No — for microcurrent, it's an absolute contraindication. Microcurrent facials, EMS body toning, and galvanic treatments pass electrical current through the body, and that current can interfere with a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator (ICD). No insurer in the UK will cover you for running current through a client with a cardiac implant, and no reputable device manufacturer sanctions it.
Radiofrequency is nearly as strict. RF skin tightening generates an electromagnetic field, and most manufacturers list pacemakers and ICDs as a contraindication for that reason. Some clinics will treat a limb far from the chest with written cardiologist clearance — but for a solo salon or spa, the safe and insurable answer is don't.
What you can still offer: manual facials, most massage (check for other cardiac flags first), LED light therapy, lash and brow work, waxing, nails, and most skincare treatments are all fine. A pacemaker rules out the current, not the client.
What to do:
- Ask about cardiac implants on every consultation form — pacemaker, ICD, loop recorder. Clients often don't volunteer it because they don't connect a facial with their heart.
- Record the answer, not just the treatment decision. If a therapist covers your column next month, the flag must travel with the client.
- Offer the alternative in the same breath — "microcurrent isn't safe with your pacemaker, but here's what will give you a similar result" keeps the booking instead of losing it.
- Never accept "it's fine, I've had it done before." Previous luck is not clearance.
Every client, remembered — safely.
SAY-OS keeps each client's contraindications, allergies and history in one place, and flags them at booking — so the right call happens before they're in the chair.
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