HIFU – Get a Facelift without Surgery
As we get older, our face loses it V-shape. Sagging of our skin and the slowing of skin cell regeneration are the main culprits.
One of the more common solutions for this, has been facelifts.
Facelifts have mostly been an invasive process. In a traditional facelift, you undergo surgery. That means you have to go under general or local anesthesia. The doctor will then make cuts on your face to shape it.
Is it really that bad?
There are some risks to a facelifting surgery.
The main issue with traditional facelifts is that it is surgical. Making cuts on your face always carries numerous risks like infections and scars. And, these surgeries are long, require anesthesia, and come with a long recovery period.
It is also not guaranteed that the surgery will be a success. In some cases, the incisions end up becoming scars. In rare cases, you see disfigured faces or even blood clots, which is not really the intended result of going for a beauty treatment. The reward is high but so are the risks.
What is more important, is that the fact that traditional facelifts only change the appearance of the face. While not a bad thing, it rarely addresses the real issue, which is that they do not help in rejuvenating your skin or reversing the aging process.
Thus, People nowadays increasingly prefer non-invasive cosmetic treatments.
Is there a better way now?
As cosmetic treatments advance, there have been many alternatives to facelifts. Knives are replaced with lasers. Some treatments try to use as little cuts on the face as possible. Unfortunately, most of them do not have the same results as the traditional one.
All that changed with the introduction of HIFU.
HIFU is a non-invasive and non-surgical facelift procedure that is simple but very effective. No needles, knives, or lasers.
What is HIFU?
HIFU stands for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. It targets deep layers in the skin. It boosts new collagen production. Collagen is a protein in the skin that makes it firm and elastic. This increase in collagen production helps your skin appear shapely and healthy.
HIFU also irons out wrinkles and tightens sagging skin.
High intensity does not mean that the procedure is intense. In fact, it is very safe and has no downtime. You can hop in for a treatment during lunch time. Once done, hop back out and easily continue with your daily activities after. That is also why HIFU is affectionately nicknamed the “Lunch Time Facelift”.
How does HIFU actually work?
Ultrasound energy is used to create heat deep beneath the skin. The heat breaks down cells in a targeted area. The broken-down cells then send a signal to our skin that they need repair. The body reacts by producing more collagen.
Increase in collagen results in firmer skin with fewer wrinkles. These improvements will be visible on areas such as your face and neck.
The ultrasound energy used in the procedure is highly focused. It can pass harmlessly through the skin and target areas that require attention. Surrounding areas will not be broken down.
Don’t worry, the heat is only to trigger collagen production so that your skin will be rejuvenated. Other than that, there will be no damage to your face at all.
The ultrasound energy used is different to the one that is used for medical imaging like ultrasounds for pregnancies.
Which areas can be treated with HIFU?
Areas with wrinkles or sagging such as:
- Forehead
- Frown lines
- Brows
- Crow’s feet
- Smile Lines
- Cheeks
- Chin
- Neck
What is the procedure like?
The clinician begins the process by cleansing your face and then applying a soothing gel. This gel will prevent your face from feeling too hot during the procedure.
The clinician will then gently place the ultrasound device on your face. It will only feel slightly warm to the skin. The device will then be steadily moved around your face. Areas with less fat might cause a stronger sensation, but it would not be painful.
The clinician then might change cartridges on the device and repeat the process, depending on which layers of the skin is being targeted.
Depending on the areas being treated, the procedure might take from 30 – 90 minutes. After that you are free to continue with your day. There is no need to sit around for recovery.
Does it hurt?
Many people find that the process does not hurt at all. The ultrasound device only causes a mild discomfort and heat sensation.
Numbing cream and/or pain medication can be provided if you require them. Our clinician will advise you accordingly.
How About Recovery?
There might be some mild aching, swelling and bruising on the face which will disappear after a few days. It would definitely not be as severe as undergoing a surgical facelift
It is advised to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun 2 to 3 weeks after the treatment, as your skin will still be sensitive.
This treatment is not recommended for people with infections and open lesions at the target area, severe or cystic acne, HA Fillers, threadlft and metallic implants in the facial area.
When Can I Expect Results?
You should start to see results in 1 to 3 weeks. Your skin will become rejuvenated. Wrinkles will start to disappear, and your skin will look healthier.
The results will continue to improve for up to 6 months due to new collagen being produced.
How long the effects last depend on your skin condition and age. It is recommended to get more treatments in the future to keep up with the aging process.
How does Pricing Work?
It costs $148 per session (U.P. $198). The total price would depend on the location and number of sessions.
Who is Suitable for HIFU?
It works best on skin that is firm, but starting to sag a little. That means skin that is only just starting to show the initial signs of aging.
For severe cases of skin sagging, complementary treatments may be required.
Come for a consult with our clinicians who can advise on a treatment plan catered to you. That is the best way to find out if you are suitable for HIFU.
Lift your Face and your Spirits with HIFU
HIFU is a safe non-invasive face-lifting procedure. You get all of the benefits of a traditional facelift and none of the negatives. It even boosts collagen production in your skin.
Anyone who wants to slow down the effects of aging but does not want to go under the knife should definitely try this treatment.
As it is non-surgical, you do not have to worry about recovery. Just avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and let the collagen in your skin do the work. Your skin will look younger and healthier in just a few weeks!