High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) also known as Ultherapy
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound also known as Ultherapy® has become one of the most sought-after lifting treatments for face, neck & body, without going under the knife. Just one session will tighten and lift the skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin tone, providing visible results that will last up to 3 years. HIFU has proven effective on sagging jaws/chins, crows feet, forehead frown lines and much more. Treatment time takes between 30 – 90 minutes depending on the area we are treating. Plus with no downtime you can be back at your usual routine immediately after.
Clients will see a 20% result immediately with the remaining 80% appearing over the next 2-3 months. In the majority of cases only one treatment per year will be needed, however, if you feel you would like more further treatments, this can be done at 6 monthly intervals. Generally, only one or two sessions are required. Benefits from HIFU treatment can be seen within 4 weeks, with further gains being reported for up to six months*
Revolutionising Non-Surgical Face Lifts
Individually it targets brow, jowl and neck lifting, as well as overall skin tightening, rejuvenation and deeper fat cells. You will see an incredible, noticeable improvement with just one treatment. The technology is unique in its ability to penetrate the dermis and the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) layer, which is deeper than all other non-invasive treatments. The SMAS is the layer that sits between the muscle and the fat, it is the actual area a plastic surgeon would pull and tighten under the knife. Therefore the SMAS is the same area tightened during conventional surgery, however, unlike surgery, HIFU is more affordable and requires no time off work.
HIFU is the most effective treatment available as a safe alternative to surgery. It can be used on the body to target fat & tighten up the skin or on the face as a facelift and even the double chin. HIFU targets deeper layers under the skin, the same layer that is targeted during surgery. HIFU fires ultrasound waves that cause micro injuries deep under the surface of the skin, this results in an increase production of collagen and leads to a firmer and tighter skin. HIFU treatment for the body uses deeper levels of HIFU, this effectively breaks down the fat cells whilst also firming & tightening the skin. HIFU Face lifting can be used for blurred jawlines, nasal folds, sagging eyelids, loose neck folds, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone or texture and large pores. RT Aesthetics HIFU machines have many different cartridges, these can treat various problem areas at the same time.
At RT Aesthetics, we believe that every client should fully understand the science, research and benefits of HIFU treatments. We believe that this helps you understand and make an informed decision when choosing a non-surgical procedure. We are passionate about helping our clients achieve their goals, while offering support and guidance throughout the process. Below we explain the science and benefits of the HIFU Face Lift treatment. We also explain how HIFU treatments can benefit other areas of the body, such as the stomach, arms, legs, hips, flanks and bottoms. If you have any questions or want to know more about HIFU treatments and how it the can benefit you then please contact us and we will be more than happy to help.
What is HIFU?
HIFU is a highly precise medical procedure using high intensity focused ultrasound to heat and destroy pathogenic tissue rapidly. HIFU was first developed and widespread for the treatment of prostate cancer. As HIFU treatment was used for prostate cancer, scientist seen that the mens genitals were starting firm & tighten. This has now developed into tightening and lifting the face and effectively breaking down the fat cells. HIFU technology was developed in the USA by Ultherapy®.
Ultherapy®, the non-invasive treatment, was FDA approved to lift skin on the neck, on the eyebrow and under the chin as well as to improve lines and wrinkles on the décolletage in 2009 and 2012. This has since been used for treatment of the vagina to help tighten the muscular and superficial tissue, as well as being used to increase moisture and sensitivity during sexual intercourse.
Ultherapy® was the first High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) machine that came into the market. However, Korea then made the next generation of HIFU technology that offered superior results with minimal discomfort. This technology has now been made widely available across the world, including the UK, and has become the most sought after-treatment, offering superior results, whilst remaining to be non-invasive and non-surgical.
How HIFU Works?
HIFU treatments are based on hyperthermia lifting theory. The HIFU transducer irradiates 65-75Cº of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) energy into the skin, this then creates thermal coagulation on the target layers of skin tissue with no damage on the skin surface. Following the initial treatment, the skin starts to undergo wound healing process that simulates collagen synthesis and regeneration. Unlike lasers, radio frequency, surgery and other cosmetic procedures, HIFU bypasses the surface of the skin to deliver the right amount of ultrasound energy at the right depths within the skin at the desired temperature. This HIFU energy triggers a natural response under the skin, causing the body to enter into the regenerative process, resulting in the production of new collagen.
An immediate effect can be seen following HIFU treatment, with clients facial contours, skin tone and texture, and wrinkles showing improvement within 4 weeks of treatment. The effects of HIFU treatment continues to work for up to 6 months as the collagen fibres reorganises and restructure themselves. Clients will notice further improvements, such as skin firming and tightening over the 6-12 week period. Results from one treatment will last between 12-36 months depending on client’s current skin laxity and age. Our aesthetic practitioner will go through this during the consultation and design a treatment plan design around your own individual goals and needs.
What Are HIFU Cartridges?
HIFU cartridges are the transducer that radiates 65-75Cº of high intensity focused ultrasound energy. For HIFU rejuvenation facial treatment three cartridge heads are used, these are the measurement of energy depth going into the skin. The cartridges for the HIFU facial treatment are; the DS-4.5mm, the DS-3.0mm and the DS-1.5mm. For body treatments two cartridges are used; DS-8.00mm and a DS-13.0mm.
There are 5 main cartridges that are used in High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatments, these consists of the following:
- The DS-1.5mm cartridge uses a 10MHZ frequency HIFU transducer, this transmits high-energy focussed ultrasound at a depth of 1.5mm directly to the epidermis. This cartridge is used to treat fine lines and wrinkles.
- The DS-3.0mm cartridge uses a 8MHZ frequency HIFU transducer, this transmits high-energy focussed ultrasound at a depth of 3.0mm directly to the dermis layer of the skin. This actives the process of collagen regeneration and collagen production. This cartridge enhances, renews and consolidates the effects for superficial tightening, lifting and wrinkle reduction.
- The DS-4.5mm cartridge uses a 4MHZ frequency HIFU transducer, this transmits high-energy focussed ultrasound at a depth of 4.5mm directly to the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS). The HIFU energy causes a natural response under the skin to enter into the regenerative process, known as the thermal coagulation zone. This cartridge tightens the muscular layer and is the same layer that is tightened during conventional surgery.
- The DS-8.0mm & DS-13.0mm cartridge use a 2MHZ frequency HIFU transducer cartridge, this is to treat the adipose tissue at depths of 8mm and 13mm, resulting in the reduction of fat and production of new collagen to tighten excess skin.
Where Can I Have HIFU Treatment?
- Forehead
- Frown Lines
- Eyebrows
- Crow’s Feet
- Cheeks
- Double Chins
- Sagging Neck
- Décolletage
- Abdomen/Stomach
- Legs
- Arms
- Hips
- Flanks
- Bottoms
Advantages of HIFU
- non-invasive
- surgery free
- completely safe
- no damage to body
- no recovery time
- long lasting effects
- tightens lose skin or sagging skin
- anti-aging
Is HIFU Painful?
The HIFU treatment is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure with no downtime, allowing clients to resume daily activities immediately after treatment. The HIFU discomfort levels vary from client to client, while most clients tolerating the procedure well. However, clients who have a lower pain threshold can take paracetamol to help ease any discomfort. Any pain or discomfort associated with the HIFU treatment are only temporary and will only last during the procedure.
Clients may develop redness, swelling or tingling of the face following from the HIFU Facial treatment. These symptoms are not permanent and will usually fade within hours after treatment. RT Aesthetics do provide a cream prior to you leaving the clinic, this helps settle the skin and is available for you to buy to take home and use. During this time the effects of the HIFU treatment will signal the production of new collagen and the process of regeneration. HIFU skin tightening treatment are clinically proven to be safe and effective, with natural and gradual rejuvenation effects.
How Many HIFU Treatment Sessions Will I Need?
Many clients only need one HIFU treatment. However, based on the degree of skin laxity, the biological response to ultrasound energy and the clients collagen-building process, some clients benefit from additional treatment after 4 weeks. Results from HIFU treatment can be seen within 6-12 weeks, with further results being reported for up to 6 months after the initial procedure. Clients who have undergone HIFU treatment can benefit from long lasting results in excess of 2 years*. Although, as the skin continues to age, future touch-up treatments may be taken by the client yearly, this can help clients keep pace with the body’s natural ageing process.
*Results vary from client to client, RT Aesthetics cannot guarantee specific results.
Procedure Time
45 - 90 Minutes
Back to Work
Immediately
Anaesthetic
No
Full Recovery
Immediately
Number of Treatments
Usually 1 Treatment
Results
2 - 3 Years*
Results Duration
6 - 12 Weeks
Sensitivity
Mild - Lasting 3 Days
Potential Risks
Mild Redness, Swelling or Tenderness
-
Pre-Care Advice
Prior to your HIFU Treatment the following advice is recommended, this will ensure you gain the best possible results from the treatment and prevent any adverse reactions. The Pre-Care Advice is as follows:
- Increase water intake by at least 1.5 litres.
- Avoid any exfoliation or chemical peels for 7 days prior to your treatment.
- Avoid alcohol consumption for minimal of 48 hours prior to your appointment.
- Allow 2 weeks before IPL treatments in the area that you wish to have treated.
- Avoid sun-beds or direct UV exposure for a minimal of 1 week prior to your appointment.
-
Aftercare Advice
After your HIFU Treatment treatment the following advice is recommended, this will ensure you gain the best possible results from the treatment and prevent any adverse reactions. The aftercare advice is as follows:
- Avoid alcohol consumption for minimal of 48 hours prior to your appointment.
- Avoid hot water or extreme cold for 24 hours.
- Increase water intake by at least 1.5 litres.
- Avoid heat treatments for 24 hours (saunas, steam rooms, etc).
- Avoid sun-beds or direct UV exposure for a minimal of 1 week.
- Skin may feel dry after treatment, therefore you should apply a replenishing/hydrating mask three times a week or apply hyaluronic acid. RT Aesthetics do sell after care creams, it is recommended that you use this after your treatment.
- Apply an SPF or SPF moisturiser daily to keep the skin hydrated and protected from UV rays.
- Do not take aspirin or other anti-coagulant medications as this can hinder the healing process.
- Normal cleansing regimes can be resumed after 48 hours, although avoid using scented or fragranced products around the treatment area.
- Allow 2 weeks before/after IPL treatments in the area that you wish to have treated.
-
Contraindications
If you have any of the following health conditions you can NOT have HIFU:
- Liver or kidney problems.
- Heart or lung conditions.
- Suffers of physiological hypotonic (lacking muscle tone/muscle or tissue wastage).
- Blood clotting disorders such as, haemophilia or a history of thrombosis, including those taking blood thinners.
- Post invasive surgery (in the treatment area – wait at least 12 months, avoiding any scar).
- Clients with metal plates or joint implants, including permanent dermal implants (in the treatment area)
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding
- Under 18
If you have any of the following health conditions RT Aesthetics may modify the treatment or work around the area. Doctors note may be required for some health conditions and these are as follows:
- Diabetes (patch testing is required).
- Hyper or Hypotension [high or low blood pressure] (May Require Doctors Note).
- Clients who have donated or received organ transplant (May Require Doctors Note).
- Recent Anti-Wrinkle treatments (must be more than 4 weeks after treatment).
- Fillers (area is avoided)
- Cuts, abrasions or bruising (area is avoided)
- During menstruation (skin is more sensitive and recommend waiting)
- Keloid scarring (area is avoided)
- Thyroid gland, thyroid cartilage and trachea (area is avoided)
- Major blood vessels (area is avoided)
- Breast tissue or breast implants (area is avoided)
-
Pricing
Full Face & Neck – £499
Full Face, Neck & Décolletage – £599
Double Chin Reduction – £299
Forehead – £249
Eyes – £249
Neck – £299
Stomach Tightening – £399
*Other areas such as loose skin on arms and abdomen by quotation after consultation.
Prior to your HIFU Treatment the following advice is recommended, this will ensure you gain the best possible results from the treatment and prevent any adverse reactions. The Pre-Care Advice is as follows:
- Increase water intake by at least 1.5 litres.
- Avoid any exfoliation or chemical peels for 7 days prior to your treatment.
- Avoid alcohol consumption for minimal of 48 hours prior to your appointment.
- Allow 2 weeks before IPL treatments in the area that you wish to have treated.
- Avoid sun-beds or direct UV exposure for a minimal of 1 week prior to your appointment.
After your HIFU Treatment treatment the following advice is recommended, this will ensure you gain the best possible results from the treatment and prevent any adverse reactions. The aftercare advice is as follows:
- Avoid alcohol consumption for minimal of 48 hours prior to your appointment.
- Avoid hot water or extreme cold for 24 hours.
- Increase water intake by at least 1.5 litres.
- Avoid heat treatments for 24 hours (saunas, steam rooms, etc).
- Avoid sun-beds or direct UV exposure for a minimal of 1 week.
- Skin may feel dry after treatment, therefore you should apply a replenishing/hydrating mask three times a week or apply hyaluronic acid. RT Aesthetics do sell after care creams, it is recommended that you use this after your treatment.
- Apply an SPF or SPF moisturiser daily to keep the skin hydrated and protected from UV rays.
- Do not take aspirin or other anti-coagulant medications as this can hinder the healing process.
- Normal cleansing regimes can be resumed after 48 hours, although avoid using scented or fragranced products around the treatment area.
- Allow 2 weeks before/after IPL treatments in the area that you wish to have treated.
If you have any of the following health conditions you can NOT have HIFU:
- Liver or kidney problems.
- Heart or lung conditions.
- Suffers of physiological hypotonic (lacking muscle tone/muscle or tissue wastage).
- Blood clotting disorders such as, haemophilia or a history of thrombosis, including those taking blood thinners.
- Post invasive surgery (in the treatment area – wait at least 12 months, avoiding any scar).
- Clients with metal plates or joint implants, including permanent dermal implants (in the treatment area)
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding
- Under 18
If you have any of the following health conditions RT Aesthetics may modify the treatment or work around the area. Doctors note may be required for some health conditions and these are as follows:
- Diabetes (patch testing is required).
- Hyper or Hypotension [high or low blood pressure] (May Require Doctors Note).
- Clients who have donated or received organ transplant (May Require Doctors Note).
- Recent Anti-Wrinkle treatments (must be more than 4 weeks after treatment).
- Fillers (area is avoided)
- Cuts, abrasions or bruising (area is avoided)
- During menstruation (skin is more sensitive and recommend waiting)
- Keloid scarring (area is avoided)
- Thyroid gland, thyroid cartilage and trachea (area is avoided)
- Major blood vessels (area is avoided)
- Breast tissue or breast implants (area is avoided)
Full Face & Neck – £499
Full Face, Neck & Décolletage – £599
Double Chin Reduction – £299
Forehead – £249
Eyes – £249
Neck – £299
Stomach Tightening – £399
*Other areas such as loose skin on arms and abdomen by quotation after consultation.
FAQ
-
What does it feel like?
The HIFU Face Lift treatment is not a painful procedure. As the high-intensity focused ultrasound energy is delivered, you will feel tiny amounts of energy being deposited to precise depths within the skin. This is an indication that the collagen-building process has been initiated. Most clients describe feeling either pin pricks sensation or a feeling of heat. Comfort levels vary from client to client, however, this sensation is only temporary and last while the ultrasound energy is administered. Some clients take paracetamol before the procedure to ease any discomfort.
-
How many treatments will I need?
Many clients only need one treatment. However, based on the degree of skin laxity, the biological response to ultrasound energy and the clients collagen-building process, some clients benefit from additional treatment after 4 weeks. Results from HIFU treatment can be seen within 6-12 weeks, with further results being reported for up to 6 months after the initial procedure. Clients who have undergone HIFU treatment can benefit from long lasting results in excess of 2 years*. Although, as the skin continues to age, future touch-up treatments may be taken by the client yearly, this can help clients keep pace with the body’s natural ageing process.
-
When will I see results and how long will it last?
After your HIFU treatment, many clients see some initial results, such as toning and feel tight around the face and neck. However, the results take place over 6-12 weeks, as your body naturally starts the production of collagen and regenerates the skin tissue. As the production of new collagen begins, how long the results last really depends on the clients’ own natural ageing process. The HIFU Treatment produces new collagen on the inside, but the natural ageing process will dictate how long that translates into visible results on the inside. Results can list for up to 12-36 months, however, clients that look after their skin can look forward to long-lasting effects from just one treatment.
-
Are there any side effects?
After the HIFU treatment the skin may appear ‘flushed’ at first, but the redness should disappear within a few hours post-treatment. Some clients experience light swelling, tingling or tenderness to the touch, however, these are temporary and will fade within 7-10 days. Less common side effects may include temporary bruising or numbness on small areas of skin. As with any medical or cosmetic procedure, there are the possibility for rarer side effects, which your aesthetic practitioner will review with you during your consultation.
-
Will it be like having a Facelift?
HIFU procedures treats the deep foundational layer that is addressed during cosmetic surgery, but will not duplicate results of a facelift. HIFU is a great alternative to having surgery and is one the last procedures you can have before looking to have surgery to treat a problem area. However, many clients do not want to have surgery, or for those clients that want to extend the effects of pre/post cosmetic surgery, than HIFU treatment may be an option for you.
-
What areas can it be used for?
The HIFU Face Lift treatment is perfect for treating and targeting signs of ageing around the eyes, mouth and neck. HIFU treatment can also target the neck, jawline and décolletage. This helps to reduce signs of double chins, sagging neck and jawlines, resulting in a tighter, firmer and more defined neck and jawline. HIFU treatment can treat the following areas: Forehead Frown Lines Eyebrows Crow’s Feet Cheeks Double Chins Sagging Neck Décolletage Abdomen/Stomach Legs Arms Hips Flanks Bottoms
-
What can I expect before and after the treatment?
Before the treatment, you will meet with one of our aesthetic practitioners who will discuss the treatment in detail, look at the problem area and ensure you are comfortable with everything and that all of your questions and concerns are answered. The aesthetic practitioner will draw lines on your face to ensure all problem areas are targeted and to highlight areas where HIFU cannot be used, such as, crucial nerves, veins and thyroid gland. Ultrasound gel is then applied to the face, this is to ensure that no heat is felt on the skin surface and allow the HIFU energy to be absorbed effectively into the desired skin layers. At the end of the treatment the practitioner will apply cream to the face, this will promote healing and collagen production. You can then opt to have 20 minutes of red light therapy to help promote healing, collagen production and to settle the skin. We do advise that you purchase this cream and apply at least twice a day for 7-10 days and then once a day until you have finished the bottle. This cream aids in the production and repair of collagen and smells really good too!