HIFU
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound
a non-invasive cosmetic technology for:
- skin tightening,
- lifting,
- contouring
- smoothing the face
How is it performed?
After assessment of the area and your medical history, the skin is marked out to guide the treatment process. Ultrasound gel is applied, then the appropriate HIFU hand piece is applied over the treatment area. Rows of rapid, precisely aimed ultrasonic heat energy is released. It makes a warm prickling sensation. This is repeated over the whole treatment area, potentially at different treatment depths, to contour and achieve results specifically suited to your individual needs.
HIFU stimulates collagen production and improves the texture of skin. The overall effect of the treatment is to promote tightening and lifting of the skin in these areas. It also reduces the wrinkles, shrinks pores, targets the ‘V’ line formation and jowl lines.
There are different technologies available for this purpose such as laser and RF treatments. HIFU penetrates at deeper depths and higher temperatures than RF and laser, treating beyond the dermis, where skin structure starts to weaken.
Safety
HIFU is generally considered a safe treatment without risks of radiation or infection. However, treatment on areas containing aesthetic threads, implants or recent dermal fillers may be contraindicated. If there is a history of herpes (cold sores) on the treatment area, preventative oral antiviral tablets, such as Famvir, is recommended before and after treatment. HIFU is not supposed to be used during pregnancy, patients with pen wounds or lesions on the face and/or neck, severe or cystic acne , pacemakers and electronic device implants in treated area.
What to expect
HIFU technology is usually well tolerated. You are able to resume your normal activities immediately after the treatment. 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. Skin may feel tender immediately after the procedure which can last up a few weeks. A headache may follow HIFU treatment on the forehead area. The treated area may be flush, red and feel tingly. Bruising and numbness in the treated area may occur which will subside within few days.
Generally, people are fine to immediately go back to their routines, sometimes with a little mineral make up applied. Avoid saunas, steam baths and exercise for 24 hours after treatment Apply broad spectrum sun protection for a week after treatment.
How many sessions of HIFU will I need?
HIFU is an amazing technology that delivers dramatic results in as little as one to three sessions. Results take at least three months to manifest. It is recommended to have at least 4 week break in between HIFU sessions. Results will last 1 to 3 years without maintenance.
A non invasive facelift
HIFU can be used as a non-invasive facelift. It is called the ‘Lunchtime Face Lift’ as the treatment is quick, very tolerable and has no downtime. HIFU targets various depths of the body’s tissue for skin tightening, skin lifting and even body contouring.
HIFU targets the upper dermis (1.5mm deep) , lower dermis (3.00mm deep) and most importantly the SMAS at 4.5mm. The SMAS is the layer that located between the fascial muscle and your fat layer. SMAS layer is the actual area a plastic surgeons would pull and tighten under a surgical operation using a knife. HIFU targets this layer without any invasive surgical incisions, giving the patient a no-downtime facelift. Risks and complications associated with facelift surgery, such as infection, scarring and swelling do not occur with non invasive HIFU. Treatments are fast and results can be seen immediately for some patients.
Body Sculpting with HIFU
Deeper HIFU thermal energy can target and destroy fat cells in abdomen, thighs and arms. HIFU is ideal for body contouring after pregnancy, abdomen fat, bingo wings, thighs and under the buttocks. The device delivers low amounts of ultrasound energy at precise depths of the tissue creating heat which destroy fat cell membrane and destroys them. HIFU stimulates the healing response and tissue remodelling in the body.
These damaged fat cells are then transported via the lymphatic system to the liver. This process is made possible through the body’s natural metabolism as the liver makes no distinction between fat disposal by HIFU and fat originating from food. Progressive improvement may be seen for up to 90 days post treatment.
HIFU can also stimulate fibroblasts and collagen production in the tissue. This wound healing response creates a smoother appearance to the skin, firming mild laxity and textural irregularities of the skin.
Any questions? Call 3352 3827 or email susan@qskin.com.au
