HIFU (pronounced “high-foo”) is a non-surgical method to lift and tighten the skin of the face and neck using high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy. The ultrasound targets different depths of the skin, working to tighten the different skin layers to produce optimal results.
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Ultrasound technology is used to penetrate below the surface of the skin, approximately 3-4.5 mm deep, and encourages the tissue’s natural regenerative process of collagen growth. This results in tightening of the tissues of the treated area, creating a visible lift without the downtime that comes with a surgical face lift. HIFU focuses ultrasound energy to a point under the skin which results in heating of the targeted tissues to 50 – 60°C. When the tissues are heated up, cells are activated and new collagen and elastin formation takes place. This causes the skin elasticity to improve and hence a lifting effect is produced. HIFU targets various depths of the body’s tissue for skin tightening, lifting and contouring. It targets the upper dermis 1.5mm deep, lower dermis 3.00mm deep and most importantly the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) layer 4.5mm deep.
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The HIFU technology encourages the cells to produce new collagen, allowing the skin to increase firmness and elasticity. Collagen building takes time, therefore optimal results are seen anywhere from 2 months to 6 months post-treatment.
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HIFU is intended for individuals with skin laxity, or anyone who is looking to achieve skin tightening. HIFU can renew mild to moderate sagging skin, as well as lifting the brow to open up the eye area. However, HIFU is not an alternative to a traditional facelift surgery, and therefore clients with a greater degree of skin laxity may be better suited towards a surgical face and/or neck lift.