Manual Acupuncture for Improvement of Nasolabial Fold: A Quasi-Experimental Research

Introduction: The nasolabial folds are one of the most recognizable signs of aging in the midface. Acupuncture has been used widely for beauty therapy including facial rejuvenation and is known to be effective and have minimal side effects in reducing wrinkles. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in nasolabial fold after manual acupuncture for facial rejuvenation. Methods: This study is designed as a quasi-experimental or also called as one group pretest-posttest design involving 25 participants. Eligible patients will receive the same manual acupuncture therapy three times a week for 2 weeks. Manual acupuncture is performed at ST36. At the face, acupuncture is performed using the penetrating needling technique, from the superior edge of the arcus zygomaticus through ST2 toward LI20, on the zygomaticum through ST3 toward the middle of the nasolabial fold, on the inferior edge of the arcus zygomaticum through SI18 toward ST4, ST7 toward ST4, and at ashi point on the scalp along the temporal hairline at the m. temporoparietal. The outcomes are nasolabial length changes measured in millimeters, changes in the wrinkle severity rating scale (WSRS), and changes in the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS). The outcome will be evaluated at baseline, posttherapy, 2-week, and 4-week follow-up posttherapy. Results: The length of the nasolabial fold decreased after therapy with a mean change of 37.34%. There was one level of improvement on the WSRS after therapy. On the GAIS, there was an improvement of two to three levels after therapy. Conclusion: Nasolabial fold improved after receiving manual acupuncture therapy for facial rejuvenation.