High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a new cosmetic therapy for skin tightening that some people believe can be a noninvasive and painless alternative to facelifts. Ultrasonic waves are used to increase collagen formation, which results in tighter skin.
The most well-known application of HIFU is in the treatment of malignancies. In 2008, the first use of HIFU for aesthetic purposes
HIFU for brow lifts was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009. The gadget was authorized by the FDA in 2014 for the treatment of lines and wrinkles in the upper chest and neckline.
HIFU has been demonstrated to be safe and effective for lifting and refining wrinkles in several modest clinical trials. People saw results in as little as a few months following therapy, without the hazards of surgery.
While the technique is also utilized for overall face rejuvenation, lifting, tightening, and body contouring, these are considered “off-label” uses, which means the FDA has not yet approved HIFU for these uses.
To determine who is most suited for this operation, more evidence will be required. HIFU has so far been shown to be a promising treatment that could replace facelifts, particularly in younger people who don’t want the risks and downtime that surgery entails.
People with more severe cases of drooping skin will not benefit as much from HIFU.
HIFU Face Treatment
Ultrasound is used to induce heat deep within the skin during a HIFU facial. The body attempts to repair damaged skin cells as a result of the heat. Collagen is produced by the body to aid cell renewal in this process. Collagen is a protein that gives the skin flexibility and structure.
Nonsurgical ultrasound treatments like HIFU, according to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery:
Raise sagging eyelids or eyebrows
Tighten neck skin
Lessen the look of jowls
Face wrinkles are smoothed out
Chest skin is tightened.
The ultrasound used in this process is not the same as the ultrasound used by doctors for medical imaging. High-energy waves are used in HIFU to target specific parts of the body.
HIFU can also be used to treat tumors in far longer, more intensive sessions in an MRI scanner, lasting up to 3 hours.
Procedure
Doctors commonly begin HIFU facial rejuvenation by washing and adding a gel to the desired area of the face. Then they utilize a handheld instrument that sends out short bursts of ultrasound waves. Each session is usually 30–90 minutes long.
Some people have minor discomfort while receiving therapy, while others experience pain thereafter. Prior to therapy, doctors may administer a local anesthetic to relieve pain. Ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are two over-the-counter pain relievers that may help.
Unlike other cosmetic procedures such as laser hair removal, HIFU facials do not necessitate any previous preparation. Because there is no recuperation time after HIFU treatment, people can resume their daily activities right away.
Depending on the results desired, people may need anywhere from one to six sessions.
How does HIFU make you feel?
During a HIFU operation, you may feel some discomfort. It’s been described as little electric pulses or a faint prickly sensation by some folks.
If you’re concerned about pain, your doctor may recommend taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) or an NSAID, such as ibuprofen (Advil), before starting therapy.
You may have moderate redness or swelling right after the treatment, which will fade over the next several hours.
Side effects of HIFU treatment for the face
When performed by a trained and qualified practitioner, HIFU is regarded as quite safe.
The nicest part about this treatment is that you can get back to your normal routine as soon as you leave the doctor’s office. There may be some redness or swelling, but it should go away fast. The treated area may experience a gentle tingling sensation for a few weeks.
Temporary numbness or bruising are possible side effects, although they normally fade away after a few days.
What to do before and after HIFU treatment?
For persons with rough, dry, or aging skin, HIFU (High-intensity Focused Ultrasound) is one of the best solutions. A HIFU skin treatment can help in a variety of ways to restore softer, smoother skin.
A HIFU skin treatment is a non-invasive, painless process that helps to renew your skin from the inside out, leaving only the best results behind. Even though the procedure appears simple and basic, it is critical to understand as much as possible about the healing process following your session, also known as HIFU facelift aftercare.
Aftercare that is done correctly will:
Reducing the possibility of problems
Improve and extend the life of your findings
There’s a low chance of wasting time, money, or effort.
In a word, aftercare is just as crucial as the main treatment and pre-treatment practices. Here are some pointers on how to prepare for your HIFU treatment.
Before HIFU treatment
The sun burns the skin, thus it can’t be treated with HIFU if it’s sunburned or (recently) tanned.
All skin-irritating chemicals should also be avoided, as this could prevent treatment.
If you are using antibiotics, you may need to cease taking them if you want to try the HIFU skin treatment. Antibiotics, for example, may cause your skin to become more light-sensitive.
In this instance, you may be asked to delay your treatment for two weeks until the antibiotics treatment is completed.
After HIFU treatment
1-Avoid the sun
2-Take A break from Alcohol
3-Don’t scratch your skin
4-Drink more water
5-Don’t have hot showers or baths
CONCLUSION
HIFU is a non-invasive, safe, and successful technique for tightening the skin on the face.
Its benefits over a surgical facelift are difficult to dismiss. There are no incisions, no scars, and no rest or recuperation time is required. In addition, HIFU is much less expensive than a facelift.
The majority of folks notice full improvements three months following their final therapy.
Of course, HIFU isn’t a magical anti-aging treatment. The operation is appropriate for individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity, and it may be necessary to repeat it in one to two years as the natural aging process takes its toll.
If you’re older and have more severe skin sagging and wrinkles, HIFU might not be able to help you.
