GLOW BEAUTY AND WELLNESS 
FACIAL STUDIO

Overview

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High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) / Ultherapy is a relatively new cosmetic treatment for skin tightening that some consider a noninvasive and painless replacement for face lifts. It uses ultrasound energy to encourage the production of collagen, which results in firmer skin.

HIFU is most widely known for its use in treating tumors. The first reported use of HIFU for aesthetic use was

HIFU was then approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009 for brow lifts. The device was also cleared by the FDA in 2014 to improve lines and wrinkles of the upper chest and neckline.

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While the procedure is also used for overall facial rejuvenation, lifting, tightening, and body contouring, these are considered “off-label” uses for HIFU, meaning the FDA has yet to approve HIFU for these purposes.

More evidence will be needed to find out who is best suited for this type of procedure. So far, HIFU has been found to be a promising treatment that could replace face lifts, especially in younger people who don’t want the risks and recovery time associated with surgery.

HIFU won’t work as well for people with more severe cases of sagging skin

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HIFU facial

HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to target the layers of skin just below the surface. The ultrasound energy causes the tissue to heat up rapidly.

Once the cells in the targeted area reach a certain temperature, they experience cellular damage. While this may seem counterintuitive, the damage actually stimulates the cells to produce more collagen — a protein that provides structure to the skin. 

The increase in collagen results in tighter, firmer skinTrusted Source with fewer wrinkles. Since the high-frequency ultrasound beams are focused on a specific tissue site below the skin’s surface, there’s no damage to the upper layers of the skin and adjacent issue.

HIFU may not be appropriate for everyone. In general, the procedure works best on people older than 30 with mild-to-moderate skin laxity.

People with photodamaged skin or a high degree of loose skin may need several treatments before seeing results.

Older people with more extensive photo-aging, severe skin laxity, or very saggy skin on the neck aren’t good candidates and may need surgery.

HIFU isn’t recommended for people with infections and open skin lesions at the target area, severe or cystic acne, and metallic implants in the treatment area.

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HIFU has many aesthetic benefits, including:

• wrinkle reduction 

• tightening sagging skin on the neck (sometimes called turkey neck)

• lifting the cheeks, eyebrows, and eyelids

• enhancing jawline definition

• tightening of the décolletage

• smoothing the skin

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HIFU vs. facelift

While HIFU carries far fewer risks and costs than a surgical face lift, results may not last as long and repeated procedures may be needed. Here’s a summary of the major differences between each procedure:

Invasive?CostRecovery Time Risks Efficacy Long-term effects 

HIFU Non-invasive; no incisions $1500 on averageNone Mild redness and swellingIn one studyTrusted Source, 94% of people described improvement in skin lifting at a 3-month follow-up visit.The same studyTrusted Source found that improvement in appearance persisted for at least 6 months. You will likely need to have additional HIFU treatments once the natural aging process takes over.

Surgical face liftInvasive procedure that requires incisions and sutures $7,562 on average 2–4 weeks•Anesthesia risks
•Bleeding
•Infection
•Blood clots
•Pain or scarring
•Hair loss at the incision site
 

What does HIFU feel like?

You may experience slight discomfort during an HIFU procedure. Some people describe it as tiny electric pulses or a light prickly sensation.

If you’re worried about pain, your doctor may suggest taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil), prior to treatment.

Immediately after the treatment, you may experience mild redness or swelling, which will gradually recede over the next few hours.

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HIFU for face procedure

There’s no special preparation needed before having an HIFU procedure. You should remove all makeup and skin care products from the target area before treatment.

Here’s what to expect at your appointment:

1. A physician or technician first cleans the target area.

2. They may apply a topical anesthetic cream before starting.

3. The physician or technician then applies an ultrasound gel.

4. The HIFU device is placed against the skin.

5. Using an ultrasound viewer, the physician or technician adjusts the device to the right setting.

6. Ultrasound energy is then delivered to the target area in short pulses for roughly 30 to 90 minutes.

7. The device is removed.

If additional treatments are needed, you will schedule the next treatment.

While the ultrasound energy is being applied, you might feel heat and tingling. You can take a pain medication if it’s bothersome.

You’re free to go home and resume your normal daily activities right away after the procedure

 

HIFU treatment for face side effects

HIFU is considered very safe if performed by a qualified professional.

The best part about this treatment is that you’re able to resume your normal activities immediately after you leave the provider’s office. Some slight redness or swelling may occur, but it should subside quickly. A light tingling sensation of the treated area may persist for a few weeks.

Rarely, you may experience temporary numbness or bruising, but these side effects usually go away after a few days. 

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) uses ultrasound waves to stimulate collagen and elastin production in order to create a more youthful appearance.

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The takeaway

HIFU is considered a safe, effective, and noninvasive procedure for tightening the facial skin.

Its advantages over a surgical face lift are hard to deny. There are no incisions, no scarring, and no required rest or recovery time. HIFU is also far less expensive than a face lift. 

Most people see full results three months after their final treatment. 

If you’re looking for a treatment that is quick, painless, and noninvasive, HIFU is an excellent option compared to a surgical face lift.

Of course, HIFU isn’t a miracle cure for aging. The procedure is best suited for patients with mild-to-moderate skin laxity, and you may need to have the procedure repeated in one to two years as the natural aging process takes over.

If you’re older with more severe skin sagging and wrinkles, HIFU may not be able to eliminate these skin issue

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Four facial exercises for turkey neck

Some commonly suggested facial exercises include:

Forehead push

1. Place one hand on your forehead. 

2. Push your head against your hand without allowing your head to move forward. 

3. Hold this position for 10 seconds.

4. Then, hold both of your hands behind your head, pushing backwards with your neck, and hold for 10 seconds.

Chew

1. Sit with your back straight. 

2. Lift your head back so your chin points toward the ceiling. 

3. Keep your lips closed and make a chewing motion with your mouth.

4. Repeat 20 times. 

Kiss

1. Sit with your back straight. 

2. Lift your head so your chin points to the ceiling with your lips closed. 

3. Pout your lips as if you were giving a kiss.

4. Repeat 20 times.

Neck lift

1. Lie on your bed with your head hanging over the edge. 

2. Carefully and slowly lift your head up as high as you can, using your neck muscles. 

3. Repeat five times. 

4. Do not continue this exercise if you experience neck pain.

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