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Can HIFU Go Wrong

3 minutes read   |   6 Jan 26

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Can HIFU Go Wrong? 

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) refers to non-invasive treatment that doesn’t require any recovery time, therefore it is also known as "lunchtime facelift". While it does garner praise for being relatively low risk, as a cosmetic procedure, complications can occur when not performed properly. Many people have questions concerning what to expect in terms of results from their HIFU treatments, specifically if there are any chances of things going wrong and how they can ensure their skin remains safe.

 

What Happens When HIFU Fails?

In most cases, the stories of failed HIFU outcomes aren’t necessarily due to risk of injury, but simply because consumers received poor results from the procedure. Below is a list of possible clinical complications from HIFU as well as a brief explanation:

  • Unintentional Fat Loss: Because HIFU uses sound to target deep beneath the skin’s surface, it is possible for the energy to pass through the skin and inadvertently damage or destroy the fatty tissue between the outer layer and deeper layers of the facial structure. This type of complication is considered as unintentional fat loss and should be avoided by making sure the treatment area and settings are correct.
  • Temporary Facial Nerve Irritation: On occasion, ultrasound energy may strike the nerve going to the side of your face, resulting in temporary numbness and/or slight drooping. This is referred to as marginal mandibular nerve paresis and usually resolves after a few weeks.

Common Side Effects vs. Serious Risks

It is important to distinguish between a "treatment gone wrong" and a normal healing response.

 

Effect

Normal Response

Red Flag (Go Wrong)

Redness

Fades within 2–24 hours.

Persistent blistering or burns.

Numbness

Slight tingling for a few days.

Facial weakness or drooping.

Pain

Mild "prickling" during treatment.

Intense, sharp pain after 48 hours.

Volume

Tighter, lifted appearance.

Sudden "hollow" cheeks or temples.



HIFU Safety Tips

HIFU can have different outcomes based on the operator of the machine. The best way to avoid issues with HIFU is to follow these three guidelines.

 

  • Avoid Purchasing HIFU Machines That Are Too Inexpensive

 

The best HIFU Machines Are The Most Costly To Use Properly. So many HIFU machines on the market today are very low-range and frequently are asia made counterfeit HIFUs that do Not offer even heat or have consistency of depth.

 

  • Find An Experienced Practitioner

 

Choose A Practitioner That Has A Good Understanding Of Facial Anatomy And Nerve Placement In The Face. This Reduces The Chance Of Complications Related To Nerve Injury.

 

  • Follow The Directions Immediately 

 

Wait at least 48 hours after your treatment to enter a hot shower and use a Topical active ingredient such as Retin-A.

 

Conclusion

HIFU has the potential to be an extremely effective skin tightening method when a qualified physician performs the treatment using a medically purified HIFU device; unfortunately, There Are Many Complications Associated With Improperly Performed HIFU Procedures, But Almost All Of These potential complications can be avoided by selecting A Competent And Medically Certified Practitioner Using A Medically Purified HIFU Device.

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