CACI (Micro current machines)

The objectives

Micro-current therapy is a non-surgical treatment to tone, tighten and firm muscles in the face and other areas of the body. It became popular in the UK for cosmetic use through the introduction of CACI (Computer Aided Cosmetology Instrument), which can help to reduce wrinkles and improve the appearance of stretch marks and scar tissue.

The procedure

The procedure can be carried out in about 30 to 60 minutes, and it is sometimes combined with other non-surgical treatments such as light therapy, dermal fillers, microdermabrasion or chemical peels.

The practitioner will apply pads to the face or area being treated, and will then move the two special probes of the micro-current machine over the face or area being treated. The probes work by stimulating muscles through tiny electrical impulses and signals. You will feel very little – if anything at all – during the treatment, and certainly no pain should be experienced.

If micro-current therapy is combined with a skin peel or other therapy, there will be a longer treatment time. You will normally need four to five sessions to see a gradual improvement to the area being treated, however 10 to 15 sessions are usually required for significant results.

It should be noted that results are temporary and generally require monthly treatments for ongoing maintenance.

The outcome

Normally, you can leave the clinic a few minutes after the procedure. You can usually return to work and resume all activities immediately afterwards.

The face or area being treated should look firmer as a result of this treatment, with many patients reporting feelings of relaxation and an increase of energy.

The risks

There appears to be no known side-effects or complications from micro-current therapy. However, the lymph system is stimulated during the procedure, so you should drink at least two litres of water every day to help flush out any toxins.

There is very little evidence that the treatment is harmful to pregnant women, however it is generally advised that it is avoided during pregnancy.

Also, patients with a pacemaker or with a history of heart problems, epilepsy and thrombosis should not have this treatment.

The costs

Usually, a 30 minute treatment will cost between £40 to £60.

The availability

Micro-current therapy is widely available at private cosmetic surgery clinics and specialist skin care clinics within the UK and abroad.

The popularity

Micro-current therapy has been used in medicine for over 20 years to treat patients with Bell’s Palsy, and has been used for cosmetic purposes in the UK since the early 1990s. Many women use this therapy to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and tighten bags under the eyes, however it has recently gained popularity when used in conjunction with other treatments such as light therapy.