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Facial Microcurrent: Do They Work Like a Facelift?

Also, how long after Juvederm injections (on my cheeks and nasolabial folds) do I have to wait before I can have a Microcurrent Facelift?

Asked 37 months ago by peepsey13 in new york
Sort 19 expert answers by:
+2

Don't Spend Money On Snake Oil

There has been a fair amount of work done with both microcurrent electrical stimulation and magnetic field stimulation on wound healing. Microcurrents, on the order of 1mA-3mA (milli Amps) have been shown to decrease healing time of open wounds by significant amounts. Typically the wounds were treated with alternating polarity (+/-) for one hour/day for weeks to months. So I think there is great potential for the use of electrical stimulation in wound healing. As far has for face... more
Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon
+2

Does "microcurrent facelift" work?

I doubt that you will find a definitive answer to this, because it probably hasn't been studied to know how this combination affects the filler. Without data from studies, you won't really know. For that matter, it is fair to ask whether such a thing as "microcurrent facelift" actually works; there don't seem to be many scientific studies (if any) supporting that concept. Laser skin tightening or Thermage, on the other hand, have been thoroughly evaluated.
Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

Microcurrent facial machines don't work

None of the noninvasive treatments to the skin will ever approach the results of a surgical facelift. I have no experience with a Microcurrent device, but do have considerable experience with a Thermage unit which is considered the Gold standard of these devices (I have no financial investments in any of these companies). With the Thermage, we see benefit in most patients with some skin tightening, but much less than a facelift. The thin skin of the eyelids respond better than the thick... more
William H. Huffaker, MD
Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon
+2

Don't expect much from a "Microcurrent" facelift

Peepsey13, I do not believe that there are any studies looking at the time between a "Microcurrent" facelift and a the injection of Juvederm. However, I would suggest at least 2 weeks to allow the swelling from the injections to settle if they are applying the "Microcurrent" in the same areas that were injected. Also, don't expect much from the "Microcurrent" facelift. If you are in need of a facelift, then that is what you should have. In researching this... more
David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Microcurrent is not the equivalent of a facelift

One of these days, I am going to read about a diet based facelift. Thermage and other skin tightening procedures involving electrical stimulation are not the equivalent of surgery and can produce only limited improvement. I would suggest having filler first and then assessing the results before making any additional decisions.
Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Microcurrent facelift?

Boy, this sounds like a gimmick. Anything that offers a microcurrent is NOT a facelift and should not be remotely thought of as a facelift alternative. It is marketing and it is hype and it is doubtful that you will be happy with the results!
Lawrence Kass, MD
Saint Petersburg Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Micro-Current Facelift - When to Do It?

Or should you do it at all? I am not a micro-current expert but I doubt that you will find experienced facelift surgeons offering this treatment. And most likely, you will not find conclusive scientific studies about micro-current "facelifts". Attaching the word "facelift" to microcurrent is misleading. If you are looking for non-invasive and effective facial tightening, look up Ultherapy within RealSelf. Even this FDA-approved and effective non-surgical... more
Frank P. Fechner, MD
Worcester Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Microcurrents are not a Face lift

Do not be fooled about Micro-currents, this technique can not and will not lift and reposition the facial tissues. Some mild tightening may occur and if that's all its being sold as then proceed with caution. We all embrace these new gadgets with guarded skepticism , we have our gold standards that we know will work in our hands. A traditional face lift will not be replaced by a Micro-currents face lift. Check out your provider very carefully, since this technology is fairly... more
Charles Virden, MD
Reno Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facial Microcurrent: Do They Work Like a Facelift?

Nothing short of a facelift will work like a facelift!  Dont be oversold on facial microcurrent if you are looking for facelift results!
Amy T. Bandy, DO
Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift vs microcurrent

A facelift is the procedure of choice to make permanent and extensive changes in the face for rejuvenation.  Microcurrent therapy has some benefits, however modest.  It can improve skin tone and slightly change the shape of  the structures.  It can easily be oversold.  Buyer beware. All the best, Tal Raine MD FACS
Talmage J. Raine, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facial Microcurrent

Facial microcurrent has never in a controlled study been shown to reverse the effects of aging. The reason that ones face gets an aged appearance as a person gets older, is due to many factors. These include genetic predisposition, sun exposure and cigarette smoking to name a few. As one ages the bony skeleton of the face changes, as does the facial volume secondary to decrease in fat volume. The fascia and supporting connective tissue loses some of its elasticity, so exposing the skin... more
Wilfred Brown, MD
Fairfield Plastic Surgeon
+1

Microcurent not a substitute for facelifting

Remember facial exercises! This anti aging technique was popularized to help maintain youth. The problem was that since the muscles of facial expression insert into the skin, every time the muscles got a work out, the skin creased and eventually developed a wrinkle. The newer version of trying to maintain muscle tone is to deliver micro current.. The procedure will probably have no effect on the filler. If a person has medical problems that keep them from having a surgical procedure,... more
Brian Maloney, MD
Atlanta Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Microcurrent results will not be comparable to a facelift

Microcurrent treatments will not yield results simular to that of a facelift because the energy applied will not result in elevation of the structural components of the face - namely fascia, muscles and fat.  Only the very superficial layer of skin and dermis would have any response to microcurrent and I suspect that would be modest at best.
Douglas Stevens, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Microcurrent and Fillers

Microcurrent will provide little benefit but may cause fillers to absorb faster than ideal.  Receive microcurrent first, fillers after.
Anil R. Shah, MD
Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facial Microcurrent Is Not A Facelift

Unfortunately, as in most advertising, the hype does not live up to the reality. Microcurrent has been tested and shown to help with wound healing but there is nothing in the medical literature about microcurrent reversing the signs of aging. As most of the physicians have pointed out, there is also no evidence about the interaction of Juvederm and microcurrent. I would suggest doing the microcurrent before any injections just to be safe.
D.J. Verret, MD
Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Microcurrent treatment is not even close to a Facelift

I wouldn't recommend a micro current procedure, because it really does not work. However, if you are determined to proceed, I would recommend having it done prior to having fillers. If you have already had your filler procedures, I would recommend waiting 1-2 weeks before proceding with the microcurrent procedure.
Stephen Prendiville, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Microcurrent facelift is a misnomer

A microcurrent procedure really doesn't act like a facelift. The changes will be very subtle, if there are any at all. If you need a facelift, it can be properly done by a qualified surgeon and not leave an operated look. Check my photos on this site.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

You can get a Microcurrent Face Lift 1 week after Restylane or Juvederm

Although I do not think that there is much change with micro current face lift procedures, I do think that the filler injection you had are settled and that there will be little change in the Restylane/Juvederm Injection you have. I would tell you to monitor your progress with these micro-current procedures because I have seen a lot of patients spend a lot of money with no result from this procedure. They see em to do a procedure after sending thousands of dollars on thing that do not... more
Andrew Jacono, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

My concern would be possible break-down of Juvederm by the current.

If you have the option, I would suggest having the microcurrent procedure before Juvederm injections. I am not aware of any studies on the subject, but the microcurrent might otherwise promote break-down of the Juvederm filler.
Bryan K. Chen, MD
San Diego Dermatologist
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