What is HIFU?
HIFU is short for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. As the name suggests, HIFU technology utilizes high intensity focused ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen synthesis and remodelling in the dermis and Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS), leading to lifting and tightening of the face and neck.
How does HIFU work?
HIFU works in much the same way as how light rays from the sun can be focused to burn a leaf except that it uses a transducer rather than a magnifying lens to focus sound waves. By focusing areas deep within the skin, HIFU bypasses the surface of the skin and heats deeper tissue to temperatures up to 65°C to cause zones of thermal damage. Damaged collagen tissue signals the skin to repair itself and in the process stimulates the formation of new collagen (a process known as neocollagenosis), which leads to skin tightening and lifting in the treated area.
How is this procedure different from other treatments?
HIFU machines for the face and neck usually come with cartridges that target three depths – 1.5mm, 3mm and 4.5mm. It reaches deeper into the dermis than lasers and radiofrequency machines as far down as the SMAS layer which is normally only accessible through surgery. The SMAS layer is important for suspoending the tissues of the face and HIFU tightening of SMAS gives the skin a lift. HIFU is safe and non-invasive, i.e., it doesn’t involve needles or cutting. It is a good alternative to facelifts for individuals who are not ready for plastic surgery (face lift surgery).
What are the benefits of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)?
• Tightens cheeks
• Tightens jowls, sagging necks and improves jaw contour
• Tightens the décolletage
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• Rejuvenates Skin
• Smoothens the skin
• Lift brows, sagging eyelids, drooping mouth corners and cheeks
• Reduces double chin
Who is suitable for HIFU?
HIFU is a good alternative to facelifts for anyone who is not ready for plastic surgery (face lift surgery). The treatment can be performed all year round and is suitable for all skin types.
Contraindications for HIFU
- Active systemic or local skin diseases
- Severe or cystic acne on the treatment areas
- Open wounds on the treatment areas
- Metal stents/implants in the face or neck
- Pregnant or breast-feeding woman
- Patients with bleeding disorders or who are taking blood thinning drugs
Cancer patients
How is HIFU done?
The skin is cleansed and a layer of ultrasound gel is applied to the skin. The HIFU hand-piece is placed firmly against the skin and HIFU shots are administered to specific areas according to the patient’s needs.
How does treatment feel?
There is no pain but there may be mild discomfort, likened to tiny electric pulses or a prickly sensation. This is normal and indicates that the target areas have been reached and collagen regeneration can be expected. Areas around the eyes and over bony prominences may be more sensitive. No anaesthesia is required. If you’re worried about pain, your doctor may suggest taking a pain-killer prior to treatment or apply a numbing cream beforehand.
How long does the procedure take?
Treatment time varies between 30-45 mins and 1.5 hours depending on the area that is treated. To lift parts of the face takes about 30 minutes. Your treatment will be tailored to your individual requirements which will be discussed in your pre-treatment consultation. Additional time will be required if you require more areas.
What to expect after the treatment?
Slight redness or swelling may occur, but it should subside quickly. Some patients may experience a light tingling sensation of the treated area or numbness or bruising, but these side effects usually go away after a few days. There is no downtime and no special care is needed. You can apply makeup resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
When Are Results Visible?
Some lifting can often be seen immediately after treatment but this is temporary and due to slight swelling of the skin. The true effects of HIFU can only be seen after 3 months when the collagen remodelling has taken place and further improvement continues thereafter.
How long do the results last?
HIFU results can last about a year. Touch-up treatments are useful for maintenance and to keep pace with the natural ageing process. This can be done 3, 6 or 9 monthly intervals depending on the severity of sagging.
Will I look unnatural after the HIFU treatment?
HIFU stimulates collagen regeneration and gives the skin a natural lift. It does not alter facial features.
Can I combine HIFU with any other treatments?
HIFU can be combined with fillers to correct volume loss such as sunken cheeks and jowls or Botox to reduce expression lines or other non-invasive treatments such as lasers and radiofrequency which target different areas of skin.