HIFU Facelift: Prep and aftercare

We discuss the few things you must be mindful of before your HIFU Facelift treatment and what you must do after to get the best results.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) skin treatment is one of the most popular and effective non-surgical cosmetic procedures available. This recently developed treatment is made possible by a revolutionary technology that uses ultrasound energy to distribute heat in the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) layer of the skin and repair from deep within.

Although the primary use of HIFU was for the treatment of tumours, the FDA cleared the techniques for aesthetic use in 2009 after successful outcomes from grounded and practical research.

HIFU not only aids in restoring soft and supple skin, but it does so without causing any sort of pain or violation to the skin. When the ultrasound energy penetrates the SMAS layer and dermis of the face and neck, the collagen and elastin productions of the treated areas are enhanced. Collagen is the protein in the skin responsible for its elasticity and structure; the skin loses collagen with age (and for several health issues), resulting in the likes of facial lines, sagging, crow’s feet and others.

VIVO Clinic’s HIFU Facelift

Our HIFU Facelift is simple, straightforward, and affordable. The treatment begins after an initial consultation, skin assessment, and brief patch test. The actual treatment comprises up to two sessions, each lasting 30-90 minutes depending on the area being covered during the procedure.

Though there are reports that 20% of the time, the results of the treatment are apparent immediately after the first session, it is typical for results to gradually show 3-6 months after the full treatment. The tightened, rejuvenated skin can last up to as long as two years.

To understand more about VIVO Clinic’s HIFU Facelift, including costs, areas of treatment, and the science behind the technology, use the button below.

Pre-treatment preparation

We cannot treat recently tanned or sunburned skin with HIFU. You must refrain from being overexposed to the sun (or getting a tan) for at least 2 weeks before your treatment sessions.

Use of skin products containing chemicals that cause irritation must also be avoided at least a week prior.

If you are taking prescription medicines (like antibiotics), make sure to book your HIFU session at least two weeks after the completion of the prescribed course. Certain drugs have a tendency to make the skin more light-sensitive.

One day before the treatment

You must be absolutely sure that you do not have either a fever or a cold sore a day before your treatment is about to commence. In the unfortunate case that you end up with either a day or two before your HIFU session, you must reschedule. You can only undergo the treatment once you have recovered fully.

On the day of your appointment

You must not use any moisturiser or apply any sort of make-up on the day of your treatment. Please attend the appointment with a clean and dry face.

The aftercare

With HIFU treatments, there is absolutely no downtime for recovery. In fact, you can go back to your normal routine as soon as you have stepped out of our clinic. But aftercare is crucial. It is almost as important as the treatment itself.

With proper aftercare, you will be able to achieve optimal results that are the longest-lasting. Without it, the effects of the treatment may not be up to your satisfaction. So, be sure to do the following.

• Keep away from sunlight
  Direct exposure to sunlight is detrimental to HIFU treated skin. You must be careful to avoid the sun for a few weeks after undergoing treatment. Overexposure to UV rays can cause hyperpigmentation and other sorts of skin damage. Whenever you step outside, make sure you apply sunscreen until the skin tightening process is seen to completion.
• Avoid scratching the skin
  Your skin is bound to be over-sensitive as soon as you have undergone your HIFU Facelift session. Sensitive skin will feel a little itchy occasionally, and scratching it is sure to give you skin damage. You will have to try your best to avoid scratching the itchy area. If it gets too much to bear, splashing cold water on your face will help.
• Avoid hot baths and hot showers
  Hot water tends to strip the skin away of its natural protective oils. Your skin desperately needs these oils to avoid skin irritation right after the treatment. Using cold water to cleanse will keep the protective oils intact. And if you must use hot water, make it lukewarm to ensure quicker recovery of the skin’s oils.
• Stop drinking alcohol for a while
  Right after a HIFU session, your body is left with some deactivated fat. When that happens, the liver breaks down the discarded fat before the body can get rid of it. Drinking alcohol only adds to the liver’s workload – now, the liver must break down alcohol along with the fat. It can be very dangerous to your overall health.
• Stay hydrated
  Proper hydration is essential always, however, more so after any kind of medical or cosmetic treatment. After your HIFU sessions, water aids in quicker recovery and more efficient rejuvenation of collagen proteins in the treated area. So, drink away!

Call us to book a free consultation or to receive more information regarding our HIFU Facelift treatment. You can also book a call back for a time that is suitable for you.