HIFU

Skin Rejuvenation, Tightening & Contouring

What is HIFU?

Non-Surgical Procedure for Face & Neck: Skin Rejuvenation and tightening
  • 3rd Generation HIFU Singapore (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) system
  • Ultrasound energy generates heat to stimulate collagen and tightens the muscle layer
  • Non-invasive, NO downtime
What is HIFU?

HIFU Treatment

HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) treatment for face/neck skin rejuvenation, uses ultrasonic waves to help lift and tighten skin with minimized harm on the skin surface resulting in a pleasing treatment experience. With precision per shot pulse, HIFU-powered transducers are designed to remodel collagen to improve facial wrinkles and sagging skin.

How Does HIFU Treatment Work?

HIFU-powered transducers deliver concentrated waves of ultrasound into multiple layers of skin and body tissues without making direct contact with surrounding areas. Transferring stabilized temperatures of 65~75°C into the targeted zones, it aims to induce a process of neocollagenesis in the face while tightening muscle layers for contouring purposes.

Rejuvenation/tightening in the face/neck triggered by HIFU Singapore involves heating the dermal and superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) layers that undergo separate phases of blood coagulation, wound contractions, and tighter shelving of new collagen to resolve the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin.

Comparable to utilizing sunlight and reflecting it through a magnifying glass to deliver a beam, HIFU treatment delivers ultrasound energy into the target region of the skin, stimulating and formulating collagen regeneration. The precision in delivery of a high density of power, triggers neo-collagenesis naturally within the body.

This makes it possible for the doctor to deliver energy precisely to where it is most needed, leaving the surface of the skin unaffected. As a result, tighter and firmer skin can be achieved with no damage to the skin and thus NO downtime.

What are the Advantages of HIFU Treatment?

HIFU utilizes different cartridges for application to multiple depths of the face/neck for firming and tightening. The patient can receive customized treatments on the face/neck with stable delivery of ultrasound energy, fast application, and precise accuracy of MMFU-powered transducers.

Is HIFU Treatment Painful?

HIFU is NON-ABLATIVE, meaning it does not affect or burn the skin surface. However, HIFU does deliver intense ultrasound energy into the face/neck for effective skin tightening and rejuvenation via its uniquely-designed transducer system. Pain and discomfort are greatly reduced in the 4th Generation HIFU, eliminating the need for topical anesthesia.

Many patients and practitioners report that the 4th Generation HIFU, in comparison with other HIFU devices, experience less pain and discomfort during the procedure.

Who is a Suitable Candidate for HIFU Treatment?

Gravity is a force that pulls down on our face/neck and cannot be stopped or altered. Collagen which imparts elasticity and the youthful “glow” to our skin, starts to decrease in our body after the mid-20s. Therefore, the elasticity of the face/neck can be improved by stimulating more collagen which can delay the signs and symptoms of aging such as wrinkles and sagging skin, in addition to tightening the layer of muscle under the skin.

Patients in their mid to late 20s to 30s can consider HIFU treatments for preventive and anti-aging purposes. Patients who are in their 40s-50s can consider this treatment for more improvement of wrinkles and sagging skin.

Patients past their 60s might not be suitable for treatment due to sensitivity or severe loss of elasticity in the skin. The most important thing is for your condition to be assessed by Dr. Kim and having a thorough discussion of the benefits, limitations, and risks of the procedure.

What Can I Expect During My Treatment?

Your eyes will first be protected, and a cooling gel will be evenly applied to the treatment areas. The handpiece will be placed in contact with your skin starting at the neck then moving to the face.

When the HIFU energy is released, you will feel a dull pain in about 10 separate shots in one single file line as the energy is delivered to a specific depth of your face/neck. The handpiece will be moved very gently where another line of HIFU shots will be placed.

During each session, the HIFU will be repeated with a different transducer to reach different depths of the face/skin, with more concentration on areas of concern.

After the treatment, you will be brought back to your private room for post-care treatment to cool and calm the skin before you leave the clinic.

Is There Any Downtime?

Due to it being a NON-ABLATIVE treatment, there is NO downtime.

You may experience some redness or swelling that should resolve within a few hours, but there is no requirement for you to stay indoors or avoid cosmetic application afterward. (Again, this is a NON-invasive treatment so no needles, no blood, no crusting after the treatment.)

You may return to work, apply makeup, and resume most of your activities immediately (Although please try to avoid exercise 1-2 days before and after the treatment). Do note, however, that it is advised to avoid excessive, prolonged sun exposure 2-3 weeks before and after the treatment. You may experience some mild dull discomfort around the jawline area for a few days after the treatment.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Effects of HIFU for facial firming and skin tightening will gradually show over the following months after receiving treatment. To achieve prolonged results, it is advised to consider the full face/neck treatment approximately once a year. Repeated treatment can be considered after 3-4 months if needed. Maintenance can be achieved with other milder treatments such as Radiofrequency (RF), LOM or BBL rejuvenation.

(The number of treatments needed will vary from patient to patient and your physician will personalise a treatment plan based on the level of improvement you desire.)

Are There Any Side Effects?

Like mentioned, patients may experience slight redness/swelling for a few hours after a HIFU treatment, or a tingling sensation at the scalp if the forehead is treated. Mild discomfort along the jawline bony areas may be present for a few hours to a few days after treatment.

Although rare, more sensitive skin patients may experience a blister on the skin due to the heat of the HIFU which can be treated but may leave a discoloration of the skin. This discoloration can fade over time or be treated with different modalities.