HIFU stands for High Intensity Focus Ultrasound, and is an energy based device for face lifting and skin tightening treatments. Ulthera is the only HIFU machine in the market currently with "live scanning" ability, that is to say the doctor doing the treatment is able to see the depth as well as the skin structures such as blood vessels, nerves, and bones and to avoid them where necessary during the procedure. Having live scanning also helps to maintain proper coupling of the handpiece to the skin to ensure optimal delivery of energy to where it is intended.
Only registered medical clinics and doctors are allowed to own and operate the Ulthera machine, as a N2 NEA license is required.
Not all HIFU machines are equal, those used in clinics are usually of medical grade which can deliver higher energy level and thus require HSA approval as well. Having said that, it does not mean beauty salons' HIFU do not work, as the efficacy of a treatment depends on the machine as well as the operator. In all energy-based treatments there is always a sweet spot or "therapeutic window". Below it, results are slow or nil and above, and will unfortunately result in burns or worse, cause damage to the skin's underlying structures.
