A high intensity focused ultrasound facial, or HIFU facial for short, is a noninvasive treatment for facial aging. This procedure is part of a growing trend for anti-aging treatments that provide some of the benefits of a facelift without the need for surgery.

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A HIFU facial uses ultrasound to create heat at a deep level in the skin. This heat damages targeted skin cells, causing the body to try to repair them. To do this, the body produces collagen to aid in cell regrowth. Collagen is a substance in the skin that gives it structure and elasticity.

According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, nonsurgical ultrasound treatments such as HIFU can:

• tighten the skin on the neck

• reduce the appearance of jowls

• lift drooping eyelids or eyebrows

• smooth wrinkles on the face

• smooth and tighten chest skin

 

The type of ultrasound that this procedure uses is different than the ultrasound that doctors use for medical imaging. HIFU uses high energy waves to target specific areas of the body.

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Here’s what to expect at your appointment:

1. A physician or technician first cleans the target area.

2. They may apply a topical anesthetic cream before starting.

3. The physician or technician then applies an ultrasound gel.

4. The HIFU device is placed against the skin.

5. Using an ultrasound viewer, the physician or technician adjusts the device to the right setting.

6. Ultrasound energy is then delivered to the target area in short pulses for roughly 30 to 90 minutes.

7. The device is removed.

 

If additional treatments are needed, we will schedule the next appointment.

While the ultrasound energy is being applied, you might feel heat and tingling. You can take a pain medication if it’s bothersome.

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You’re free to go home and resume your normal daily activities right away after the procedure.

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Side Effects:

HIFU is considered very safe if performed by a trained and qualified professional.

The best part about this treatment is that you’re able to resume your normal activities immediately after you leave the provider’s office. Some slight redness or swelling may occur, but it should subside quickly. A light tingling sensation of the treated area may persist for a few weeks.

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Rarely, you may experience temporary numbness or bruising, but these side effects usually go away after a few days.

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Contraindications:

Some medical conditions prevent you from having HIFU. Some of the main conditions are:

• Implanted medical devices like pacemakers or defibrillators

• Epilepsy

• Facial paralysis

• Lupus

• Kidney disorders

• Cancer

• Anti-Coagulant medication use