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HIFU Treatments: What It is, Procedure and Benefits

Learn about HIFU treatments, a non-invasive and safe procedure for tightening facial skin that can improve overall skin tone. For more details, read this blog.

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HIFU is High intensity-focused ultrasound treatment. This treatment is a relatively new cosmetic procedure; it is considered non-invasive, painless, and especially helpful in lifting the face. It uses ultrasound energy to encourage collagen production, resulting in firmer, lighter skin. The treatment has been an FDA-approved procedure in action since 2014. HIFU treatment face helps improve the lines and wrinkles on the forehead and neckline. The technique uses ultrasound waves to encourage collagen production in the skin. With this basic introduction to HIFU, we now move to the procedure and benefits of this technique. 

Who should get HIFU treatments?

hifu treatmentMany pieces of evidence suggest that this procedure has promising effects for those looking to get facelifts, mostly in younger people looking for less risk and recovery time for getting a facelift. It is important to note that this technique will not work for people with severe skin sagging.

What are the uses of HIFU techniques?

HIFU techniques focus on the energy of the ultrasound waves to target the skin below the surface. The energy of the ultrasound energy causes the tissues to heat up rapidly. Once the cells are in the targeted heat temperature, they can experience cellular changes, and this may seem counterintuitive, but the heat stimulates the cells to produce more collagen. This protein helps in providing structure to the skin. 

How is the HIFU technique performed?

HIFU technique uses ultrasound energy to target the layer of the skin below the skin surface. The energy causes the tissues to heat up rapidly. Once the cells are charged with heat, they start producing more collagen. This increase in collagen reduces wrinkles and sagging skin tissues from the face. There is no special preparation that you will need to have a HIFU procedure. But you should remove all the makeup and avoid using skin care products before getting the treatment.Here are the steps involved in the Hifu Skin Tightening Facial Treatment:
  1. The physician will clean the area of the face of the neck, the targeted area that requires the treatment. 
  2. Then they will apply a topical anesthetic cream before starting the entire procedure. 
  3. The physician and technician will apply the ultrasound waves in the targeted area.
  4. The HIFU device will start getting into the skin, and the ultrasound viewer and the physician or the technicians should adjust the device to the right of the settings.
  5. Ultrasound wave energy is then delivered to the targeted area with a shorter impulse for roughly 30 to 90 minutes.
  6.  The device is removed, and the next session is scheduled if required.
While the treatment is applied to the skin, you will feel heat and tingling on the face, and this pain medication can bother you but will provide relief in no time.

What are the benefits of the HIFU technique?

HIFU is becoming a popular choice for facelifts over the past few years. There has been a 62.8% increase in the HIFU facial treatment. Some of the major benefits of this technique are-
  • Reduction in wrinkles
  • Tightening of the sagging skin on the cheeks and neck.
  • Lifting the eyebrows and eyelids
  • Enhancing the jawline and giving it more definition.
  • Tightening of the collagens under the skin.
  • Smoothening of the skin.
Also Read: Benefits of Facelift Surgery - Is a facelift for everyone?

What is the cost of the HIFU technique?

According to the recent costs of skin tightening procedures, there is an average budget of $7,560, but this technique can be performed for about $1,700. However, other factors can influence the cost of the techniques, like country, location, doctor, the procedure used, and aftercare product requirements.

Who should not go for HIFU facial treatment?

HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) facial treatment is generally safe and suitable for most individuals. However, you must consider following instance while seeking for the treatment : 
  1. HIFU is recommended for people with infection and open skin lesions at the target area; these are having severe cystic acne or implants under the skin.
  2. People with excessive sagging in the skin should avoid getting this treatment.
  3. People above the age of 65 years should avoid this treatment.
  4. Though the HIFU technique will not work on people with older skin texture, it can work on people aged 30 and above with mild to moderate skin laxity. 
  5. People with damaged skin or higher degrees of loose skin will require more sessions of HIFU treatment, but it will be effective.

How do you feel after the HIFU skin tightening treatment?

You can experience some discomfort after getting the HIFU procedure completed. Many people can describe it as a tiny electric pulse going through their skin, and they can feel prickly sensations. If you are experiencing pain, it will be better to contact the doctor and ask for medications like Tylenol or acetaminophen. Not taking the medication before consulting with the doctor will be better.Also Read: Is Tylenol a blood thinner? Know 8 side effects

What can you expect from HIFU for face treatment?

  1. HIFU treatments will give you the best results when you are the best applicant for the job. Your age is not older or too young. You have some crease lines and sagging skin that you want to lift.
  2. Getting a proper answer from the doctor and consultation, asking about the procedure and aftercare. This is important before getting the HIFU facial treatment.
  3. Once you have completed the treatment, take care of the skin, follow the instructions, and you can see the changes in a few weeks.
  • The skin will look brighter; you can see visible changes.
  • The face will not sag; clicking a picture to see visible changes after the procedure will be better.
  • The wrinkle lines and creases will also be reduced. You can check these changes, and if you are not satisfied with the procedure, you can go for a touch-up session after one year.
  • While there are not many known side effects of the HIFU treatment apart from redness, swelling, and itching, in case you are worried about the side effects, you should ask a friend to accompany you to the clinic, where they can answer all your questions. Try to avoid touching the face too much after the procedure.

Summary-

HIFU treatment is the new age treatment for lifting the face. This treatment uses ultrasound waves to deal with the crease lines on the face and neck. This technique helps increase the collagen under this skin, giving it a fuller, firmer, and brighter look. However, this technique has few side effects apart from swelling and redness. People with skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis, or cystic acne should only get this treatment done if they ask the dermatologist.In case of severe side itching, redness or tightening of the skin, it is recommended to get in touch with your doctor and let them know about the side effects of the treatment. Try properly caring for your skin if you have already gotten the treatment.Book an online appointments with the Best Skin Doctors in India

Frequently Asked Questions

What does HIFU mean?

HIFU is a high-energy wave aimed directly at the area of abnormal cell tissues that are not producing enough collagen.

Is HIFU treatment safe for the face?

This treatment is safe and can be performed by many trained professionals.

Are HIFU treatments permanent?

The treatment is not permanent, but with good care, it can last for about one year.

What are the full effects of HIFU?

HIFU can be targeted on specific areas of the face like the neck, jowls, and brows. The full effect includes tight skin and reduced appearance of fine lines.

How many sessions of HIFU are required?

Mostly one treatment session is required. After that, you can take up touch-up sessions after one year.