Aging is an inevitable event in everyone’s life, and wrinkles on the face are one of the most visible signs of this process. While there is no way to escape aging, we can delay or even eliminate the signs and symptoms of aging with skin rejuvenation, giving the skin a younger, more vibrant, and beautiful appearance.
HIFU stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, a powerful and focused ultrasound technology. Previously known for treating tumours, HIFU technology has since been used for skin beautification. The first report of using HIFU therapy for skin rejuvenation dates back to 2008. The type of waves used in HIFU therapy differs from those in medical ultrasound imaging devices. In HIFU therapy, the waves are focused and directed at a specific layer of the skin, improving collagen production in the skin.
Collagen is one of the main components of the skin that keeps it youthful. It is present in the skin, cartilage, and bones, and its degradation leads to weakened body tissues and sagging skin. HIFU facial lifting targets all layers of the skin, from the epidermis to the SMAS layer. Collagen production can be stimulated by sending heat at 60 to 70 degrees to this layer.
HIFU therapy is performed using a device called HIFU. This non-invasive method focuses on the inner layers and creates intense heat, causing targeted destruction in a specific skin area. HIFU therapy only stimulates cells, prompting them to rejuvenate their tissues and produce collagen. The final result is skin tightening and lifting in the desired areas. HIFU therapy is the only non-invasive method explicitly targeting deep layers under the skin without any surface incisions.
HIFU is one of the best methods for rejuvenating and reducing skin sagging. It is straightforward and requires no recovery period. The procedure has no significant side effects, but some contraindications should be considered.
If you are over thirty and want to rejuvenate your skin and eliminate facial or body wrinkles, HIFU is a suitable choice. The procedure is painless, but some individuals may find it difficult to tolerate the half-hour of heat, in which case local anesthesia can be used.
The side effects of this method are minimal, but it is essential to inform your doctor of any illness, such as a cold, before undergoing the procedure. If severe acne or infection is present on the face or neck, the doctor will avoid HIFU therapy.
After the procedure, you will notice significant changes, which will become more pronounced after a few months.
The process is like an ultrasound. The doctor applies an ultrasound gel to the target area and places the HIFU device on it, sending waves into the deep layers of the skin. The depth and heat level of the waves are determined based on the doctor’s assessment.
HIFU is one of the fastest skin rejuvenation methods, with significant improvements in skin problems in just the first session, which lasts about 90 minutes. There is no recovery period.
Duration and Number of Sessions Required
Many doctors recommend one to three sessions in the first year for optimal results, followed by one to two annual sessions based on the outcomes. The required sessions can vary depending on the patient’s condition and requests. Each session typically lasts between 30 to 90 minutes, varying among individuals.
The effects of HIFU appear much faster than facelift surgery and have significantly fewer risks. However, its long-term effects are not as lasting. As the skin resumes aging, newly formed collagen degrades, returning the skin to its previous state. This typically occurs about a year after the treatment, necessitating annual repeats for lasting effects.
Applications of HIFU
It is important to note that HIFU therapy is not a miraculous cure for aging. It is suitable for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity. The following conditions benefit significantly from HIFU therapy:
- Lifting drooping eyelids and eyebrows
- Smoothing forehead lines and frown lines
- Tightening skin tissue by stimulating collagen and elastin
- Lifting and tightening sagging skin on the neck and under the chin
- Reducing and eliminating wrinkles around the eyes and mouth
- Improving jawline definition and eliminating chin sagging
- Reducing dark circles, hollows, and wrinkles around the eyes
- Jawline contouring
- Smile line correction
- Reducing wrinkles and skin texture improvement
- Lifting and firming sagging cheeks
- Smoothing and firming chest skin
- Closing pores and preventing blackheads and treating them
Advantages of HIFU Therapy
- Completely safe, radiation-free, and without side effects
- Does not require a sterile environment for the procedure
- Generally painless, eliminating the need for pre-treatment anesthesia
- Non-invasive and free from surgery and bleeding
- Performed in a single outpatient session without the need for hospitalization
- No age restrictions; suitable for anyone in need of this treatment
- Long-lasting results
Post-HIFU Therapy Care
After this non-invasive procedure, you can quickly return to your daily activities. It is essential to protect your skin from sunlight and use sunscreen. Your doctor will provide all necessary post-procedure recommendations. Special creams prescribed by the doctor should be used for skin repair. It is advisable to avoid smoking.
You can expect to look up to ten years younger with HIFU therapy, but the major effects become permanent and more noticeable with additional sessions.
Choosing a Clinic for HIFU Therapy
Consider several factors when selecting a clinic for HIFU therapy:
- Research the device used by the chosen center to ensure it is safe and effective.
- Investigate the doctor’s knowledge and experience with the device. Do not go to any beauty salon or clinic for HIFU therapy.
- The device should meet international standards, and the service provider should be trained.
- Check the clinic and service provider’s licenses before undergoing any treatment.
Contraindications for HIFU Therapy
HIFU therapy is almost without complications, depending on the practitioner’s skill. However, not everyone can use it for skin rejuvenation. It is not suitable for:
- Body contouring
- Elderly individuals over 70 due to excessive skin sagging
- Presence of dental implants or any metal in the treatment area
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Presence of prosthetics in the treatment area
- Dental fillings of amalgam type (specific precautions needed)
- Suspicious moles in the treatment area
- Surgical stitches or cuts in the treatment area
- Any nerve or muscle defect
- Any open wound or cut in the treatment area
- Severe acne and inflamed cysts in the treatment area
- Skin diseases, either localized or systemic
- Fever and high body temperature
- Presence of herpes
- Immune system disorders
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Recent injection of gels or Botox in the treatment area within the last three months
- Severe dry skin and eczema
- Heart muscle diseases
- Recent laser treatments within the last month
- History of facial muscle paralysis for any reason
Side Effects of HIFU
- Chronic facial pain
- Facial redness
- Inflammation and swelling of the face
- Numbness of the facial skin (severe side effect)
- Hyperpigmentation or increased skin pigmentation These side effects are rare and usually resolve within a few hours to two or three days.
