. It's one part of our wider Chinese medicine and wellness care.
What is cosmetic acupuncture?
Cosmetic acupuncture places very thin, sterile needles in the face, often along expression lines and over the muscles of the forehead, eyes, cheeks and jaw. Points on the body, hands and feet are usually included as well.
The idea is that each tiny insertion prompts a small repair response in the skin, along with better local circulation and softer muscle tension. That is thought to support collagen and give the face a fresher, more rested look.
Traditional Chinese medicine also sees the face as a reflection of the whole person. Sleep, stress, digestion and hormonal changes all show in the skin, so Suzanne looks at those too. Her Japanese-style training favors very fine needles, shallow insertion and careful attention to touch, which suits the delicate skin of the face.
Cosmetic acupuncture vs Botox and fillers
They work in different ways and suit different goals. Here's a simple side-by-side, drawing on Cleveland Clinic's guides to Botox and dermal fillers.
| Compared on | Cosmetic acupuncture | Botox | Dermal fillers |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Fine needles aim to prompt the skin's own repair and ease muscle tension | Injected botulinum toxin blocks nerve signals, so the muscles that crease the skin relax | An injected gel adds volume under lines and hollows |
| What changes | Subtle and gradual, built over a series of visits | Lines soften within days, with the full effect in about two weeks | Often visible straight away |
| Expression | Your face moves as it always has | Treated muscles move less while it lasts | Movement is usually unaffected |
| How long it lasts | Varies; many people return for occasional maintenance visits | Wears off in three to six months | Months to years, depending on the filler |
| Evidence | Encouraging studies on fine lines, frown lines and elasticity | Well studied for expression lines | Well studied for volume loss |
| Common side effects | Small bruises, brief redness | Bruising, headache, temporary drooping eyelid | Bruising, swelling, occasional lumps |
Can I have both?
Some people use facial acupuncture instead of injectables, and others use it alongside them. If you've had Botox, fillers, a peel or a laser treatment recently, or have one booked, tell Suzanne at your consultation so she can plan the timing and work around treated areas.
What the research says about facial acupuncture
Research on facial acupuncture is growing, and the studies so far are encouraging.
A 2018 systematic review of seven studies found that all of them reported at least one positive result, such as fewer wrinkles, better facial circulation or improved elasticity.
In a 2013 pilot study, 27 women had five sessions over three weeks. Fifteen improved by one level on an objective elasticity measure, and none got worse.
A 2025 randomized trial of 72 women gave facial and body acupuncture twice a week for six weeks. About 63% of the treated group had softer frown lines at rest, while the untreated group didn't change.
What people often hope for
- Softer fine lines, especially between the brows
- A brighter, more rested look
- Less tension in the jaw, forehead and around the eyes
- Better skin tone and texture over time
- A calm, restful hour that helps with stress
Who it suits
People who want a gentle, gradual approach and are happy to commit to a series of visits.
Often a good fit if you
What a course of cosmetic acupuncture looks like
Facial acupuncture works as a series rather than a single visit. Here's how it usually unfolds.
Consultation
Suzanne asks about your skin goals, your general health, sleep, stress and digestion, any medications, and any recent or planned cosmetic treatments.
Body points first
A few points on the body, hands and feet help you settle. Many people say this is when they start to drift off.
Facial needles
Fine needles go into the face with a light touch. You may feel a tiny prick or nothing at all. Then you rest while they stay in place.
A series, then upkeep
Studies have used five sessions over three weeks or twelve over six. How many you need varies, and Suzanne will estimate after your first visit.
Side effects and safety
Cosmetic acupuncture is generally low risk when done by a licensed practitioner. The most common side effect is a small bruise where a needle went in. In the 2013 pilot, mild bruising followed about one session in seven. In the 2025 trial, minor bleeding occurred in about 5% of sessions and bruising in under 1%. Brief redness, tenderness or feeling sleepy afterwards are also normal.
Bruises usually fade within a few days, but plan ahead. If you have a wedding, a photoshoot or an important event, leave a week or so between your session and the day.
The NCCIH notes that serious complications are rare and are linked to non-sterile needles or poor technique. We use sterile, single-use needles, and all three of our practitioners are California-licensed acupuncturists. You can read about Suzanne and the others on our team page.
Talk to us first, or wait, if you
- Are pregnant or trying to conceive
- Take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
- Have a skin infection, rash, cold sore or flare-up on the face
- Have had Botox, fillers, a peel or laser recently
- Are unwell, or have a migraine on the day
- Bruise or scar very easily
Pricing and booking
Cosmetic acupuncture may be priced and scheduled differently from a standard acupuncture visit, so please call us at (415) 646-1862 or email [email protected] to check availability with Suzanne before you book. If you're new to acupuncture, our page on what an acupuncture session involves is a good place to start.
Suzanne also has advanced training in microneedling, a separate skin treatment. If you're curious whether it could suit you, ask when you call.
We don't bill insurance, and treatment that is purely cosmetic usually isn't eligible for insurance or HSA and FSA reimbursement, so check with your plan. We accept all credit cards, and gift certificates are available. We're on Webster Street in Cow Hollow, close to the Marina.
Our acupuncture visits
- 60-min initial acupuncture & assessment
- $225
- 45-min acupuncture follow-up
- $195
- 60-min acupuncture/massage combo
- $225
- 75-min acupuncture/massage combo
- $265
- 90-min acupuncture/massage combo
- $300
Cosmetic acupuncture FAQ
Does cosmetic acupuncture really work?
The studies so far are encouraging. A 2018 review found positive results, such as fewer wrinkles and better elasticity, in all seven studies it included, and a 2025 randomized trial of 72 women found softer frown lines after twelve sessions. Changes build gradually, results vary from person to person, and Suzanne will estimate how many sessions you need after your first visit.
Is facial acupuncture the same as cosmetic acupuncture?
Yes. Facial acupuncture, cosmetic acupuncture and facial rejuvenation acupuncture are different names for the same approach: fine needles placed in the face, usually with points on the body as well.
Does facial acupuncture hurt?
The needles are much finer than the ones used for injections or blood draws. Most people feel a tiny prick or nothing at all, and many find the session so relaxing that they fall asleep. Points around the eyes and lips can be a little more sensitive, and Suzanne works gently there.
How many sessions will I need?
Facial acupuncture is done as a series, and the studies used between five and twelve sessions over three to six weeks. How many you need varies with your skin and your goals, and Suzanne will give you an estimate after your first visit. Some people then return for occasional maintenance visits.
Is cosmetic acupuncture better than Botox?
They're different. Botox temporarily relaxes muscles and has strong evidence for expression lines. Cosmetic acupuncture aims to support the skin's own repair without injections, keeps your natural movement, and works gradually over a series of visits. Some people choose one, and some combine them.
What are the side effects of cosmetic acupuncture?
The most common is a small bruise at a needle site, which usually fades within a few days. Brief redness, tenderness or feeling tired afterwards can also happen. Serious problems are rare with a licensed practitioner using sterile, single-use needles.
Who should not have cosmetic acupuncture?
Talk to us first if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, have a skin infection, rash, cold sore or flare-up on the face, have had Botox, fillers, a peel or laser recently, or bruise or scar very easily. We may adapt the treatment or suggest waiting.
Can I wear makeup after facial acupuncture?
It's best to come with a clean face and give your skin the rest of the day off makeup if you can, so the tiny needle sites can settle. Gentle skincare is fine.
How much does cosmetic acupuncture cost in San Francisco?
Cosmetic acupuncture may be priced differently from a standard visit, so please call us at (415) 646-1862 to check pricing and availability with Suzanne. For reference, our 60-minute initial acupuncture and assessment is $225 and a 45-minute follow-up is $195. We accept all credit cards, and gift certificates are available.
Where can I get cosmetic acupuncture in Cow Hollow?
Suzanne Lange, DACM, L.Ac, provides gentle facial rejuvenation acupuncture at 2920 Webster Street, one block north of Union Street. She has advanced training in facial rejuvenation and Japanese-style needling. We're a short walk from the Marina and Pacific Heights.
Can I walk to my appointment from Union Street or Fillmore?
Easily. The clinic is one block north of Union Street and a short walk from Fillmore Street, so it's simple to pair a visit with time at the Union Street shops. If you're running late, call us at (415) 646-1862.
References
- Shin BC, Lim KT. Acupuncture for cosmetic use: a systematic review of prospective studies. J Cosmet Med. 2018.
- Yun Y, et al. Effect of facial cosmetic acupuncture on facial elasticity: an open-label, single-arm pilot study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013.
- Haghir H, et al. Is acupuncture effective in diminishing frown lines? Evidence from a randomized controlled trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Acupuncture: What You Need To Know.
- Cleveland Clinic. Botox (Botulinum Toxin) Injections.
- Cleveland Clinic. Dermal Fillers.
Curious whether facial acupuncture suits you?
Call to talk it through with us, or book a visit at our Cow Hollow clinic.
Visit us in Cow Hollow
2920 Webster Street, between Union and Filbert. A short walk from the Marina, Pacific Heights and the Presidio.
Address
Acupuncture for Athletics2920 Webster Street
San Francisco, CA 94123 Gate code: in your booking confirmation email
Hours
- Every day
- 7:30am – 9:00pm