HIFU for Aesthetics
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), also known as non-invasive ultrasound skin tightening, uses focused ultrasound energy to lift, contour and rejuvenate the skin in a non-invasive manner.
What is HIFU?
HIFU stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. It is a non-invasive aesthetic and medical procedure that uses targeted ultrasound energy to heat and destroy tissues beneath the skin.
HIFU differs from traditional ultrasound imaging in that it delivers highly focused ultrasound beams at an intensity level many thousands of times greater than regular ultrasound. This allows doctors to precisely target and treat tissues as deep as 5 centimeters beneath the skin’s surface.
The ultrasound waves concentrate their energy at a specific focal point, creating heat which destroys the targeted cells through ablation without affecting the surrounding tissues. This means HIFU can recontour body tissues and lift sagging skin without causing any damage to adjacent structures.
How does HIFU work?
During a HIFU treatment, a transducer is placed on the skin above the area being treated. This transducer delivers ultrasound pulses of varying depths and intensities to incrementally treat the entire targeted volume.
As the pulses reach their intended focal point beneath the skin, they heat up the tissues causing coagulation and necrosis of the targeted cells and tissues.
- 4.5mm (Targets SMAS layer for lifting effect)
- 3.0mm (Deep dermis tightening)
- 1.5mm (Superficial dermis tightening)
HIFU stimulates the deep layers of the skin to produce more collagen. As collagen production increases over months, it lifts and firms the skin for a rejuvenated appearance. The targeted heat from HIFU also melts away fat to slim problem areas.
HIFU Treatment Areas
HIFU is suitable for treatment of areas:
- Face lifting for cheeks, jawline, jowls
- Brow and forehead lifting
- Neck and décolletage tightening
- Chin slimming for double chin
- Skin tightening on arms, abdomen, thighs
Benefits of HIFU Treatment
Non-invasive
As it is a non-surgical option, no anaesthetic is involved
No Downtime
HIFU does not have significant downtime and does not require special aftercare instructions
Fast & Effective
Depending on treated area, treatment duration can range 30-90 minutes
Long-term Results
Benefits can last 1-2 years between annual maintenance sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients describe HIFU treatments as mildly uncomfortable, with sensations similar to a warm massage. Topical numbing cream can be applied for additional comfort if needed.
Treatment time depends on the area being treated and number of pulses needed. Most single-area HIFU sessions for skin tightening or fat reduction take 30-60 minutes.
Larger or more complex treatments involving multiple areas may take up to 90 minutes.
Visible tightening and contouring can appear a few weeks post-treatment but collagen deposition and remodeling continues for a few months.
Results vary among patients but typically last 1-2 years with annual touch-ups. Regular maintenance treatments can help sustain benefits for even longer by keeping collagen dense.
Genetics, weight fluctuations and lifestyle choices also impact long-term durability.
