High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is one of the currently available rejuvenation solutions for achieving a true non-invasive medical facelift.
What is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)?
HIFU is an innovative technique developed over nine years in the USA and approved by the FDA. However, High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) was only recently approved in France. The procedure is based on the property of focused ultrasound to heat the different layers of the skin.
The action of focused ultrasound (HIFU) can be compared to a magnifying glass that concentrates the sun's rays onto a single point. The machine delivers ultrasonic energy in the form of multiple pulses.
The heat produced is propagated from the surface to the depths of the skin, from the epidermis to the dermis, but it can also reach deep fat and muscle layers. This results in a progressive contraction of the tissues traversed—skin and muscles—as well as fat reduction, thus producing a genuine, non-invasive, natural lifting effect in just a few weeks. Furthermore, the heat activates the synthesis of new collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in genuine skin rejuvenation.
Ultrasound is delivered by a probe that is moved across the skin. Three types of probes, used alone or in combination during the same session, produce ultrasound at various depths ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 mm.
Thus, for a facelift, the ultrasound will act on both the skin and the facial muscles, thereby enhancing the tightening effect, similar to a surgical facelift.
For the double chin, underarms, abdomen, etc., the treatment will act on both skin tightening and fat reduction.
Dr. Pulcini will determine, based on your individual case, the types of probes to be used for your treatment session.
HIFU for a LIFTING EFFECT and REDUCTION of FAT TISSUE:
1 initial session followed by a possible 2nd session at 6-8 months
Loose skin on the face and neck
; sagging facial
contour; wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, and temples;
eyebrows
area around the mouth
; double chin with submental fat deposit;
wrinkled décolleté
; moderate sagging of the inner arms, thighs, and inner knees;
moderate excess abdominal fat with stretched skin;
lower buttocks
2- PREVENTION for YOUNG ADULTS of premature sagging of the skin on the FACIAL and NECK:
delays the sagging of facial features
, firms the dermis, stimulates collagen
3 – HIFU for improved skin surface quality:
2 sessions 6 weeks apart.
Treatment of enlarged pores,
fine lines and superficial wrinkles: around the eyes, lips.
Reduction of acne scars.
1 – HIFU ultrasound is contraindicated:
In pregnant or breastfeeding women
; In children;
In cases of severe or cystic acne and generally in cases of open or infected skin wounds;
If you have: - a pacemaker; - metallic and/or electronic implants in the area to be treated (vascular stents if treating the décolleté, for example).
According to the pre-defined treatment protocol, one to three probes will be used during the session.
The treatment is virtually painless, apart from slight tingling or a sensation of warmth in certain areas (jawline, teeth, etc.).
How long does it take to see results from a HIFU session?
Immediately after the session, you will feel a sensation of tightening, perhaps even the beginning of a visible firming effect, and your skin will appear smoother.
You can resume your normal activities immediately without any downtime or special precautions.
However, you will need to wait two months for stable results, which will continue to improve over the following six months.
Dr. Pulcini will schedule follow-up appointments with you to monitor the progress of the treatment.
The effects of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) last approximately 2 to 4 years.
However, recent studies show that, depending on the individual case, it is advisable to schedule a second session after 6 to 8 months to enhance the effects of the first.
