HIFU: A Painless Treatment for Skin Ageing in Singapore

One of the most obvious signs of ageing is the changes in the skin. Proof of ageing includes loose or saggy skin, wrinkles, spots, and dry skin. It is more fragile, thinner, and prone to injury.  Skin ageing is inevitable, yet some treatments can make your skin look firmer and younger. One of them is HIFU.

What is HIFU Treatment?

HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) treatment is a new technology that will help solve your skin ageing problems and get younger-looking skin without cutting or damaging the surface of your skin. It is a non-surgical alternative to a facelift. No scars, no incisions, no injections, very safe and effective treatment for your skin, says Dr Edwin Lim from Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic in Singapore. This treatment uses ultrasound energy to make skin firmer, tighter and reduces wrinkles. The ultrasound energy penetrates the layers of the skin, it heats up and produces new collagen. The greater amount of new collagen produces a result of firmer and tighter skin. 

Benefits of HIFU

  • No scars, no incisions, no injections 
  • Make the cheeks, eyebrows, neck, and jawline firmer and tighter.
  • Reduces wrinkles
  • Smoothens skin
  • Painless and comfortable treatment
  • No downtime or recovery time
  • Long-lasting compared to other facial treatments

Parts of the face where HIFU can treat:

  • Forehead wrinkles
  • Eyebrows
  • Frown lines
  • Fine wrinkles below the eyes
  • Crow’s feet
  • Cheek’s or face fat
  • Double chin
  • Smile lines

It can also be done in the neck, arms and stomach depending on the degree of loose skin at those parts.

HIFU facial treatment in Singapore, how is it done?

HIFU treatment is very simple. Special preparations are not required. 

  • Any skincare or makeup on your face must be removed.
  • The area that needs treatment will be cleaned by the physician. 
  • The ultrasound gel will be applied, and the HIFU device will be placed against your skin.
  • The physician will set the device in the right setting.
  • For 60-90 minutes, the ultrasound energy will be transported to generate new collagen.
  • The device will be removed, and you will be advised if additional treatment is needed.

In some cases, if patients cannot bear the pain, a pain reliever will be given by the physician, or anaesthetic cream will be applied.

Age Allowed for HIFU Treatment

The treatment works best on patients 30 years old and up with a moderate degree of loose skin. For older patients with a high degree of loose skin, especially on the neck part, this treatment may not be able to solve this skin problem. 

How long does it take to see the result?

Initial effects may be seen a few days after the treatment depending on how your body produces new collagen. Full results can be seen approximately 3-4 months since the regeneration of collagen takes weeks and months

How long HIFU treatment lasts?

Patients find the treatment last 1-2 years, but of course, follow up treatments are needed to avoid natural skin ageing to take over.

No recovery time after treatment

HIFU treatment usually takes about 60-90 minutes, depending on the area treated. The good thing about HIFU treatment is it doesn’t require recovery time. Taking an off from work is not needed, you can go back to your everyday activities right after the treatment.

Side Effects from HIFU Treatment

Pricking or warm sensation

This treatment is painless. No injections, no incision, but patients may feel a slight pricking or warm sensation during the treatment. 

Red patches on skin and swelling

Each patient’s skin is different, others are sensitive. Some may experience red patches on skin and swelling after the treatment. But that will disappear after a few days.

Numbness on delicate areas

This side effect is very rare. Them minimal damage caused by the ultrasound energy that penetrates the skin may lead to numbness or tingling sensation on the delicate areas such as the lower part of the lips and eyes.

3 types of HIFU Devices in Singapore

Ulthera

Commonly use to tighten the face, chest, and neck. It treats 3 layers of tissue to produce new collagen using the precise temperature.

Ultraformer 3

More effective compared to other types of HIFU. It produces stronger ultrasound energy and more precise because of its slimmer transducer. Also, Ultraformer 3 can tighten floppy chin and plump cheeks and is Dr Edwin's first choice for eye bag reduction.

Sygmalift

Sygmalift Treatment has 3 parts. The first part is for lifting and remodelling the face. The second part is for collagen regeneration. And lastly, for enhancement of the skin. The difference of Sygmalift from other types of HIFU is it uses fractioned ultrasound energy, which gives patients more comfort and painless treatment. The target of Sygmalift is the dermis to produce new collagen for firmer, younger-looking skin. This treatment can also be used for your thighs, knees, and arms.

HIFU may have 3 types, but they have the same goal which is to give you a tighter, firmer and youthful skin. To know what type of HIFU is best for you, better consult your physician.

Some final words

Imagine getting your skin firmer and tighter without surgical procedures. Painless, no injections, no damaging of skin’s surface just the use of ultrasound energy to produce new collagen. It is much cheaper and comfortable compared to a surgical facelift. It is not time-consuming and no downtime. Results can be seen in a few days, and it is long-lasting. Yet, it still depends on your preference. Better if you consult your physician to know what type of HIFU treatment is best for you and for some recommendations as well.

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