High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, or HIFU, is a non-invasive treatment designed to target both superficial and deeper skin layers, including the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS). By stimulating collagen production, HIFU delivers a noticeable lifting effect without the need for surgery.
Many people associate ultrasound with medical imaging, such as prenatal scans. However, HIFU harnesses ultrasound technology in a unique way, creating micro “hot spots” beneath the skin. These hot spots stimulate collagen production, tighten connective tissues, and reduce fat cells, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
Think of it like using a magnifying glass to concentrate sunlight into a single, powerful point. In HIFU treatments, beams of ultrasound energy are focused precisely at various skin depths to achieve optimal tightening and fat reduction. Importantly, these beams pass through the skin’s surface without causing damage, as the energy is concentrated beneath the surface layers.
HIFU works by targeting different skin layers at specific depths with focused energy. The Ultraformer MPT HIFU, for example, can reach depths of 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4.5mm and more.
The Ultraformer HIFU can lighten pigmentation and brighten the skin. Clinical studies have shown that melanin levels decrease after several weekly treatments.
Unique to the Ultraformer MPT HIFU is a 2mm handpiece designed for tightening the delicate skin around the eyes. Because the skin around these areas is thinner, the 2mm handpiece targets the dermis layer more accurately than the 3mm handpiece.
This depth is where structural collagen is found. The Ultraformer HIFU delivers precise energy to stimulate collagen production in this layer for skin tightening.
The Ultraformer HIFU uniquely targets the SMAS layer, offering a non-surgical facelift effect. This depth is crucial for tightening and lifting, similar to what is achieved in a surgical facelift.
Did you know? The SMAS layer is only found along the sides of the face and the jawline, so the 4.5mm setting is typically not used on the cheeks.
A mini HIFU involves a series of treatments spaced 2-3 months apart, utilising lower power settings or fewer shots compared to a full HIFU procedure. This results in less energy delivered per session, making mini HIFU an excellent choice for painless face lifting. However, it is less effective at reducing facial fat and requires multiple sessions for optimal results.
Conversely, a full HIFU procedure, such as the Ultraformer MPT or Ultherapy, is a single, high-intensity treatment. This one-time procedure can reach temperatures up to 72°C under the skin, significantly tightening connective tissues and reducing unwanted fat cells. The higher energy levels are necessary to destroy fat cells, providing more dramatic and lasting results.
Choosing between a mini HIFU and a full HIFU procedure depends on your facial shape, desired outcomes, and ability to tolerate downtime.
| Mini HIFU | Full HIFU | |
|---|---|---|
| Fat removal | Minimal fat removal. | Destroys fat cells and reduces facial jowling. |
| Lifting & jawline contouring | Makes the face slightly slimmer and sharper. Defines jawline, but less so if more facial volume is present. | Defines and sharpens jawline by reducing significant facial volume. |
| Downtime & discomfort | Minimal downtime with no swelling and less pain. No redness. | Swelling and soreness for a few days. No redness. |
| Frequency | Done once every 2-3 months. | Once every 12-18 months. |
| Who is it for? | Those looking for general maintenance and lifting. | Those looking for full lifting and sculpting of facial contours. |
Mini HIFU: Ideal for those seeking anti-ageing maintenance with minimal downtime. It’s perfect for enhancing a defined jawline but less effective for those with chubbier faces due to its lower fat reduction capability. Mini HIFU typically requires multiple sessions.
Full HIFU: Best for those needing significant fat reduction and a more pronounced lifting effect. It’s a single procedure performed every 12-18 months, with possible additional treatment after six months for those with more facial volume. Expect some downtime, including swelling and soreness, particularly around the lower jawline.
Our doctors will assess your needs and recommend the most suitable HIFU treatment for you.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today to see how a Mini HIFU or Ultraformer MPT HIFU can help you achieve your beauty goals.
