When it comes to safety HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) procedure, it is important to note that the use of young faces in advertisements can create unrealistic expectations and mislead customers about the appropriate age for application and possible results. Along with the benefits, consumers should be aware that if HIFU cosmetic therapy is applied with inappropriate equipment settings on risk areas, adverse reactions may occur.

Who is the cosmetic HIFU method not suitable for?

  • People with thin faces and minimal subcutaneous fat
    Aesthetic HIFU procedures are definitely not a suitable choice for people with thin faces and minimal subcutaneous fat. The superficial fat layer SMAS, located at a depth of between 3 mm and 4.5 mm, acts as a natural cushion that maintains facial volume.. In thin people, this layer is very thin and the fat deposits are located at a shallower depth than the standard one. Since the layers are closer to the surface, the likelihood of adipose tissue destruction is greater. Instead of the desired rejuvenating effect, the result may be a loss of volume and a lack of natural softness. 
  • People with sensitive skin
    People with sensitive or problematic skin are at higher risk of side effects when using HIFU. The risk increases when the device settings are not tailored to the individual characteristics of the skin. Therefore, professional assessment and a personalized approach are key.
  • 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
    Many advertisements present HIFU procedures as suitable for all ages, but this is not the case. Unjustified application can lead to costs and risks without visible results.

Possible long-term effects of HIFU procedures

  • Permanent fat loss
    In people who are born thin and do not have excess fat tissue in the jaw or cheek area, the "shrinkage" effect is completely unnecessary and even negative for the aesthetics of the face.. HIFU The devices can tighten the skin, but cannot restore lost volume. This can only be done through fillers or fat transfers..
  • 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 HIFU treatments can overload the natural mechanism for skin regeneration. collagenThis suggests that the effects of the procedures may become less pronounced over time.
  • Danger of "overdoing it"„
    Biologically, the body has certain limits to its restorative capacity. Frequent use of high-intensity ultrasound waves can disrupt the natural balance and cause side effects. While short-term results are positive, excessive stimulation with HIFU can lead to tissue damage and skin deterioration. These predictions are still under investigation and there are currently no long-term studies. Rather, research is focused on optimizing procedures, minimizing side effects, and safety.
    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.

When is HIFU useful and what is the difference between Ultherapy & Ultraformer?

Doctor explaining the applications and safety protocols of the HIFU procedure in a professional video.

Safety

HIFU machines and professionalism

1. Choosing a quality HIFU device

Minimizing the risk of errors when applying HIFU therapies depends on two main factors: The quality of the equipment used and the experience of the dermatologist or cosmeticswho performs the cosmetic procedure.
On the market there are both certified professional HIFU devices 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 the standards (FDA/CE certificates), as the appearance and promises of rejuvenating results do not guarantee the actual quality of the technology.

2. Training and preparation

The manufacturers of HIFU devices offer certification programs that familiarize specialists with the correct settings, application techniques, and possible contraindications. It is common practice for this training to be limited to manuals and video tutorials remotely. Such an approach is extremely inadequate because there is no real practice, no control, and no monitoring. The risk It is not to be underestimated. Improper use of the device can harm the health and well-being of the client.

3. Local regulations and safety

The alternative for training are certified training centers or official distributors. But here too, attention is needed, the trainers themselves should have undergone adequate training. It is important to check whether the program is tailored to the specific model of device that will be used in practice. Added to this is the factor of local regulations. In different countries, the requirements vary from minimal to extremely strict, which directly affects the level of training and safety control. When these conditions are not met, the risk falls on the client, and when they are – they guarantee not only safety, but also real, sustainable results.

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