Aging is a natural phenomenon. Skin is the first organ to become the victim of aging. Wrinkles and lines are indicators of this natural process. In many cases, these skin lines and wrinkles are caused by unhealthy lifestyles. And for many, the signs of aging may show up way before they are supposed to.
Whatever may be the reason, skin resurfacing has become widely popular nowadays. And it is easy too. While the invasive methods had their fair share, non-invasive techniques are now surging up. People need the best possible results with minor potential risks and side effects.
Many non-invasive methods are being used for skin lifting. Some of these include microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, and hydra facials. Such methods pose little to no risks and provide the best results. High-intensity focused ultrasound, or HIFU, and HIFU machine is the topic of this discussion.
What is HIFU?
HIFU is an example of non-invasive skin treatment. This skin lifting technology is among the most recent ones in this category. It has been around for much longer, but its benefits for skin rejuvenation were discovered in 2008. Since then, it has been majorly used for cosmetic purposes. Now, it is one of the most sought-after facial treatments in the world.
The HIFU machine is the major equipment used for this facelift technique. Many studies conducted around the world suggest its effectiveness in making the skin look younger. Almost everyone that gets treated with this sees beneficial effects no longer after the procedure. Although you may not see the best results right away, its effectiveness is long-lasting. The beneficial effects take a bit longer to show up. But they show up eventually.
How does HIFU work?
As has already been mentioned, HIFU is short for High-intensity Focused Ultrasound. The word “focused” in the name indicates the working of the HIFU machine. Only the parts that need to be changed are treated with this method.
Moving on, the HIFU technique uses the energy coming from ultrasound. When directed towards the affected tissues, this energy causes cells to heat up. The energy only affects the tissues beneath the upper surface. This takes out the problem from its roots. It is so focused that the upper layers of the skin and other tissues surrounding the affected area are not targeted at all.
Once the cells are heated up enough, cellular destruction takes place. The destruction of cells ends in removing the defective tissues. As a response to this, the body triggers the increased production of collagen. Collagen is a constructive protein that enhances the strength and firmness of skin layers. It also tightens the tissues. The tightened layers eradicate the loose skin, wrinkles, and lines.
Most of the time, you can see affirmative results after the first session. For enhanced and long-lasting effects, you may need more than one session. It will slow down the further aging of the skin and will immediately halt new wrinkles from forming up.
Who is HIFU best for?
The use of HIFU and HIFU machines may not be for everyone. It is best for people who have loose skin on their faces, neck, and upper chest. Wrinkles, uneven jaws, eyebrows, and eyebrows can be treated with a laser HIFU machine.
As a general rule, HIFU is preferred and recommended for people 30 years of age or older. Most of the signs of aging start showing up after this age. Moreover, some people need more than one HIFU session. People whose skin has been photodamaged or who have a lot of loose skin will see results after multiple sessions.
It is not the best choice for people with more severe conditions. Severe laxity of the skin, saggy skin, severe acne, and open lesions will require surgery. So, it is best to consult an expert physician or a dermatologist before taking on the HIFU treatment.
How is HIFU better than Traditional Facelift?
The traditional facelift and HIFU facelift are different from each other. Even though they are meant to improve the appearance of the skin, they go at it differently. The traditional facelift uses manual removal of different parts of the skin. A surgeon performs it, and the procedure is nothing less of a surgery.
Traditional facelift offers permanent results. So, you will only need one session. During the session, anesthesia is necessary. The procedure carries massive pain. With this, you will be going “under the knife.” To eliminate pain, the surgeons often use a local or a general anesthetic drug.
Moreover, the healing with a surgical facelift is not natural. The surgery is also costly. In case if you need more than one session, it will cost much more than before. Your skin will require more recovery time to heal the scars. So, it is a very costly, painful, risky, unnatural, but permanent solution for loose skin.
While, with HIFU, your body does everything. The HIFU machine only triggers collagen production. The rest is done naturally. It doesn’t require any anesthesia. It is relatively cheap and comes with no downtime. You will not feel any pain. A little bit of tingling sensation is all. The results last much longer, but they are not permanent. So, you may require additional sessions later.
What is the procedure for HIFU treatment?
HIFU treatment has been adopted by high-profile doctors and clinics around the world. Many of which use a HIFU machine called ULTRAFORMER III. This HIFU machine targets the SMAS layer short for the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic system. The traditional facelift or face surgeries remove or alter parts from this layer. Only this layer of the skin is subjected to lasers. That’s what a HIFU machine does too. You can easily find this HIFU machine for sale.
Before the procedure, you are asked to get your skin rid of any additives. If you have applied any make-up or cream, wash up.
After that, the procedure of the HIFU facelift includes the following steps.
- Your cosmetician will clean the area that you want to be altered
- They will also mark the spot for better targeting
- Depending on your preferences, a numbing cream or anesthetic agent may or may not be applied to your skin.
- Next, an ultrasound gel will be applied to your skin. This gel helps the HIFU machine for better targeting and treatment.
- Then the High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound machine is placed against your skin.
- The machine features an ultrasound viewer. This lets the cosmetician easily customize the device’s skin appropriately.
- After the device is at the proper settings, the energy transfer will happen.
- Energy is focused on the marked area. It is applied in short pulses
- The procedure may take anywhere between 30 to 90 minutes to complete
- After the satisfactory application, the HIFU machine is removed from your skin
After the treatment, you are free to go home right away. There is no downtime to this treatment. You can resume your daily routine right after you are done.
What are the side effects of HIFU facelift?
If performed by experienced and qualified hands, the procedure is relatively safe. During the process, you may feel slight tingling and heat. You can take a painkiller if the heat or pain gets disturbing for you. In almost all cases, it is not bothersome at all.
Redness and swelling may occur after the treatment. This is normal. That, too, will disappear right after the HIFU machine is removed. As far as the tingling sensation is considered, you may feel it a little after the procedure. But it’s nothing to worry about. If it is present, it will be mild.
Numbness or bruising rarely happens. They go away after a few days.
What are the benefits of HIFU treatment?
The treatment shows auspicious results. It has been reported to be super-efficient, according to many studies. A HIFU machine for sale and the treatment provide the following benefits.
- Reduced or removed wrinkles
- Removed fine lines by tightening the skin
- Cheek life, eyelids lift, and eyebrows lift
- Firmer, stronger, and smoother skin
- Defining the jawline
All of these aesthetic benefits come at no cost or risks to your general well-being. You can fit the HIFU sessions into your daily routine. These sessions don’t take much of your time. Their results last much longer.
What does HIFU treatment cost?
Depending on your location, the HIFU cost may vary. Also, the part of the body being treated matters greatly for final cost estimation. The HIFU cost may increase if you go through multiple sessions. In general, the HIFU cost for a facelift may fall between the ranges of $1500-2000. This is much cheaper than the traditional or surgical facelift. The surgical facelift costs more than $7000.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the HIFU treatment has gained a lot of recognition in recent years. It is non-invasive and uses ultrasound energy from a HIFU machine. The therapy or facelift procedure doesn’t hurt, but it may tingle slightly. For the process, you can contact a HIFU provider. You can also find the best HIFU machine for home use. It is better to consult a physician before getting the treatment.