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High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

As we start to age, the collagen and elastin within our bodies begins to deplete and our skin can lose elasticity, tone, firmness and tightness. At Tempus Belgravia, we offer a revolutionary, no-downtime treatment to help with the myriad of skin concerns that we can experience when going through the ageing process using the Focus Dual from Lynton. This treatment is called High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and requires no invasive surgery, has few to very little side-effects and you can return to your daily activities immediately after your treatment.

TREATMENT SUMMARY

HIFU can be used to tighten the skin in the face and neck region, lift drooping eyelids or brows, smooth fine and deeper wrinkles on the face and help to tighten the skin in the decolletage region.

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Before and after High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is HIFU?

HIFU, uses ultrasound waves to create heat at a deep level within the skin. This heat targets the skin cells and causes damage to them. The body then sends a healing response to these cells and produces collagen to aid cell regrowth. HIFU can be used to tighten the skin in the face and neck region, lift drooping eyelids or brows, smooth fine and deeper wrinkles on the face and help to tighten the skin in the decolletage region. A local anaesthetic can be applied to help minimise discomfort for those who have a lower pain threshold. HIFU has been widely used in medicine for the treatment of tumours for many years, but since 2008, has been found to be a successful treatment for tightening, toning and revitalising the skin.

HIFU has many aesthetic benefits, which include:-

Reducing lines and wrinkles
Tightening the skin on the face and neck
Lifting the cheeks, eyebrows and eyelids
Defining the jawline
Smoothing the skin
Tightening skin on the decolletage

Am I suitable for a HIFU skin tightening treatment at Tempus Belgravia?

This treatment may not be appropriate for everyone and in general works well for people who are older than 30 and have mild to moderate skin laxity. If you have photodamaged skin or a high degree of very loose skin, you may need several sessions before you see results. If you have severe photoaged skin or extensive skin laxity around the neck area, surgery may be a more suitable option. At Tempus Belgravia, we ask all our patients to attend a pre-treatment consultation, so that we can assess your individual skin concerns and examine your skin. We will also check your medical history as HIFU is not recommended for patients with infections, open skin lesions at the treatment area, cystic acne and metallic implants within the area to be treated. If there are no contraindications which might prevent you from having a HIFU treatment and we feel that this procedure will be effective for you, you can go ahead and book your appointment.

What happens during a HIFU treatment at Tempus Belgravia?

There is no special preparation required before your HIFU procedure, although you will be required to remove all make up and skincare products from the treatment area. Your practitioner will ensure that your skin is cleansed thoroughly with a sterile solution. A topical anaesthetic can be applied if needed, if used this will be removed and an ultrasound gel is applied. The HIFU device will then be placed on the skin and the practitioner will adjust the device to the right setting, using an ultrasound viewer. The HIFU energy is then delivered to the target area in short pulses for around 30 to 90 minutes. Once the treatment is complete, you will be able to return to your daily activities and schedule your next appointment, if appropriate.

What does a HIFU treatment feel like?

Whilst the ultrasound energy is being applied, you may feel some heat and/or tingling. You might wish to take some pain medication such as paracetamol (not ibuprofen) if this is bothersome, both before and after the treatment. Some patients feel very little sensation during a HIFU treatment, whilst others can be more affected and state that it feels like tiny electrical pulses or a prickly sensation, but the use of pain killers such as Paracetamol can help. You may experience some mild redness afterwards, but this is quite normal and will recede in the following hours.

Is HIFU safe?

HIFU is considered very safe when performed by a fully-qualified, trained professional. It is an attractive treatment for many of our patients as they can resume their normal activities immediately afterwards. In some rare occasions there can be some temporary numbness or bruising, but these effects usually dissipate after a few days. The advantages of HIFU over extensive and invasive facial surgery are easy to recognise. There are no incisions, no general anaesthetic and no rest or recovery time. HIFU is also far more cost effective than facial surgery.

When will I see results?

Depending on whether a course of treatment is advised or one singular treatment, when the results are seen can vary. However, expect to see optimum results at around 3 months following your final treatment.

How long do the results last?

The results from HIFU can last anything from 12 to 18 months before a top up treatment is required. However, your lifestyle, diet, environment and unique response to treatment can play a part in how long the results last. If you take care of your skin, avoid direct sunlight, do not smoke or consume excessive amounts of alcohol, you can enjoy longer lasting results.