What is HIFU lifting? How exactly does it help you look younger? Is it for everyone? Discover all you need to know about this non-invasive cosmetic treatment.
The good news is we now have HIFU lifting technology, which can help you look younger without the need for surgery. About a decade ago, if you wanted tighter, firmer, younger-looking skin on your face and neck, your best option was to get an expensive and sometimes painful facelift. Back then, there weren’t really a lot of other options beyond going under the knife. However, the cosmetic industry has changed a great deal.
What is HIFU?
Short for High-intensity Focused Ultrasound, HIFU is a fairly new cosmetic treatment which has been found to help tighten the skin around your face, neck and upper chest. Many refer to it as a non-invasive facelift.
The technology has actually been around for quite a while but it was not developed for cosmetic purposes until 2008.
The HIFU lifting procedure is as follows:
- The target area is cleaned (and sometimes coated with a topical anaesthetic cream).
- The physician or technician doing the treatment coats it with ultrasound gel.
- The target area is exposed to pulses of ultrasound energy for anywhere between 30 and 90 minutes.
Is HIFU effective?
In a 2017 study, HIFU was found to dramatically improve the skin elasticity of 32 subjects in just 12 weeks.
In another study, this time involving 93 subjects, 66% of all participants reported seeing an improvement in how their faces and necks looked within the same time period.
Results for HIFU are gradual so you won’t walk away looking ten years younger but you should notice a difference over time and after a couple of treatments.
Can HIFU make you look old? Click here to learn more.
How does HIFU lifting work?
HIFU uses ultrasound energy to quickly heat up the layers of the skin just beneath the surface. Don’t worry, though. The treatment does not actually cause visible damage to the surface of the skin or damage to the layers underneath it. What it does do is prompt your cells to boost collagen production, which, in turn, causes your skin to become firmer and tighter.
Once the treatment is done, you’re free to immediately go home and get back to your normal daily activities. This is a far cry from invasive procedures like traditional surgical facelifts, which require a longer recovery time due to bruising and the need for more complex anaesthetic.
The after-effects of HIFU are minimal but may include some mild redness or swelling, or a small amount of tingling or numbness for a day or two after your procedure.
What makes HIFU so popular?
The number one reason HIFU is quickly becoming the treatment of choice by people who want tighter skin is that it’s non-invasive and virtually painless.
Why go under the knife if you can get the same results without surgery? HIFU is fast becoming a popular ‘lunchtime’ beauty treatment. You can book an appointment for your lunch hour and return to your desk in the afternoon.
Who is HIFU lifting for?
The treatment generally works best on individuals above 30 years of age with mildly or moderately loose skin. In most cases, the looser and more damaged the patient’s skin is, the more treatments they need before they start seeing results.
HIFU is also not recommended if you have open skin lesions, infections, metallic implants, and cystic or severe acne in the target area. If these do affect you, come and chat to us about alternative treatments. There may be other options that are more suitable to create a younger-looking profile.
In other words, you must undergo proper consultation when deciding on whether HIFU is the best method to achieve your skin goals. Book some time with Rene or our specialists at Temple spa to help you with making an informed decision.
How much do HIFU treatments cost?
The cost of each HIFU treatment ultimately depends on the area you wish to target. Prices can range between $275 and $1,375 per session.
While the treatment does require some financial outlay, it’s still significantly more affordable than facelifts, which can set you back upwards of $7,000 plus several days of down-time. Schedule a talk with Rene so she can advise on pricing adjustments for your case.
Get younger-looking skin without surgery with HIFU lifting
HIFU is a great alternative to invasive procedures like facelifts for people who want firmer, tighter skin but don’t want to go under the knife. It’s so non-invasive that you won’t even have to worry about needles.
As with any cosmetic procedure, it is important to work with an experienced team. Choose a medi-spa with qualified, therapists who specialise in this type of treatment.
Book your consultation session today at The Temple Skincare & Spa or contact us to find out if HIFU is right for you.