HIFU Treatment
HIGH Intensity Focused Ultrasound

The use of Botulinum toxin, to relax facial muscles to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Promoteing cellular repair and regeneration through the use of Polynucleotides to stimulate collegen and improve skin hydration and elasticity

Dermal Fillers

A Non-surgical solution for enhancing facial appearance by restoring volume, smoothing wrinkles, and enhancing facial contours to effectively diminish the signs of aging

Hifu Treatment

Hi, I’m Helen, an aesthetics nurse specialist based near Weston Super Mare.

I wanted to write about the HIFU Treatment as I’ve seen how High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) can transform the skin and appearance of clients, it is often referred to the Non Surgical Facelift due to the effects of a series of treatments. HIFU is a non-invasive treatment that’s changing the practice of skin rejuvenation and facial contouring. Let me take you through what makes this treatment so special, the benefits you can expect, and how to care for your skin afterward.

Helen is a certified Aesthetics Nurse with a private clinic in Banwell. Helen offers HIFU and other Medical Aesthetic Treatments

What is HIFU?

HIFU is a cutting-edge treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to work its magic beneath the skin. It’s like giving your skin an internal workout—stimulating collagen production and tightening tissues without any cuts or downtime. The energy penetrates deep into the skin to the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) layer, the same area targeted during a surgical facelift.

But with HIFU, there’s no scalpel involved thankfully.

Why has HIFU treatment become so popular

HIFU treatment has become a bit of a buzzword in the industry of late. There are a number of reasons behind this but the main reasons for its popularity are:

1. It’s completely Non-Invasive and Safe

As a former NHS surgical Matron, I am someone who values safety and results, I appreciate how HIFU doesn’t involve needles, cuts, or general anesthesia. Most clients experience minimal redness or swelling, which typically subsides in a day or two. It’s a really safe and gentle treatment.

2. Lifts and Tightens Skin

Whether you’re looking to define your jawline or lift sagging brows, HIFU delivers. Studies and my client results show significant improvement in skin tightness, especially around the cheeks, jawline, and neck.

3. Boosts Collagen Production

Collagen is your skin’s best friend. As we age, our natural collagen production slows, leading to sagging and wrinkles. HIFU kickstarts collagen renewal, helping restore that youthful firmness over time.

4. Long-Lasting Results

One of the best parts? HIFU results keep improving. Many of my clients notice changes within weeks, but the full effect—lifted, firmer skin—emerges over three to six months. The results can last a year or more with proper care.

5. Customizable for You

HIFU isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. I can tailor it to target areas you’re most concerned about, like lifting your brows, tightening your neck, or smoothing out fine lines around your mouth.

6. Minimal Downtime

You can walk out of my clinic and get right back to your day. Whether you’re heading to work or meeting friends, there’s no need to hide away for recovery.

What to expect during a HIFU treatment

HIFU is backed by solid research. Studies published in journals like Dermatologic Surgery and Aesthetic Surgery Journal confirm what I see in my practice: HIFU works. It stimulates new collagen, tightens skin, and lifts facial contours effectively and safely.

Curious about what happens during a session? Here’s what it looks like when you visit me:

1. Your Consultation

First, we’ll sit down to discuss your goals and general health. I will assess your skin and ensure that HIFU is the right treatment for you. Then we will create a plan tailored to your needs.

2. Getting Ready

Typically after assessment, I will cleanse your skin and apply a gel to help the ultrasound waves work to be able to painlessly penetrate the skin to the correct depth. You don’t need to do anything special to prepare—just lie there and relax.

3. The Treatment Itself

Using a handheld device, I’ll deliver ultrasound energy to specifically targeted areas. You might feel some warmth or tingling, but most clients find it relaxing. The session usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the areas we’re treating.

4. Post-Treatment Care

You might notice mild redness or swelling, but this fades quickly. There’s no need for dressings or elaborate aftercare.

How to take care of your skin after a HIFU treatment

To help your skin heal beautifully and maximize your results, here are my top aftercare tips:

1. Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Use a good sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and avoid direct sun exposure for at least two weeks. This helps prevent hyperpigmentation and keeps your skin healthy.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Drinking plenty of water is one of the simplest ways to support your skin’s recovery and collagen production. Hydrated skin heals better and looks more radiant.

3. Go Gentle with Your Skincare

Stick to mild, soothing products for the first week. Avoid exfoliants or active ingredients like retinol that could irritate your skin.

4. Skip the Heat

Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and hot baths for a few days. Excessive heat can irritate your skin post-treatment.

5. Be Patient

HIFU isn’t instant, but it’s worth the wait. Your skin will continue to improve over the coming months as new collagen forms.

Is HIFU right for you

HIFU is perfect if you want to:

Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Lift sagging skin on your face or neck
Enhance your jawline definition
Achieve a more youthful, refreshed look without surgery

However, it’s not suitable for everyone. If you have severe skin laxity or specific medical conditions, I’ll help you explore other options.

What is the evidence behind the benefits of HIFU treatment

The benefits of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) for aesthetics are supported by a growing body of scientific research and clinical studies. Here’s a breakdown of the key evidence behind its efficacy:

1. Skin Tightening and Lifting

Evidence:
HIFU has been shown to effectively lift and tighten sagging skin, particularly in the face and neck regions.

Study: Dermatologic Surgery (2017)
Researchers evaluated the efficacy of HIFU in improving facial and neck laxity. The study found significant improvements in skin elasticity, particularly in the lower face and neck, with high patient satisfaction rates.
Key Takeaway: HIFU effectively reduces skin laxity and creates a lifting effect without invasive surgery.
Study: Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy (2015)
A study involving 20 participants demonstrated a notable reduction in skin laxity after a single HIFU treatment, with improvements visible after three months.

2. Collagen Stimulation and Wrinkle Reduction

Evidence:
HIFU stimulates collagen production, which is crucial for maintaining skin firmness and reducing wrinkles.

Study: Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (2018)
This research showed that HIFU induces neocollagenesis (new collagen formation) by creating thermal coagulation points in the deeper dermal layers. Over time, this collagen remodeling results in smoother, firmer skin.
Key Takeaway: HIFU is particularly effective in addressing fine lines and wrinkles through collagen regeneration.
Study: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open (2020)
Results from a systematic review showed that HIFU treatments led to measurable increases in dermal thickness and collagen density, enhancing the skin’s overall appearance and texture.

3. Long-Lasting Results

Evidence:
HIFU provides sustained results due to the natural process of collagen remodeling.

Study: Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2015)
Patients who underwent HIFU treatments showed gradual improvements over three to six months, with results lasting up to one year or more. This aligns with the timeline of collagen turnover and remodeling.
Key Takeaway: The effects of HIFU are not instant but develop and persist as collagen production increases.

4. Customizable and Targeted Treatment

Evidence:
HIFU’s precision in targeting specific depths and areas makes it suitable for various aesthetic goals, such as brow lifting, jawline contouring, and neck rejuvenation.

Study: Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2016)
A clinical trial assessed the effectiveness of HIFU for brow lifting and jawline contouring. Participants experienced measurable lifting effects, especially in targeted areas, after a single session.

5. Safety Profile and Minimal Downtime

Evidence:
HIFU is widely recognized for its safety and minimal recovery time compared to surgical alternatives.

Study: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (2019)
Researchers analyzed patient-reported outcomes and side effects following HIFU treatments. The study concluded that HIFU has an excellent safety profile, with minor side effects such as redness and swelling resolving within days.
Key Takeaway: HIFU is a safe and effective option for patients seeking non-invasive aesthetic treatments.

6. Neck Rejuvenation

Evidence:
HIFU’s ability to address skin laxity extends beyond the face to the neck, an area notoriously difficult to treat.

Study: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2019)
HIFU was used to improve neck contour and skin tightness. The study demonstrated a significant reduction in neck laxity and improved overall skin texture in treated areas.

References

Reference: Alster, T., Tanzi, E., & Lazarus, M. (2017). High-intensity focused ultrasound for facial rejuvenation: Efficacy and safety evaluation. Dermatologic Surgery.
Reference: Fabi, S. G., & Goldman, M. P. (2015). Collagen remodeling following HIFU treatment for facial skin laxity. Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
Reference: Ryu, H. J., et al. (2018). Ultrasound-based skin tightening: Mechanisms and clinical applications. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.
Reference: White, W. M., et al. (2015). HIFU: A novel approach for non-surgical skin rejuvenation. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy.
Reference: Kwon, T. R., et al. (2019). Efficacy and safety of HIFU for neck rejuvenation: A clinical evaluation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Helen – Aesthetics Nurse

As part of my own development as an aesthetics practitioner, I researched the most common aesthetic procedures for women and thought I’d share it on my blog.

The information I found is based on a general consensus of trends in the aesthetic and cosmetic industry, drawn from a variety of industry reports, surveys, and professional observations reported by organizations such as the British Association of Medical Aesthetic Nurses, British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and other cosmetic surgery and dermatology journals.

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