Cosmetic acupuncture — also called facial acupuncture or facial rejuvenation acupuncture — uses very fine needles at points on the scalp, face and neck, along with supporting points elsewhere on the body.
It appeals to people who want a non-surgical, non-injectable approach to how their skin looks and feels, and who prefer something that sits alongside the rest of their health care rather than apart from it.
At Higher Health, cosmetic acupuncture — listed in our booking system as Skin Focused Acupuncture — is provided by naturopathic doctors who hold facial acupuncture certification in addition to their acupuncture certification. Below is a straightforward account of what a session involves, who it suits, who it does not, and what it costs, so you can decide whether it is worth your time and money before you book.
What Is Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Cosmetic acupuncture applies the same principles as traditional acupuncture, with needles placed at points on the face, scalp and neck as well as at supporting points elsewhere on the body.
It aims to address the visible aging process — wrinkles, fine lines, age spots — and other dermatological concerns such as excessive dryness or acne.
The needles are sterile, single-use and disposable, and considerably finer than those used for injections. Most people find the sensation minimal.
It is worth being straightforward about the evidence: research on cosmetic acupuncture is limited, and most published studies are small. It is not a substitute for dermatological or medical treatment, and individual responses vary. If you are looking for a specific, predictable structural change, this may not be the right treatment — and we would rather tell you that at your first visit than after a course of sessions.
What a Session Involves
Your first visit is 75 minutes and includes screening before any treatment. Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes.
- An intake covering your skin, health history, medications, and any recent cosmetic procedures
- A discussion of the areas where you would like to see improvement
- Screening to determine whether cosmetic acupuncture is a good fit for you
- Fine needling at facial, scalp and neck points, plus supporting body points
- Facial massage, gua sha and jade rolling, used to support lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness and release muscle tension in the face
- Aftercare guidance
There is no anaesthetic, no injectable product, and no chemical or laser resurfacing involved. Some people notice minor, temporary redness or small marks at needle sites.
Who Provides It, and Their Training
Cosmetic acupuncture at Higher Health is provided by Dr. Irina Chan, ND, Dr. Madeleine Miconi, ND and Dr. Keara Taylor, ND.
All three are naturopathic doctors registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario, hold acupuncture certification, and have completed additional certification specifically in facial acupuncture.
That second qualification is the one worth asking about — at any clinic, not just ours. Facial technique differs from general body acupuncture: the anatomy is denser, the vascular considerations are different, and the needling is more superficial. General acupuncture certification does not by itself cover it.
Being treated by a naturopathic doctor also has a practical consequence, which we cover under pricing below.
Who Cosmetic Acupuncture Is and Is Not Suitable For
Part of your first appointment is screening to see whether this is a good fit. Being clear about that up front is both good practice and, in our experience, what people actually want to know before booking.
Cosmetic acupuncture is generally not appropriate if you:
- Are concurrently receiving microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser resurfacing
- Have had cosmetic surgery within the past four months
- Experience severe migraines
- Are currently taking Accutane or oral isotretinoin
Please tell us before booking if you:
- Are pregnant or trying to conceive
- Take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
- Have an active skin infection, rash or open lesion on the face
- Have had recent injectables — timing matters, and we will advise on spacing
If any of these apply, book a free consultation rather than a treatment. We would rather have that conversation first.
Pricing, Insurance and Number of Sessions
| Appointment | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation and treatment | 75 minutes | $225 |
| Follow-up session | 60 minutes | $185 |
Many extended health plans cover naturopathic visits. Because your treatment is provided by a naturopathic doctor rather than a technician, sessions are typically claimable under naturopathic coverage if your plan includes it. It is worth checking yours before comparing clinics on sticker price alone — for an insured patient, the out-of-pocket cost of a claimable session can end up lower than a cheaper session that is not claimable. We provide receipts for submission. Cosmetic acupuncture is not covered by OHIP.
The first visit is longer because it includes proper screening — your health history, medications, skin history, any recent cosmetic procedures, and what you are hoping to change — before any needling.
How many sessions? It depends on your skin, your goals and your health history, and we will not quote a number before we have assessed you. You will get an honest view at your first visit, including if we do not think a full course is worthwhile for you.
A credit card is required to hold your booking. You are not charged at the time of booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cosmetic acupuncture hurt?
Most people find it comfortable. The needles are far finer than injection needles and are inserted shallowly. You may feel a brief prick at some points, particularly around the forehead. Minor redness afterwards is normal.
How long is a cosmetic acupuncture session?
Your first visit is 75 minutes, because it includes screening before treatment. Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes. Both include facial massage, gua sha and jade rolling alongside the needling.
Is cosmetic acupuncture safe?
It is considered safe when performed by a licensed practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. It is not suitable for everyone — see the suitability section above — and you should disclose your full health history and any recent cosmetic procedures before your first session.
How is it different from Botox or fillers?
They are fundamentally different treatments. Botox and fillers are injectable products that produce specific, predictable structural effects and are administered by qualified injectors. Cosmetic acupuncture involves no injected product and works differently. We are not in a position to tell you one is better than the other — that depends on what you are trying to achieve, and for some goals an injectable is the appropriate choice.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your skin, your goals and your health history. We will not quote you a number before we have assessed you, and you will get an honest view at your first visit.
How much does cosmetic acupuncture cost in Toronto?
Our initial consultation and treatment is $225 (75 minutes) and follow-ups are $185 (60 minutes). Across Toronto clinics, cosmetic acupuncture generally ranges from roughly $120 to $225 per session, varying with practitioner credentials and appointment length.
Is cosmetic acupuncture covered by insurance?
It is not covered by OHIP. However, because your treatment is provided by a naturopathic doctor, many extended health plans that include naturopathic coverage will reimburse the visit. Check whether your plan covers naturopathic services. We provide receipts for submission.
Do I need to pay when I book?
No. A credit card is required to hold the appointment, but you are not charged at the time of booking.
Can I combine it with other treatments?
Sometimes, but timing matters — particularly around injectables, peels and laser work. Tell us what else you are having done and we will advise on sequencing.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly with any of our three providers.
Book at Our North Toronto Clinic
Higher Health Naturopathic Centre & IV Lounge
3363 Yonge St, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M4N 2M6
Book directly with one of our three cosmetic acupuncture providers:
Choose Skin Focused Acupuncture Initial Consultation if this is your first cosmetic acupuncture appointment with us.
Not sure whether it is right for you? Book a free 15-minute consultation first. It is a conversation, not a sales call, and if we do not think you will get value from the treatment we will say so.
Learn More
For a longer explanation of how facial acupuncture works and what the research does and does not show, read our detailed article: Facial & Cosmetic Acupuncture: Does It Really Work?
We also offer general acupuncture in Toronto for pain, stress and wellness.
