HIFU SKIN TIGHTENING

What is HIFU?

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound or HIFU is a safe and effective treatment for tightening the skin on the face and body. The treatment is FDA-approved and is a non-invasive procedure.

How does it work?

HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to rapidly heat the tissues in the skin just below the surface. Once the cells in the targeted area reach a certain temperature, the cells are stimulated and produce collagen (a protein found in our skin that provides our skin with structure). What occurs when there is an increase in collagen is firmer, tighter skin.

Am I a good candidate for HIFU?

HIFU may not be appropriate for everyone. The procedure is recommended for those over 30 with mild to moderate skin laxity. If you have photodamaged skin or a higher you skin has a higher level of loss of elasticity, you may require several treatments before seeing results you desire. People who have extensive photo-aging, skin that is extremely lax or saggy skin on the neck area aren’t good candidates. HIFU is not appropriate for anyone who has received botox in the past 3 months or filler within 6 to 9 months. Also, we cannot perform HIFU on people with infections and open skin lesions at the area, metallic implants in the treatment area, or severe or cystic acne.

How to prepare (pre-treatment)

No preparation required except removal of any make-up before you come to your appointment

What does it feel like?

The treatment is well tolerated. You may experience slight discomfort during an HIFU procedure. Some people describe it as tiny electric pulses or a light prickly sensation. At Pampered Soul we do our best to make all our treatments as comfortable as possible.

What to prepare (pre-treatment)

Two weeks prior to your appointment, you must not use medications that are labelled as “causing photosensitivity.” You must also avoid being exposed to direct sunlight, tanning beds, skin care products containing Vitamin A, such as RetinA, waxing, chemical peels, using Glycolic and Salicylic acids, and whitening creams (hydroquinone). The areas that will be treated should be free from moisturizers and make-up the day of your appointment. If you want to undergo HIFU treatment you must not have a history of cold sore or fever before treatment. Cold sores will impair the treatment process. The HIFU treatment cannot be performed if a fever is present. In such cases, the treatment can only be done after recovery from either the cold sore or the fever. You want to make sure that you are free from any of these health issues at least the day before the HIFU treatment.

How what to expect after the treatment and aftercare?

The skin might appear flushed or have redness at first for about an hour after treatment. Some clients experience slight swelling, tingling or tenderness to the touch, but these are temporary. Saunas or steam baths or anything that will raise the temperature of the skin for 1 week. Make-up can be used after the procedure. Apply sunscreen SPF 30 or higher after treatment before sun exposure. Don’t scratch your skin if it is itchy. Drink lots of water to keep the skin hydrated.

How many sessions are required?

This is based on the condition of your skin. In some cases, only one treatment is required. In others however, 2 or 3 treatments may be recommended every three months followed by a once a year maintenance treatment.

How long do the results last?

Results will last a minimum of 6 months. Approximately 20% of the results can be seen immediately after the treatment. 3-6 months later, the final result is visible. You will need to have additional HIFU treatments once the natural aging process takes over.

Possible Side Effects

Rarely, you may experience temporary numbness or bruising, but these side effects usually go away after a few days. The skin might appear flushed or have redness at first for about an hour after treatment. Some clients experience slight swelling, tingling or tenderness to the touch, but these are temporary