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How Does Hifu Work?

HIFU is a novel non-invasive cosmetic procedure that helps eliminate wrinkles. This article highlights what high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is, how it works, and its benefits.

HIFU, a high-intensity focused ultrasound, has become an increasingly popular non-invasive treatment option for those looking to eliminate fat cells. HIFU uses ultrasound to heat the targeted fat cells, causing them to shrink and die. The breakdown of fat cells releases adipose tissue back into the body and transfers it into the bloodstream, which causes noticeable results within two weeks of receiving the treatment. However, many common questions surround how this fat-busting procedure works and what happens in the body during each step.

What Is HIFU?

HIFU, also known as High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment which uses focused ultrasound to target specific areas of the skin and cause them to tighten and decrease in size. HIFU works by heating the targeted area of the skin, making it vibrate at a high frequency. This procedure has gained popularity all over because of its various benefits. Anyone can try this amazing cosmetic procedure. As the popularity of this procedure grows, so does its demand.

How HIFU Works

HIFU involves getting controlled damage for rebuilding or renewal of your look. Usually, HIFU uses ultrasound waves to strike deep into the skin, contracting the collagen in your skin. This damage triggers your body to produce new collagen and elastin on your slightly damaged skin cells, making your skin look younger.

HIFU is one of thegrowing non-invasive trends incosmetic procedures.It does not need any surgery; by triggering the production of new collagen, this procedure usually has a renewing effect on your skin. According to Kwatra (2020), collagen is a protein in the skin responsible for making your skin look smooth. As we age, the amount of collagen in the body reduces, which might result in the skin losing elasticity, leading to fine lines(Reilly & Lozano, 2021).

The Benefits of Using HIFU

HIFU is a non-surgical procedure. Therefore, clients are generally free from the side effects of surgical procedures, such as bruising and scars that might take a while before they heal.

HIFU facelift has several benefits for your skin. It reduces wrinkles and tightens the skin. Oh et al. (2019) suggested that HIFU procedures can also be done to define the jawline by lifting the cheek, eyebrows and eyelids. Ziglioli et al. (2020) explained that HIFU could be used for medical procedures, such as treating tumours and prostate cancer. However, the intensity and amount of sessions used in these procedures usually differ from one patient to the other and might require sessions as long as 3 hours.

Is HIFU Right For You?

HIFU procedures are non-surgical.Therefore, you don’t have to worry about bruises or scars. It doesn’t take much time. Also, HIFU procedures have no downtime.Therefore, you can resume your normal things immediately after the procedure.

The Side Effects and Risks of HIFU Treatments

HIFU procedure is less invasive. Therefore, it has fewer side effects. Choosing the right cosmetic doctor for your procedure might reduce the possibility of experiencing side effects or complications. There have been several cases of clients experiencing burns or redness in the treated area, which might result in swelling. However,Lio et al. (2022)explained that the side effects usually go away shortly. Some patients report temporary numbness due to the anaesthesia applied to the treated area, but this is usually nothing to worry about as it will go away quickly.

What to Do Before and After Treatment

Like any other cosmetic procedure, you should consider doing several things before and after the treatment for successful results. The procedure requires that you don’t have any cold or fever, as this might interfere with the healing treatment; better yet, you should avoid applying makeup before your procedure. You must remember to keep off certain medications, such as antibiotics, that might cause your skin to become more sensitive to light. However, this isn’t a validation to stop taking your medication; you can talk to your cosmetic doctor if you are taking any medicines to prevent any effect of the procedure.

After your procedure, you can aid in the recovery process by staying off the sun, avoiding taking alcohol and smoking and taking a lot of water to helpkeep your skin smooth. Also, you should avoid scratching your face right after the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions about HIFU

What Does HIFU Feel Like?

You might experience slightdiscomfortduring the procedure;some might even describe it as a tingling sensation or tiny electric pulses. However, the best thing is that cosmetic doctors apply a numbing cream to thetreatment area.

Does it Work?

Several studies back up this procedure’s success in tighteningthe skin. Therefore, HIFU procedures work.

Conclusion

HIFU, which uses focused ultrasound, is one of the newest forms of cosmetic procedure that has found itself in the world of beauty. Many people love this procedure because it is non-invasive and usually has less recovery time than other surgical procedures. Although this procedure usually has fewer side effects because of the nature of the procedure, some clients report experiencing slight redness or swelling, although these go away after a while. If you are looking into trying out the HIFU facial procedure, you are more than welcome to do so, as the article has discussed much of what you needto know. Go through the above article, weigh its benefits and side effects and try it to best suit your preferences.

References

Kwatra, B. (2020). Collagen supplementation: therapy for skin disorders: a review. World J. Pharm. Res9, 2504-2518.

Lio, M. L., Chang, C. C., Chuang, A. D. C., Tsai, L. C., & Chen, C. C. (2022). Quantified Facial Rejuvenation Utilizing High Intense Focus Ultrasound with Multiple Penetrative Depths. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology15, 489.

Oh, W. J., Kwon, H. J., Choi, S. Y., Yoo, K. H., Park, K. Y., & Kim, B. J. (2019). Effect of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound on Eyebrow Lifting in Asians. Annals of Dermatology31(2), 223-225.

Reilly, D. M., & Lozano, J. (2021). Skin collagen through the life stages: Importance for skin health and beauty. Plastic and Aesthetic Research8, 2.

Ziglioli, F., Baciarello, M., Maspero, G., Bellini, V., Bocchialini, T., Cavalieri, D., … & Maestroni, U. (2020). Oncologic outcome, side effects and comorbidity of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for localized prostate cancer. A review. Annals of Medicine and Surgery56, 110-115.

Nataly Komova
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