Micro-Current Machines Information

Micro-current therapy, like Botox®, and lasers, is yet another example of a procedure which began as a medical treatment, but which has now been adapted for use in the cosmetic market place.

Originally developed in the U.S. in the late 1980s, micro-current therapy was used to treat facial weakness in victims of Bell's Palsy and strokes.

Patients with muscles on the side of their faces, which had been paralysed and caused their faces to look “lop-sided”, were treated with a micro-current. This treatment seemed to “lift” their faces and their faces looked closer to their former selves again.

Micro-current systems are also used to treat muscular injuries (especially in athletes) and by physiotherapists for pain relief.

This treatment has been available in the U.K. for cosmetic purposes since the early 1990s with the introduction of the CACI (Computer Aided Cosmetology Instrument) which became known as the original “non-surgical face-lift”. Treatment claims include the reduction of wrinkles, an improvement in the overall shape of the face, a better complexion and improvements in the appearance of stretch marks and scar tissue.

Micro-current therapy can also be used to treat other areas of the body. It can lift muscles and loose skin and different types of this therapy are currently available in the U.K..

If you are considering micro-current treatment, the following information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure. It can't answer all your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the practitioner. Please ask a practitioner about anything you don't understand.

Tiny micro-currents of electricity (literally measuring only millionths of an amp) are used to stimulate facial or other muscles in the body. The stimulation at this level is known as sub-sensory: that means that you feel very little, if anything at all, when the current is applied to your skin, and there is no sign of any visible muscle contraction.

The muscles are gently exercised, leading to an increase in the production of protein. This tightens and firms up the muscles and reduces slackness and restores a firmer shape and tone to the face or area treated.

Some practitioners claim that micro-current therapy can also stimulate the lymphatic system, which reduces the amount of fluid in the face. This means that eye-bags can be reduced in size and the complexion can be improved. Other claims include an increased rate in the production of collagen. Micro-current therapy can also be used to treat other areas of the body, such as the breast, where it can produce a mild, transient lifting effect.

Careful discussions regarding your reasons for wanting micro-current treatment are vital before any treatment begins. You should also make sure that your practitioner knows what you expect from this therapy and is sure that he or she can achieve this for you. You need to talk about the type of equipment they are planning to use and evidence of good results for that particular machine are very important at this stage.

A medical history should also be taken to make sure that there are no reasons why you shouldn’t undertake treatment. You may be asked to sign a consent form, which means that you have understood the potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure.

Photographs may also be taken by the practitioner for a “before and after” comparison at a later date.

Procedure

This will differ depending on the type of machine used, but the following procedure is usual:

pads may be applied to the face, or other area of the body to be treated;

two special probes are then stroked over the surface of the skin in a precise way to stimulate the different muscles requiring treatment;

2 – 3 treatment sessions are usually recommended for the first few weeks, going down to 1 a week as the results become evident.

Treatment sessions last for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Repeat treatments

You should usually see changes within 4 or 5 sessions, but between 10 and 15 is the average number of suggested treatments. Monthly maintenance sessions are then suggested to maintain the results after the first round of therapy.

None is required and you can return to work or normal activities immediately after a treatment.

There is usually no pain associated with this type of treatment, and it appears to be completely safe with no known side effects or risks.

Most patients report a feeling of relaxation and an increase in energy following treatment. Since the lymph system is stimulated by the micro-current, it is important for the success of your treatment that you drink at least two litres of water every day in order to help your body flush out the toxins or poisons which are disturbed by this treatment.

As long as you are generally healthy and don’t have any skin diseases or infections in the area treated, there are few medical reasons why patients should not undergo this treatment. However, patients may be unsuitable for treatment if they have a pacemaker, a history of heart problems, epilepsy or problems with thrombosis.

Although there is no evidence that this treatment is harmful for pregnant women, you would generally be advised to wait until after you have given birth before embarking upon a course of treatment.

Most machines are found in beauty salons and spas and can be used by trained beauticians and aestheticians.

Prices usually start in the £40 - £60 range for a 30 minute treatment session.

Multiple sessions can usually be bought at a discount.

Micro-current treatment is backed by research stemming back to the 1980s. Although the treatment is intensive and time-consuming at first, it comes with a very low risk of side effects and gives results that satisfy most people who undertake this form of cosmetic treatment.

Like many other cosmetic treatments, it can also be used in combination with other non-surgical procedures such as botulinum toxin (Botox®) and dermal fillers or mild chemical peels. If you have micro-current therapy at the same time as one of these other options, the chances are high that you will be very pleased with the overall final result.

However, please note that this is not a permanent treatment, and in order to maintain results you will need ongoing monthly treatments.

Please note that results of non-surgical treatments vary enormously, depending upon both the patient and the skill of the individual practitioner.

We currently do not have any before and after images for Micro-Current Treatments.