While living forever is still out of reach, science has progressed anti-aging phenomenally over the last 10 years. A highlight from the newest technologies for lines and wrinkles, frown lines, folds and sagging skin is HIFU Ultheraphy, a safe non-surgical ultrasound treatment that rejuvenates and revitalises the skin in less than an hour.
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, also known as HIFU Therapy, Non-surgical Facelift, The 30 Minutes Facelift, The Lunchtime Facelift, 3D Skinmed or Ultheraphy. It is loved by a host of stars including Friends actress Courteney Cox.
HOW DOES HIFU WORK?
HIFU makes use of ultrasonic energy to penetrate deep below the skin and fat layers of the face to target connective tissue gently but effectively. HIFU has a tightening effect on the loose connective tissue, restoring firmness to areas of sagging skin and resulting in a visible lifting effect.
CAN HIFU REPLACE A SURGICAL FACE LIFT?
HIFU Therapy treats the deep foundational layer addressed in cosmetic surgery, it will not duplicate the results of a surgical facelift. However, it is a great alternative, especially for those not ready for surgery or for patients looking to extend the effects of cosmetic surgery.
HOW IS HIFU DIFFERENT TO LASER?
HIFU Ultheraphy uses sound energy, tried and true ultrasound’s unique properties allow it to bypass the surface of the skin to treat depths not matched by any other non-invasive cosmetic device. HIFU Ultheraphy stimulates collagen production in the skin’s foundation, resulting in a clinically significant lift of tissue over the following 2-3 months. Lasers rely on light energy, which cannot reach deeper skin layers at an optimal temperature, so laser treatments typically only treat superficial skin. Since the two technologies often treat different types of skin issues, they are very compatible.
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 jumpstarts a natural process, known as nucleogenesis, to produce fresh, new collagen. The treatment itself does not involve any creams, fillers, or toxins; it just relies on your body’s own collagen-building process for natural, noticeable results.
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.
WHO IS SUITABLE FOR HIFU?
A good HIFU Ultheraphy candidate has mild to moderate skin laxity where the skin begins to feel and look less firm. Examples include a lowered eyebrow line, loose skin on the neck, sagging under the chin, and lines or wrinkles on the chest. Of course, the best way to find out if you are a suitable candidate is having a free consultation with a practitioner.
IS HIFU SAFE?
The HIFU Ultheraphy 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.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS WITH HIFU?
The skin may appear flushed at first, this can be during treatment but sometimes lasting 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 practitioner will review with you at your consultation.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS?
Immediately after your HIFU Ultheraphy Treatment, you may see some initial effect, but the ultimate results will take place over 2-3 months, as your body naturally regenerates collagen.
HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS LAST?
Since the procedure stimulates your own collagen production how long the results last really depends on you. The treatment produces new collagen on the inside, but your natural aging process will dictate how long that translates into visible results on the outside.