The short version
HIFU Therapy is a safe, non-surgical ultrasound treatment that counteracts the effects of time and gravity on your skin. The treatment uses the body’s own regenerative response to manipulate collagen to gently and gradually lift skin on the eyebrow, under the chin and on the neck, and smooth lines and wrinkles on the décolletage.
How it works
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 neocollagenesis, to produce fresh, new collagen.
The word that matters is focused. Ultrasound energy is concentrated at a specific depth rather than spread across the surface, which is how the treatment can reach the foundational layer without damaging the skin above it. Nothing is cut, nothing is injected, and there’s no wound to heal.
The treatment itself doesn’t involve any creams, fillers or toxins. It relies on your body’s own collagen-building process for natural, noticeable results.
HIFU compared to laser
HIFU uses sound energy, tried and true ultrasound, which has unique properties that allow it to bypass the surface of the skin to treat depths not matched by any other non-invasive cosmetic device. It stimulates collagen production in the skin’s foundation, resulting in a clinically significant lift of tissue over the following 2 to 3 months.
Lasers rely on light energy, which can’t 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’re actually very compatible rather than competing.
HIFU compared to surgery
HIFU treats the deep foundational layer addressed in cosmetic surgery. It’s considered a great alternative to surgery, especially for those not ready for surgery or for patients looking to extend the effects of cosmetic surgery.
It’s not the same operation by another name. Surgery removes excess skin; HIFU tightens what’s there. Where there’s significant loose skin, HIFU will improve firmness but not replicate what a surgeon does.
What it’s used for
- Lifting skin on the eyebrow
- Tightening under the chin and on the neck
- Smoothing lines and wrinkles on the décolletage
- Defining the jawline
- Body contouring and fat reduction on areas such as the stomach, arms, thighs and knees
What it feels like
As the ultrasound energy is delivered, you’ll 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.
How long it takes
The length of the treatment depends on the area being treated and your individual treatment plan. A face and neck procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, while a chest treatment on its own takes approximately 30 minutes.
Downtime
With a single HIFU treatment there’s no downtime. After your procedure you can resume your normal activities immediately, without having to follow any special post-treatment measures. Your general skin care plan and make-up can be applied as normal.
Is it safe?
The HIFU 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.
Side effects are generally mild and temporary: flushing, slight swelling, tingling or tenderness to the touch. Less common effects may include temporary bruising or numbness on small areas of skin. As with any cosmetic procedure, there’s the possibility of other rare effects, which your practitioner will review with you.
Who it suits
A good HIFU 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. The best way to find out if you are a suitable candidate is to consult with a practitioner.
Common questions
What does HIFU stand for?
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound.
How does HIFU stimulate collagen?
The transducer delivers focused ultrasound energy deep beneath the skin at the optimal temperature for collagen regeneration, which jumpstarts a natural process known as neocollagenesis to produce fresh, new collagen.
Does HIFU use fillers or toxins?
No. The treatment doesn’t involve any creams, fillers or toxins. It relies on your body’s own collagen-building process.
