If you’re afraid of the surgeon’s knife, how are you with needles?

That’s a new question popping up for those who want a facelift - without the facelift surgery.

Cosmetic acupuncture offers an alternative to those who don’t want the side effects of traditional facelift surgery: Bruising, blood and extended recovery periods.

“I got a result the first time,” said Sherry Willis, an acupuncture facelift patient. “I was really amazed when I saw the pictures after six treatments. I hadn’t even realized it because it’s such a gradual process.”

Willis, 50, said unlike a traditional facelift, her acupuncture facelift produced what she called “gentler” results.

“You walk out of there and you’ve got this pulled-apart tight look. With the acupuncture, it’s more a slow, gradual thing,” said Willis.

Some acupuncture facelift patients said their results were similar to those from a Botox treatment.

Dr. Michael Boss practices acupuncture in Boerne. He said he believes he’s the only acupuncturist trained and practicing the facelift technique in the San Antonio area.

Boss said the technique involves inserting dozens of needles into the face muscles. Boss said the needles increase circulation, which plumps up the skin.

Boss said the results are not immediate and do not last forever.

He charges $100 for a full-face session and recommends at least 10 sessions.