High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive therapy that uses focused ultrasound waves to thermally ablate a portion of tissue, meaning the tissue is destroyed using intense heat. The intense heat causes tissue coagulation necrosis, cavitation and heat shock in the cells, meaning that the portion of tissue which is being ablated is destroyed.
HIFU stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, which is emitted into the skin in the form of tiny beams. These beams converge under the skin at different depths and create a minuscule source of thermal energy. The heat produced stimulates collagen so that it grows and repairs. Collagen is the agent that works to tighten the skin. The active role of collagen tends to decrease as we get older, which you will notice when the skin on your face becomes loose. Then, as HIFU reactivates the collagen, your skin will have a tighter feel and appearance.
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High power ultrasound can be focused on a targeted point to raise the temperature to 70-80°C.
HIFU uses sonication (sound energy) to create this heat. Each sonication heats only a small focal target, so the interventional radiologist will use multiple sonications to ablate the whole affected area. The interventional radiologist may use diagnostic sonography with focused ultrasound (USgFUS or USgHIFU) or magnetic resonance guidance with focused ultrasound (MRgFUS).
You may be advised to have the procedure to treat uterine fibroids or to alleviate pain from bone cancer. HIFU can also be used to treat prostate cancer, both as a primary treatment and after radiotherapy.
Investigations into using HIFU to treat liver, breast and brain tumours have had promising results.
Positive results with transcranial MR-guided focused ultrasound surgery (tcMRgFUS) as a non-invasive treatment of essential tremors, neuropathic pain and Parkinson’s disease have been reported in literature. There have also been some investigations into the use of HIFU for temporarily opening the blood-brain barrier, allowing absorption of drugs into the brain.
A minimally invasive catheter-based system designed to ablate heart tissue responsible for a trial fibrillation has been approved for use in Europe and is undergoing an FDA approved trial in the United States.
You should see results within the first 20 days after the treatment. Results will continue to improve in the following weeks.
This is common HIFU FAQ. It is important to remember that this will vary from person to person. Results can last for up to 6 months. If you take care of your skin, then you will see long-lasting effects from just one treatment!
This will depend on your needs and expectations. The procedure can produce long-lasting results, but some people may benefit from a top-up treatment. However, most of our clients see effective results from only one treatment.
The HIFU Face Lift is ideal for treating signs of ageing around the eyes, and mouth. It can also help to reduce sagging skin on the cheeks. Depending on the area of the face, different intensities of the ultrasound will be used. In particular, lower levels of ultrasound are used around the mouth and above the eyes, because the skin is thinner and more sensitive.
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