High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HiFu), sometimes known as Ultherapy, is a non-surgical and non-invasive procedure designed for skin tightening, lifting, rejuvenation, and fat reduction.
HiFu treatment is especially suitable for skin tightening of jawline, under chin and neck area. HIFU provides a mild lifting and tightening effect that can be used for brows and forehead area contouring as well.
HiFu is often used in conjunction with fat loss injections, helping to significantly enhance the appearance of a double chin by simultaneously tightening the skin and dissolving fat through use of fat-dissolving injection.
The HiFu technology is based on skin tightening and rejuvenation, as it stimulates the formation and remodelling of collagen molecules. Collagen is extremely important for keeping skin looking both young and firm.
During High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HiFu) treatment, focused ultrasound energy is delivered to very precise points under the skin at different levels. This energy rapidly heats the point to disentangle collagen, stimulating both remodelling of collagen, the production of new collagen and harnesses the body’s own healing response to renew and rejuvenate these areas under the skin. HiFu in particular is able to reach the critical SMAS layer where most of the collagen and elastin for skin appearance and elasticity is present. This SMAS layer is the most important for skin tightening and skin tone.
At Hardwick Clinic we use a CAD HiSonix 3D HiFu machine. This type of HiFu treatment is able to deliver a very controlled set of points to a single area of skin, allowing for a faster and more accurate skin and neck tightening treatment. HiFu in Cambridge with Hardwick Clinic involves using a single line at a time, whereas 3D HiFu is capable of delivering multiple lines in one area very precisely.
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HiFu) is not for everybody. In particular it is not suitable for people who are:
It is important to note that HiFu could disrupt recently delivered filler products such as HA (Hyaluronic Acid) or other non-surgical implants such as threads. We will work with you to assess your suitability for treatment given your previous history and treatments.
During your consultation, we will work to define which areas would most benefit from HiFu treatment, working to ensure that Ultherapy in Cambridge is right for you.
Your doctor will clearly mark the treatment zones for each 3D HiFu application. We apply ultrasound gel to the face and neck where required and apply the ultrasound to each treatment zone.
The procedure is not particularly painful, but you may find it a little uncomfortable in places, particularly the brow regions. We will work slowly with you to assess how much power to use to minimise discomfort while providing effective treatment.
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Treatment will vary from individual to individual according to requirements. A course of three treatments delivered 3 months apart may be required to achieve the full effect.
The final effect of HiFu treatment does not become fully apparent until around 3 months. However, you may notice a tightening and lifting effect straight after the procedure. The procedure will stimulate regeneration, rejuvenation and improvement in skin tone and quality. Lifting and tightening results vary from person to person.
To continue to maintain good skin-quality, it is required to engage in a good skincare regime. In general the results should last at least 12-18 months. A good skincare and skin rejuvenation regime will prolong the longevity of the results and also slow down ageing processes in general. Single maintenance treamtents may be required at 12 month intervals to preserve the initial effect.
HiFu is a very safe procedure in general. The most common side effects include: redness (erythmia), swelling (oedema) and sometimes a dull ache for a day or two, particularly around the jaw. Your skin will be sensitive for a number of days post-treatment and we require you to follow a comprehensive aftercare plan to moisturise the skin, protect it from the sun and to drink plenty of fluids to rehydrate your body.
This procedure can also be used to suppress the activity of sweat glands in patients suffering from excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). This is frequently called miraDry and has FDA and British Association of Dermatologists approval.
We can also use the lipolytic effect of HiFu to help break up fat in difficult areas including: thighs, underarms, buttocks and stomach. This may be beneficial for stubborn pockets of fat or loose skin following weight-loss. This procedure is not a substitute for weight-loss but may be beneficial in some cases. We utilise lymphatic drainage to assist in the breakdown and removal of fat.
HiFu is especially suitable for treatment of mild to moderate skin-looseness (laxity) around the jaw, neck (i.e. double chin) and cheeks (i.e. jowels). It also provides a mild lifting and tightenting effect and is also suitable for brows and forehead.