HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that uses ultrasound energy to tighten facial skin conditions. It is a growing trend for anti-ageing treatments that provide some of the benefits of a facelift without the need for surgery. HIFU is beneficial for wrinkle removal, saggy skin treatment, double chin treatment, facelift, neck lift, and skin tightening of the forehead, eyes, mouth, and neck.
Today, In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about Hifu and what you can expect from this treatment.
What is a Hifu Laser Treatment?
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a noninvasive cosmetic treatment that uses ultrasound energy to encourage the production of collagen, which results in firmer skin. HIFU is most widely known for its use in treating tumors. The first reported use of HIFU for aesthetic use was in 2008 in Korea. HIFU was then approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009 for brow lifts. The device was also cleared by the FDA in 2014 to improve lines and wrinkles of the upper chest and neckline (décolletage).
How Does Hifu Treatment Work for Skin Tightening?
A HIFU facial uses ultrasound to create heat at a deep level in the skin. This heat damages targeted skin cells, causing the body to try to repair them. To do this, the body produces collagen to aid in cell regrowth. Collagen is a substance in the skin that gives it structure and elasticity. According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, nonsurgical ultrasound treatments such as HIFU can tighten the skin on the neck, reduce the appearance of jowls, and lift drooping eyelids or eyebrows.
What are the Advantages of the Hifu Treatments?
HIFU has many aesthetic benefits, including reducing wrinkles, stimulating collagen production, skin lifting and tightening, reducing the look of hooded eyes, wrinkle reduction around the mouth and nose, lifting the cheeks and jawline, and improving overall skin tone, pores, brightness, and elasticity.
Non-invasive: HIFU is a non-surgical procedure, which means there are no incisions or cuts made to the skin. This makes it a less invasive option than traditional facelift surgery.
Painless: HIFU treatments are generally painless, or only cause mild discomfort. Some people may experience slight redness, swelling, or bruising after the treatment, but these side effects typically go away within a few days.
Quick: HIFU treatments typically take only 30 minutes to an hour. This makes it a convenient option for people who are looking for a quick and easy way to improve their appearance.
Effective: HIFU treatments have been shown to be effective in tightening sagging skin, reducing wrinkles, and improving the appearance of the jawline and cheekbones. The results of HIFU treatments can last for several years.
Safe: HIFU is a safe procedure when performed by a qualified healthcare professional. However, there are some risks associated with HIFU, such as burns, scarring, and skin discoloration.
What are the Potential Side Effects of the Hifu treatment?
While it has many aesthetic benefits, there are some potential side effects that may occur, including:
Redness of the skin: This is the most common complication among the side effects of HIFU treatment. The redness is caused by the body’s natural reaction to sound waves. This complication is mostly seen when the patient has sensitive skin or is prone to redness. Redness of the skin is one of the temporary HIFU side effects and usually disappears within a few hours after the treatment session.
Swelling of the skin: Another possible side effect of HIFU treatment is swelling of the skin, which is rarely observed. However, since different people’s skin reacts differently to the treatment, this complication may happen to anyone. These HIFU side effects usually disappear within a few days, and then you can enjoy the wonderful results of HIFU treatment.
Pain or discomfort: During the treatment, you may feel a prickling, tingling, and warm sensation whilst the energy penetrates the skin. You may feel some level of discomfort, but it is tolerable.
Urinary problems and difficulty getting or keeping an erection (erectile dysfunction): These side effects are more commonly associated with HIFU treatment for prostate cancer. Fatigue: Some men feel extreme tiredness (fatigue) after having HIFU.
Additional FAQ’s
How long do the HIFU Treatments last?
The duration of the treatment varies depending on the areas being treated, and it can take between 30 to 60 minutes. After just one treatment, you can see noticeable results post-procedure, and the results continue to get better over time for up to six months as the collagen production gets to work. The full effects of the treatment may take several months to become apparent as collagen production continues, and the benefits of a HIFU facial can last for about one year with good aftercare.
What is the Cost of the Hifu Treatments?
HIFU treatments can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 per session. For example, a full-face HIFU treatment can cost around $2,000, while a neck and chin treatment can cost around $1,500.
It is important to get quotes from several different clinics before making a decision. You should also make sure that the clinic is using a reputable machine and that the practitioner is experienced in performing HIFU treatments.
Can HIFU treatments be done on any part of the body?
Yes, HIFU treatments can be done on any part of the body where there is excess fat or sagging skin. Some of the most common areas for HIFU treatment include:
The face: HIFU can be used to lift the eyebrows, tighten the eyelids, reduce wrinkles, and improve the overall appearance of the face.
The neck: HIFU can be used to tighten the neck and reduce the appearance of a double chin.
The chest: HIFU can be used to tighten the chest and improve the appearance of sagging skin.
The abdomen: HIFU can be used to reduce belly fat and improve the overall appearance of the abdomen.
The thighs: HIFU can be used to reduce thigh fat and improve the appearance of cellulite. The buttocks: HIFU can be used to lift and tighten the buttocks.
How long does it take to recover from HIFU treatments?
The recovery time for HIFU treatments is typically very short. Most people can resume their normal activities immediately after the treatment. However, some people may experience mild side effects, such as redness, swelling, or bruising, which can last for a few days.
Here are some tips for speeding up your recovery from HIFU treatment:
Apply cold compresses to the treated area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Avoid strenuous activity for a few days.
Use sunscreen on the treated area every day, even if it is cloudy.
What is the success rate of HIFU treatments?
The success rate of HIFU treatments varies depending on the type of treatment and the condition being treated. Here are some examples of success rates for HIFU treatments:
HIFU treatment for primary prostate cancer has shown success rates between 61% and 95%.
HIFU treatment for prostate cancer allows 91% of patients to avoid radical treatment for at least 2 years.
The second HIFU treatment for prostate cancer is successful in about 4 out of 5 men.
HIFU facial treatment has been found to be safe and effective for facial lifting and refining wrinkles, with people seeing results in a few months after treatment.
HIFU body contouring treatment has shown amazing results in dissolving fatty tissues and tightening sagging skin on various parts of the body.