(HIFU) HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND
Overview
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a relatively new cosmetic treatment for
skin tightening that some consider a noninvasive and painless replacement for face
lifts. It uses ultrasound energy to encourage the production of collagen, which results in
firmer skin.
Clinical trials have found HIFU to be safe and effective for facial lifting and refining
wrinkles. People were able to see results in a few months after treatment, without the
risks associated with surgery.
More evidence will be needed to find out who is best suited for this type of
procedure. So far, HIFU has been found to be a promising treatment that could replace
face lifts, especially in younger people who don’t want the risks and recovery time
associated with surgery. HIFU won’t work as well for people with more severe cases of
sagging skin.
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 counterintuitive, 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 Trusted Source 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.
People with photo damaged 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.
Benefits of 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
What does HIFU feels like?
Patient may experience slight discomfort during an HIFU procedure. Some people
describe it as tiny electric pulses or a light prickly sensation.
If you’re worried about pain, your doctor may suggest taking medicine pain relievers,
prior to treatment.
Immediately after the treatment, you may experience mild redness or swelling, which
will gradually recede over the next few hours.
Overview
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a relatively new cosmetic treatment for
skin tightening that some consider a noninvasive and painless replacement for face
lifts. It uses ultrasound energy to encourage the production of collagen, which results in
firmer skin.
Clinical trials have found HIFU to be safe and effective for facial lifting and refining
wrinkles. People were able to see results in a few months after treatment, without the
risks associated with surgery.
More evidence will be needed to find out who is best suited for this type of
procedure. So far, HIFU has been found to be a promising treatment that could replace
face lifts, especially in younger people who don’t want the risks and recovery time
associated with surgery. HIFU won’t work as well for people with more severe cases of
sagging skin.
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 counterintuitive, 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 Trusted Source 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.
People with photo damaged 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.
Benefits of 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
What does HIFU feels like?
Patient may experience slight discomfort during an HIFU procedure. Some people
describe it as tiny electric pulses or a light prickly sensation.
If you’re worried about pain, your doctor may suggest taking medicine pain relievers,
prior to treatment.
Immediately after the treatment, you may experience mild redness or swelling, which
will gradually recede over the next few hours.
