HIFU Skin Tightening Treatments IN OXFORD

Ultraformer 3 and ULFIT

The ULTRAFORMER III and ULFIT are revolutionary next-generation HIFU solutions for tightening eyelid, facial, and neck skin.

Hifu treatments use ultrasound energy, targeting below-the-surface layers of the skin and leaving the surface intact. Ultrasound energy heats the skin tissue rapidly at specific depths, creating controlled cellular damage. Transferring stabilized temperatures of 65~75°C into the targeted zones, the ULTRAFORMER III induces a process of neo-collagenesis in the skin.

As we age, multiple aspects of the facial anatomy change, leading to a lax skin appearance. This includes bone and fat resorption, collagen and elastin reduction, and a lengthening of a fibrous structure called the SMAS. It is the SMAS and dermis that HIFU can target, stimulating a contracture of the SMAS and remodelling of collagen and elastin fibres in the dermis in just one session. We advise a single annual treatment thereafter to maintain skin rejuvenation.

Combining HIFU with Dermal Filler

While HIFU alone can provide a no-needle, non-surgical alternative to more invasive surgical treatments, you may still be advised to combine the treatment with dermal filler or Profhilo if there is evidence of bone and fat resorption.

Whilst HIFU treatments are an excellent option for skin tightening and lifting, dermal filler is usually advised to replace the internal structures that must be restored to lift and tighten the skin effectively. Even after a surgical facelift, dermal filler is often required to replace the look of natural contours and help support the skin and how it hangs on the face. It may help to understand that dermal fillers do not mean over-enhancement of your facial features; it is simply a replacement, like for like. The HIFU then works to contract the SMAS and dermal layer of the skin around the replenished structures. The dermal filler myth-busting FAQs below may help you understand their use for natural results.

HIFU Skin Tightening | Frequently Asked Questions

What areas of the face is HIFU effective?

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT LIKE?

A cool ultrasound gel is applied to the skin first, soothes the skin's surface and allows for the conductions of the ultrasound energy. The handpiece is applied to the skin and delivers several highly focused shots of ultrasound energy into the skin. This can feel a little uncomfortable in certain areas, such as the forehead, but is not generally described as painful. It is more often described as a dull toothache in the skin that settles within a few minutes.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Like any medical intervention, there are potential risks associated with having a HIFU treatment; however, most are mild, such as pinkness to the skin for a few hours and a minor sensitivity. As part of your consultation with us, you will be advised on these in more detail before proceeding with any treatment. Our team expertise and experience mean that we can assist you with side effects should you experience them. You should plan your treatments around social events in case you experience any effects that could affect your appearance, such as bruising. You will be given our out-of-hours mobile telephone number if you require urgent advice.

I Have Seen A Post About A Woman Who’s Facial Fat Melted. Will This Happen?

This is one of the most common questions we are asked, and the answer is no; it is very unlikely to happen unless we specifically want fat to break down, such as reducing fat from under the chin. The original technologies that used HIFU were often provided by poorly trained aestheticians and medical professionals with too aggressive devices, often requiring sedation during the procedure. The Ultraformer III and Ulfit could not be further away from that original technology, allowing us to customise treatments to individual patients’ facial shaping, ageing and fat in the face. We can treat at a variety of depths so that we can keep away from important facial fat structures, keeping within the SMAS and dermis yet targeting areas of fat that require reducing, all with minimal discomfort.

How Many treatments Will i Need?

Many patients will see a good improvement in skin laxity and tightening after only one treatment; however, some people will require further treatment three months later. Body contouring may require three treatments for maximum contouring and fat reduction. You can have a maximum of three treatments on the face in a 2-year period.

WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS?

The results of HIFU take up to 3 months to develop, during which time your skin and/or body will evolve.

HOW LONG WILL THE EFFECTS LAST?

The effect of duration can vary from person to person and depends upon the degree of skin ageing. Treatment results can last up to 2 years and deteriorates at the rate of ageing. Therefore we do recommend an annual treatment to maintain. Fat contouring is considered permanent; however, lifestyle will also affect how long the effects will last.

Are there any post-care instructions?

Yes, although these will be discussed in greater detail during your appointment:

-Making a conscious effort to stay hydrated and eating a healthy diet to support your body in its regeneration. Below are some collagen a skin-boosting foods that may be useful:

• Water: Drinking 2 litres of water today helps flush post-treatment thermal injury toxins from building within the tissues and assists with healthy skin function and hydration.

• Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables: As a natural consequence of inflammation from surgery, the body will temporarily produce higher levels of free radicals. You can help combat this and support oxidative balance by eating more antioxidant-rich foods such as spinach, kale and other leafy green vegetables, along with fruits like strawberries, blueberries and blackberries.

• Vitamin A-rich foods: Vitamin A is essential for epidermal (skin) growth, aiding in the reproduction and differentiation of cells. It’s also an immune-booster and anti-inflammatory nutrient. Vitamin A-rich foods include kale, spinach, beet greens and other leafy greens, carrots, and squash.

• Vitamin C-rich foods: You may already know that vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis. During wound healing, it also plays an additional role in helping to stabilize the structure of collagen. And on top of this, vitamin C boosts your immune function, sending in special immune cells that can assist with the wound healing process. Vitamin C-rich foods include bell peppers, citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato juice, mustard spinach, broccoli, kale, parsley, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.

-Avoid UV sun exposure for 2 weeks after treatment, and wear a daily sun protectant with an broad spectrum SPF 30 or above.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I STOP HAVING TREATMENTS?

Your skin will gradually return to its natural state for your age and quality of skin.