Your skin doesn’t warn you that it’s starting lose firmness. One day, you simply look in the mirror and notice that the contours of your face are no longer what they used to be. Your cheeks start to sag, the oval of your face loses its defined shape, and your skin looks more saggy and tired.
Similar changes may also occur on the body. The stomach, arms, thighs and knees lose their firmness over time, and the skin becomes less supple and noticeably looser.
And that’s when it’s easy to ignore the first signs of the problem – to mask the sagging with yet more cosmetics, or to wait for the skin to regain its lost firmness on its own. However, it doesn’t always have to end with skincare. One of the methods used to treat loss of skin firmness is HIFU treatment, which can be applied to selected areas of the face and body.
HIFU – high-intensity focused ultrasound technology
HIFU it is an abbreviation of the English term high-intensity focused ultrasound, i.e. concentrated ultrasound high-intensity. The energy is focused at a specific depth, enabling it to target selected layers of tissue without damaging the skin’s surface.
Wellclinic uses a device HIPRO V with second-generation HIFU technology. It allows the parameters and depth of treatment to be precisely adjusted to the treatment area and the patient’s individual circumstances.
Ultrasound causes controlled heating of the tissues. As a result, the collagen fibres contract and remodelling processes are triggered. This helps to improve the skin’s firmness and elasticity.
This process is part of the natural collagen regeneration, which slows down as we get older.
How does HIFU differ from HIFU II?
HIFU II It is not a completely different method, but rather a newer generation of HIFU technology. At Wellclinic, we use the HIPRO V device, which allows the depth of the ultrasound treatment to be tailored more precisely to the treatment area and the patient’s individual characteristics. The parameters can be adjusted with an accuracy of 0.5 mm, which allows for more precise planning of where the energy will be directed.
The difference in comfort is also significant. Older HIFU devices may cause greater discomfort during the procedure, whereas HIFU II It has been designed with a greater emphasis on the comfort of energy delivery. The ultrasound waves bypass the skin’s surface and are focused at a specific depth within the tissues, meaning the treatment does not require any breach of the epidermis.
In practice HIFU II First and foremost, this means greater precision and the ability to tailor the treatment parameters more precisely to the specific area and the skin’s needs.
Facial firming and lifting without surgery
HIFU for the face It is primarily used when the skin begins to lose its firmness and the facial contours become less defined. The treatment may include, amongst other things, the cheeks, the jawline, the chin and other areas requiring improved firmness.
One of the results is improved skin firmness and a lifting effect on the tissues. HIFU II It can also improve the appearance of sagging cheeks and help to create a more defined facial contours.
The treatment can also be used for visible signs of ageing, such as loss of elasticity or the appearance of wrinkles.
Neck and décolletage – improving skin firmness
The skin on the neck and décolleté is particularly prone to losing its firmness. Over time, it can become thinner, less supple and more wrinkled.
HIFU for the neck and décolletage It allows the ultrasound energy to be focused at a specific depth in order to target tissues where tone needs to be improved.
The scope of the treatment should always be tailored to the condition of the skin and the desired result.
Toning loose skin on the body
HIFU for the body It can be used on areas where the skin has lost its firmness. At Wellclinic, the treatment is carried out on the abdomen, arms, thighs, buttocks and knees, amongst other areas.
This method may be of particular interest to people whose skin has become loose following weight loss or as a result of age-related changes.
HIFU II It may also help to reduce the circumference of specific areas of the body and be used in procedures aimed at reducing body fat. However, it is not intended for the removal of large amounts of body fat.
If the main problem is a significant excess of body fat, the specialist will assess during the consultation what course of action would be appropriate.
Loose abdominal skin after pregnancy – can HIFU help?
Pregnancy and the postnatal period can result not only in changes to the shape of the body, but also in noticeably looser skin. This is particularly true of the tummy, which may remain less firm than it was before pregnancy for a long time.
HIFU for the abdomen after pregnancy It may be considered in cases of loss of skin firmness and sagging. The treatment is also used for people who have developed a similar problem following significant weight loss. Wellclinic lists skin firming following significant weight loss, including after pregnancy, amongst the applications of HIFU II.
If the problem is primarily loose skin on the abdomen, during the consultation, it is possible to assess its condition and the extent of loss of tone.
What does the HIFU treatment involve?
Before the procedure, the specialist takes a medical history and assesses the area to be treated with ultrasound.
A series of pulses is then applied to the prepared skin. The energy is delivered to a specific depth, and its effect causes the tissues to heat up in a controlled manner.
With the HIPRO V, the parameters and treatment depth can be adjusted to suit the treatment area and the patient’s individual circumstances. According to Wellclinic, the device allows the wave depth to be adjusted in increments of 0.5 mm.
The treatment itself usually lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
When do the effects start to show, and how long do they last?
Effects of HIFU treatment They develop gradually. This is due to the processes taking place in the tissues following the controlled application of ultrasound.
The first signs of improved skin firmness may be noticeable sooner, whilst the tissue remodelling process takes longer. Wellclinic states that the effect can last for up to around two years.
The longevity of the results is influenced by factors such as age, skin condition, lifestyle and the individual rate at which processes occur in the tissues.
Is a single HIFU treatment enough?
HIFU II at Wellclinic It does not normally require a course of treatments. Current information on the procedure indicates that a single treatment is recommended, for both facial and body therapy.
However, this does not mean that every patient requires exactly the same course of treatment. The final decision should be made following an assessment of the skin and consultation with a specialist.
When is HIFU not recommended?
Contraindications for HIFU These include, amongst others, pregnancy and breastfeeding, recently tanned skin, skin diseases and infections, blood clotting disorders, the use of blood-thinning medication, epilepsy, cancer and a fitted pacemaker. Active autoimmune diseases and certain drug therapies may also be contraindications.
The list of contraindications is more extensive and depends on the patient’s individual circumstances. It is therefore essential to carry out a thorough medical history assessment before the procedure.
How to prepare for the procedure?
Preparing for HIFU II It does not usually require any complicated procedures. The most important thing is to inform the specialist about your state of health, any medicines you are taking, and any previous procedures carried out in the area where the treatment is to be carried out.
If you have previously undergone any aesthetic medicine procedures at the treatment site, you should also mention this during the consultation. This will enable the condition of the tissues to be properly assessed and ensure the procedure can be carried out safely.
Is a recovery period needed after HIFU?
HIFU II It does not require a recovery period. After the procedure, you can resume your daily activities without having to take time off work or miss any other planned commitments.
Immediately after the procedure, the skin may be slightly red, swollen or more sensitive. Some people may also experience temporary sensations of warmth, tightness or tenderness at the treatment site. These are usually short-lived reactions associated with the effect of the energy on the tissues.
However, the absence of a recovery period does not mean that the skin requires no care at all. For about a week, you should avoid exfoliation, intensive treatments and irritating cosmetics on the treated area. It is also advisable to use gentle skincare products and protect your skin from excessive sun exposure.
HIFU versus other methods of improving skin firmness
HIFU is not the only method used to treat loss of firmness. Depending on the problem, you may also consider radiofrequency, laser therapy or other treatments to improve the condition of the skin.
The difference relates primarily to depth and the way in which it affects tissues. HIFU It utilises concentrated ultrasonic energy, which causes controlled overheating of selected structures and initiates remodelling processes. Radiofrequency works by using radio wave energy, leading to the heating of tissues and the stimulation of processes responsible for improving skin firmness. Laser therapy, on the other hand, can be used, amongst other things, for skin remodelling, improving its structure and stimulating collagen production.
This does not, however, mean that one method is universally superior to the others. A different approach may be required for mild skin laxity, for a marked loss of firmness, or for skin which, in addition to firming, requires an improvement in its structure. The treatment area, tissue thickness, age, skin quality and the desired outcome are also important factors.
Therefore, the choice of treatment should be based on an assessment of the specific problem, rather than solely on the popularity of a particular method. A consultation helps to determine whether the primary need is to stimulate deeper tissues, improve skin firmness, or carry out a comprehensive restructuring of the skin’s structure.
How much does a HIFU treatment cost?
In the case of some treatments designed to improve skin firmness, the following may offer better value for money: packages comprising several treatments. This approach works particularly well when a course of treatment, rather than a single visit, is recommended to achieve the desired result.
However, it is worth distinguishing between the various methods. HIFU II does not normally require a course of treatments – a single procedure is carried out in the selected area.
If there are currently any promotions on treatment packages, it is best to check the terms and conditions and available options at Wellclinic price list, as the promotional offer is subject to change.
HIFU II at Wellclinic – before sagging starts to affect your appearance
You can still hide sagging skin under your clothes for a while, contour your face with make-up and tell yourself that „it’s not a problem yet”. However, over time, the loss of firmness becomes increasingly noticeable. The contours of your face lose their definition, your cheeks begin to sag, and the looser skin on your tummy, arms or thighs becomes increasingly difficult to ignore. Don’t wait until you no longer recognise the face you’re used to seeing in the mirror.
If you notice the first signs of sagging, Book a consultation at Wellclinic. A specialist will assess the condition of your skin and check whether HIFU II will be an effective way of halting this process and restoring the skin’s firmness.
It would be worth selecting sources relating to focused ultrasound, non-invasive lifting, tissue remodelling and HIFU safety. In this case, too, I provide a mix of academic publications and institutional sources.
Sources:
- PubMed „Microfocused Ultrasound for Skin Tightening: A Review of Clinical Evidence”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30346539/ - PubMed „Microfocused Ultrasound with Visualisation for the Face and Neck: A Systematic Review”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504099/ - PubMed „High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Skin Tightening: A Systematic Review”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29317759/ - American Society for Dermatologic Surgery: „Ultrasound Skin Tightening”
https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/ultrasound-skin-tightening - Cleveland Clinic: „HIFU Facial: What It Is, Benefits, Risks & Results”
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25074-hifu-facial - DermNet „Ultrasound therapy”
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/ultrasound-therapy
