Three Things You Should Know about HIFU Facelift
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a popular treatment procedure that utilises ultrasound wavelengths to stimulate the tightening and lifting of the face area, creating a desirable ‘lift’ effect. While the technology itself has been applicable throughout the medical industry, it has also made its mark in aesthetic treatments due to the natural production of collagen that results from this treatment.
Here are three things you should know before deciding on whether to proceed with treatment.
How does HIFU work?
A low-frequency ultrasound wavelength energises collagen production in dermal fibre regeneration at high speeds, penetrating through all layers of the skin from the surface down to the facial SMAS layer, which is the dividing layer between the superficial and deep areas of facial tissue.
These ultrasound emissions intentionally damage the tissue in superficial, dermal, and subcutaneous layers. This forces the body to essentially heal and restore the affected area under the guidance of the system. This tightening effect is what causes previously sagging skin, wrinkles and fine lines to reduce significantly.
With a HIFU facelift treatment, effects maintain over a few months, and repeated treatments are encouraged to maintain the status of your skin. In fact, fat layers can be reduced and allow individuals to have a contoured and slim face shape. As you may have deduced, it is also a good way to address cellulite, loose skin, and general sagging.
What is the process itself like?
Our clinic assistants will cleanse your skin and apply a layer of numbing cream to the treatment area. It generally takes around half an hour to set in, so do note the additional time.
Next, the ultrasound machine safely releases ultrasound pulses onto the treatment area; this further enhances the degenerative process and also encourages the healing process through two different excitatory or inhibitory cellular pathways. Blood circulation and collagen synthesis is increased from normal levels as a result.
What effects does it have? What side effects might it have?
As mentioned above, HIFU in Singapore reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as provides lifting and tightening to the skin. It addresses skin laxity and other signs of ageing without invasive surgery.
Some individuals report mild discomfort during the procedure, it generally varies from person to person. Depending on the state of your skin as well as your personal preferences (or your tolerance to pain), as mentioned earlier, numbing cream can be applied to ensure higher levels of comfort. Some clinics may have the option of using high speed cold air instead, to shorten the amount of time spent on treatment. Do discuss and find out what options you have.
Other side effects generally include symptoms typical to many other aesthetic treatments: slight redness and swelling, some numbness (especially if you applied numbing cream), and some soreness. These symptoms should make themselves scarce within a few days; otherwise, it may indicate that your skin’s sensitivity is higher.
Like most other nonsurgical aesthetic treatments, HIFU facelift treatment does not have a recovery time. Typical activities can be resumed post-treatment, other than the general advice to avoid the sun for as long as your skin feels sensitive.
In summary:
HIFU in Singapore can treat wrinkles and fine lines, reducing the aging of your skin. It is an alternative to facelifts and has minimal downtime. Individuals should be aware of the general side effects that can result from the treatment. Packages vary from clinic to clinic, as well as other treatment settings and specifics, so an in-depth discussion with an experienced doctor should be conducted before proceeding with the actual treatment, including to ensure that the treatment is the right kind for your skin.
