HiFu (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) facials are popular among those looking for a non-invasive method to tighten skin and improve its elasticity. However, advertising HIFU and other intensive cosmetic procedures on the faces of young people is unethical and creates unrealistic expectations among clients.
Who is the HiFu procedure not suitable for?
People with thin faces and minimal subcutaneous fat HiFu procedures are not the optimal choice for people with thin faces and minimal subcutaneous fat. The technology penetrates the deep layers of the skin and stimulates tightening, which can lead to excessive retraction of an already thin face, making it look more pointed and exhausted. Instead of the desired rejuvenating effect, the result can be a loss of volume and a lack of natural softness.
People with sensitive skin People with sensitive or problematic skin may be at greater risk of side effects. This is especially true in cases where the device settings are not adapted to individual skin characteristics, which highlights the importance of professional assessment and an individual approach.
People with certain medical conditions Individuals with autoimmune diseases or cardiovascular problems should be very careful. Although HiFu is offered as a non-invasive method, some health conditions require further investigation and consultation with a specialist before choosing this procedure.
Young women with no visible signs of aging The question arises as to whether HiFu is the best choice for young people who do not have significant skin problems. Many advertisements present the procedures as suitable for all ages, but this is not always the case.
Possible long-term effects of HiFu procedures
Depletion of collagen reproduction resources Collagen is a major structural protein in the human body that provides elasticity and strength to the skin. Over time, the body's ability to produce collagen naturally decreases. There comes a point where repeated stimulation through HiFu can lead to an overload of the natural mechanism for collagen reproduction. This suggests that the effects of the procedures may become less pronounced over time.
Overstimulation Although short-term results are positive, excessive stimulation can lead to tissue damage and skin deterioration. Biologically, the body has certain limits to its regenerative capacity. Frequent use of high-intensity ultrasound waves can disrupt the natural balance and cause side effects.
While HiFu is an extremely popular and effective method for stimulating collagen, there are some risks associated with long-term use. These predictions are still being investigated, and there are currently no long-term studies. Rather, research is focused on optimizing the procedures and minimizing side effects. For now, it is advisable to apply HiFu at reasonable intervals, taking into account the individual characteristics of the skin and its capacity for regeneration.
Safety
Machines and professionalism
Minimizing the risk of errors when applying HiFu therapies depends on two main factors: The quality of the devices used and the experience of the beautician/dermatologist performing the procedure. There are both certified professional devices on the market with proven effectiveness (e.g. Ulthera, Ultraformer), as well as those of questionable quality. It is difficult for customers to assess whether a device meets all standards, since the appearance and promises of results do not guarantee the real quality of the technology. HIFU device manufacturers offer official certification programs that familiarize specialists with the correct settings, application techniques, and possible contraindications. A practiced but unfavorable option is remote self-training through manuals and video tutorials provided by the manufacturer. This poses serious risks because there is no practical supervision. Training is also provided by certified training centers or official distributors according to local regulations. However, it is important to check whether these trainings are adequate and correspond to the specific device model that will be used by the beautician/dermatologist.
When is HiFu useful and what is the difference between Ultherapy & Ultraformer find out in the video