How long does a microcurrent treatment take?

It isn't a separate appointment. Microcurrent is added to a facial, most often the Anti-Aging Facial, and makes that visit a little longer without cutting anything else out.

How many sessions does it take to see a difference?

One session can make the jaw and brow look a little firmer for a day or so. The change most people want comes from a series of monthly visits.

Does microcurrent hurt?

No. The current is very low, and many people feel nothing at all. Some notice a faint tingle near the probes. There's no downtime afterward.

Can I book microcurrent without a facial?

No. It's only offered as an add-on, usually with the Anti-Aging Facial.

Is microcurrent safe for everyone?

No. Pregnancy, a pacemaker or other implanted device, epilepsy or a seizure disorder, and cold sores or broken skin where the probes would go all rule it out. Tell us about any of these before your appointment.

What microcurrent actually does

Microcurrent is on a lot of facial menus, usually with a line or two of description and not much else. This post covers what it does, what one session gets you, and why it's sold as a series.

What is microcurrent?

It's a facial add-on that runs a very low electrical current across the jaw, cheeks and brow with a pair of handheld probes. The current is measured in millionths of an amp, so low that many people can't feel it. No needles, no peeling. A conductive gel goes on first so the probes glide and the current spreads evenly.

What does it do to the muscle?

The current is aimed at the small muscles of the face, under the skin. Physical therapists have used low-level current on other muscle groups for years, and the idea behind the facial version is the same: regular work keeps muscle toned, and toned muscle holds up the skin over it a little better.

The research on microcurrent for the face is limited. Studies are small, and the devices and schedules vary from one to the next. We'd rather tell you that up front than oversell it.

What will one session do, and what will a series do?

After one session your jawline may look a little sharper and your brow a little lifted for the rest of the day, sometimes into the next. Then it settles. A change that holds comes from repeating it, the way any muscle responds to regular use. Here microcurrent pairs with the Anti-Aging Facial, and the monthly visits are where the difference adds up.

Is microcurrent like Botox?

No. Botox is an injection that blocks the nerve signals telling a muscle to contract, so the muscle relaxes and the lines it makes soften. Fillers add volume under the skin. Microcurrent works from the surface, and its effect is milder and slower than either one. It won't replace injectables. If what you want sounds like a physician's work, we'll tell you at your consultation, before you sign up for a series.

Who should skip microcurrent?

Microcurrent is low risk for most people, but electrical stimulation has a standard list of exclusions:

Pregnancy
A pacemaker, implanted pump or other implanted device
Epilepsy or a seizure disorder
Cold sores, broken skin or an open spot where the probes would go

If any of these apply, tell us before your appointment. We'll leave microcurrent out that day and do the rest of your facial as planned.

What happens during the appointment?

Microcurrent comes after cleansing and exfoliation, once your skin is prepped and the gel can go on. The probes move slowly along the jaw, cheeks and brow. Most people feel little or nothing, and some notice a faint tingle. You can put makeup on afterward and go about your day.

Where to go from here

If you want a gradual lift along the jaw and brow and you can come in about once a month, microcurrent is worth adding to your next facial. If you're hoping for a big change from one visit, say so at your consultation, since that may be a job for a different kind of provider. You can book an appointment and we'll go over what microcurrent can and can't do for your face before you add it.