HIFU (the quick and easy way to say high intensity focused ultrasound) is widely considered to be one of the best pain free, non-surgical facelift options that is available in the aesthetics market for skin tightening. In the most basic of terms, it’s the perfect solution to fight the visible signs of ageing within the skin, from fine lines and wrinkles to areas that are just beginning to sag.
As we age, the body naturally begins to lose its youthfulness and radiance thanks to the formation of wrinkles, fine lines and sagging, with these problems being particularly proficient on the face (although this may be because this is the part of the body that is most often seen by others). As a way to fight this, more and more people are turning to the HIFU facelift as the solution to their ageing skin issues.
How does HIFU work?
As it’s full name suggests, HIFU uses highly focused ultrasound energy to trigger a heating effect in the tissue beneath the skin’s surface. Once the cells within the tissue is heated to a pre-determined temperature, they start to cause a reaction between the cells which stimulates the natural healing responses within the body and triggers the renewed production of collagen within the skin (which as we all know by now, is hugely responsible for how your skin looks). As the collagen levels begin to increase, the skin starts to tighten and lift which reduces the visible signs of ageing and smooths out the appearance of any fine lines and wrinkles.
Because it can be used to reach depths that other non-surgical skin tightening treatments are able to touch, whilst simultaneously not causing any damage to the surrounding cells and tissues, it’s rapidly becoming one of the fastest growing facelift treatments.
What about the benefits of the HIFU facelift?
As alternative methods of facelift treatment that don’t require surgery have grown in popularity over time, HIFU is one that has seen a huge rise in popularity. Partially down to the fact it doesn’t require you to go “under the knife”, we tend to see people of all ages and genders opting to book themselves in for the treatment. Some of the most common benefits associated with a HIFU facelift are;
- The elimination of fine lines and wrinkles
- A more prominent jawline
- Smoother, wrinkle free skin
- Lifted and firmer appearance around the eyes and cheeks
- Tighter skin (especially noticeable around the neck and jowls)
Whilst the full results can take a few weeks to actually show and be noticeable, the HIFU facelift provides an amazing solution to the ageing issues that are naturally damaging to the skin.
What about the side effects of a HIFU facial?
While it is a non-surgical treatment and the risk levels are considered to be low, it isn’t a completely risk free surgery and it is worth noting that there are some side effects that you need to consider. The most common of these are;
- Pain – Whilst most people say that the HIFU facelift is completely painless or report that there is a slight tingling sensation and warmth to the skin, others report that there is a sensation of pin pricks and heat. The main thing to note about this is that although it may be uncomfortable, the sensation only lasts during the treatment.
- Blotchy skin – The treated area can become a bit red and blotchy after the treatment, but this is down to the treatment itself heating the skin and causing this reaction. As with any potential pain, this is completely temporary and will fade after the treatment has been completed.
- Swelling – Depending on the individual reaction of the patient, it’s completely possible for the skin to swell as a reaction to the treatment. This will have no adverse reaction on the results of the treatment and will fade naturally over the next few days.
- Numbness – The ultrasound waves that are emitted during the facelift treatment are specifically used to target the deepest layers of the skin to get rid of even the deepest wrinkles. Occasionally, this can lead to some tingling or numbness deep beneath the skin although this is more commonly found to be a side effect that is present in the most delicate areas like the eyes or lips. It’s worth noting that everyone who has reported any feeling of numbness saw that this side effect had resolved itself in less than two weeks without the need for any form of medication or intervention.
What do I need to do after a HIFU facelift?
After your facelift, you can go back to your regular day to day life in almost no time at all as the treatment itself comes with no downtime associated with it. You are able to walk into the clinic, undergo your treatment and then go back home or to work as if nothing has even happened, although you may be a bit red afterwards.