Electric Therapy Facelift

As with soft laser facelifts, which are distinct from surgical facelifts that can be performed with a medical laser, electric therapy facelifts are controversial. Electric therapy is often used with soft lasers but may be used alone. A machine that delivers a very mild electric current is applied to the face causing some irritation and inflammation of the upper skin layers with subsequent edema. It may be applied on top of or into the skin using small needles. Insertion of needles is potentially dangerous and might lead to local infections, scarring, or transmission of such diseases as hepatitis or AIDS.

The current may cause temporary muscle spasms giving a sensation of tightness to the skin. It may also cause fluid shifts due to inflammation which puffs up fine wrinkles. This effect, however, is only temporary and lasts minutes, hours, or days, but certainly not longer, Anything causing excessive irritation or inflammation of the skin can cause damage. Most treatments involve 10 to 60 minute sessions every few days for several weeks and once a week thereafter.

There is considerable controversy over whether or not electric therapy is of any value whatsoever, Estheticians usually administer this therapy, but their training is variable and the types of equipment used differ widely Risk is potentially small but certainly does exist, as it does with any device causing inflammation, irritation, and possible infection.