Intensified Focused Ultrasound waves, or HIFU treatment for short, is a non-invasive solution for facial aging. This procedure is among the common anti-aging treatments that carry some of the benefits of a facelift without the need for surgery. Before doing HIFU treatment, one of the most important issues you need to know about is what effects HIFU has on the skin and how long these effects are going to last. In order to better understand the effects of HIFU, it is better to first familiarize yourself with how it works on your skin.
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What Is HIFU Treatment and How Does it Work?
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a relatively new skin tightening treatment that some consider a non-invasive and painless alternative to a facelift. In this method, ultrasound energy is used to stimulate collagen production, which will tighten the skin.
HIFU is mostly known for its use in tumor treatment. The first use of HIFU in the field of beauty was in 2008. Then in 2009, HIFU was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for eyebrow lift. Then in 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that this device is suitable for removing wrinkles and fine lines above the chest and neck (décolletage).
Several clinical studies have shown that HIFU is safe and effective for face lifting and wrinkle removal. People were seeing results after a few months without any side effects. HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to target the layers of skin that are below the top layer.
Ultrasound energy causes rapid tissue heating. As soon as the temperature of the cells reaches a certain level, the cell suffers cell damage. Although it sounds bad, this damage actually stimulates the cells to make more collagen (the protein that keeps the skin firm).
Increasing collagen makes the skin firmer, firmer, and wrinkle-free. Because the high-energy ultrasound rays focus on a specific tissue under the skin, no damage is caused to the upper layers of the skin and adjacent tissues.
HIFU is not suitable for everyone; In general, this method will bring the best results in people over 30 years old whose skin is a little loose. People whose skin is damaged by the sun (photodamage), or very loose, may need several treatment sessions to get results.
Older people with more sun damage, severe skin laxity, or severe skin sagging in the neck are not suitable candidates and should undergo surgery. HIFU is not recommended for people who have an infection or open wound, severe acne or cysts, or metal implants in the target area.
HIFU Results
Unlike facelift surgery, laser therapy, and radio waves, HIFU is the only non-invasive method that targets the underlying structure of the skin without cutting or manipulating the skin surface to stimulate collagen production.
- HIFU has many beauty effects on the skin, which include:
- Smoothing the skin
- Reduction of wrinkles
- Tightening loose skin around the neck
- Lifting cheeks, eyebrows, and eyelids
- Jaw angulation and highlighting
- Tightening the décolletage (neck area and upper chest)
- Stimulation of collagen production
Proven Research on the Effects of HIFU
Many studies have shown that HIFU is effective. In a 2018 review, 231 studies on the use of ultrasound technology were reviewed. After analyzing research on the use of ultrasound for skin tightening, body tightening and cellulite reduction, researchers found the method to be safe and effective.
The American Society of Cosmetic Surgeons believes that ultrasound skin tightening usually produces results within 2-3 months, and good skin care will make the effects last for up to 1 year.
A study on the effectiveness of HIFU for Koreans showed that this method is highly effective for removing wrinkles in the jaw, cheeks, and mouth. The researchers compared standard photos taken before and 3 months and 6 months after treatment.
Another study investigated the effects of HIFU after 7 days, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks (about 3 months). After 12 weeks, the elasticity of the patients’ skin was significantly improved in all treated areas.
Other researchers reviewed the experience of 73 women and 2 men who underwent HIFU. The doctors reviewed the results, which showed an 80% improvement in the skin of the face and neck, and the satisfaction rate of the participants was 78%.
There are different devices for HIFU. In a research, the effect of two different HIFU devices was investigated from the point of view of clinic owners and HIFU clients to measure the effect. Although the opinions of clients differed on the level of pain and satisfaction, the researchers found that both devices were effective in tightening the skin.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
People can see results a few months after HIFU treatment, without complications like surgery. After the treatment, you will feel a little fuller, but the best results will be evident in 2-3 months. Your body will continue to produce collagen up to 6 months after the start of treatment.
How Long Do the Results of HIFU Treatment Last?
The longevity and durability of HIFU treatment results depends on several factors related to the skin type of each person and the speed of the aging process in the skin. In general, the effect of HIFU treatment is long-term because it increases the production of collagen by the skin. But the aging process is involved in the effectiveness of HIFU, and this makes the visible effects of HIFU last for about 3 years. It can safely be said that HIFU treatment slows down the aging process for a long time and postpones the loosening of the skin. If the HIFU treatment is not performed correctly, and aftercare is not followed, the results may last for almost 6 months.
In order for the results to last, we recommend that you do two HIFU sessions six months apart in the first year. Then you can do this treatment once a year to make the results last longer. For areas with more problems, you need an additional session 3 months after the first treatment.
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