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High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) has become a popular anti-aging facial treatment. HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to stimulate gradual collagen rebuilding under the skin for non-surgical lifting and tightening.
How Does HIFU Facial Rejuvenation Work?
HIFU delivers concentrated ultrasound energy to targeted depths under the skin, bypassing the surface. At focused depths, the energy triggers collagen remodeling and tissue tightening.
The high frequency vibrations gently heat 3 layers of tissue:
- Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS)
- Deep dermis
- Subcutaneous fat
The thermal effects provoke new collagen formation over time. Results emerge over 2-3 months as collagen regenerates.
Benefits of a Non-Surgical HIFU Facelift
Traditional facelift surgery has risks and prolonged recovery. HIFU is a non-invasive alternative to achieve skin tightening through collagen stimulation rather than surgery.
Benefits of HIFU vs surgical facelift include:
- No incisions, scarring or stitches
- Much shorter recovery period
- Little to no pain
- No general anesthesia risks
- Lower cost
- Natural looking results
- Reduced risk of complications
- Repeatable treatment over time
Results emerge gradually over several months. HIFU will not give an immediate surgical facelift effect. But improved skin firmness and lifting can be seen after 3 months.
Who is a Good Candidate for HIFU Facial Treatment?
In general, HIFU facial rejuvenation is suited for individuals who:
- Want to improve mild-moderate sagging skin
- Are concerned about surgical facelift risks
- Desire subtle lifting without radical change
- Have facial skin laxity and early jowling
- Are in overall good health
The best candidates have good skin elasticity. Results are less effective for severely loose, inelastic skin where a surgical facelift may be better.
HIFU generally works best for younger patients, like ages 30-60, with mild-moderate skin laxity seeking preventative treatment.
How is HIFU Facial Treatment Performed?
A typical HIFU facelift session takes 1.5-2 hours. Here is the general procedure:
- The face is cleaned and conduction gel applied.
- A handheld ultrasound applicator glides over the treatment areas.
- Pulses of focused ultrasound enter beneath the skin.
- Patients feel slight heat sensation during collagen stimulation.
- Multiple passes are made to cover all targeted zones.
- Session is complete! No recovery downtime needed.
Some minor redness may arise post-treatment which resolves quickly. There is no pain, incisions, dressings or real downtime.
What Areas Can Be Treated With HIFU Facelifts?
Common treatment areas for non-surgical facial lifting include:
Forehead
- Tightens forehead skin
- Lifts brow position
Eyes and Crow’s Feet
- Reduces under eye bags
- Lessens fine lines and wrinkles
Mid-Face
- Lifts sagging cheeks
- Reduces nasolabial folds
Lower Face and Neck
- Firms and defines the jawline
- Tightens neck bands
- Reduces jowling
Décolletage
- Tightens and smoothens chest skin
The neck and face can be treated together in one session. Arms, thighs, abdomen can also be treated.
How Many HIFU Sessions Are Needed?
Most patients need a series of 3-4 treatments spaced 1 month apart for optimal HIFU facelift results.
- 1 session has mild effects
- 2 sessions gives noticeable improvements
- 3-4 sessions allows full collagen regeneration
After the initial set, maintenance annual touch-up sessions help sustain effects. HIFU can be safely repeated as needed without risk of scarring.
Some doctors recommend combining HIFU with other skin renewing treatments like microneedling RF for enhanced effects. Combination therapies promote even better collagen induction.
How Long Do HIFU Facelift Results Last?
Gradual improvements in skin lifting and tightening are visible after 3 months as the renewed collagen takes effect.
Most patients enjoy HIFU facelift effects for:
- 1-2 years after 1 treatment session
- 2-3 years after a series of 3-4 sessions
Results vary based on individual factors like age, skin elasticity, and lifestyle. The effects are not permanent, but the treatment can be repeated.
HIFU vs Ultherapy: Key Differences
Ultherapy and HIFU both use focused ultrasound technology to achieve non-surgical skin lifting. However, there are some variances:
- Depth– HIFU targets depths up to 4.5mm below skin. Ultherapy reaches up to 4.5mm.
- Mechanism– HIFU relies on a thermal coagulation effect. Ultherapy uses mechanical without heat.
- ** Sessions** – HIFU usually requires a series of 3-4 treatments. Ultherapy needs 1-2.
- Downtime– HIFU has no downtime. Ultherapy causes superficial swelling for several days.
- Cost– HIFU is generally more affordable per session than Ultherapy.
Both are outstanding options for non-surgical lifting suitable for different patients’ needs and budgets.
Possible Side Effects and Risks of HIFU Facial Treatment
HIFU facial rejuvenation is very safe when proper protocols are followed. However, some minor side effects can occur:
- Mild swelling, redness, bruising for few days
- Temporary numbness or nerve sensitivity for weeks
- Rare heat burns if ultrasound intensity is too high
- Headaches, nausea for some during treatment
- Small risk of fat necrosis or rare skin necrosis (often resolves)
Finding very experienced HIFU providers is vital to ensure correct safe energy settings and technique. Most patients experience only minimal effects which quickly resolve.
Recovery and Aftercare Following HIFU Facelifts
- No downtime is required. Normal activities can be resumed right away.
- Patients should care for skin gently, avoiding sun the first week.
- Moisturizers and antioxidant creams support healing.
- Avoid facials, masks, peels, and laser/RF the first month.
- Swelling may arise and resolve within a week. Use cold compresses as needed.
- Temporary nerve numbness can persist for several weeks but is not harmful.
- Return to provider if any concerning skin changes arise.
Recovery is quick since the treatment occurs below skin level without disturbing the surface.
How Much Does HIFU Facial Treatment Cost?
Each HIFU session costs $1000-$4000 depending on the areas treated, physician fees, and geographic location.
Small areas like around the eyes may cost ~$1000 per treatment. Full face and neck sessions average $2000-$4000.
Since multiple treatments are recommended, the total cost for a series ends up between $3000-$8000. Maintenance sessions every 12-24 months help retain effects.
HIFU is an investment but more affordable than a surgical facelift’s $10,000-$15,000 fees on average. Non-surgical HIFU also avoids weeks off work for recovery.
Conclusion – Should You Consider HIFU Facial Rejuvenation?
In summary, HIFU offers non-invasive skin tightening and lifting for those not ready for surgery. The focused ultrasound stimulates natural collagen rebuilding over several months.
With an experienced provider, HIFU facial treatments are safe and effective for mild-moderate sagging. While results are gradual, the reward is smoother, firmer skin without incisions or long downtime.
