HIFU: Breakthrough in DIY Anti-aging

by THEA Home Beauty | Feb 22, 2023

Our pick in anti-aging innovation: HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound). This new technology reaches deeper beneath the skin than previous methods, stimulating your body’s collagen stores to regenerate in a natural way. Rigorously tested and clinically proven, it’s the most effective way to perform a non-invasive lifting procedure at home with real, lasting long term benefits.

 

Why we picked HIFU

  • Most effective non-invasive anti-aging treatment
  • Safe and easy treatment with no down time
  • Stimulates body’s natural collagen
  • Real immediate and long term benefits
  • Reduces wrinkles by 11%
  • Increases skin elasticity by 19%
  • Improves facial lifting by 9%
  • Increases moisture content by 4.5%
  • Decreases pores by 27%
  • Increases dermal density by 30%
  • No down time and no unbearable pain

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History of anti-aging 

The quest for the elixir of youth is an age old tale, told through the variety of methods throughout ancient history from every corner of the world. Building from the deep collective well of knowledge, and aided by the era of technology, the recent past has seen the innovation of many more effective methods.

timeline of how people antiage from past to present

In the last few decades, various treatments including chemical peeling, microdermabrasion, fractional laser, and radiofrequency, have been developed for the treatment of facial wrinkles and elasticity; however, the ideal treatment option has yet to be identified.

Recently, ultrasound was introduced as a new treatment for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. Clinically tests have shown that High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) may be the best example of this technique, lauding long lasting results that far surpass the technologies that have come before it.

 

How HIFU technology works

Some may have heard of the wonders of Ulthera or Ultherapy (a combination of the word Ulthera and Therapy). Ulthera is in fact a brand of a HIFU machines. HIFU uses the power of Ultrasound to counter the effect of gravity and skin ageing to safely lift and tighten skin. Ultrasound is a form of energy that is significantly different than light such as IPL and Lasers or Electrical (Radio-Frequency) energy.

HIFU protects the skin surface, precisely penetrates and treats beyond the dermis and foundation layers, where structural weakening starts.

 

HIFU's reach under the skin

Fig 1.
Tissue at the target point is heated to ~65°C, Thermal Heat is created with the skin tissue creating both spaced ‘wounds’ and cellular friction - which in turn promotes healing, immediately contracts collagen and stimulates a rapid production.



How is HIFU Different

Utilising sound energy, HIFU goes deeper into the skin when compared to other non-invasive cosmetic devices using lasers. As lasers use light energy, they fail to reach down into the deeper layers of skin; whereas HIFU focuses ultrasound energy deep beneath the skin at the right temperature to regenerate collagen, thereby kickstarting a natural process called neocollagenesis that makes new collagen. Laser treatments only work on superficial skin, as they can’t reach deeper at the right temperature. Lasers, on the other hand, address surface skin damage, fine lines and wrinkles, along with acne scars, blemishes, spots from aging, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage.

 

depth of IPL Laser RF HIFU

Fig 2.
Previous technologies generally target the uppermost layers of the skin. HIFU procedure bypasses the skin’s surface and focuses entirely on the deep, structural layers of the skin where collagen is deposited.
 

The highly focused ultrasound activates and accelerates the body's own healing process in the face, neck and décolletage areas and thereby helps sagging skin to tighten itself and become more firm. This method requires no creams, no artificial filler products or toxins. It relies solely on the body’s natural regenerative capacity. Since the treatment targets deeper layers, the surface of the skin is not affected.

 

Related: Overall of all Anti-aging Beauty Treatments

 

 

Consideration points 

  • As HIFU treats deeper layers of the skin, it is not as effective for surface skin issues such as acne or sun blemishes.
  • While the results are not as dramatic as a facelift, it’s a much safer alternative for those who prefer less invasive methods.
  • After treatment, skin may appear flushed, but redness, slight swelling or tingling should disappear within a few hours.
  • Though a safe treatment, HIFU utilises deep penetrating sound energy. Thus it’s not the best treatment for those who are sensitive, such pregnant women or patients with heart disease.



Going Deeper with HIFU

1.5mm  - Targets the epidermis of the skin to refine pores, improve skin tone, and reduce fine lines.

2mm  - Effectively reduces fine lines and early wrinkles, with a focus on improving the skin’s texture, as well as the contour of the skin surrounding the outer eye area.

3mm  - Targets the tissues beneath the epidermis, stimulating and regenerating the skin’s core make up by directly penetrating into the connective tissues made up of mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, strengthening the skin’s overall firming properties.

4.5mm  - Directly accesses the SMAS fascia layer through heat to compress and tighten the foundation layer of the skin, which is made of muscle.

6mm  - Dissolves the fat deposits underneath the shallow layers of the skin to bring out the face’s contour through firming.

9mm  - Specifically targets stubborn fat deposits

13mm  - Strengthens skin adhesion through lipolysis (which is the breakdown of fats and other lipids by hydrolysis to release fatty acids) to increase collagen production, and stimulate the layer deep beneath the skin made of muscle.

 

 

Short & long term results 

  • 20% of the result can be seen immediately after the treatment.
  • Over the next 3-6 months, the wound-healing response stimulates long-term tissue and leads to further lifting and tightening, the final results are visible.
  • Rigorous studies have shown that results can last for years after initial treatment.

Benefits of HIFU

 

 

Try a HIFU treatment

HIFU is a clinically-proven, safe, cost-effective treatment compared to invasive facelifts, eliminating the need for anaesthesia or sedation and downtime. The ideal candidate is anyone who is interested in age reversal. If you notice any sagging or lost suppleness in your skin, HIFU can offer the best solution. It has been known to be used on thighs, abdomen and arms as well, a truly versatile treatment on a cellular level.

HIFU is currently offered as a treatment in select clinics, subject to appointments, wait times and fees. Or a home treatment experience, an easy and efficient treatment at your own convenience.

We have curated an expert kit containing everything you need to perform clinic grade, non-invasive HIFU facelifts at home.

HIFU Home Use device

 

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