High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Facial, or HIFU Facial for short, is a non-invasive treatment for facial aging. This procedure is part of a growing trend of anti-aging treatments that offer some cosmetic benefits without the need for surgery.
According to the American Academy of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the popularity of non-surgical procedures increased by 4.2% in 2017.
These less invasive treatments have a shorter recovery time than the surgical options, but they are less dramatic and don’t last as long. Therefore, dermatologists recommend using HIFU only for mild, moderate, or early signs of aging.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what this process involves. We also tested its effectiveness and side effects.
HIFU facials use ultrasound to generate heat deep within the skin. This heat damages the targeted skin cells, forcing the body to try to repair them. To do this, the body produces collagen, which helps to regenerate cells. Collagen is the substance in the skin that gives it structure and elasticity.
According to the American Board of Aesthetic Surgery, non-surgical ultrasound procedures such as HIFU can:
The type of ultrasound used in this procedure is different from the type of ultrasound doctors use for medical imaging. HIFU uses high energy waves to target specific areas of the body.
Experts also use HIFU to treat tumors with longer, more intense sessions that can last up to 3 hours in an MRI scanner.
Physicians usually begin HIFU facial rejuvenation by cleaning selected areas of the face and applying a gel. They then used a portable device that emitted ultrasound in short pulses. Each session usually lasts 30-90 minutes.
Some people report mild discomfort during treatment and some experience pain after treatment. Your doctor may use local anesthesia before surgery to help prevent this pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) may also help.
Unlike other beauty treatments, including laser hair removal, HIFU facials do not require any preparation. There is also no recovery time after the completion of the course of treatment, which means that people can continue their daily activities after HIFU treatment.
There are many reports that HIFU facials are effective. A 2018 review reviewed 231 studies on the use of ultrasound technology. After analyzing studies using ultrasound for skin tightening, body firming, and cellulite reduction, the researchers concluded that this method is safe and effective.
According to the American Board of Aesthetic Surgery, ultrasonic skin tightening usually produces positive results within 2-3 months, and good skin care can help maintain these results for up to 1 year.
A study on the effects of HIFU treatments on Koreans found that this treatment was most effective in reducing wrinkles around the chin, cheeks, and mouth. The researchers compared standardized photographs of participants before treatment with photographs of participants 3 and 6 months after treatment.
Another study evaluated the effectiveness of a HIFU facial treatment at 7 days, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, participants’ skin elasticity improved significantly in all treated areas.
Other researchers studied the experiences of 73 women and 2 men who received a HIFU facial. The physicians who evaluated the results reported an 80 percent improvement in the skin of the face and neck, while the satisfaction of the participants was 78 percent.
There are various HIFU devices on the market. One study compared the results of two different devices, asking clinicians and people undergoing a HIFU facial procedure to rate the effect. Although participants reported differences in pain levels and overall satisfaction, the researchers concluded that both devices were effective in tightening the skin.
It is worth noting that each of the above studies included a relatively small number of participants.
Overall, evidence suggests that HIFU facials have few side effects, although some people may experience pain and discomfort immediately after the procedure.
The Korean study concluded that the treatment had no serious side effects, although some participants reported:
In another study, researchers found that while some people who received HIFU on the face or body reported pain immediately after treatment, they reported no pain after 4 weeks.
Another study found that 25.3 percent of participants experienced pain after surgery, but the pain improved without any intervention.
The American Academy of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery noted that the average cost for non-surgical skin tightening procedures such as HIFU was $1,707 in 2017.
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Facial or HIFU Facial can be an effective way to reduce the signs of aging.
As a non-surgical method, HIFU requires a shorter recovery time than a surgical facelift, but the results are less pronounced. However, the researchers found that the procedure tightened loose skin, smoothed wrinkles, and improved skin texture.
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Post time: Nov-12-2022