When was the last time you closely examined your skin, only to find a dire need for an instant face lift? Skin sagging issues have begun to surface among adults in their early 30s. Gauging the need for an easy respite from the same; the HIFU treatment is the buzzword in the beauty arena.
High intensity focused ultrasound skin tightening treatment (HIFU) is operated by placing transducers — a medical device that uses ultrasound waves — upon an area of treatment. This mechanism employs ultrasound waves, which penetrate deeper into the skin than radio frequency. An alternative to this, the widely popular laser technique is used to stimulate tissues. When the ultrasound waves are penetrated deep into the skin, hot focal thermal zones are created. This results in bulk heating of the underlying layer tissues and fat cells.
Subsequently, the procedure facilitates collagen growth. The immediate results of the HIFU treatment are simple — instant tightening of the skin on the face, neck and brow region.
Interestingly, the procedure ensures that the upper epidermis remains unaffected. As the treatment is conducted through focus beams; healing occurs rapidly from adjacent skin tissues.
The entire treatment duration spans not more than two hours. On a normal basis, one session suffices. HIFU is graded as a technique with mild to moderate discomfort. Except for few transient side effects like temporary redness or swelling, there is no high risk involved with this treatment.
High intensity focused ultrasound skin tightening is ideal for mild to moderate sagging. Irrespective of your age, this treatment aims to treat sagging skin — right from its initial stages. Typically, people in their 30s and 40s benefit more from the treatment. As this is when skin sagging mostly begins. The procedure is not beneficial for high sun damaged skin, high laxity of skin and even for chronic smokers. It is not recommended in pregnancy or in presence of active infection.
So, why hesitate when you can achieve the much desired youthful look sans any hassle?
— The writer is a Bengaluru-based cosmetic dermatologist.
