HIFU Treatment

HIFU is an acronym for high-intensity focused ultrasound. It is a non-invasive form of therapeutic treatment. The non-ionizing ultrasound waves target layers of the skin just beneath the surface. The ultrasonic energy causes the tissue to heat up rapidly. This helps activate the cells to produce more collagen — a protein that gives structure to the skin. As the natural aging process takes place your skin starts to produce less collagen and elastin, the HIFU facial treatment is a way to help jumpstart your skin’s production of these two components.

The HIFU treatment is often referred to as the HIFU facial treatment or HIFU facelift because it can work to firm and tone not only the epidermis and dermis but also the muscle.

However, it is not limited to treating just your face. You are also able to address ageing and loose skin on your body.

The HIFU facelift is one of the most popular treatments with the HIFU technology and you can treat your entire face, or you can target a specific area of concern such as heavy jowls or eyebrows. The HIFU neck lift is also a very popular treatment as the neck is one of the first areas we start to see signs of skin ageing.

Popular body areas include the upper chest, thighs, abdomen and upper arms.

Indications That The HIFU Skin Tightening Treatment May Be Right For You:

• If you are looking for natural but noticeable results.
• You have crepey, sagging skin on your face, neck or body.
• Your skin has lost its bounce.
• You’re noticing that your skin is getting crepey.
• You are noticing fine lines and wrinkles on your skin.
• You are noticing sagging, loose skin in your jowl area.
• You are noticing that your jawline is less defined.
• The skin on your neck is becoming loose, wrinkled and/or crepey.
• You’d like to redefine some of your features, such as your cheeks.
• You’d like to tighten and contour your skin.
• If you are looking for a non-invasive skin tightening treatment with no downtime.

In some cases, particularly in those who have more advanced skin laxity and signs of ageing, it may be appropriate to combine the HIFU treatment with other aesthetic treatments, such as the Thread Lift, for example. This would be discussed with you fully during a skin consultation and assessment.

HIFU Treatment FAQs

How long will HIFU last?

As with all medical-aesthetic treatments, this will vary between individuals. Lifestyle factors such as stress, smoking, exercising and sun exposure will have an impact on how long your HIFU results will last, but most people will appreciate results that last 12 to 18 months.

You can ‘top up’ your results with maintenance treatment at our skin clinic at that time.

Facelift treatments without the surgery. The Hifu facelifts we treat really are something else. Are you ready to experience the fantastic results of our non-surgical facelift from HIFU technology?

Sending focused ultrasound waves to different depths of the skin we can tighten different layers to tighten and lift the skin. The layers we are targeting are the same layers as when a plastic surgeon goes in with a scalpel, except with HIFU there’s no knife and no downtime.

Technology has vastly improved in the HIFU arena in very very recent times. Previous technology had patients sitting through one session and then seeing results for three months times. The technology is so advanced that results can be seen from the first session in most cases. We recommend a course of three treatments to help you realise optimal results, all spaced one month apart.

If you feel your face is beginning to sag, jowls are showing and you need a boost then HIFU may be for you.

How often should you get High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Treatment?

If you are having a course of 3 treatments, which is most common, we usually recommend that each session is spaced 12 weeks apart. Maintenance treatment of your HIFU results can be had once or twice a year if desired.

What are the side effects of HIFU treatment?

During the treatment it is possible to feel some discomfort; this can be managed by taking a pain killer prior to your HIFU treatment.  You may experience redness following your treatment which usually subsides within hours.  Slight swelling and/or tenderness can occur and may last a few days after having your HIFU treatment.

Are HIFU results instant?

Some people may notice a subtle improvement a few days following the treatment, known as the ‘collagen contracture’ stage. Results are dependent on the individual’s own skin repairing mechanism during which collagen production is stimulated and formed which can take several months. It is advisable to plan the HIFU treatment in advance of an event that you wish to see results in time as full results are not immediate. As with many medical-aesthetic treatments, lifestyle can have an impact on the results.

Some clients may see immediate initial improvements, however, the optimal time when clients will see lifting, tightening and firming is two-three months after treatment with gradual improvements noticed once the skin has had time to repair and produce new collagen and elastin which holds the structure of the skin. During this period, older collagen is replaced and the building process continues clients may even see improvements for up to six months after the final procedure.

The amazing Focus Dual comes with a proven safety record so you can feel rest assured that your safety is paramount. This treatment is suitable for all skin types and feels comfortable whilst receiving treatment.

Where can I find the HIFU treatment near me?

Usually, a quick Google search can offer you some insight as to who is offering the HIFU treatment.

Our medically-led skin clinic is in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, and we offer the HIFU treatment, as well as another skin tightening, firming and lifting treatments such as Thermage, Regenlite, Byonik and the Thread Lift treatment.

Who needs HIFU?

Both men and women can have the HIFU treatment on their face, neck and/or body. It may be beneficial to those who want to smooth and tighten their skin; contour facial features such as the eyebrows or cheeks; redefine their jawline; improve their skin elasticity and; improve crepy skin.

As a non-invasive treatment, HIFU offers natural-looking results and so may not be suitable for those who need more dramatic correction.

It can be had as a stand-alone treatment, to enhance your existing skincare, or used in combination with other treatments for your ultimate results.

Is HIFU ultrasound energy painful?

There can be some discomfort during the treatment but it is usually tolerated well. You may decide to take over-the-counter pain medication prior to the treatment for additional comfort.  During the treatment, you may feel tingling, warmth and/or heat as the treatment pulses are applied.

What age should you have HIFU?

We wouldn’t recommend HIFU to anyone below the age of 18.

Usually, our HIFU clients are over thirty and are noticing signs of skin ageing. Those with more advanced signs of ageing can combine HIFU with other treatments as HIFU may not address everything.

It would be uncommon for younger skin to require HIFU skin tightening but if you have an indication for treatment, such as crepey skin on your stomach, then it may be appropriate.

Can HIFU cause cancer?

No. In fact, HIFU is used to treat some cancers, however, it gained FDA approval in 2009 for tissue tightening.

What does HIFU stand for?

HIFU stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a non-surgical treatment that uses ultrasound to lift, firm and tighten the skin. HIFU deposits focused ultrasound energy below the surface of the skin, enabling all the layers of your skin to contract in just one treatment. This stimulates the creation of new collagen in the area; therefore this treatment is highly effective for firming, tightening and lifting the facial skin and can reduce excess skin on the body too. HIFU kick-starts the repair process in your skin and helps it to produce fresh, stronger, new collagen.

When did FDA approve HIFU?

The HIFU technology was approved in 2009 for tissue tightening. A high-intensity focused ultrasound facial, or HIFU facial for short is a non-invasive treatment for facial ageing. This procedure is part of a growing trend for anti-ageing treatments that provide some of the benefits of a facelift without the need for surgery.

Can HIFU remove my double chin?

Yes, the double chin area can be treated with HIFU if the skin and tissues need tightening. If fat loss is required in this area, alternative treatments can be explored, such as DesoFace.

Can HIFU tighten my jawline?

Absolutely! This is a popular treatment to help redefine the jawline and soften jowls in a natural way.

Can I use HIFU on my thighs?

Yes, HIFU can be used to treat crepy, wrinkled, loose skin on the thighs as well as other body areas such as the upper chest, stomach and upper arms.

Why is Collagen So Important?

Collagen is a natural protein which is produced in the skin to give skin its youthfulness by keeping it firm, taut and lifted. However, as we age collagen depletes from its structure and its ability to stand up to gravity diminishes leading to sagging skin, lines and wrinkles.

Does the HIFU treatment have ‘downtime’?

Because the HIFU treatment is non-invasive, there is virtually no downtime. Clients may experience minor swelling and some redness and a mild tingling or tenderness. These are superficial and temporary. With this in mind, clients will be able to return to normal activities straight after and there are no recovery measures required. The HIFU is known as the “lunchtime facelift.”

What Are HIFU Facial Treatment Pros?

1. This nonsurgical skin tightening procedure can give you instant results.
2. The HIFU facial treatment does not hurt, when being treated you may experience slight discomfort in the form of a light prickly sensation.
3. This non-surgical facelift helps plump and smooth your skin’s surface by rejuvenating your skin tissue with collagen and elastin.
4. The after-effects are minimal, including a temporary mild redness to your skin. This slight redness will fade quickly post-treatment.
5. You actually get improved skin texture, incredible body contouring results and a non-surgical face-lift.

Price starting from £450.