How Does HIFU Work

How Does HIFU Work? 

HIFU is a method for lifting sagging skin without going under the knife. HIFU penetrates through your skin to the deeper structural levels, like those altered daily by plastic surgeons, unlike other options (e.g., facelift).

The Treatment: Micro-whipping Thermal Injury

To create the thermal micro-injury, high-frequency ultrasound (3-4.5 MHz) is used to create micro-injuries (thermal coagulation) on three different levels (1.5mm, 3mm & 4.5mm). Each of these levels represents the depth of the thermal coagulation point, causing the skin to tighten and create a firmer appearance.

Ultrasound energy produces a targeted heating effect within the tissues (cells) of the selected treatment area by vibrating them resulting in a sudden temperature change (from 60°C - 70°C). As a consequence of this rapid warming process, micro-injuries or points of heat coagulation form throughout the tissue, creating an immediate result. Although the word “injury” may seem frightening, these micro injuries are a crucial component of the HIFU process.

After the tissue has experienced a thermal injury, the body responds with its own naturally occurring healing process by generating new, durable collagen and elastin to replace the damaged, aged collagen and elastin due to the heat.

Targeting the SMAS Layer

The HIFU treatment has a unique ability to penetrate the SMAS Layer (Superficial Musculo Aponeurotic System) which consists of muscle and connective tissue below the adipose tissue (fat). The HIFU heat creates a contraction within the SMAS layer, allowing the patient to have enhanced definition of their upper and lower jawlines and greater contouring of the cheekbones, unlike other modalities available today that only affect the epidermis.

Outcomes for high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) unfold at an even pace due to their dependence on the body's naturally occurring biological processes. 

What to Expect: Results Timeline

Since HIFU relies on your body’s natural biological processes, the results are elegantly gradual. You won't walk out looking like a different person; instead, you will look like a refreshed version of yourself over the coming months.

HIFU increases the body's ability to produce new, tight collagen through the use of ultrasound waves. The end result is a younger-looking, firmer, and more youthful you over the course of many months.

Conclusion

By tricking the skin into behaving as if it was younger. This is accomplished by stimulating collagen production deep within your skin, which in turn provides a more natural lift to the skin's "support" (or structure).