(HIFU) High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a relatively new cosmetic treatment for skin tightening. It is a non-invasive and painless replacement for face lifts. It uses ultrasound energy to encourage the production of collagen, which results in firmer skin.

The first reported use of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) for aesthetic use was in 2008.

HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to target the layers of skin just below the surface. The ultrasound energy causes the tissue to heat up rapidly.

Once the cells in the targeted area reach a certain temperature, they experience cellular damage. While this may seem counter intuitive, the damage actually stimulates the cells to produce more collagen — a protein that provides structure to the skin. The increase in collagen results in tighter, firmer skin with fewer wrinkles. Since the high-frequency ultrasound beams are focused on a specific tissue site below the skin’s surface, there’s no damage to the upper layers of the skin and adjacent issue.

HIFU may not be appropriate for everyone. In general, the procedure works best on people older than 30 with mild-to-moderate skin laxity.

People with photodamaged skin or a high degree of loose skin may need several treatments before seeing results.

Older people with more extensive photo-aging, severe skin laxity, or very saggy skin on the neck aren’t good candidates and may need surgery. HIFU isn’t recommended for people with infections and open skin lesions at the target area, severe or cystic acne, and metallic implants in the treatment area.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) has many aesthetic benefits, including:

• wrinkle reduction
• tightening sagging skin on the neck (sometimes called turkey neck)
• lifting the cheeks, eyebrows, and eyelids
• enhancing jawline definition
• tightening of the décolletage
• smoothing the skin

HIFU is considered very safe if performed by a trained and qualified professional.

The best part about this treatment is that you’re able to resume your normal activities immediately after you leave the provider’s office. Some slight redness or swelling may occur, but it should subside quickly.

A light tingling sensation of the treated area may persist for a few weeks. Rarely, you may experience temporary numbness or bruising, but these side effects usually go away after a few days.

HIFU is considered a safe, effective, and non-invasive procedure for tightening the facial skin.

Its advantages over a surgical face lift are hard to deny. There are no incisions, no scarring, and no required rest or recovery time. HIFU is also far less expensive than a face lift.

Most people see full results three months after their final treatment.

If you’re looking for a treatment that is quick, painless, and non-invasive, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is an excellent option compared to a surgical face lift.