If you are looking for a quick way to deal with loose facial skin, fine lines, and wrinkles due to skin aging, then you should consider getting a HIFU facial treatment (https://harmonyaesthetics.sg/hifu-ultraformer-iii-singapore/). 

HIFU stands for high-intensity focused ultrasound. If you search for HIFU treatment in the internet, you may be wondering why the pages you read lists down other conditions in the body and not about aesthetic treatments. The truth is, HIFU has been used longer in the medical field to treat various conditions, especially tumors and cancer. The procedure found its way in the aesthetic industry reportedly in the year 2008. HIFU received an approval from the US FDA in 2009 to treat brow sagging. By 2014, the device got the green light from the FDA to treat skin aging symptoms like wrinkles and fine lines that are visible in the décolletage (neckline) and the upper chest.

Needless to say, HIFU is an effective procedure for facelifting and treating signs of skin aging, such as:

  • Bunny lines
  • Crows feet
  • Drooping jowls
  • Forehead lines
  • Frown lines
  • Marionette lines
  • Mental crease
  • Neck lines
  • Sagging cheeks
  • Tear troughs
  • Turkey Neck

HIFU vs Surgical Facelift

There is a stark difference if we compare a HIFU facelift treatment versus a surgical facelift. The table below shows a comparison of the advantage and disadvantages of each procedure.

Advantages Disadvantages
HIFU Facelift
  • No incisions
  • Non-invasive procedure
  • Minimal risks and complications
  • No downtime
  • Minimal costs
  • Natural results
  • Repeat treatment needed in an interval of 3 to 6 months to maintain results
  • Can be expensive over time with repetitive treatments for maintenance
  • Results are not as well-defined compared to surgical facelift
  • Only works effectively for mild to moderate skin laxity
Surgical Facelift
  • Long lasting results
  • Good for moderate to major skin laxity
  • Good for elderly patients
  • Natural results
  • Requires incisions and stitches
  • Invasive procedure
  • Uses anesthesia
  • Several risks and complications
  • Longer downtime
  • May require hospital admission
  • Expensive

How is HIFU done?

HIFU is done inside a doctor’s office or clinic. The procedure uses a machine with a handheld device that transmits pulses of ultrasound beams, concentrating on a specific area of the skin. The energy-charged beams travel through several layers of tissue and triggering collagen production to bring improvement to the skin’s composition.

To start with your treatment, your doctor will clean the treatment areas. This can be anywhere on your face, neck, or upper chest. Next, a topical anesthetic will be applied to the target areas to ease any discomfort during the procedure. When the sensation in the treatment areas are gone, a generous amount of ultrasound gel is lathered. The handheld device of the HIFU machine is then placed on the skin. The device is then set to the correct setting and ultrasound energy is then transmitted through the skin. You may feel a bit of pressure or tingling sensations through your skin as the short pulses of ultrasound beams are delivered and reach the deeper tissue layers of the skin. The device is then removed once all target areas have been treated. The procedure can last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. 

Are there side effects following a HIFU treatment?

One of the advantages of HIFU treatment is having minimal side effects and, so far, no serious complications have been reported. Following your HIFU treatment, you may experience these temporary discomforts in the treated area as your skin heals:

  • Bruising
  • Numbing
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness

If these do not disappear after a week, consult with your doctor.

What results can be expected after a HIFU treatment?

After your HIFU treatment, you will see immediate and natural results. You will notice your skin to appear lifted, smoother, and tighter. Normally, one session is enough to address minor skin sagging and other flaws treated by HIFU. It is important to remember that the results of HIFU will vary from person to person as the effects will depend on how the body reacts to the treatment. If you feel like you would like your results to be more profound, you can discuss with your doctor about getting further treatments. 

Are you a good candidate for a HIFU treatment?

Unfortunately, there are limitations as to who can qualify for a HIFU facial treatment. This aesthetic procedure is recommended if:

  • You are in your mid-30s
  • You have mild to moderate skin laxity

HIFU facial is not recommended for:

  • Those who are suffering from cystic acne
  • Those who have severe skin laxity
  • Those who have existing skin infections in the treatment area
  • Those with metallic implants

What are aftercare tips following a HIFU treatment?

Caring for your face and body following any kind of aesthetic treatment is crucial as this can affect the results and may expose you to complications. Always listen to the aftercare instructions given by your doctor and do your best to follow them, so you can get optimum results. 

Here are some of the basic aftercare tips for HIFU treatment patients:

  • Avoid alcohol – Getting rid of small amounts of fat happens during HIFU. These fats are absorbed by the body, processed by the liver, and then released as waste. During your downtime, your liver does the hard work of eliminating these fats. If, at the same time, you drink alcohol, then you are actually giving your liver extra work to break down both fats and alcohol. An overworked liver can put you at risk of getting sick, so it is best to skip drinking alcohol as you rest and recover.
  • Dodge the urge to scratch the treated areas – You may feel itchiness in the areas exposed to HIFU. No matter how itchy it can be, do not scratch it as your skin may be damaged. If there are scabs on your skin as a result of the treatment, do not pick on them and let them naturally fall off.
  • Keep yourself hydrated – Your skin will need to be hydrated at all times, therefore water should be your best friend after your HIFU treatment. Keeping your body hydrated also encourages the production of collagen in the body.
  • Stay away from the direct heat of the sun – Your skin is very sensitive after HIFU. Be sure that you shield your skin from sun rays by using an umbrella or a hat. You may ask your doctor if they can recommend a sunscreen cream that is safe to put on your skin after your treatment. 
  • Temporarily stop using makeup and other skincare products – Makeup and skincare products can cause irritation to the skin, especially when it has just undergone an aesthetic procedure. Skip using these until your skin has completely healed.

 

Harmony Aesthetics Clinic

101 Irrawaddy Road, #09—01

Royal Square Medical Centre

Singapore 329565

https://harmonyaesthetics.sg

Phone: 6970 5418

Whatsapp: 8822 3089