FACIAL HIFU ( High intensity, focused ultrasound)

WHAT IS HIFU?

HIFU is short for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. It is a skin-tightening rejuvenation treatment that uses ultrasound technology to send sound waves in lines through every layer of the facial tissue, causing micro-trauma and creating a healing response over time that encourages collagen production. The effects of the treatment are compared to micro-needling without pain and downtime. HIFU works to firm and tone the epidermis, dermis and muscles, helping to redefine facial features and smoothing facial tissues. The results from this treatment are long-lasting, although it may take up to 6-12 months to see the full effect.
 

Patients above 30 with mild-to-moderate skin laxity are the best candidates for this procedure. Older patients with severe skin laxity, extensive photo-ageing and sagging skin may not be good candidates.
 

The procedure is popular for overall facial rejuvenation, lifting and tightening but can also be used for the body to help contour and destroy stubborn fat cells. It is sometimes called the ‘lunchtime face lift’ as the treatment is quick, painless and has no downtime.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The procedure utilises focused ultrasound energy to target the epidermis, dermis and SMAS layers and create rapid heat within the tissue. The SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) layer sits between the muscle and fat. It is the same layer pulled and tightened during a surgical operation with a plastic surgeon. HIFU does not require surgical incisions; cellular damage is caused when the cells reach a specific temperature, stimulating the cells to produce more collagen. Collagen is a common protein found in the dermis, giving the skin its firmness and youthful look. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, leading to less elasticity (sagging of the skin) and wrinkles forming. The increase in collagen results in tighter and firmer skin with reduced wrinkles.

As HIFU uses ultrasonic energy that penetrates deep into the tissue causing thermal coagulation, it avoids adverse contra-actions of the superficial skin layers. Patients may experience tiny electric pulses or a prickly sensation. However, the treatment is entirely tolerable and pain-free.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

HIFU has many aesthetic benefits on the face including:

• Smooths and improves the  skins texture
• Improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces the size of pores
• Lifts and contours the cheeks, eyebrows and eyelids
• Enhances jawline definition
• Reduces crepey skin
• Tightens loose and sagging skin
• Improves under-eye circles
• Brightens and evens skin tones
• Improves skin elasticity

Patients can enjoy the results of a HIFU treatment for anywhere from 2 to 3 years. Generally, we advise clients to have a top-up roughly every year for optimum continued results. With continued HIFU treatment, you can defy the ageing process gracefully with tight, youthful, glowing skin.