What Is A HIFU Facial and Should You Get One?

You might have considered cosmetic procedures and anti-aging treatments in the past. Yet you might have been hesitant about them. With a HIFU facial, you can enjoy the benefits of a cosmetic procedure with minimal downtime.

HIFU, or high-intensity focused ultrasound, is a new, non-invasive facial treatment that is said to be the next big thing in the world of aesthetics.

This revolutionary new treatment offers a multitude of benefits, including a more youthful appearance, a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines, and an overall improvement in the skin's texture and tone.

What is a HIFU facial?

A HIFU facial uses ultrasound waves to target specific areas of the face, neck, and décolletage. The ultrasound waves work to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin. A HIFU facial is often compared to a traditional facelift because of its ability to provide similar results without surgery or downtime.

The procedure uses ultrasound energy to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and combat facial aging. The ultrasound energy penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the deeper layers of skin tissue. This process causes the skin tissue to heat up and contract. The skin tissue then starts to produce new collagen and elastin which slows down the natural aging process.

HIFU facials can be used to treat a variety of concerns, including wrinkles, sagging skin, and uneven skin tone. The results of a HIFU facial can be seen over time, as the new collagen and elastin help to improve the appearance of wrinkles.

This is a non-surgical treatment that helps increase collagen production, combat loose skin, and reduce facial wrinkles. It can also lift your drooping eyebrows or eyelids and tighten the saggy skin on your neck and chest.

What is the procedure for HIFU facials?The procedure is based on ultrasound technology and begins with the cleansing of the target area on your face. A gel is then applied to facilitate the penetration of the focused ultrasound energy at a deep level.

The technician will use a handheld device that emits ultrasound waves in quick bursts. The device is placed over the skin and directed to the areas that need treatment.

A single session will last about 30 to 90 minutes. You'll receive an injection of numbing medication to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. The potential discomfort you may experience following this aesthetic treatment can be managed with Advil or Tylenol.

This non-invasive treatment is meant to stimulate the collagen-building process. Following collagen regeneration, patients can notice a significant improvement in their facial wrinkles, aged skin, or dull skin.

Prior to the HIFU facelift, a consultation appointment will usually take place. This will be where you can go over your medical history and your personal expectations. The doctor will also take pictures to determine the best way to perform the HIFU procedure.

If you are dealing with acne breakouts, you will need to take an antibiotic. If you have dealt with cold sores in the past, you may be prescribed antiviral medication.

Aftercare

Following this type of non-surgical facelift, the skin care specialist will instruct you on how to take care of yourself. Typically, you may need to make use of the following tips:

*Wear SPF sunscreen for weeks after treatment. This is due to the risk of sun damage.

*Use ice packs to reduce any discomfort or swelling

*Apply gentle cleanser

*Avoid wearing your usual makeup for 24 to 48 hours.

What are the benefits of HIFU?

There are plenty of benefits that you can experience with a HIFU facial. These include but are not limited to the following:

Irons out wrinkles

Lifts eyebrows, eyelids, and cheeks

Improves skin texture and skin elasticity

Tightens neck and chest skin

Enhances jawline

Improves the aspect of photodamaged skin

What are the side effects of HIFU?

While there are no major side effects associated with this treatment, some patients may experience:

Redness

Numbness

Swelling

Rash that may be purple in color

Bruising

In rare cases, more serious side effects such as burns or nerve damage have been reported. However, most adverse effects have resolved on their own and require no additional treatments.

What is the difference between HIFU and surgical facelifts?

While often compared with surgical facelifts in terms of skin lifting and wrinkle improvement, as expected, there are distinct differences between HIFU and facelifts. They include but are not limited to the following:

Invasiveness: HIFU is non-invasive while facelifts will require an incision.

Recovery time: HIFU requires no recovery time. For traditional facelifts, the recovery time will be 2 to 4 weeks.

Potential risk factors: HIFU has low-risk factors. At worst, you can be dealing with swelling and redness. Meanwhile, facelifts can be painful. You can also experience infections, blood clots, and even hair loss.

Long-term effects: If you decide to get an ultrasound facial, successive procedures may be needed due to the aging process. Facelifts can last up to a decade.

Even though surgical facelifts have an advantage over how long they may last, they usually come with potential, if not, increased risks. A HIFU facial allows you to play it safe if you're looking to boost natural collagen production, but it is not as effective against severe skin laxity.