HIFU TREATMENT

HIFU, or high-intensity focused ultrasound uses ultrasound energy to help stimulate collagen production, leading to tighter, firmer skin. HIFU treatment in Singapore is often used for face lifting without the need for surgical procedures.

In contrast to surgical facelifts, HIFU treatment is a non-surgical treatment that penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin to promote skin tightening. It utilises high-quality and focused ultrasound energy to avoid damaging other parts of the skin. HIFU treatment can penetrate three different layers of the skin: the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS), the lower dermis, and the upper dermis. The SMAS is the layer that is usually tightened by surgical facelifts. By targeting this layer, HIFU can offer a similar skin-lifting effect. HIFU targeted at the depth of the lower and upper dermis can stimulate collagen and elastin production, leading to reduced fine lines and wrinkles and a smoother skin texture.

As a non-invasive treatment, HIFU can provide results with little downtime. Hence, patients taking this treatment can usually go back to their regular routine right after the procedure.

With the use of focused ultrasound energy, HIFU treatment reaches different layers of the skin without harming the upper surface. As the energy heats the tissue down below, it causes cell damage prompting the body to repair them by releasing collagen.

Collagen is a substance naturally produced by the body that forms the skin’s structure and elasticity. As people age, collagen production starts to decrease, leading to skin ageing. HIFU helps address this by stimulating collagen production, which will improve, tone, and strengthen the skin from deep within. Additionally, this treatment helps tighten the skin, reduce sagging, and improve complexion.

HIFU is one of the most recommended skin-lifting treatments for those who want non-invasive procedures. It can help treat several facial skin problems, such as skin laxity, fine lines, wrinkles, drooping eyebrows, and nasolabial folds (smile lines). In addition to giving the skin a more youthful-looking appearance, HIFU can also help improve face shape by eliminating facial fats and making the jawline more defined. This helps achieve a slimmer, V-shaped face.

At our clinic, we use HIFU to treat various facial areas, such as:

• Cheeks
• Jowl
• Double chins
• Forehead
• Nose

HIFU is a safe, effective, and non-invasive alternative for surgical facelifts. It has natural-looking results yet requires zero downtime. HIFU treatment is relatively painless – most patients can tolerate the discomfort, especially with local anaesthetic creams. In addition, it offers long-lasting effects on the skin as it encourages collagen production in the body, which naturally keeps the skin firm.

HIFU treatment can help in:

• Skin lifting
• Forming supple skin
• Defining facial structure
• Triggering natural production of collagen
• Reducing facial wrinkles

The number of required HIFU shots varies from patient to patient, depending on his or her condition and the size and area of the skin to be treated. This will be discussed during the consultation by the aesthetic doctor in Singapore.

You should remove all makeup and skincare products from the treatment areas before the procedure.

During a HIFU session, your doctor may do the following:

• Step 1

  – Clean the target area

• Step 2

  – Apply a topical anaesthetic or numbing cream before the treatment

• Step 3

  – Apply an ultrasound gel

• Step 4

  – Then place the HIFU against the skin (there’s an ultrasound viewer that helps the doctor to adjust the settings and view the process)

• Step 5

  – Deliver the ultrasound energy to the target area within short pulses

• Step 6

  – Remove the device when done

You may return home and get back to your normal activities immediately following HIFU treatment.

Often, HIFU sessions take about 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the area being treated. It may take 90 minutes for the face and neck area treatment.

There’s virtually no downtime with HIFU treatment. While you may experience mild and temporary symptoms like slight redness, swelling, or tingling, you’ll be able to go back to your normal activities right away.

In most cases, HIFU Singapore delivers good results after 2 to 3 months that can last for up to 1 year, depending on your skin.

The number of treatments you need depends on the degree of skin laxity and your body’s response to the ultrasound energy. On average, you may need 2 HIFU sessions in your first year with six months apart. Afterward, you can choose to have one treatment per year to maintain the results. Please check with our clinic for personalised recommendations.

HIFU treatment is a relatively painless procedure. Although there may be some mild discomfort in the treated area, they are tolerable and temporary. Our aesthetic doctor can also apply topical anaesthetic to minimise discomfort if needed.

HIFU is a safe treatment and most patients are able to resume their normal activities after the procedure. However, depending on the nature of the patient’s skin, they may experience slight redness or swelling after treatment, which will subside in a few hours.

Proper aftercare after HIFU treatments is best to maximise results. We recommend the following:

• Use sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation and skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays.
• Stay hydrated to help increase the rate of collagen production in the body.
• Refrain from drinking alcohol to reduce the density of blood and help prevent blood clots.
• Do not scratch your skin to avoid damaging the skin.
• Use cool water when taking a bath to retain the skin’s natural protective oil and prevent skin irritation.