Service Description

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 skin 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. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), HIFU and other nonsurgical alternatives to facelifts have seen a major increase in popularity over the last few years. The total number of procedures performed has increased 64.8 percent between 2012 and 2017. HIFU has many aesthetic benefits, including: acne fighter 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 **Can High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Treatment Replace Face Lifts?. https://www.healthline.com/health/hifu-for-face Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Jacquelyn Cafasso on February 4, 2019**