HIFU, or high-intensity focused ultrasound treatments, have become the go-to treatment of numerous individuals hesitant about getting cosmetic surgery to lift and firm up the skin on their face, neck, jawline, and more. The beauty of HIFU facials or facelifts is that they are non-invasive, and they don’t come with the usual pain and discomfort associated with other cosmetic treatments. Plus, the results can last for a long time. But what other benefits come with a HIFU facelift, and why is it a much more suitable option for more men and women today? Here’s what you should know about the actual benefits of a HIFU facelift or facial.
The basic facts
HIFU treatments are a new form of treatment for tightening and firming up the skin, and it’s not as invasive as standard cosmetic surgery. It uses ultrasound waves and energy (hence the name) to encourage the body to produce collagen, resulting in firmer and tighter skin.
HIFU treatments have been widely used for treating tumours for years, although the first reported use of HIFU for aesthetic purposes was in 2008. HIFU treatments are effective for the treatment of sagging and drooping skin, and they can also refine wrinkles. Most individuals can see the complete results several months after being treated, without any risks that come with standard surgery.
What you should remember, however, is that whilst HIFU treatments have been deemed effective for many individuals, they will work best with individuals who only have slight sagging or drooping. In other words, it is ideal for younger individuals who are not keen on getting cosmetic surgery and dealing with a lengthy recovery period.
The benefits and advantages
The procedure comes with an array of benefits for the skin, which include:
- The reduction of wrinkles
- The tightening of sagging or loose neck skin, which is sometimes referred to as turkey neck
- The lifting of the eyelids, eyebrows, and cheeks
- The enhancement and defining of the jawline
- The tightening of the skin on the chest or décolletage
- Skin smoothening
What to expect with a HIFU facial or facelift
A HIFU facelift makes use of concentrated ultrasound waves to target skin layers. The energy produced by the ultrasound waves will rapidly heat the skin cells and tissue, and when the cells are at a specific temperature, they will become ‘damaged.’ This sounds counterintuitive, but the ‘damage’ to the cells will cause the body to produce collagen in order to heal the cells. Collagen is a naturally occurring substance that is beneficial to the skin because it improves skin elasticity and enhances the skin’s structure.
And since the ultrasound energy is focused on particular tissues underneath the surface of the skin, there is no resulting damage to the skin’s upper layer and surrounding tissue. As mentioned, HIFU facials may not be suitable for everyone – it generally works well with people in their 30s with only mild to moderate laxity or skin drooping. Those with a higher degree of sagging or loose skin and those with sun-damaged or photo-damaged skin may require several HIFU treatments before they can see their desired results. But in general, HIFU facelifts are a much better alternative to cosmetic surgery as it is not as costly or painful, either.