One of the most preferred methods of enhancing one’s look without the need for surgery is HIFU a.k.a. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. “Lift Without Surgery” is aimed at patients who wish to tone and stretch the skin without the need to go under the knife. HIFU treatment can focus on certain skin depths and work to improve the appearance of collagens underneath one’s skin for a more elevated, younger-looking face.
What is HIFU?
HIFU treatment is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that employs ultrasound energy to target the skin at various levels. This involves the use of high-frequency sound waves. This heat energy is used to induce the body to produce collagen and elastin, proteins that keep the skin tight and plump.
The focus of the treatment lies on three layers of the skin mainly:
- The upper dermis functions to improve the quality and glow of skin.
- The lower dermis and hypodermis, where the synthesis of collagen and elastin takes place.
- SMAS layer (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System), the layer found deep under the skin and is the target of the facelift procedure.
HIFU treatment provides the user with a non-invasive method of skin tightening, making it suitable for individuals with early signs of ageing.
How HIFU Works on the Face
During treatment, ultrasound energy is delivered in a particular manner to specific areas of the skin to promote the synthesis of collagen. This procedure contributes in multiple ways:
- Skin Lifting: While HIFU works on deeper layers of the skin, it helps to lift drooping areas, especially the jawline, neck, and chin areas as well as the cheeks.
- Collagen Stimulation: The ultrasound’s thermal effect stimulates collagen synthesis, giving the skin a few years back firmness and elasticity.
- Wrinkle Reduction: The treatment also works towards eliminating fine age lines and wrinkles that form around the eyes, the mouth, and the forehead. It does so by aiding the rejuvenation of collagen and elastin, which lessens these lines associated with ageing.
Benefits of HIFU for the Face
- Non-surgical: One of the most significant benefits of HIFU treatment is the fact that it does not involve any cuts or stitches or even the use of anaesthesia. It is a very safe non-invasive option for facelift surgery.
- Minimal Downtime: In fact, there is hardly any downtime expected. Most patients go back to their usual routine, although some may have redness or slight edema on the regions treated, which usually resolves in a few hours or overnight.
- Long-Lasting Effects: The effects of HIFU treatment are usually not visible for a few weeks but improve further as the collagen production associated with the treatment increases over a few months, normally between 6 months to a year.
- Localised Treatment: When performing HIFU treatment, it is possible to focus on certain areas of the face, such as the forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck. The special feature of this procedure is the ability to lift the so-called ‘hooded eyes’ skin and give the highlighted areas the desired sharp angles, such as the jawline.
HIFU treatment has proven to be a highly effective and non-invasive option for facial skin tightening and rejuvenation. With its ability to lift, tighten, and contour the face, it offers a natural alternative to traditional facelift surgery.
