Objective: Although beauty (cosmetic) acupuncture is expected to have effects such as facial lifting and improved skin hydration, few studies provide scientific evidence. Among these methods, auricular stimulation is simple and offers immediate effects. While subjective facial changes induced by auricular pressure stimulation using pellets (ear seeds) have been reported, objective, quantitative evaluation remains lacking. This study aimed to quantify facial morphological changes using a three-dimensional imaging system (3D scanner) alongside subjective assessments.

Methods: Four healthy female participants (mean age 27.25±14.5 years) were recruited. A randomized crossover trial was conducted in which titanium pellet ear seeds were attached to specific auricular points (the Shenmen and Eye). Facial volume and soft tissue movement were assessed pre- and post-intervention using a 3D scanner. Subjective evaluations were collected via mirror-based self-assessment. Statistical analysis included intra-examiner error and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, with significance set at p<0.05.

Results: Measurement error was within acceptable limits, supporting reproducibility. All participants showed volume changes of ≥0.5 cc after stimulation compared to no-stimulation conditions, on either or both sides of the face. Subjectively, changes were reported only after stimulation. However, changes were noted on both the stimulated and non-stimulated sides. While subjective and objective assessments did not always align, some findings were consistent, including directional soft tissue movement vectors.

Conclusion: Auricular stimulation using pellet attachments produced measurable and perceived changes in facial morphology. The 3D imaging system proved useful for objective quantification. The observed bilateral effects may involve autonomic responses mediated via trigeminal nerve pathways. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between subjective and quantitative outcomes.