What is High Intensity Focused Ultrasound and is it the right choice for you?
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (or HIFU), is a non-invasive technology designed for skin tightening and facial contouring. It uses focused ultrasound energy to target specific layers of the skin for rejuvenation. The treatment is a non-invasive, gentle method that avoids surgery and skin damage while effectively stimulating collagen production. The device is used for skin lifting and skin tightening, providing visible improvements in facial contours. The ultrasound energy and ultrasound waves are delivered in a controlled manner, in a precise pattern, to target the deeper layers of the skin. The ultrasound is the source of energy that powers the procedure.
This technology is suitable for mild to moderate skin laxity and sagging. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound is effective for facial rejuvenation, contouring, and tightening and lifting of the face and neck. It can be used on the face and skin of the neck and décolletage for comprehensive rejuvenation. It also allows for tightening and lifting of the jawline, brow, and neck areas. The focus of the technology is on collagen stimulation, which helps restore skin firmness and elasticity. The procedure is performed by delivering focused ultrasound energy to the targeted areas, stimulating natural collagen production. This treatment is non-invasive and effective for skin tightening and lifting.
The benefits of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound include safety, effectiveness, and suitability for all skin types. The treatment is performed by a qualified healthcare provider to ensure optimal results and safety. Patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure, with minimal downtime.
Unsuitable candidates for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound:
- Severe skin laxity
- Patients with very low facial volume (sunken face)
Contraindications: (if unsure, always check with doctor)
- Pregnancy
- Active skin infection
- Signs of sun injury
- Wound
- Filler injection in under 4 weeks
Interval: 3–4 months
Number of sessions: 2–3 sessions recommended for optimal results, more sessions might be needed for facial contouring and fat removal
Results: skin tightening visible immediately after the procedure, fat reduction visible after 2–3 weeks, best results after 2–3 months
Maintenance: 1–2×/year
Downtime: mild skin redness in less than 24 hrs, mild aching sensation of 5–7 days
Complications:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Prolonged redness
- Nerve pain (rare)
Pre-procedure:
- Photo documentation
- Obtain written consent
- Apply numbing cream: 30 mins
- Ensure the handpieces have no remnants of gel and are cleaned with alcohol
- Check the remaining shots, prepare a new cartridge if the shots are running low
- Apply gel on patient’s face evenly
Post-procedure:
- Remove gel from the face
- Photo documentation
- Apply moisturizer and sunscreen
- Post-procedure advice:
- Apply SPF50 broad spectrum sunscreen at least twice a day
- DO NOT touch, scratch, or rub the treated area till the skin is completely healed to prevent irritation or infection
- Be gentle when washing your face
- To resume regular skincare products after 48 hrs
- Avoid skincare ingredients such as retinol, Vitamin C, exfoliating products (facial scrub/AHA/BHA) for 2 weeks
- Avoid excessive sun exposure for 2 weeks
- Avoid facial procedures and energy-based aesthetic treatments such as laser, radio frequency, HIFU, BBL, IPL for 2 weeks
