When you look good, you feel good. We’ve heard this so many times, but it can mean different things for different people. For some, it means updating their wardrobe and style when their body changes. For others, it’s keeping their skin looking young, toned and fresh.
If the idea of having a surgical facelift is scary, then HIFU is a great non-invasive alternative. HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to encourage the production of collagen, which results in firmer skin. The most common treatment areas at Tiiu Sara Skin are the face and neck, cheek and cheekbone, jaw, jowls, brow, forehead, and nasolabial folds.
HIFU technology is designed to target three different layers of the skin to produce revitalising results: the epidermis (outermost layer), the dermis (inner connective layer), and the layer which connects the skin to underlying muscular structures. The ultrasound energy causes the tissue to heat up rapidly, and once the cells in the targeted area reach a certain temperature, they experience controlled cellular damage. While this may seem counterintuitive, the damage actually stimulates the cells to produce more collagen - a protein that provides structure to the skin. The increase in collagen production results in tighter, firmer skin.
HIFU works best on individuals between 30 and 60 with mild-to-moderate skin laxity. A suitable client is someone who has noticed that the skin on their face or neck has become a bit saggy and wishes to lift and tighten the relevant area. Clients in their 30s can have this treatment as a preventative measure to delay the ageing process. Clients in their 40s and 50s are the most common age group who have this treatment. It is also for those who have had surgery in the past to prolong the effects of a surgical facelift.
What to expect
Prior to treatment, your skin will be cleansed, and a set of clinical photos will be taken. You can expect to experience slight discomfort as the ultrasound energy is delivered. However, most clients do not experience pain during the procedure.
Some flushing and swelling may occur, and the treated area may be sensitive to the touch for some time after the procedure. These effects are usually mild and will generally resolve within one week after treatment. The procedure creates an immediate tightening effect that produces visible results after just one treatment. Results will gradually improve in 3-6 months following treatment, as new collagen forms, leaving you with stronger, firmer, and healthier-looking skin. The results can last for up to eighteen months.
*People with photodamaged skin or a high degree of loose skin may need several treatments before seeing visible results.