March 2021, Spa

Microcurrent Body Sculpting

March 1, 2021 | by Kara McLucas-Mark

Trending Treatment

Microcurrent body sculpting has recently been capturing the industry by storm. Client bases everywhere are enticed by the idea of trimming the waistline, reducing cellulite, and tightening sagging skin without going into a gym. We all remember the ab belt craze of the early 2000s. Well, here it is backed by science and with newer technology and applications. All the antiquated ab belts are saying, “New look. Who’s this?”.

WHAT IS MICROCURRENT?

Early on in our careers, most of us are taught about microcurrent facials and its rejuvenating effects, but this is a little deeper and different current. Microcurrent is a low-level electrical current that mimics the body’s charge. Once it reaches the dermal and muscular layers, it activates the release of ATP as a catalyst for cellular functions. ATP is the charge in our battery, and as we age, it diminishes. Increased ATP levels support cell metabolism, stimulate protein synthesis (remember collagen is a protein), and increase circulation and detoxification through the lymphatic system. In body contouring, it does all of this and re-educates muscle groups regarding muscle fiber strength, length, and position.

“Early on in our careers, most of us are taught about microcurrent facials and its rejuvenating effects, but this is a little deeper and different current.”

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BENEFITS OF TREATMENT

Who would not want more defined abs, slimmer arms, and tightened skin? And those are just a few of the benefits of microcurrent body contouring. Not only does this service aid in contouring those hard to manage areas, but it can also provide pain relief. Microcurrent has been used since the 60s as an aide to physical therapists helping others recover specific injuries. Not only does it re-educate muscle fiber, but it can teach damaged muscles how to hold positions they once held. So, in other words, if you have muscles that have been “stretched,” it helps them strengthen and return to a more contracted position. What the client will see is strengthened muscle as well as tightened skin. (It is worth mentioning that your client will see these results more significant if they are already following a healthy lifestyle or going on a fitness journey. Be sure to set achievable and realistic expectations with your client.)

WHAT DO I GAIN BY ADDING IT TO MY PRACTICE?

Most aestheticians become aestheticians because they want to help people, are intrigued by the skin, and love gadgets. Investing in a machine for microcurrent body sculpting is a substantial financial investment. Most body contouring treatments are sold as a package of 6 or more sessions. For each session, depending on location and demographics, base rates start at $100. With restrictions we have seen in the past year due to the pandemic, it is also an excellent “hands-off” treatment. You have minimal contact time with the patient, so for COVID restrictions, it is one of the “safer” treatments. There also doesn’t seem to be any additional certification needed other than being trained on the specific equipment. This is nice when you are looking at cost margins for the start-up of a body contouring program. It is a business driver with minimal risk and downtime.

It is also a great first step for those aestheticians wary of breaking into the medical spa scene. It takes the microcurrent we were trained on for the face, our go-to anti-aging “umph”, and applies it to a broader area. We can speak to it and use it comfortably and with confidence. So, if you’re wondering if you should take the leap and add it to your practice or do it yourself, this may be your sign!

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