FOCUSED ULTRASOUND – HIFU
Focused ultrasound refers to focused ultrasonic waves. In HIFU treatments, these waves are directed in small focal points to the SMAS layer and other connective tissues beneath the skin. These points create small thermal effects without damaging the skin, causing the underlying tissues to tighten as they heal, ultimately producing a lifting effect on the surface skin. This treatment is often referred to as a non-surgical facelift due to its partial tightening effect. HIFU treatments are most commonly applied to the face, neck, arms, and legs.
A HIFU facelift can be performed in half an hour during a lunch break and does not impact work or social life since it is a needle-free procedure. As everyone knows, pregnancy monitoring is done with ultrasound, and it is harmless to babies. Focused ultrasound treatment is also very safe. When applied correctly, it has no adverse effects. Some sensitive individuals may experience a bit of pain during the procedure, but this can be controlled with medications.
HIFU is a one-time procedure (although we sometimes do a touch-up), and the lifting effect reaches its maximum between 3-6 months. This positive effect can last up to two years. Some immediate effects can be noticed right after the Focused Ultrasound application. A 60-70% effect is expected by the end of the first month. However, the final results will occur within three months as the body naturally regenerates collagen. The effect peaks at six months. Healing and collagen synthesis continue over this six-month period. The achieved tightening, lifting, and firming effects last on average for 18-24 months. Of course, the duration of effect can vary depending on the individual, age, genetic factors, environmental factors, and the area treated.
Focused Ultrasound is recognized as a safe, effective, and non-surgical option for tightening skin and subdermal tissues. There are no incisions, no scars, no need for anesthesia or a hospital; it can be done in medical office conditions. There is also no recovery time.
COMPARISON WITH OTHER FACIAL AESTHETIC METHODS
Youth injections, peelings, lasers—most facial aesthetic methods affect the skin and make positive changes to it. However, very few methods affect the tissues underneath the skin. Focused ultrasound affects the tissues beneath the skin: it tightens the SMAS tissue in the face and the platysma muscle in the neck. The depth can be easily adjusted with different attachments.
Focused ultrasound protects the skin surface while creating significant effects deeper than radio frequency with higher temperatures through ultrasound waves. Unlike lasers that penetrate the skin, ultrasound waves lift and rejuvenate the skin without damaging it. HIFU heats the targeted tissue to about 65°C in millimetric points side by side in linear rows, which does not damage the tissue and typically does not cause pain. The controlled heat generated by focused ultrasound stimulates and accelerates healing and collagen formation. The healing and increased collagen process stimulated by the generated heat will provide “tightening and firming” that continues for 2-6 months. While the stimulation of healing and collagen synthesis continues for six months, the effect of the procedure can last for up to two years.
Focused ultrasound is a single-session treatment. One session is sufficient for individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity. It is not a suitable method for those with severe skin sagging and excess skin, for whom surgical facelift might be recommended.
Updated date: 01.08.2024
Editor: Nurcan Aydoğan
