FAQ
What Is High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)?
HIFU therapy is a safe, non-surgical ultrasound treatment that counteracts the effects of time and gravity on your skin. HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) creates micro-thermal coagulation zones in deeper layers of the dermis and also treats and tightens the SMAS which is the area plastic surgeons target during a facelift. All at a fraction of the cost. The treatment uses the body’s own regenerative response to gently and gradually lift skin on the eyebrow, cheek, jowl, under the chin and on the neck area, and smooth lines and wrinkles on the décolletage.
- 1.5mm cartridge: for smoothing wrinkles and fine lines, skin texture, enlarged pores and skin rejuvenation.
- 3mm cartridge: for tightening the skin by stimulating collagen and elastin production in the dermal layer.
- 4.5mm cartridge: targets the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) muscle layer to lift and tone.
How Does HIFU Stimulate Collagen Production?
During the treatment the transducer delivers and deposits focused ultrasound energy deep beneath the skin at the optimal temperature for collagen regeneration. The treatment jump-starts a natural process, known as neocollagenesis, to produce fresh, new collagen. The treatment itself doesn’t involve any creams, fillers or toxins, it just relies on your body’s own collagen-building process for natural, noticeable results. Unlike some injectables that are absorbed into the body after a couple of months, the HIFU treatment continues to encourage your body to produce it’s own collagen long after the procedure is complete.
What results should I expect from a HIFU treatment?
- Targeted results that last
- Improvement in skin elasticity, producing firmer skin & facial contours
- Lifting and tightening of sagging skin
- A reduction in wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, and mouth
- Rejuvenated and strengthened skin
- Improvement in circulation and healing of treated areas
- Diminished shadows and puffiness under the eyes
- A more youthful appearance
How Long Will a HIFU Treatment Take?
The length of the treatment will depend on the area being treated and your individual treatment plan. A full face and neck procedure typically takes up to 2.5 hours including a consultation.
Will I Need to Take Time off Work?
With a single HIFU treatment there is no downtime. After your procedure, you can resume your normal activities immediately. You will be provided with comprehensive instructions to follow for your aftercare.
What Does HIFU Feel Like?
As the ultrasound energy is delivered, you will feel tiny amounts of energy being deposited to precise depths, indicating that the collagen-building process has been initiated. Comfort levels vary from person to person, but the sensation only lasts while the ultrasound energy is being delivered.
How Many HIFU Treatments Will I Need?
Some clients may require one treatment. However, this may be based on the degree of skin laxity, the biological response to ultrasound energy and the individual’s collagen-building process. Some clients may benefit from additional treatments. Because skin continues to age, future touch-up treatments can help clients keep pace with the body’s natural ageing process.
How Much Does HIFU Cost?
The cost of a HIFU treatment can range widely depending upon the size of the area being treated. Cost per treatment starts from $150 for 1 area and up to $1600 for a full treatment targeting multiple areas.
Is HIFU Safe?
Yes. The HIFU procedure has been used safely in over 250,000 treatments worldwide. Ultrasound energy itself has been used safely in the medical field for more than 50 years.
Are There Any Side Effects?
The skin might appear flushed at first, this can be during treatment but sometimes lasts longer, the redness should however disappear within a few hours. Some clients experience slight swelling, tingling or tenderness to the touch, but these are temporary in nature. Other, less common post-procedural effects may include temporary bruising or numbness on small areas of skin. As with any cosmetic procedure, there is the possibility of other rare effects, which your therapist will review with you.
How Long Does it Take to See Results and How long will This Last?
After your HIFU Treatment, you may see some initial effect, but the ultimate results will take place from 3 months to 1 year, as your body naturally regenerates collagen. Since the procedure stimulates your own collagen synthesis, how long the results last really depends on you. The treatment produces a complete new layer of better quality collagen, however your natural ageing process as well as your lifestyle choices will dictate how long that translates into visible results on the outside.
What areas can be treated?
- Forehead
- Eyes/periorbital
- Eyebrow lift
How do I know what HIFU device is effective?
Some HIFU treatments are priced at a much lower cost and this is because the quality of devices and treatments can range significantly.
An unbranded HIFU may not omit the same amount of heat or energy as a proper type of HIFU and may require more sessions to achieve visible results.
A good HIFU procedure should produce a certain level of ‘discomfort’ in order to obtain effective results. The HIFU utilizes 70°C of heat, initiating controlled wound healing, allowing the collagen to repair over time to become tighter and firmer.