What is HIFU treatment for anti-ageing, and why is it so popular in Australia?
As beautiful as our sun-drenched country is, all the sun exposure comes at a cost. Our skin pays the price and wrinkles show up sooner than we would like them. HIFU treatment (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a non-invasive and no-downtime procedure that is done on the surface of the skin.
It helps promote healthy tissue in the treated area. It has fewer side effects than surgical face lifts and helps promote the production of collagen.
HIFU facial rejuvenation procedure can be done anywhere between 1-3 times per year depending on the severity of chin sagging or depth of wrinkles.
HIFU treatment for antiaging gained popularity around 2008, when skin treatment clinics realised it can be used for more than just prostate treatment.
Table of Contents
Does research say HIFU treatments actually reduce signs on aging?
How much do HIFU treatments cost in Australia in clinics?
How many HIFU treatments do you need to see results?
How long do HIFU treatments take to show results?
Are HIFU treatments effective for double chin, eye bags, and forehead wrinkles?
Can you get the same results from home DIY HIFU devices?
Can you do HIFU treatment for belly fat?
Do HIFU treatments hurt?
What is the downtime after the treatment?
Side effects of HIFU treatments.
How do you know if HIFU anti-aging treatment is suitable for your face?
Can you use HIFU if you have Botox or fillers?
Can you get HIFU procedure while pregnant or breastfeeding?
What types of HIFU machines are there and which are the most effective?
Does research say HIFU treatments actually reduce signs on aging?
Multiple studies have been conducted over the past decade to understand if HIFU treatment is effective for wrinkles and skin tightening. According to a clinical trial by the Department of Dermatology in Korea It is particularly effective for clinical improvement in the jawline, cheek, and perioral areas.
Another study confirmed that HIFU may be considered a satisfactory, simple, reproducible, rapid, and safe procedure for neck rejuvenation.
Studies have been done on various types of skin by dermatologists in different parts of the world. Tests have been conducted on Asian, Middle Eastern, and European skin tones. It was confirmed to be a relatively safe and effective procedure.
Skin specialists around the world confirmed that HIFU is an effective clinically proven non-invasive alternative to surgery. Great treatment for those who don’t wish to undergo a surgical face lift. It can help achieve the results of a facelift if the right HIFU device is used.
How much do HIFU treatments cost in Australia in clinics?
HIFU treatment options are available for the following areas;
Lower face, jowls and neck around $1,330 per treatment. Usually enough to do this once every 12-18 months for best results.
Full face, is around $1000 per treatment.
Face and neck is around $1,800.
If you find places that do a lot cheaper than that you need to question the quality of the machine they use. There are different types discussed further down in the article. Not all machines are effective and some treatments require more frequent visits which will end up costing about the same in the end. So don’t chase a bargain when it comes to this type of treatment.
How many HIFU treatments do you need to see results?
Depending on the clinic and the type of machine they use, you should be able to see noticeable results just after one treatment. Some stronger and deeper treatments require to be repeated every 12-18 months, whilst some may need to be done every 4-6 months at least 3 times to see results.
Just remember that this isn’t the same as aesthetic plastic surgery so the results may not be as dramatic.
How long do HIFU treatments take to show results?
Be patient, the results may take around 12 weeks to show up, as collagen production is the result of the thermal (heat) coagulation in a specific problem area takes time. Collagen production is a natural healing process as a reaction to HIFU treatment.
Are HIFU treatments effective for double chin, eye bags and forehead wrinkles?
HIFU facial treatments will not produce the results of a surgical facelift. However, it has been voted to be one of the most effective non-invasive treatments on the market specifically for double chin and sagging jowls.
Can you get the same results from home DIY HIFU devices?
Many users on Reddit HIFU tread mentioned that used home facial toning devices like Nuface and have noticed good results, but only if they used it very consistently. Those who used it sporadically saw not many changes.
The devices are not as strong as the ones in the clinic so need to be used more frequently. It is worth noting they are not actual HIFU devices. They work in a similar manner using low-level electrical currents to stimulate the muscles in the face. You can pick one up for as little as around $300-400.
Remember handheld facial toning devices are different from clinical grade so you can and should use it frequently if you want to see their benefits of them. If your budget is tight trying out a home HIFU machine is a good start and if you find that it’s not working well for you, you can return it and go for the in-clinic option.
Can you do HIFU treatment for belly fat?
HIFU therapy treatment can be used to reduce cellulite and belly fat with focal therapy like HIFU. It targets deep layers of skin and subcutaneous fat layer. Just keep in mind that it will depend on how much fat you have around the problem area.
While HIFU treatment is not as effective as diet and exercise to reduce the size of the stomach, HIFU treatment can help the belly appear more toned and flatter.
Do HIFU treatments hurt?
Most people undergoing HIFU treatment have experienced some discomfort and that is a good thing. This usually means the machine is actually penetrating deep enough to make a difference.
If the procedure is completely painless you need to question the type of machine the therapist is using as it can be not as deep or effective to see results. They are not all the same.
Sometimes practitioner or doctor may apply a local anesthetic to ease discomfort during treatment, but no general anesthesia is necessary. If you are still feeling some pain or discomfort after the treatment is completed you can take pain medication like Ibuprofen which can also help the inflammation go down.
What is the downtime after the treatment?
HIFU treatment is dubbed a “lunch time face-lift” for a reason. There is practically no downtime because the procedure does not cause any severe swelling, peeling or redness like some other facials do.
However, everyone is different and some may find mild redness and slight swelling after treatment. If at all possible try to take the rest of the day off and not plan any events or meetings after the treatment just in case.
Side effects of HIFU treatments.
Whilst there are no negative adverse effects of HIFU treatment noted, here are some mild ones that can occur;
- Mild redness in the targeted.
- Slight swelling around the treatment area.
- Some people experience tingling for a week or so after the treatment.
- Bruising or numbness can occur also, but that’s rare.
How do you know if HIFU anti-aging treatment is suitable for your face?
HIFU treatment is generally ideal for someone who is seeking to lift sagging jowls, double chin and saggy neck, droopy eyelids and brow lines. People with heavier jawlines and square-type shapes would be good candidates for this treatment.
Most clients noticed significant changes in the bottom part of their faces. The targeted area appeared tighter, more defined and slimmer.
Many clients have also found that it was the best option for brow lifts among other nonsurgical treatments they’ve done. The targeted tissue was more toned and lifted making the face look more youthful and awake.
Can you use HIFU if you have Botox or fillers?
It is considered safe to use HIFU treatments if you have botox or fillers, but it is recommended to wait about a month after you have botox and fillers before doing HIFU treatment for antiaging.
Can you get HIFU procedure while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Medical professionals will usually advise you against this treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is best to wait until you finish breastfeeding before starting your HIFU treatments.
What types of HIFU machines are there and which are the most effective?
Firstly you want to ask your practitioner if they are using machines that are TGA-approved (Therapeutic Goods Administration).
Devices preferred by doctors; Ultraformer, Ulthera, Doublo-S. These devices are most effective for deeper treatments. The procedures show the most noticeable results due to the ability to penetrate through several layers of the epidermis (skin) and all the way through to subcutaneous fat (under the skin fat).
Treatments that are done 12-18 months apart. Generally use machines that go deeper therefore the cost will be higher as the results are more significant with each treatment.
However, if you want a gentler approach clinics may advise less penetrative treatments, but more frequent around 3-6 months apart. They will usually cost a bit less per treatment, but it will take a few treatments before you see noticeable changes.