HIFU: A Non-Surgical Treatment for Skin Tightening & Fat Reduction
Aesthetics Daily – Stubborn fat often makes anyone feel irritated. Various attempts may have been made ranging from exercise to diet but body fat remains. To get rid of fat without the need for surgery, there is a procedure that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology.
HIFU body contouring treatment claimed to be safe and without downtime is designed to target stubborn fat pockets and simultaneously tighten the skin. Historically, HIFU is known for its use in treating cancer. Over time, HIFU began to be used in the aesthetic industry in 2008.
HIFU procedure can be an alternative to liposuction and surgical facelift because it is less painful. Meanwhile, a dedicated device for a single HIFU technology is far more powerful than a HIFU machine that is part of a multi-platform device.
What is HIFU?
HIFU is a completely non-invasive procedure that targets multiple skin depths for skin tightening and body contouring. Sometimes called a “lunchtime face lift,” HIFU can stimulate new collagen production and require relatively quick treatment sessions.
The high frequency ultra waves produce heating to varying depths under the skin. The focused energy then destroys the fat cells and in turn tightens the skin. Next, the damaged fat cells are removed from the body through a natural elimination process that takes up to 3 months.
HIFU can treat several areas of the body where stubborn fat is common including the abdomen, inner and outer thighs, back, buttocks, inner arms, and hips. HIFU treatment helps shift the last few inches of stubborn fat in these areas.
Ultraformer III is the leading HIFU device used by dermatologists and high-end aesthetic clinics. The HIFU machine is capable of targeting a number of varying depths of the skin layers including most importantly SMAS. The layer that lies between the skin and the fat layer called SMAS can be targeted by a HIFU machine without an incision.
One of the notable features of Ultraformer III is the MF2 slim cartridge which allows doctors to treat the sensitive eye area. This feature works well for those of you who want to tighten the upper eyelids.
How Does HIFU Work?
First of all, the esthetician will make sure that you are comfortable before the treatment begins. Then, the treated area is cleaned and a clear gel is applied. The esthetician uses a handheld device to transfer ultrasound energy to the subcutaneous tissue in certain areas of the body.
The device distributes energy over the treated area evenly. Ultrasound uses micro dermal heating at around 60 – 70 degrees which removes fat cells permanently. Treatment may not be pain free but it is tolerable.
The clear gel will be removed once the area is covered. Depending on the area being treated, the duration of treatment varies from patient to patient. Usually however, each session takes around 30 to 90 minutes. Because HIFU treatment is non-invasive, you can do activities after the treatment.
The Benefits of HIFU
The body needs time to naturally process the disposal of destroyed fat cells out of the body. Thus, new patients can see the results of HIFU treatment within 4 to 12 weeks.
The benefits of HIFU treatment include reduced appearance of cellulite, firmer skin, smoother skin, and reduced fat cells. For various clinical treatments, HIFU technology is completely safe to use.
Even though the HIFU treatment involves heating to destroy fat cells, your skin will still be protected. You can see an average of 1 inch reduction in targeted areas in just one treatment.
Summary
There are good reasons why you would choose HIFU treatment over other fat loss treatments like liposuction for example. Unlike liposuction which involves surgery, HIFU is a medical procedure that does not require any incisions.
HIFU allows you to return to your activities after treatment. In addition, you will be free from the risk of infection or scarring. You may experience more specific redness in the treated area. However, these normal symptoms will usually subside in a matter of hours.
HIFU is the ideal treatment for anyone looking to reduce fat accumulation in certain areas of the body. Meanwhile, obese people who want to lose fat completely are not suitable for HIFU treatment.
