FACE HIFU
The mechanism is similar to using a magnifying glass to focus sunlight. Focused ultrasound uses an acoustic lens to concentrate on multiple intersecting beams of ultrasound on a target. Each individual beam passes through tissue with little effect but at the focal point where the beams converge, the energy can have useful thermal or mechanical effects.
The friction between molecules produces heat and thermal injury at a focal point within the skin tissue, generated at the target point. The penetration depth is determined by frequency, in which higher frequency waves give a more superficial focal point and lower frequency waves give a deeper focal point. Tissues at these target points are heated to approximately 65°C, which creates spaced ‘wounds’ or cones of heat due to the cellular friction.
The epidermal surface remains unaffected by the heat as long as the energy stays within the protocol and is not delivered in excess.
The result of the delivery of HIFU energy to the dermal tissue will be immediate trauma to the treatment zone which then promotes healing, immediate contraction and collagen stimulation through fibroblast activity.
The healing process will work over 90-180 days, the wound-healing response stimulates long-term tissue repair which leads to further lifting and tightening
A different setting of this therapy will target the SMAS layer. Superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) is an area of the musculature of the face. The SMAS extends from the platysma to the galea aponeurotica and is continuous with temporoparietal fascia and galea. It connects to the dermis via vertical septa.
This muscular system is manipulated during facial cosmetic surgery, especially rhytidectomy.
The SMAS is composed of collagen and elastin fibres similar to those of the dermal tissue. The SMAS is the section of the skin treated with HIFU to give a long-lasting tightening effect as a result of treatment.
The repair of this SMAS layer can take 90-180 days and will give a longer-lasting and more durable result with less delayed relaxation.
The patch test
After setting in the parameters according to the HIFU treatment procedure, a test shot is applied to the skin.
20-30 minutes later a reaction of the skin types I-III or 30-40 minutes for skin
types IV-VI might occur. If after this time the skin color has an excessive red appearance, then the therapist will reduce the parameters by 10% for treatment.
If the area has no redness or color then increase the parameters will be increased by 10% for treatment.
If no adverse reaction is present then proceed with treatment 48 hours after the patch test.
Recommended gap between HIFU treatment and other treatments:
Botox – 2 weeks
Dermal fillers – water-based: 2 weeks, oil-based: 6 weeks, threads: 8 weeks
Peels – superficial peel: 1 week, medium / deep peel: 6 weeks, microdermabrasion: 1 week
Hair removal – IPL / laser: 2 weeks
Rx Vitamin A: stop use 3 days before HIFU treatment, and ensure the redness from treatment has gone before continuing with the product
Roaccutane 6 months after the course of medication is complete.
Post-treatment
• Immediately post-treatment cooling packs may need to be applied to your skin.
• Avoid hot baths, heavy exercise, massage, etc. for 5- 7 days after the treatment.
• Avoid sunbeds and sunbathing during the healing process of the skin (up to 2 months)
• Apply SPF 30 daily.
• A review of your progress is recommended after 6 weeks and again after 12 weeks.
Contraindications
• Coagulation disorders (Haemophilia)
• Pregnancy, recent pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Heart conditions including pacemaker
• Thrombosis or thrombophlebitis
• Anticoagulant medication
• Skin thinning medication
• History of cancer in the past 5 years
• Metal prosthesis or implants
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Generalized autoimmune conditions
• Kidney or liver impairment
• Skin cancer
• Infection or skin sensitivity in the area
• Fragile and excessive dryness
• A tendency to keloid scar tissue
• Regular anti-inflammatory medication