HIFU Skin Tightening
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure widely used for facial rejuvenation and skin tightening. This innovative treatment employs focused ultrasound energy to target specific depths beneath the skin’s surface, stimulating the production of collagen—a protein crucial for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. By precisely focusing on the deep layers of the skin and the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS), HIFU encourages the natural tightening and lifting of sagging skin, delivering rejuvenating effects.
HIFU treatments are renowned for providing natural-looking results. The procedure subtly lifts and tightens the skin, reducing wrinkles and sagging without drastically altering one’s appearance. This natural outcome is often a key attraction for individuals seeking a more youthful and refreshed look without the dramatic changes associated with surgical interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
HIFU targets focused ultrasound energy on layers of skin beneath the surface, causing the tissues to heat up quickly. Once the targeted cells reach a specific temperature, they undergo cellular damage, which stimulates the cells to ramp up its production of collagen. With an increase in collagen, the skin will become tighter, smoother, and firmer, erasing wrinkles or any fine lines.
The ultrasound beams contain a high-frequency and focus on a particular tissue site underneath the skin, so you won’t have to worry about any damage on the upper skin layers or any adjacent tissue.
The primary difference between HIFU and other lasers is that HIFU utilises sound energy, while others use light energy. Thanks to ultrasound’s unique properties, HIFU can reach layers of skin beneath the surface without actually penetrating it. It then stimulates collagen production in the skin, leading to a significant tissue lift over the next few months.
Meanwhile, lasers use light energy, which cannot reach deeper skin layers without damaging the surface. As such, these popular laser treatments treat superficial skin. However, given the nature of these two technologies, they’re compatible when used to address various skin issues.
During the procedure, the transducer—a device that converts energy into a different form—delivers and unloads focused ultrasound energy beneath the skin at an optimal temperature, setting it up for collagen regeneration. It then triggers the body’s natural process of producing new collagen without relying on foreign substances, fillers, or creams. You’ll enjoy natural and noticeable results in just a few months.
Fortunately, there is no downtime associated with HIFU treatment. You can go back to work or resume your activities right after the procedure without having to worry about additional post-treatment routines.
Most people require only one treatment, although it heavily depends on one’s skin laxity and their body’s response to ultrasound energy. It also depends on the efficiency of their body’s collagen production. With these factors in mind, some clients may need additional treatments to enjoy their desired results. However, as everyone’s skin ages over time, a touch-up treatment once in a while will be necessary to maintain a smooth appearance.
A good HIFU candidate has mild to moderate skin laxity where the skin begins to feel and look less firm. Examples, loose skin on the neck, sagging under the chin, and lines or wrinkles.
You may enjoy some immediate results after your treatment, but the full effects will manifest over two to three months as your body produces more collagen. Since the procedure relies on your body’s collagen production process, how long it takes for you to see results highly depends on you.