HIFU Skin Tightening and Contouring

MECHANISM How Does HIFU Tightening and Contouring Work?

Ultraformer MPT HIFU delivers High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) to customisable tissue depths including dermis, SMAS layer, and subcutaneous fat layers, creating controlled thermal injury points leading to thermolysis of targeted areas and instigating wound healing response. This results in skin tightening and lifting, or fat reduction and contouring, or combination of both. Micro Pulsed Technology (MPT) allows pulse modes and energy delivery to be customised to suit individuals needs.

Ultraformer MPT HIFU Action for Skin Tightening and Lifting:

• Focused ultrasound energy coagulates existing collagen & elastin
• Wound healing response is triggered
• Existing collagen & elastin is contracted & reduced
• New collagen & elastin production is increased
• Skin firmness & elasticity is improved

Ultraformer MPT HIFU Action for Fat Reduction and Body Contouring:

• Focused ultrasound energy coagulates existing fat cells
• Wound healing response is triggered
• Targeted fat cells are destroyed and release their fat content
• Lymphatic system progressively eliminates released fat and destroyed fat cells
• Body contour is improved as subcutaneous fat volume is decreased

⚠️Skin and fat thickness varies between individuals – a thorough pre-treatment assessment is essential to ensure correct depth selection, minimising risk and optimising results.

RESULTS What Results Can I Expect from HIFU?

⚠️Results are progressive, cumulative and individual – outcomes vary depending on skin condition, age, lifestyle, skincare routine and number of treatments received.

Ultraformer MPT HIFU delivers progressive lifting, tightening, and contouring results across the face and body:

• Upper Face: non-surgical brow lift, improved eye area including upper eyelid lift, crow’s feet, under-eye wrinkles, and eye bags
• Mid & Lower Face: non-surgical facelift effect, lifted cheeks, defined jawline, reduced jowls and wrinkles and softened nasolabial folds and marionettes lines
• Chin & Neck: double chin reduction, tighter and smoother neck skin, reduced neck folds, and improved neck and jawline profile
• Body: firmer and tighter skin on the décolletage, arms, abdomen, thighs and knees, with improved body contour and reduced localised fat pockets

When Can I Expect to See Results from HIFU?

Some clients notice immediate skin tightening or contouring following Ultraformer MPT HIFU treatment. However, the most significant improvements develop progressively from 3-4 weeks after treatment and continuing for 3-6 months after as skin remodels, or melted fat gradually clears by the lymphatic system.

How Long Will the Results from HIFU Last?

Longevity of results varies depending on the concern treated, skin type, age, lifestyle and sun exposure, and whether treatment has been performed as a course.

HIFU skin tightening and lifting results are generally maintained for 12-24 months, with a maintenance treatment every 12-18 months recommended to sustain and build on results over time.

⚠️Skin continues to age every day – periodic maintenance treatments, daily SPF 50+ with prescribed skincare and a healthy lifestyle all work together to sustain, protect and build on your results long term.

NORMAL RESPONSE What Does HIFU Treatment Feel Like? Is HIFU Painful?

During treatment, it is normal to experience heat and tingling sensation, and mild to moderate discomfort as the ultrasound energy is delivered – particularly over more innervated or bony areas. Discomfort levels vary between individuals and can be reduced by applying topical numbing cream 60 minutes prior to treatment.

How Does Skin Feel After HIFU Treatment?

Following treatment, it is normal to experience mild redness, swelling, tenderness, or numbness at the treatment area. These are expected post-treatment responses and generally resolve within a few hours to a few days.

DOWNTIME What Is the Downtime After HIFU Treatment?

Downtime is generally minimal and manageable but varies depending on the individual and treatment intensity.

• Mild redness, swelling, itching, tenderness, and numbness at the treatment area typically resolve within a few hours to a few days.
• Bruising may occur in some individuals and typically resolves within 1-2 weeks.
• In some cases, and with more intensive treatments, tenderness and numbness may persist for 2-4 weeks due to temporary nerve inflammation in the treated area.

RISKS What Are the Possible Side Effects of HIFU Treatment?

Unlike normal post-treatment responses and downtime, side effects occur beyond the expected healing process and are uncommon. These may include significant or prolonged numbness or nerve pain, muscle weakness, skin discolouration, burns, scarring, or unintended fat loss in individuals with low facial fat volume.

⚠️Serious adverse effects are rare when treatment is performed by a qualified professional with appropriate settings and client assessment.

SUITABILITY Who is Not Suitable for HIFU Treatment?

HIFU treatment is not suitable for everyone. You may not be a candidate if any of the following apply:

• Pregnancy
• Active skin infection
• Health conditions that negatively affect healing
• Recent dermal fillers or thread lifts in the area (within the last 6 months)
• Recent surgery in the treatment area
• Metal implants, surgical plates, or pacemaker in or near the area
• Active autoimmune or connective tissue conditions that may impair skin healing
• Active cancer or history of skin cancer in the treatment area

⚠️This list is not exhaustive – a thorough consultation is required prior to treatment.

PREPARATION How Do I Prepare for HIFU?

1-2 Weeks Before:

• Daily SPF 50+ sunscreen and prescribed skincare to optimise skin health and increase the results.
• Direct and prolonged sun exposure avoided, particularly during peak UV hours.

1-2 Days Before:

• Alcohol avoided – may increase sensitivity and bruising risk.
• Ibuprofen and aspirin avoided if possible –⚠️Medical doctor should be consulted before changing any medications.

On the Day:

• No makeup in the treatment area.
• Paracetamol prior may reduce discomfort –⚠️Medical doctor should be consulted for appropriate guidance.
• Topical numbing cream applied 60 minutes prior may help reduce surface discomfort.
• All fillers, injectables, surgeries, medications and medical conditions to be disclosed on the day to ensure safe treatment.

AFTERCARE What Is the HIFU Aftercare?

1-2 Days After:

• Heat exposure avoided – strenuous exercise, saunas, hot baths or showers.
• Cool packs to reduce swelling.

1–2 Weeks After:

• Direct and prolonged sun exposure avoided – particularly during peak UV hours.
• Massage or pressure in the treatment area avoided.
• Proper hydration to support lymphatic clearance, particularly after HIFU Contouring with fat reduction.
• Skin treatments avoided unless advised by your clinician.

Ongoing:

• SPF 50+ sunscreen and prescribed skincare to optimise skin health and treatment results.

If Bruising Occurs:

• Arnica cream or tablets may assist with faster bruising resolution –⚠️Consult pharmacist or medical doctor for appropriate guidance.