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 and 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 not the optimal choice for people with thin faces and minimal subcutaneous fat. The technology penetrates the deep layers of the skin to cause the tightening effect. This process 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 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

  • 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 declines. There comes a point where repeated stimulation through HIFU can overload the natural mechanism for the reproduction of collagen. collagenThis suggests that the effects of the procedures may become less pronounced over time.
  • Overstimulation
    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 can lead to tissue damage and worsening of skin conditions. 
  • While HIFU is an extremely popular 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 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 to reduce this training to manuals and video lessons from a distance. Such an approach is extremely insufficient, because there is no real practice, no control and supervision. The risk should not be underestimated: improper use of the device can harm the health and well-being of the client.

3. Local regulations and safety

The alternative is 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.

en_USEnglish