Are Microcurrent Facial Devices Safe on the Neck?
I have a question that I would like to put out to the Earth Clinic community because I have often found trustworthy guidance here. I apologize that this question leans more toward vanity than health. This year, I have been using the Iodine protocol each morning and it appears to be resolving the thyroid nodules in my neck. I have also been applying a little castor oil to my throat at bed time and am pleased that these 2 actions together have helped the skin on my neck to look much nicer than before (not to mention all of the other benefits of the Iodine protocol).
Now for the question: I have started to use a micro electric stimulating device on my face and neck each morning. I have never seen these devices mentioned on EC, although this sort of facial treatment is becoming popular. My device is one of the weaker ones that are available for home use, but it works very well to tighten my neck and face. I have done a thorough internet search to try to determine if any customer or Dermatologist's complaints are associated with these devices, but I've found nothing of substance. Specifically, I question whether the micro current could cause any harmful changes to my thyroid or lymph nodes. My lymph nodes certainly feel normal, and as I said, the thyroid nodules are resolving nicely.
So far, my neck looks like it did in photos I found from 5 years ago. I am so pleased with the result of these 3 treatments together that, just for vanity's sake, I don't want to give up any of them. If anyone in the community has an informed opinion as to why this electrical stimulation might prove unsafe on my neck, I would like to hear it. Thank you.
Santa Monica
12/13/2015
I am glad you posted this question because I've been meaning to add a review on Amazon about microcurrent devices since I bought one on my birthday last summer at a local spa. I agree with you that it does an incredible job on the skin - however, I had to stop using mine after 3 times as I experienced serious side effects. I bought a NuFace Pro microcurrent device. They had just started selling the Pro version to consumers when I bought mine. It has more amps to it.
The first time I used it, I tried it on my forehead and got an instant headache that lasted 24 hours.
The 2nd time I tried it about a week later, I had it on the high setting and lifted along the chin line besides my cheekbones... You run it along the skin from one section to another (no more than 3 seconds from one area to the next) but I felt very strange in my throat and lungs for the next 36 hours; like my throat was closing in. I read a review on Amazon that the Nuface made one woman hyperthyroid when she used it on the neck (which I didn't)... I also had the oddest sensation of tremors going down my spine for two nights. It was scary.
Don't laugh, but since I spent a lot of money on this device and I wasn't ready to give up quite yet so I waited another week and tried one more time, but this time I used it on the lowest possible setting. My skin had a lift and looked great, but after about an hour later, I felt my throat closing again and a dizziness. It's been in the drawer ever since.
I don't recommend these devices after this experience. However, the tightening of the skin and glow was incredible. Too bad!
A facialist told me she had also bought the same device last year and had to stop using it after a few months because it started to burn her skin!
I suggest you be very careful with these devices, especially on the neck and forehead. IMO, it's not worth it.
Massachusetts
06/19/2018
I disagree, I think that dermatologist are just trying to make you spend money with them and plastic surgeons.
I have used microcurrent professionally for years and on many clients necks, face and bodies with no side effects.
California
04/21/2016
Nj
10/26/2017
Do you get these results after a massage as well? Your cells release toxins when stimulated and your symptoms sound like detoxification fatigue. Drink a couple glasses of water prior to using the micro current to help flush the toxins. Your symptoms will lesson as your body release's them.
Los Angeles
01/25/2018
Houston
01/29/2018
I'm 69, loads of lotions and potions throughout the years. No devices though. Tried my new $$$$ NuFACE today. I did a rehearsal, practice run first.
After I completed the routine( lowest setting) I saw some swelling.
My pulse was racing and I felt sick.
I will contact the company. It was scary.
Not many reviews about bad experiences. Wonder about that.
Am I the rare case?
Ca
02/15/2018
Same here, used first time this am low setting it did work, but shortly afterward, face felt strange and heart started to race for 1 hour. Scared me which didn't help I know it was the nuface. Too bad because it did lift, but am afraid to use again, back it goes.
Chicago
03/28/2018
I'm so glad I found this thread! I've been using the PRO for about a month, and I've had some really scary side effects. But because of the amazing results I've seen, I haven't wanted to give it up yet. However I was getting horrible tension headaches. And then, my scalp and mouth/teeth would feel numb and tingle. That was also accompanied by head pressure and ears feeling full, like they were popping (almost like allergy symptoms). It was very strange, and would only happen after I used the device. And would last for DAYS. I don't know what to do other than not use it anymore. It seems like most people do not have these experiences, therefore I'm at least glad to see a few of us can understand this other side.
Hacienda Heights
04/21/2018
I have been using my Nuface Trinity Pro for about a month on and off since it seemed like every time I would use it I would get a headache. I thought at first that it was just a coincidence but after reading reading the other comments I know it's not a coincidence as a matter of fact I used it last night and right before I went to bed my head started to hurt and I have had the headache all day long. I really wanted to give it a chance but it's not for me.
I also want to mention that I contacted the company with my concern about my headaches and they never returned my email.
Seattle
04/21/2018
Companies hire other companies to hide bad reviews so it's difficult to find them on the search engines, especially if millions of dollars are at stake. And especially with something like this that the FDA could go after if they chose to. It's bizarre there isn't more research on zapping with electricity near the thyroid gland and the nerves in the face. There are probably a good number of people having side effects from the device but either don't put 2 and 2 together or just haven't tried hunting very hard. I have a friend who used to get this done at her face place but similarly got intense headaches afterwards.
