Can I Do HIFU After Fillers?

Can I Do HIFU After Fillers? 

If you want to bring back the good old days for your look, then you might be thinking of a "stacked" method: a volumetric restoration of the face using dermal fillers and skin tightening with HIFU (High, Intensity Focused Ultrasound). In fact, it is a very effective combination; however, it leads to the most important question - can I do HIFU after fillers?

A short answer would be yes, but the timing of the procedure is very important. If you do HIFU the very next day after getting fillers, then you are risking 'undo' your investment. Because HIFU utilizes targeted ultrasound energy to induce heat in the lower layers of your tissue, it can facilitate the breakdown of the hyaluronic acid component of your fillers even if they haven't completely settled yet.

The Golden Rule of Timing

To get the best results without wasting your money, experts recommend a specific waiting period. Most top-ranking clinical guides suggest waiting at least 4 to 8 weeks after a filler injection before undergoing a HIFU session.

Why the Sequence Matters

Many patients wonder why they shouldn't just do both on the same day. Here is why the order of operations is vital for your face:

• Heat vs. Hyaluronic Acid: Fillers are composed of a gel, like material. The heat from HIFU can change the properties of the gel if it has not been integrated with the tissue.
• The "Canvas" Effect: People are usually recommended to do HIFU before fillers. The visual analogy of HIFU to "fabric shrinkage" of the skin can be given here. Skin is firmed, so your injector will actually need less filler to achieve a lifted look, thus you save money and avoid the risk of an overfilled look.
• Inflammation: Both procedures result in a slight inflammatory reaction (which is good for collagen!). In addition, performing them too close to each other can lead to swelling.

Conclusion: Can You Have Both?

To sum up, it is totally possible to go for HIFU after having fillers, but make sure you give your skin a proper break of around two months. If you want to get the best possible outcome, it is better to have your HIFU session first and then get fillers when the tightening is starting to show.

It is also very important that you inform your doctor about any treatments that you have had recently before you start yours, so that you can be safe and your results can last longer.