Micro-Current Machines

Background 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.

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.

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.

Treatments 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.

Procedure:
Magic gloves or 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.

Who should not have a Micro-Current 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, we will not do this treatment until after you have given birth.

Click here to find out more information about this facial treatment.