Beauty Choice Award Winner for “Best Non-Surgical Skin Tightener” 4 years in a row
What is HIFU?
HIFU is a NON-SURGICAL FACELIFT and stands for high-intensity focused ultrasound.
HIFU is a relatively new cosmetic treatment for skin tightening that some consider a noninvasive and painless replacement for facelifts. It uses ultrasound energy to encourage collagen production, resulting in firmer skin.
How does high-intensity focused ultrasound work?
HIFU uses an ultrasound transducer, similar to the ones used for diagnostic imaging, but with much higher energy.
The transducer focuses sound waves to generate heat at a single point within the body and destroy the target tissue. The tissue can get as hot as 65 °C in just 20 seconds.
How many sessions of HIFU do I need?
Researchers have found that the procedure can firm sagging skin, smooth wrinkles, and improve skin texture. With good aftercare, the benefits of a HIFU facial can last for about 1 year.
It is recommended that two HIFU treatments in the first year be spaced six months apart. Then get one treatment a year afterwards to maintain the results of the treatment. For trickier areas, you may need a few extra treatments 3 months after the first treatment.
Does HIFU tighten skin?
HIFU for skin tightening is a non-invasive treatment to lift areas of the face including the jowl, brow, under the chin and neck. It increases collagen production to tighten the skin and help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Is HIFU safe?
HIFU treatment is considered safe, effective, and noninvasive for tightening facial skin. There are no incisions, no scarring, and no required recovery time, making it a more popular choice over a more invasive surgical face-lift.
Before your HIFU treatment
At least one week before HIFU treatment:
- Avoid sun exposure and sunless tanning. Sunburned or tanned skin will not be treated.
- On the area being treated with HIFU stop using skin products that contain (glycolic/ salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide, retinol products such as Retin A, Tazorac, Triluma, Differin, and Vitamin C)
- Keep in mind that certain antibiotics (Tetracycline, Doxycycline) can make a patient photosensitive – it is recommended that HIFU is done at least 2 weeks after finishing antibiotic treatment.
- Treatment should not be done if you have an active cold sore or skin infection and will need to be rescheduled. If you suffer from cold sores you should take anti-viral medication to avoid a flare-up.
Day of treatment
It is beneficial on the day of the treatment, all make-up and moisturisers should be avoided.
Please arrive slightly earlier for your treatment so you can use that time thoroughly to fill out your HIFU treatment and consent form.
HIFU post-treatment checklist
In order to maintain and achieve the best results it is important to follow these aftercare recommendations.
- Avoid excess sun exposure after your treatment to prevent hyperpigmentation and reduce the chance of sunburn and skin damage. The use of sunblock cream is recommended. This should be continued until the skin tightening process is completed.
- Avoid using ice packs to maximize treatment results.
- Waxing, tweezing, and depilatory creams can be resumed 3 days post-treatment.
- Avoid excess alcohol.
- Avoid scratching your skin with exfoliants. A non-exfoliant cleaner and light moisturizer can be used on the day of treatment.
- All skin irritants (glycolic/ salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide, retinol products, or vitamin C) can be
resumed 3 days post-treatment. - Botox, Dysport, chemical peels, and dermal fillers can be resumed 1-2 weeks post your treatment.
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Water will also help in your recovery by increasing the rate at which collagen is produced in the body and flushing out any toxins released during your treatment.
- Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and hot baths and showers post-treatment.
