HIFU or high intensity focused ultrasound are electroacoustic waves. They allow certain areas of the face to be reshaped and lifted. Indeed, over time our dermis has less and less collagen. This natural phenomenon causes a loss of elasticity as well as skin sagging
HIFUs act on different depths of the skin. They will induce real skin retraction and allow new collagen and elastin to be synthesized. This induces real tension without creating volume.
Depending on the chosen depth, the electroacoustic waves can put the tissues in tension but also work in the hypodermis and destroy the fat cells (adipocytes) and consequently refine them.
This technique is non-surgical, non-invasive and does not lead to social eviction in any season.
On which areas can this treatment be carried out?
- Malar bags are small pads that are located under the eyes above the cheekbones. They can be unsightly because they form a shadowy area under the eyes giving a tired look. These bags are caused by localized excess fat or an accumulation of lymphatic fluid. HIFUs act in depth to improve the appearance of malar bags.
- The forehead is an important area to treat as it helps to treat droopy eyelids and sagging eyebrows. In addition, over time the hair-eyebrow distance increases. HIFUs will open up the eyes by tightening the eyebrows and reducing the space between the scalp and the eyebrows. This tensioning of the dermis will also reduce the wrinkles located on the forehead.
- The oval sags over the years. This slackening of the skin can create or accentuate a double chin, jowls, lines of bitterness… For example, for a thin face, working on the entire mandibular area will help to tighten and reshape the face. HIFU can also be used to create lipolysis, that is to say a destruction of fat cells when you have a double chin or jowls with a fatty mass.
- The body can also be improved with HIFU. Indeed, they are indicated for sagging skin, for example on the arms, knees, stomach, etc. They are also recommended to reduce localized fatty masses: banana under the buttocks, abdomen, knees, etc.
Can HIFU be combined with other treatments?
HIFUs can be combined with injections. These two techniques will still have to be performed at two different times at the risk of displacing the injected product.
For sagging skin, several combinations can be proposed such as radiofrequency, mesolift. The goal is to personalize the care in order to obtain an optimal result.
Are the results comparable to hyaluronic acid injections?
No, HA (hyaluronic acid) injections are completely independent of HIFU but complement each other perfectly. These will fill a hollow and the HIFU will tighten the skin without volume.
What is the difference between HIFU and other sagging skin treatments (radiofrequency)?
Radiofrequency (RF) is an electromagnetic wave that heats the tissues and prepares the ground by stimulating intracellular energy, it immediately retracts collagen fibers and stimulates their synthesis by fibroblasts. This results in firming and improvement in skin elasticity. RF is aimed at low sagging skin.
HIFUs are intended for patients with more noticeable skin sagging. They use ultrasonic energy. This technique will bring together specific points and generate coagulation zones. This will allow real retraction of the skin and also allows new collagen to be synthesized. It induces an increase in the thickness of the dermis as well as skin retraction.
What are its advantages and disadvantages ?
High Intensity Focused Ultrasounds are non-surgical, non-invasive and do not lead to downtime.
They are sometimes painful but the practitioner will adapt the energy delivered to the patient’s sensation. Depending on the sensitivity of the patient and the area treated, a tingling sensation and small electric shocks may be felt during the session.
Is it as effective for cellulite as it is for sagging skin?
They are an excellent treatment for losing volume or eliminating cellulite in larger areas. Focused ultrasound leads to cellular alteration of the fat aimed at destroying the wall of the adipocytes.