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HIFU Skin Treatment

Long gone are the days when the thought of getting cosmetic procedures would incite scandalous looks and conversations of concern. Today more and more people are hopping up on the trend of aesthetic procedures, not because they want to alter everything about their appearance due to a bout of low self-esteem, but because looking your best has become synonymous with feeling your best.

Today, many people look at cosmetic enhancements as part of their larger self-care routine, not unlike going to the gym or investing in elaborate skincare routines.

People have become more open to the idea that beauty is a feeling of confidence rather than a particular physical feature, and the notion of beauty in itself is unique and customized for every individual. In present times, millions of men and women are putting in a conscious effort to research treatment options and doctors in order to make confident decisions for themselves. And it’s not just the public sentiment that’s changing, the way we go about making these changes to our appearances has also seen a dramatic shift.

A survey done by RealSelf revealed that people today are considering non-surgical alternatives to surgical treatment, with the fear of complications of suffering a bad result being the top concern. But you can put your worries to rest, as there are now plenty of treatments that offer similar or even better results than their surgical counterparts, with none of the risks involved and absolutely no downtime.

One such treatment that is emerging as a great alternative to Facelifts is HIFU treatment. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound is a non-invasive medical procedure that has become increasingly popular in the field of aesthetic medicine for its skin tightening and rejuvenating results. It works by using high-frequency sound waves to heat the deepest layers of the skin and boost collagen production which results in a more youthful and tightened appearance. It’s sometimes called the ‘Lunchtime Face Lift’ as the treatment process is quick, tolerable, and has no downtime.

How does HIFU work?

HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to target the layers of the skin just below the surface. It can penetrate both the dermis and the superficial muscular aponeurotic system. These are the same layers that surgeons work on during a conventional facelift surgery. The ultrasound energy causes the tissues to get heated up. Once the cells in the targeted area reach a certain temperature, it stimulates the cells to produce collagen – the protein that provides structure to the skin.

The increase in collagen production results in tighter, firmer skin with fewer wrinkles. Since the high-frequency ultrasound beams are focused on a specific tissue site below the skin’s surface, no damage occurs to the upper layers of the skin and adjacent tissues. As an anti-aging treatment, HIFU results can last up to 1-2 years and can continue to firm up the skin for months after the treatment.

Who is the ideal candidate?

As we grow old, our skin loses its elasticity and firmness. On top of it, not getting enough sleep, eating a poor diet, and living a stressful and busy life can all take a toll on your skin. This is where HIFU treatment can help you restore the vibrancy of your skin. However, it is not the best option or suitable for everyone. Typically, the procedure makes the biggest difference to those who are over 30 years old, with mild-moderate skin laxity. Even though people use it as a preventative measure, young people may not see as much of a difference as they would like, quite simply because their skin is still very firm.

People who have particularly loose skin or skin that is severely photo-damaged may need to undergo multiple sessions before they can see the results of the treatment. This treatment is also not recommended for anyone suffering from open lesions, skin infections, or severe cystic acne. The best way to figure out whether HIFU can deliver you the desired results is to arrange a consultation with a practitioner who will be able to advise you about the efficacy of the treatment on your skin.

When can one expect results?

Results for this treatment are pretty subjective as it completely depends on the nature and severity of your skin concerns. Many people only need one treatment to see results from HIFU. On the other hand, depending on the client’s collagen-building process and biological response to ultrasound energy, some people might need to take a follow-up treatment 8-12 weeks after their first session.

One can expect to see results from HIFU 12 weeks after their treatment, with further improvements in the problem areas reported for up to 6 months. Clients can reap the benefits of a HIFU treatment for anywhere from 2-3 years. Generally, a top-up session is advised roughly every year for optimum continued results.

Are there any side effects?

HIFU treatment is considered a safe procedure when performed by a qualified and fully trained practitioner. One of the reasons why this treatment is so popular is because people can resume their daily lives right after the procedure is done. One may experience some pinkness, redness, or light swelling in the tissue, but these symptoms usually subside quickly. Some people may also experience light tingling in the treated area, which fades away pretty quickly in some cases, however, some people have reported it to last a few weeks as well.

In some rare cases, one may also experience temporary numbing and some bruising in the area but that also heals by itself within a few days. Even though the treatment itself is safe, every human body reacts differently. Therefore, it is important that people consult a well-trained and experienced practitioner and discuss the benefits as well as the potential side effects of the treatment beforehand.

Can HIFU help you fix your problem areas?

HIFU can be used to target specific areas of the face, such as the neck, jowls, and brow, to tighten sagging skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to enhance the appearance of the cheeks and jawline, giving patients a more defined and youthful look. The actual results of the treatment are subjective to your skin condition. Your practitioner would be the best person to inform you of the expected results and how much difference you can see in your target areas.

However, if a ‘double chin’ is your area of concern, HIFU treatment can certainly help by tightening your jawline area and stimulating collagen production which results in a reduction in your double chin area and a tighter, more defined jawline. It can also make a notable improvement to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead.

Conclusion

If non-invasive and non-surgical treatment is something that you have been looking for, then HIFU treatment is your best bet to rewind the effects of time on your skin. With continued HIFU treatment, you can defy the aging process gracefully and get tight, youthful glowing skin. Here at Alive Wellness Clinics, we understand your skin concerns and your desire to get a more youthful appearance. Book your consultation for HIFU treatment and embark on this journey of turning back time with our experienced dermatologist and well-trained professionals.