Over the last years, more people have been attracted to nonsurgical rejuvenation techniques for the face. Many people look for approaches with no need for anesthesia, cuts, and a long recovery period to reduce their skin problems such as skin drooping, loosening, and aging signs. Among the different methods, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is known as one of the most advanced technologies for face lifting with no surgery. In this content, we study different aspects of the HIFU technique as a well-known provider of HIFU in Marietta.
Here, we comprehensively examine what is HIFU. How does it lift and firm the skin? What outcomes should we expect? Who are the best candidates for the treatment? And finally, what are the possible side effects? These are the questions we are going to answer in this blog. It should be noted that informative content about the comparison of HIFU vs thread lift vs facelift has also been prepared. After reading these blogs, you are able to decide realistically about face rejuvenation.
What Is HIFU?
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a noninvasive, nonsurgical technique for lifting and firming the face and body skin. In this method, there is no cutting, stitching, or bleeding. So, you may wonder how it works. In this technology, ultrasound waves penetrate a certain depth of the skin with high accuracy. This depth is the same one that is treated in lift surgery. Because of this feature, HIFU is considered one of the most effective nonsurgical lift methods.
In contrast to many rejuvenation techniques affecting only the surface of the skin, HIFU is able to affect three main skin layers, including the dermis, the deeper fat layer, and the SMAS, which plays a key role in skin drooping and looseness. This in-depth targeting causes the results of HIFU to become gradual, natural, and more durable than other noninvasive methods.
How Does HIFU Lift and Tighten the Skin?
After finding out what is HIFU, we are interested in its mechanism. HIFU works based on creating controlled thermal points in the depth of the skin. With no harm to the surface of the skin, these thermal points activate a powerful repair response in the deep layers.
The mechanism is simple. During the treatment, the HIFU machine focuses ultrasound waves to a specific depth of the skin. The waves are converted to heat at the target points with a temperature of 60 to 70 degrees Celsius. The heat causes the collagen fibers to shrink immediately, and the body is forced to activate the natural repair process. Subsequently, the old collagen fibers are shrunken and the initial lifting effect happens. Then, the body starts to produce new collagen. After a while, the skin becomes firmer and thicker.
The progress is gradual. That is why the final results emerge during 2 to 3 months. Occasionally, the healing process may take up to 6 months. Interestingly, because the skin surface is not harmed, you could immediately go back to your routine while the rejuvenation process is taking place in the deep skin layers.
Advantages and Disadvantages of HIFU
To complete the answer to the question of what is HIFU, we should deal with the merits and demerits of the technique. HIFU, as one of the most advanced nonsurgical facelift methods, has its own conditions. Knowing these strengths and weaknesses helps you decide consciously and expect realistically.
Advantages
One of the main advantages of HIFU is its noninvasive nature. In this method, no harm is done to the skin. The ultrasound energy propagates to the deep layers in a controlled way. Therefore, the skin surface remains intact, and there is no risk of infection or scarring. This method is an attractive solution for those who are afraid of surgery or invasive approaches.
Another advantage is the stimulation of collagen production naturally. In contrast to some methods that only lift the skin mechanically or temporarily, HIFU activates the natural repair process. Collagen production is started by creating thermal points in the SMAS layer and deep dermis and stimulating the fibroblasts. This process increases skin firmness gradually and naturally.
Now, in answering what is HIFU, we introduce more advantages. HIFU has high safety provided that the treatment is conducted using a standard machine and by a trained, experienced specialist. The wave penetration depth is adjustable accurately. Also, the energy is released only at the target points. This is why the risk of harm to adjacent nerves or tissues is minimal.
A very short recovery period is another crucial advantage of HIFU. Most people can return to their everyday activities immediately after the treatment. There may be mild redness or a feeling of warmth in the skin. However, these side effects are resolved after a couple of hours. This feature makes HIFU a popular option for busy individuals.
The results of HIFU have acceptable longevity. Although they are not permanent, the outcomes last for 12 to 18 months. In some cases, they are reported to last as long as two years. This gives HIFU a superior position over other nonsurgical methods.
Disadvantages of HIFU
Dealing with the demerits is another part of answering what is HIFU. Ignoring these limitations may cause dissatisfaction. The most important disadvantage of HIFU is its inability to correct severe skin drooping. For people with very loose skin, deep sagging, or excessive skin laxity, the HIFU technique cannot substitute facelift surgery.
Another disadvantage is the gradual outcome. In contrast to surgery or even thread lift with immediate changes, most results emerge after several weeks to months. Collagen production is time-consuming. Therefore, the full results are seen in 2 to 3 months. This may be disappointing for those who expect fast results.
Some people feel pain or mild to moderate discomfort. The severity of this feeling depends on the individual’s pain tolerance, the machine power, and the treatment area. Although the pain is tolerable and there is no need for anesthesia, it cannot be considered painless.
Another disadvantage of HIFU is its high dependency on the skill of the operator and the quality of the machine. If the depth or the power of the machine is not adjusted correctly, the results may not be satisfactory. On the other hand, some side effects such as long-term pain or temporary numbness may occur. This is why choosing a well-known beauty center is vital.
Expected Results After HIFU
In contrast to the traditional surgical methods, the results created by HIFU are gradual with slow changes. The reason is that the mechanism of HIFU is based on in-depth collagen production stimulation and gradual skin texture reconstruction, not immediate skin stretching.
The short-term results
In the first weeks after HIFU, many notice their skin is getting mildly firmer, feeling a slight lift. This initial effect is created mostly due to immediate shrinkage of collagen fibers by the heat. In this step, the skin gets denser and firmer. The slight droops, especially in the jawline and cheeks, are resolved. The general skin quality improves and the face seems fresher. These features indicate what is HIFU.
The mid-term results
The most important and significant results of HIFU usually emerge between the sixth week and the third month. Now, the process of producing new collagen has started. The skin is thicker and stronger. Also, the fine lines are reduced. The slight to moderate droops in the face and neck are healed naturally. In this step, the changes of a younger and fresher face are visible with no sense of exaggeration.
The long-term results
After 6 months, the final results of HIFU are shown. In this step, collagen production reaches its maximum level. In addition, a mild but sustainable lift is visible in the cheeks, jawline, neck, and eyebrows on some occasions. The skin looseness caused by aging is roughly corrected. These results last for 12 to 18 months, depending on age, skin quality, lifestyle, and aftercare.
Realistic expectations
There is a very important point in dealing with what is HIFU. This technique has an impressive performance for those with mild to moderate droops. It is able to mitigate the signs of skin aging; however, it does not substitute facelift surgery. The main value propositions of this technique are being noninvasive, natural results, and no recovery period. For those with more severe skin problems, the combination of HIFU with methods such as dermal fillers, Botox, or RF could bring more satisfying results.
Who Are the Best Candidates for HIFU?
Although HIFU is a noninvasive and safe technique for skin lifting and reconstruction, it is not ideal for everyone. The best results are obtained when the main effective factors like age, skin condition, and health criteria are considered.
Mild to moderate skin droop
The best candidates for HIFU are those with mild to moderate skin looseness such as droops in the cheeks, jawline, neck, and eyebrows. Here, by stimulating the in-depth skin layers, HIFU could naturally and gradually lift the skin.
Age of 30 to 60
When you want to know what is HIFU, age is a key factor. This technique is mostly proper for people who are 30 to 60 years old. In this age range, the reduction in collagen production has started or is progressing. The skin is still capable of responding to collagen stimulation. Also, in this age, the results are obtained more naturally. For people younger than 30, usually there is no need for HIFU. On the other hand, for those older than 65, the skin response is more limited.
Natural results
This technique is proper for those who do not tend toward surgical methods and avoid anesthesia, cuts, and stitches. If you look for a mild, gradual, and natural lift, HIFU is a good option. This technique does not create exaggerated changes. It mostly improves the overall form of the face and skin firmness.
Busy persons
You may ask what HIFU’s advantage is for busy people. If you are a busy person who cannot spend much time on recovery, HIFU could be a helpful option. You could return to your daily life immediately after the treatment. In contrast to surgical face rejuvenation techniques, there is no need for rest, dressing, or intensive care.
Possible Side Effects of HIFU
Although HIFU is a noninvasive and safe skin rejuvenation technique, like any other treatment approach, it could cause side effects. Fortunately, most of the side effects are slight, short-term, and controllable, especially when the treatment is done by an experienced doctor. Some common side effects are introduced as follows.
Redness and skin inflammation
The most common side effects of HIFU are redness and a feeling of warmth in the skin. This is the normal reaction of the body to ultrasound waves and stimulation of the in-depth skin layers. In most cases, the redness is resolved within several hours.
Mild swelling
In dealing with the topic of what is HIFU, another side effect is temporary swelling, especially on the jawline and cheeks. This swelling usually reduces within several days. Drinking enough water as well as avoiding severe heat is recommended.
Pain and sensitivity
In some cases, you may feel slight pain or sensitivity when touching your skin. The reason is nerve stimulation. This situation is resolved within a week at most. The pain is negligible, so there is no need for sedative drugs.
HIFU, a Technological Solution for Skin Rejuvenation
Today, technology is an inseparable part of our lives. HIFU, as a cutting-edge technology, helps us improve our skin and prevent facial drooping. In this content, we have answered the main question of what is HIFU. Amada Med Spa, as one of the most professional beauty centers, provides you with a collection of modern equipment including HIFU. You only need to contact us to schedule a consultation session. All of the prerequisite items are checked and prepared to offer you the best option for your goals. Do not hesitate to contact us.
| Result Type | Description | Onset Time | Peak Improvement | Duration of Results |
| Skin Tightening | Mild to moderate tightening due to collagen contraction | Immediate to 2 weeks | 2–3 months | 6–12 months |
| Lifting Effect | Subtle lifting of jawline, cheeks, and brow area | 2–4 weeks | 3–4 months | Up to 1 year |
| Wrinkle Reduction | Softening of fine lines and shallow wrinkles | 4–6 weeks | 3–6 months | 6–12 months |
| Improved Skin Texture | Smoother, firmer, and more elastic skin | 3–6 weeks | 2–3 months | 6–12 months |
| Facial Contouring | Better definition of facial contours (jawline, chin) | 1–2 months | 3 months | Around 1 year |
| Collagen Regeneration | New collagen formation in deeper skin layers | 4–8 weeks | 3–6 months | Progressive, up to 12 months |
