HIFU Skin Lifting Treatment
HIFU skin lifting is a cosmetic treatment that uses High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology to lift and tighten the skin on the face and neck. It is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that stimulates collagen production and elastin fibers in the deeper layers of the skin, resulting in firmer, tighter skin.
The procedure is usually painless and requires no downtime, although some patients may experience temporary redness or swelling. Before the treatment, your doctor will prescribe oral painkillers to make the procedure more tolerable.
HIFU skin lifting can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns, including sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. Results may vary depending on the individual, but most patients see an improvement in skin tightness and texture within a few weeks of the procedure.
It is important to note that HIFU skin lifting is not a permanent solution and may require maintenance treatments to maintain the results.
Ultrasound to tighten and lift skin
HIFU is currently one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for skin lifting in Singapore. Without damaging the skin and its surrounding tissues, it creates selective thermal coagulative zones on the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) layer to improve skin laxity and reduce fat cells.
Temperature of the treatment can reach 60 to 70 degrees Celsius without damaging the skin surface. Over the healing process in the next 2 to 3 months, a gradual skin lifting effect can be observed.
How does HIFU treatment work?
When electrical energy is transferred to the HIFU transducer, it transforms into ultrasonic waves. When the ultrasound is focused, it generates thermal energy at maximal focal point targeted at the deep adipose tissue and muscles. It kickstarts the process of thermal coagulation to the SMAS, fascia, deep dermis, and subcutaneous fibrous tissues. During the next few months, skin tightening and rejuvenation occur gradually.
Why is HIFU treatment effective in treating wrinkles and lifting the skin?
HIFU treatment has the unique function of providing a dual layer treatment:
- At a depth of 3.0mm, neocollagenesis and neoelastogenesis are activated by inducing thermal effect. In other words, collagen remodelling is stimulated to tighten the skin and treat deep-set winkles and fine lines to improve the texture and appearance of the face.
- At a depth of 4.5mm, the thermal effect causes the SMAS layer to contract and the fat layer reduced for a visible lifting and contouring effect.
- It has a Therapeutic Logic Control capability that monitors the temperature delivered to the skin in real-time
You can see visible lifting and contouring effect which is most visible in the jowl, double chin, neck, and eyebrow after the treatment. Although painkillers might still be necessary, patients have found that there is little need to rely on large dosage on anaesthesia or painkillers since the treatment is well-tolerated.
Benefits of HIFU treatment
HIFU treatment is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment. It leverages on deep heating of the skin layers to kickstart collagen production. Here are some benefits you can expect after the treatment:
- Achieve overall skin tightening and skin lifting without undergoing surgery
- Improve overall appearance and skin texture
- Reduce wrinkles and fine lines on the face
- Stimulate collagen production in the skin to delay onset of intrinsic ageing
Frequently asked questions about HIFU treatment in Singapore
The cost largely depends on the brand of HIFU machine that the doctor uses. Ultherapy is the only skin tightening HIFU device that obtained US FDA approval for lifting the neck, chin and brow, and improves lines and wrinkles on the upper chest. The results are also supported by numerous peer reviewed studies globally. Naturally with such strong evidence of its effectiveness, Ultherapy tends to be priced higher than other HIFU machines.
You can expect to pay between S$3,000 and S$5,000 for a treatment.
According to a study involving 93 people, 66% of them who underwent HIFU noticed a significant improvement in their face and neck after 90 days.
With just 1 session, the results can be seen gradually over the next 2-3 months and results will peak in about 3 months. Result can typically last about 9 to 12 months.
Collagen remodelling takes about 10 to 13 weeks to significantly reduce the fine lines and improve the overall appearance of the face. The dermis will also strengthen, creating a younger-looking, tighter skin. Only one session is required to see visible skin lifting result which can last for as long as 12 months.
This treatment provides the best result for older people with moderate skin laxity with facial fat. However, HIFU treatment is also suitable for people under the age of 40 who wish to take preventive measures to stimulate collagen production in the skin and strengthen the dermis to delay the onset of ageing.
The treatment is tolerable. You can feel some heat under the skin during the treatment but the pain can be easily managed with numbing cream and other oral pain medication that the doctor will provide before the treatment.
HIFU treatment is a safe treatment because it does not break the skin. Furthermore, no foreign body is introduced into the body.
Immediately after the treatment, the skin may appear red or flushed but it should subside within a few hours.
While HIFU does not replace a surgical facelift, it is a very popular skin lifting treatment option in Singapore because many people are unwilling to undergo a non-essential cosmetic surgery.
You can expect some tenderness, redness and swelling immediately after the treatment. However, these side effects are temporary and they should resolve within a day or two.
Benefits
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Achieve skin tightening and skin lifting without undergoing surgery
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Improve overall appearance and skin texture
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Reduce wrinkles and fine lines on the face
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Stimulate collagen production to delay onset of ageing