High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HI-FU)

The body part most affected by problems that arise over time is undoubtedly the face. Time, aging, gravity, genetics, lifestyle, dietary habits, and other environmental factors that adversely affect the skin can cause sagging and loosening in the skin of the face.

Advanced technology methods that came into use in the recent years bring about painless and comfortable alternatives to rejuvenation methods. These alternatives have lasting effects without side effects.

Non-surgical rejuvenation procedures offer quick, effective, and long-lasting solutions to skin problems for those who do not wish to undergo surgery. Consequently, these methods are widely accepted as a great convenience provided to the cosmetic world by technological advancements.

Many of these treatments have effects on the superficial skin layers. Positive results such as brightness, vitality, and reduction of fine wrinkles can be obtained on the skin.

However, a modality that can penetrate the lower layers of skin to affect the deeper structures is needed for skin tightening and tensing. Among the preferred treatment modalities, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound can provide the desired effect.

What is Focused Ultrasound (HI-FU)?

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HI-FU) is an innovative treatment modality that triggers collagen production in the subcutaneous tissues using Ultracel sound waves, thus tightening and tensing the skin on face, neck and décolleté.

Among non-surgical facial rejuvenation modalities, HI-FU treatment is one of the most effective and successful methods that have well-established reliability. HI-FU uses ultrasound as a source of energy, which is a high-frequency sound inaudible to the human ear.

How is Focused Ultrasound (HI-FU) Applied?

The sound waves produced by Ultracel are focused on targets at desired depths in the lower layers of the skin, subcutaneous fat, and membranous muscle layers called superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) to achieve thermal damage without harming the skin surface.

The thermal damage results in a more taut skin through the tightening of SMAS, thinning of the adipose (fat) tissue, and a lifting effect on the skin through the reconstructed collagen layer.

HI-FU application does not require anesthesia. It is carried out bu touching the ultrasound probe to the skin. Other methods of skin rejuvenation can not penetrate deeper than the superficial layer of the skin, whereas HI-FU modality makes it possible to reach layers 3 to 4.5 milimeters below the skin surface.

Fine wrinkles around the eyes and lips are removed using 1.5 to 2 milimeter probes, in addition to probes with a range of 3 to 4.5 milimeters for the rest of the face. Regional sagging in the body is eliminated with 6-9-11 and 13 milimeter probes.

HI-FU reaches the target points in the desired depths, and with its focused intensified ultrasound effect, heats the subcutaneous connective tissue, triggering new collagen formation and restructuring in the lower layers of the skin.

What Can HI-FU Be Used For?

• Facial volume reduction (reducing cheek fullness, transforming a square shaped face into an oval one),
• Restoring the V-shape of the face.
• Sagging and loosening of the skin around the chin,
• Loosening and sagging below the jawline and chin,
• Sagging cheeks,
• Eyebrow and upper eyelid drooping,
• Nasolabial folds,
• Bags under eyes,
• Wrinkles around the eyes,
• Crow’s feet,
• Loose skin folds around the neck,
• Sagging of skin around the hips, arms, and abdomen caused by weight loss,
• Wrinkles and sagging skin on the chest.

Who Can Benefit From HI-FU?

Focused ultrasound can be applied to anyone who wants to tighten the skin of their face, neck, and decollete, regardless of age. It is generally preferred by those over 30 years of age.

Who Is Not Suitable For HI-FU?

• Individuals with active skin infection on the target area,
• Pregnant individuals,
• Those with metal stents,
• Patients with epilepsy or diabetes mellitus.

What Are the Advantages of HI-FU?

• As HI-FU application has no side effects, it does not cause a negative reaction or damage to the skin.
• After the application of HI-FU, individuals can easily return to work and their daily activities.
• As HI-FU triggers collagen formation, its effects are long lasting and can last for 12 to 18 months.
• Can be applied all year round.
• Ensures success in face lifting without surgical interventions or injections.
• Pre or post-treatment care is not required.
• Ultrasound energy is a reliable modality that has been used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes for the past 40 years.

What Is HI-FU Linear?

HI-FU is a procedure delivered through fractional side-by-side applications of ultrasound energy, heating only a specific area rather than the entire treatment area, resulting in the regeneration of tissues. HI-FU Linear, on the other hand, is a treatment modality that provides prominent results in a shorter time using lower energy by heating the entire treatment area instead of a specific area.

When the HI-FU Linear modality is applied to the deep tissue, it is possible to obtain a lifting similar to that of the thread lift method. In addition to laser and needle radiofrequency treatments, HI-FU Linear can be used with probes that penetrate superficial layers in reducing skin tightening and scars such as acne scars.

It provides an alternative to treatment modalities in cases where laser treatment cannot be used, especially in melasma. In HI-FU Linear application, a single session treatment usually yields results. However, if the dermatologist deems it necessary during the evaluation made after 3 months, additional sessions can be planned. Permanent results are yielded after 2 to 3 months.