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.
The popularity of non-surgical procedures increased by 4.2% in 2017, according to the American Academy of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
These less invasive treatments have a shorter recovery period than surgical options, but they provide less dramatic results and don’t last as long.Therefore, dermatologists recommend using HIFU only for mild to moderate or early signs of aging.
In this article, we take a look at what the process involves.We also checked its effectiveness and whether there are any side effects.
HIFU facials use ultrasound to generate heat deep within the skin.This heat damages targeted skin cells, causing the body to try to repair them.To do this, the body produces collagen to help regenerate cells.Collagen is a substance in the skin that gives it structure and elasticity.
According to the American Board of Aesthetic Surgery, non-surgical ultrasound treatments like HIFU can:
The type of ultrasound used in this procedure is different from the type of ultrasound that doctors use for medical imaging.HIFU uses high-energy waves to target specific areas of the body.
Experts also use HIFU to treat tumors in longer, more intense sessions that can last up to 3 hours in an MRI scanner.
Doctors usually begin HIFU facial rejuvenation by cleansing selected areas of the face and applying a gel.Then, they used a handheld device to emit ultrasound in short pulses.Each session typically lasts 30-90 minutes.
Some people report mild discomfort during treatment, and some experience pain after treatment.Your doctor may use a local anesthetic before surgery to help prevent this pain.Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), may also help.
Unlike other cosmetic procedures, including laser hair removal, HIFU facials do not require any preparation.There is also no recovery time when a course of treatment is over, meaning people can continue their daily activities after receiving HIFU treatment.
There are many reports that HIFU facials are effective.A 2018 review looked at 231 studies on the use of ultrasound technology.After analyzing studies involving ultrasound for skin tightening, body firming, and cellulite reduction, researchers concluded that the technique is safe and effective.
According to the American Board of Aesthetic Surgery, ultrasonic skin tightening typically 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 facials in Koreans found that the procedure was the most effective in improving the appearance of wrinkles around the chin, cheeks, and mouth.The researchers compared standardized photographs of participants before treatment with photographs of participants at 3 and 6 months after treatment.
Another study evaluated the effectiveness of a HIFU facial after 7 days, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks.After 12 weeks, the 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 doctors who evaluated the results reported an 80 percent improvement in the skin of the face and neck, while the participants’ satisfaction was 78 percent.
There are various HIFU devices on the market.One study compared the results of two different devices by asking clinicians and people who had undergone a HIFU facial to rate the effects.Although participants reported differences in pain levels and overall satisfaction, the researchers concluded that both devices were effective in tightening the skin.
It’s worth noting that each of the above studies involved relatively small numbers of participants.
In general, evidence suggests that HIFU facial has 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, after 4 weeks, they reported no pain.
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 of 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 technique, HIFU requires a shorter recovery time than a surgical facelift, but the results are less pronounced.Still, researchers found that the procedure firmed sagging skin, smoothed wrinkles, and improved skin texture.
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Post time: Mar-09-2022