High Intensity Focused Ultrasound directly delivers heat energy to targeted layers of the skin that can stimulate and renew the skin’s collagen. Consequently improving the texture and reducing sagging of the skin. It is the only non-invasive treatment cleared by the FDA to actually lift the skin targeting various depths of the body's tissue including the dermis and down to the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system), which is the layer adjusted by surgeons during a traditional facelift. These ultrasound waves penetrate deeper in to the tissues without affecting the epidermis and focus at a single point in the adipose tissue and cause thermal injury, in turn, creating collagen production perfect for skin tightening, skin lifting and body contouring that works for people of all skin colors, in contrast to that of lasers and the intense pulse lights.
Unlike surgery, HIFU has become increasingly popular especially as it is a:
-Non-surgical face-lifting
-Quick and tolerable lunchtime treatment
-No post treatment downtime
-No damage to the surface of the skin
Benefits of HIFU treatment:
Lifts brows, eyes and upper lip and forehead
Tightens skin on the décolleté and neck,
Increases production of collagen in the skin
Tightens, firms, and improves muscles mass
Reduces the appearance of double chin
Reduces wrinkles, bags, under-eye troughs, and dark circles
Lifts the skin and makes it more elastic
Reduces the appearance of acne
Breaks down stubborn fat area's of the body (Buttocks, Abdominal, Arms, Thighs, Knees, etc) by
toning and tightening
Contraindications
Pacemaker
Epilepsy and other chronic neurological diseases
Open skin in the affected area
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Malignant and benign tumors
Skin irritation, acne, purulent and herpes rashes
Metal implants in the affected area
Electrical device in the body
Diabetes
What to expect in a HIFU treatment
Consultation
Prior to treatment, a detailed consultation is carried out to rule out contra-indications and established skin concerns. Then a treatment plan will be drawn to establish a realistic expectations in terms of results based on individual treatment customization
Treatment session
During the course of the treatment session, a level of discomfort will be felt. This varies with individuals. There may be a sensation of tingling and or warmth which only lasts while ultrasound energy is being delivered. Though this discomfort is very brief, it is a good sign the collagen-building process is activated. Treatments around the eyes and forehead and over any bony prominences tend to be more sensitive while clients with thicker skin or more dense areas will feel a lot more comfortable
Pre procedure
Avoid using on the treatment areas any cosmetic products with glycolic and salicylic acid for 3 days prior to the procedure.
Avoid smoking
Do not take alcohol
Do not use any medications
Results to expect and when
Some initial effects with an inflammatory response may be noticed but the ultimate results will take place over 2-3 months as the body naturally regenerates collagen. As this varies from person to person, the process of wound healing and collagen remodeling takes 2-3 weeks, patient
will see only 10% result in the 1st month, another 10% in the 2nd month as fat cells are gradually flushed away via blood circulation and lymphatic drainage and finally 80% result in the 3rd month due to collagen and elastin synthesis. Improvement in skin elasticity for tone and texture. This continues for up to 3 months.
Generally a single treatment is required but based on the degree of skin laxity, the biological response to ultrasound energy and the individual's collagen building process, most patients benefit from additional treatments. Usually after six-months in order to give the skin and tissue the full cycle of collagen stimulation and regrowth. Results can last up to two years.
What are the side effects?
Visible erythema but typically disappears within a few hours
Soreness of the skin with pressure or constant discomfort; this disappears in 2-4 weeks.
Some clients may experience slight temporary swelling, tingling or tenderness to the touch
Some clients may have temporary bruising swelling or numbness on small areas of skin. However, most clients have no physical down time
As with any cosmetic procedure, there is a possibility for nerve discomfort but no permanent nerve injury has been reported to date. Symptoms would occur within the first 1-12 hours after treatment and would resolve within 2-6 weeks.
Possible areas that could be effected temporarily are the areas of risk and are blocked off during face mapping and avoided all together.
The most common side effects of the HIFU facelift:
Post procedure
Avoid the sun or extreme weathers after the treatment
Avoid alcohol
Avoid scratching the treatment area
Avoid hot baths or excessive exercise
Increase water intake
It is very important to note that the ideal candidate is a one with good skin elasticity in their 40s to 50s with mild to moderate skin sagging of the face, neck or eye area. Clients outside this age group or more saggy skin quality may still benefit from the treatment but would often require 2 or 3 treatments and should expect less dramatic results.
