When we age, it is not surprising that saggy skin and deep wrinkles start to appear due to collagen loss. Despite the increasing trend to go for surgical facelifts, not everyone is eager to go under the knife.
Fortunately, HIFU Facelift treatment has been gaining popularity in Singapore for its efficiency and safety in achieving similar, if not the same results as traditional facelift surgeries. If you are looking for a non-surgical method to achieve firmer and younger-looking skin, explore this guide to find out why HIFU Facelift is the best option for you.
What Is HIFU Facelift Treatment?
HIFU is short for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, it is a non-surgical and non-invasive facelifting treatment that can tone and lift the face, neck, and eye region, leading to a natural uplift to knock years off your face.
HIFU Facelift treatment can reduce signs of ageing by encouraging new collagen production, this will significantly tighten the skin and lifts several areas of the face. It also promotes effective tissue repair and melts fats in the face. Best of all, HIFU Facelift treatment has absolutely no downtime and visible results can be seen from the first session.
How Does HIFU Facelift Treatment Work?
HIFU Facelift works by using ultrasound energy to reach 3 different depths of the skin without disrupting the skin surface. The 3 different depths of the skin are Superficial skin layer, Deep dermis layer and the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) layer where surgeons manipulate for surgical facelifts.
The process starts off at the 1.5mm where it helps to reduce the production of melanin to lighten and brighten the skin. At 3mm is where precise and controlled heat energy is delivered to the deep dermis to stimulate collagen production for skin tightening. Lastly, at 4.5mm is usually where the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) layer is situated, and the HIFU energy will reach this layer for a skin lifting effect to take place.
The entire process effectively delivers focused beams to stimulate collagen and elastin production for a long term tightening and lifting effect, while melting excess facial fats for facial and jawline contouring. HIFU is the only non-invasive medical device in today’s market with the deepest penetration of energy, targeting depths of 1.5mm, 3mm and 4.5mm, for skin lifting and tightening.
What Areas Can Be Treated With HIFU Facelift?
HIFU Treatment can be done on areas such as forehead, eyebrow, chin, jowls, double chin or neck to reduce wrinkles and sagging. It is suitable for all skin types and is an excellent option for anyone who is looking to prevent early signs of ageing.
The common areas that people seek treatment with HIFU are:
Cheek Area
Cheek fat pad starts to sag and droop due to loss of collagen and volume over time, this can lead to the appearance of jowling. The sagging of the cheek area can have a domino effect on the lower areas of your face too. With HIFU treatment, it can jumpstart the collagen production in skin for a lifting effect.
Jawline Area
Jawline sagging is also due to loss of collagen as we age. HIFU can target 3 layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production to provide a tightening and lifting effect.
Neck Area
The main reason for loose skin on your neck is ageing and sun damage. It causes the skin around the neck area to appear thinner and wrinkled due to the lack of skin elasticity and can also cause the appearance of a double chin. HIFU treatment can do both – the stimulation of collagen production and melting of facial fats to create a defined neck line.
What Are The Benefits Of HIFU?
The number one benefit of the HIFU Facelift treatment is its non-invasive nature with minimal downtime. The skin benefits that you can expect from this treatment are:
- Kickstart collagen tightening in skin
- Tightening of the skin of the face
- Smoothening of the facial wrinkles
- Lifting of drooping eyebrows
- Reduction of the jowls and double chin
- Defining jawline and neckline
- Brightening overall skin complexion
What Should You Expect Going Into Your First HIFU Treatment ?
During your first HIFU Facelift treatment, you should expect a 30-60 minutes procedure. The treatments will begin with the application of a cold gel for easy gliding of the handheld device on the face. The HIFU energy is delivered from the handheld device in short bursts.
Is HIFU Treatment Painful?
Pain tolerance differs for each individual, HIFU Facelift treatment is generally a comfortable procedure, most of our patients might feel a prickling sensation from the heat of the treatment. Some might feel a mild ache along bony areas, like the jawline as the ultrasound energy reflecting off the facial contours.
Most patients resume back to normal activities right after the treatment. Rest assured that at V Medical Aesthetics and Laser Clinic, we can provide you with topical numbing cream to ease any discomfort.
Does HIFU Treatment Have Any Side Effects?
HIFU Facelift treatment is a very safe treatment and has minimal downtime. After the treatment, you may experience slight redness on the treatment area which will subside within the day. In rare cases, you may experience swelling that will subside within the week.
How Many Shots Of HIFU Is Required?
The number of HIFU shots required for every patient differs. It is heavily dependent on the size of your face and the severity of the sagging condition. Typically for a full face and neck procedure, the average is 800 shots.
How Often Should You Do HIFU Treatment?
Most people may require between one to four sessions, depending on their desired results. We would recommend one session every 4 to 8 months for maintenance, depending on the severity of your condition.
When Can You See Results For HIFU Treatment?
HIFU treatment offers results with continuous improvement for up to 12 months. Usually, you can notice results such as improvement in skin tone and texture after the first session. The most apparent visible results are usually seen from 3 months as it would take time for collagen production to occur naturally in the skin.
How Long Do The Results Of HIFU Last?
The results for HIFU Facelift are permanent. The skin is able to continuously produce new collagen after the procedure. However, with natural ageing and other external factors such as your lifestyle that may affect your desired appearance, it is recommended to get regular touch-ups to keep pace and overcome the ageing process.
Who Is Suitable For HIFU Facelift Treatment?
HIFU Facelift treatment is safe for all ages and skin types, but it is ideal for people who wish to correct their saggy skin or people who have a heavier lower face such as prominent jowls or unwanted facial fats like double chin or turkey neck.
Be it whether you are in your 20s or late 60s, you can always consider HIFU for a non-surgical facelift to achieve a sharper V-shaped face or simply to maintain a youthful appearance.
What Is The Cost Of HIFU Treatment In Singapore?
The cost of HIFU treatment varies as it depends on several factors such as the treatment area, the number of shots or treatments suited for the individual, the brand of the device used, the experience of the practitioner and other fees such as doctor consultation.
Generally, the cost of HIFU starts from $300 to $500 onwards for smaller areas.
Treatment Area
HIFU can be done on the face, neck and body. However, some practitioners tend to break down the treatments, placing focus on smaller areas like upper face or lower face. It solely depends on your objective, the smaller the region, the lesser the cost.
Number Of HIFU Shots
There are standard protocols to the number of HIFU shots for every region of the face but this could be customized to each practitioner. Generally, 800 shots is sufficient for the entire face and neck, to make it a complete HIFU Facelift treatment.
Brand Of HIFU Device Used
There are a lot of HIFU devices in the market. Using medical grade HIFU will cost more than the others. The HIFU brands that are commonly seen in aesthetic clinics are Symalift, Ultraformer 3, Ultracel Q+ and Ulthera. The estimated cost for Sygmalift ranges from $500 to $700, for Ultraformer 3 and Ultracel Q+, it ranges from $1500 to $3000, whereas Ulthera cost around $2500 to $4000.
Doctor’s Experience
HIFU treatment that is performed by a board-certified doctor will definitely cost more than a therapist, this is because experienced doctors have the skill-set and specific techniques to achieve a long lasting or better results.
Why Is It Important To Choose The Right HIFU?
It is important to choose the right HIFU as there many beauty salons also offer HIFU procedures using devices that are not medical grade or not approved for medical use by a doctor.
HIFU procedures performed at beauty salons might yield unsatisfactory results and possibly also cause more damage than benefits if performed incorrectly. Seek proper treatment from a board-certified doctor is necessary for a safe and effective HIFU experience. Medical Grade HIFU such as Ultraformer 3 or Ultracel Q+ is available at V Medical Aesthetics and Laser Clinic.
