Facial Rejuvenation with Carthami-Flos Pharmacopuncture and Embedding Acupuncture: A Case Report

Objectives : With the growing interest in aesthetics and cosmetic procedures, the Korean aesthetic medicine market has shown significant growth.Korean medicine has also been exploring various approaches in cosmetic acupuncture, including embedding acupuncture and pharmacopuncture.This study presents cases of combined treatment with Carthami-Flos pharmacopuncture and embedding acupuncture for facial wrinkle improvement and lifting.Methods : From March to December 2022, seven patients who underwent combined treatment with Carthami-Flos pharmacopuncture and embedding acupuncture at a Korean medicine clinic were analyzed.Evaluations were conducted using photographic assessments and the Nasolabial Fold Severity Rating Scale (NLF-SRS).To minimize pain and inflammatory responses, lidocaine-epinephrine was administered pre-procedurally, and dexamethasone was used post-procedurally in selected cases.Results : Among the seven female patients (mean age: 40.38.5 years), four received a single treatment, while others underwent multiple sessions.The mean NLF-SRS score improved from 3.50.5 pre-treatment to 1.80.4post-treatment, demonstrating visible wrinkle reduction.No adverse reactions related to pharmacopuncture, embedding acupuncture, or the adjunctive medications were reported.Conclusions : The combination of embedding acupuncture and Carthami-Flos pharmacopuncture effectively improved facial wrinkles and skin elasticity.The use of lidocaine-epinephrine and dexamethasone helped ensure a safer and more comfortable treatment process.Further prospective studies are needed to establish standardized treatment protocols and verify long-term efficacy and safety.