7 Things To Actually Look Out For In A HIFU

7 Things To Actually Look Out For In A HIFU

In the following article we are going to discuss about an important topic that is “7 Things to look out for in a HIFU” and will discuss about it thoroughly within the article:

Are you paying for the right HIFU procedure?

What Type Of HIFU Is It?

Focused vs Fractionated Ultrasound

HIFU stands for “High Intensity Focused Ultrasound” – it works by focusing ultrasound energy into heat energy. When focused on the skin layers, it remodels and stimulates collagen growth.

A proper HIFU not only stimulates collagen and lifts sagging skin, it can also be used to reduce unwanted facial fat, especially around the lower face area including the double chin.

There is also the Fractionated Ultrasound (also named HIFU), which are commonly offered by medispas and facial spas i.e. you don’t need a medical license to operate these machines. They can also be the choice of HIFU for certain clinics.

The main difference is the energy output; a proper HIFU generates temperatures under the skin to more than 70 degrees, while spa-grade ultrasound procedures only generates temperature of up to only 42 degrees.

Is It Done By A Doctor?

In Singapore, only medical clinics offer HSA-approved HIFU procedures, which are to be done by a doctor.

There are multiple medi-spas and facial spas that offers “HIFU” treatments, often at a fraction of the price a proper HIFU costs. This is the Fractionated Ultrasound treatment and is often done by therapists.

Every face is different and requires a different number of shots at different areas of the face for the best results. An assessment of the face before starting the procedure is very important. Not all faces are made the same and a HIFU procedure should not be a fixed protocol for everyone.

Also take note that a proper HIFU’s handpiece is moved on the face in a linear pattern, not a continuous circular motion. This is because the handpiece has to be stationary when the shots are being performed to ensure that the focused ultrasound energy stays at one point. This properly targets the specific area and depth, so it should not be ‘spread’ around in a continuous motion.

“Painless” HIFUs

No pain, no gain.

A HIFU procedure that delivers good results will inevitably be uncomfortable. A proper HIFU can be painful at higher energy levels – even with numbing cream, some patients still feel the discomfort. At Mizu, we add on local numbing injections before performing the HIFU for more comfort – and this can only be done by a doctor.

This ensures:

• Minimal discomfort during the HIFU procedure, even at high energy levels
• Best results; as we can perform the HIFU at the necessary power for each individual, especially for patients who cannot tolerate high energy levels with just numbing cream.

A HIFU that claims to be painless does not generate enough energy to deliver efficient results. This in turn means that there will not be sufficient collagen stimulation or fat reduction for results. Sometimes, no pain really means no gain.

How Long Before I SeeThe Results?

A proper HIFU takes 3 month to see the best results – however, short term results might be visible due to the heat causing some tightening.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

A HIFU that requires more than 1 session is NOT a proper HIFU.

Due to its high energy, a proper HIFU requires only 1 treatment, once every 1 – 1.5 years.

Spa-grade ultrasound treatments will usually require 3 or more sessions, and even with more sessions, results are not as significant as a proper HIFU due to its lower energy output.

Price

The cost of the HIFU tells you most about the efficacy – a proper HIFU requires a doctor’s careful planning and execution, and prices are often twice or thrice more expensive than a single session of the spa-grade HIFU machines.

However – spa-grade HIFU machines usually require 3-4 sessions for best results plus regular maintenance sessions after, which works out to be the same amount or more sometimes!

Downtime?

At high energy levels, a properly done HIFU may cause some puffiness along the jawline/lower face. There should be little to no redness as the HIFU targets deep within the skin and not on the surface. Puffiness usually lasts 3 days on average – you may also feel soreness along the jawline after HIFU.

The higher the energy setting from a proper HIFU, the longer the puffiness lasts. HIFU treatments which claim to have no downtime at all are essentially not performed at the right energy settings, which ends with unsatisfactory results.