What is the HIFU treatment for the face?

 

HIFU stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. HIFU is one of the relatively new methods in beauty treatments for tightening and lifting the skin, which is painless and non-invasive and can replace face lift.

HIFU uses ultrasound waves. That is, the same waves that are used in ultrasound devices. However, in HIFU, these waves focus energy on a specific layer of the skin and stimulate the production of collagen fibers. Collagens are responsible for strengthening the tissues of the body, including the skin; Therefore, this makes our skin firmer and wrinkle-free.

HIFU therapy has been used for many years to treat cancerous tumors. The use of this method for cosmetic treatments was first proposed in 2008.

HIFU therapy was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009 using an eyebrow lift. In 2014, the FDA approved the use of this method to improve the condition of lines and wrinkles around the neckline and upper chest. Due to the novelty of this treatment, some of its uses have not yet been approved by the FDA, but there is no evidence that various uses of HIFU therapy are harmful, and this method is much safer than cosmetic surgery.

Although extensive clinical research has not been done on Haifu treatment, several smaller studies have shown that it is safe and effective for lifting the face and improving the appearance of wrinkles. People who have received this treatment can see the positive effects after a few months; Without being exposed to the risks and side effects of cosmetic and lifting surgeries.

Facial HIFU therapy

Using focused ultrasound waves, the Haifu device targets a layer of skin below the surface layer and injects energy into it. The energy of the ultrasonic waves causes the temperature of this layer to rise rapidly.

When the target layer cells reach a certain temperature, they suffer cell damage. This may seem to contradict our goals of improving the quality of facial skin, but it is not. Damage to cells stimulates the production of proteins called collagen. Collagen is responsible for maintaining the natural structure of the skin and many other tissues in the body. The more collagen in the tissue, the firmer the tissue.

So increasing collagen makes the skin firm, smooth and wrinkle-free. Because high-energy ultrasound waves are focused on a specific layer of skin, the upper and lower layers of the target area are not damaged. Muscles, nerves and other skin cells also remain intact.

Steps of performing HIFU therapy

There is no need for special preparation before HIFU therapy. You should only remove them if you have makeup or have used skin care products such as sunscreen.

The following steps are taken during the treatment:

• The doctor or technician cleans the target area.

• A local anesthetic cream may be applied to the treatment site.

• Your doctor or technician will put a special gel on your skin. This gel is similar to the lubricant used in ultrasound.

• The HIFU device is placed on your skin and the treatment process begins.

• Using a device monitor, your doctor or technician adjusts the ultrasound.

• Ultrasound waves are sent to the target with short pulses. The treatment session lasts between 30 and 90 minutes.

You may feel a tingling or slight warmth when sending ultrasound waves. You can use painkillers before the session to solve the problem. Of course, consult your doctor before doing this.

After the treatment session, you can immediately go home or work and do your daily chores.

Applications of HIFU therapy

According to the American Society of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, HIFU and other non-surgical skin rejuvenation techniques can be an alternative to facelifts. Since 2008, HIFU's reputation for skin beauty treatments has grown rapidly, and its use has increased dramatically in recent years. In the last 5 years, the use of HIFU therapy has increased by about 60%.

HIFU has many benefits for beauty and skin rejuvenation uses, some of which are:

• Reduce skin wrinkles

• Tightening of sagging skin around the neck and chin (known as the turkey neck)

• Lift cheeks, eyebrows and eyelids

• Improve the condition of the chin line

• Smooth and tighten facial skin

• Lift the neck and décolleté

• Modify the smile design

• Can be done for all skin colors at any time

HIFU therapy or face lift?

Haifu  is less expensive and less risky than facelift surgery, but it has a shorter lasting effect and you may need to repeat the treatment in the years after HIFU.