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.

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.

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.

Recovery time

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

There are currently no before and after images available for the use of micro-current machines.