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What Is HIFU

There are several cosmetic procedures that are easily available out there; one of them is HIFU. This article talks about what HIFU is, what the procedure includes, its benefits, and frequently asked questions about it.

As we age, collagen production reduces, leading to the formation of wrinkles. People seek different procedures to reduce the signs of ageing. However, some of these invasive procedures have a longer recovery period. Therefore, most people are now shifting to High-intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). This treatment is a relatively new procedure in the cosmetic industry that tightens sagging skin and evens out the skin’s texture. This procedure boosts collagen production, leading to firmer skin. HIFU uses ultrasound to heat the skin layers beneath the surface, damaging the skin tissues, which stimulates collagen production. So, what exactly is HIFU, and how does it work? Learn more below.

What is HIFU?

HIFU works with the body’s healing processes to rejuvenate and tighten skin by increasing collagen production through thermotherapy. HIFU stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. The treatment uses high-intensity ultrasound energy to heat skin cells called fibroblasts to induce the body’s natural collagen production process. HIFU can also treat fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores. However, this cosmetic procedure is new. Therefore, it might take a while before more people get used to it.

HIFU procedure reduces the risk of getting scars, stitches and other wounds that might need a while to heal. HIFU uses ultrasound tocreate heat in the skin to target cells deeply. This procedure enables the body to try to repair cells, thus producing more collagen for cell growth (Kang, Park and Nam, 2019). According to Yeeet al. (2021),this procedure can also be used to treat cancer.

What Does the Procedure Include?

Contrary to other procedures, HIFU treatment doesn’t require any preparation. However, you must take this procedure seriously.Avoid going into the treatment session wearing makeup and skin care products on the face or targeted area, as this might interfere with the process.

The cosmetic doctor starts by cleansing the treatment area. An aesthetic cream or balm can be applied. Your physician will then use a HIFU device to give ultrasound waves in short bursts using a screen. The cosmetic doctor might adjust the level of the ultrasound energy to fit what you might have in mind. This procedure might take 30-90 minutes, depending on your preference. You might have several sessions depending on the results you wish to have.

Although several clients report experiencing slight pain using this procedure, your cosmetic doctor will apply a numbing cream before the procedure. Alternatively, you can use over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen; however, it’s important to talk to your doctor to avoid any interactions with these medications.

Benefits of HIFU Facelift Treatments

HIFU treatments reduce wrinkles and tighten saggy skin around the neck. Ohet al. (2019) explained that clients might also use the procedure to lift cheeks, eyebrows and eyelids to get their desired effects.

HIFU procedure can enhance a defined jawline and might be used to tighten the area around the chest and shoulders. HIFU procedure takes a short time andhas no downtime.

Frequently Asked Questions about HIFU

What are the Risks or Complications of HIFU?

HIFU procedure has fewer side effects than other cosmetic methods because of the nature of the procedure.However, this procedure might result in skin burns in some cases. HIFU treatment is used to treat prostate cancer. However, the treatment has side effects, including urinary problems and erectile dysfunction. However, these side effects subside with time (Panda & Chowdhary, 2021). Consult your cosmetic doctor before undergoing the HIFU treatment.

What Is the Recovery Time for HIFU?

The recovery time of HIFU treatment varies from one client to the other. However, this procedure has a quicker recovery than other, more invasive procedures. HIFU treatment has no downtime. Therefore, you can go back to your normal work after the procedure. No recovery time is needed. However, you might need to talk to your cosmetic doctor to get an idea of what you can avoid to speed up your recovery.

How Much Does It Cost?

The average cost of the HIFU procedure varies from client to client, depending on the treated area and the services offered. For best results, it’s more advisable to research before choosing your cosmetic doctor because a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean higher quality.

Conclusion

Wrinkles aren’t usually as bad as most people view them; they can generally be beautiful in their way. However, if you feel like they are hurting your look and wish to have a younger appearance, you can opt for several procedures to help you get the desired look, such as HIFU. The best thing is that this procedure doesn’t involve invasive practices and therefore has a shorter recovery time than other cosmetic procedures; better yet, you can almost go back to work right after the procedure. This is worth adding to your bucket list; better yet, try it out as soon as possible!

References

Kang, H. Y., Park, E. S., & Nam, S. M. (2019). Simultaneous combination treatment using high-intensity focused ultrasound and fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing for facial rejuvenation. Medical Lasers; Engineering, Basic Research, and Clinical Application8(1), 13-18.

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.

Panda, A. K., & Chowdhary, A. (2021). Non-surgical Modalities of Facial Rejuvenation and Aesthetics. In Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for the Clinician (pp. 661-689). Springer, Singapore.

Yee, C. H., Chiu, P. K. F., Teoh, J. Y. C., Ng, C. F., Chan, C. K., & Hou, S. M. (2021). High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) focal therapy for localized prostate cancer with MRI-US fusion platform. Advances in Urology2021.

Nataly Komova
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