Why does my skin still sag after HIFU treatment?

To answer this question one would need to understand how HIFU works. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that uses non-ionizing ultrasonic waves to heat tissue. The heating of the tissue aims to tigger formation of new collagen within the skin hence creating a permanent lift and rejuvenation. During the immediate treatment one would be able to see a immediate lift that is temporary due to the edema (swelling) and this will settle in a few days. The permanent results will only come once your body naturally regenerates new collagen. This can explain why someone may notice a lift which disappears over the next few days. However, be patient and you should see some results in the next few weeks.

There are different HIFU machines available. Some treatments require several sessions to see results whilst Ultherapy requires only one session. Ultherapy is a brand of a HIFU machine that is used worldwide to counteract the effects of gravity on the skin – non-surgically. Ultherapy is the only FDA-approved HIFU machine that lifts and tightens the neck, chin and brow, and improves lines and wrinkles on the chest. Having used both, I can tell you that the results do differ. The advantage of the Ultherapy system is that it allows real-time visualisation (via ultrasound) of the areas that you are targeting hence ensuring accurate delivery of the treatment to the right depth every time. Some patients have mentioned that the sessions are more painful and this is operator dependent. Adjusting the settings, adequate sedation and pain control in a private setting can help patients to cope with the treatment very comfortably.

HIFU treatments are a great alternative for younger patients who have good skin elasticity and for individuals who are not ready for surgery. However, it is not a replacement for a surgical facelift. HIFU treatments will not give good results for patients with very lax skin and these patients may be served better with surgery.

I hope this answers your question. Have a great week ahead and all the best!

The information provided is purely for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice or create any physician/patient relationship. Results may vary between individuals.

There are a few possibilities.

1. Currently, there are different HIFU treatments available on the market. Some require more than 1 treatment to see results, some will only need one treatment to see results, e.g. Ultherapy. Hence depending on which type and brand of HIFU you did, the results may differ. HIFU treatments like Ultherapy, allow direct visualiation via real-time ultrasound and this allows for accurate delivery of the ultrasound energy into the correct depth and area of treatment, as well as ensuring optimal contact between the probe and the skin.. It also depends on the technique and expertise of the operator administering the HIFU treatment. Hence it is prudent that you choose a clinic with doctors who are well experienced with administering HIFU treatments.

2. HIFU treatments typically take around 3-6 months to see the full results, as HIFU treatments work by using ultrasound energy to activate the skin regenerative process, through tissue contraction and stimulation of new collagen production. These take time to happen and hence you may not see immediate results after HIFU treatment.

3. While HIFU treatments are a great alternative especially for those who are not ready for surgery and for those with have mild to moderate sagging/skin laxity, it is not a replacement for surgical facelift/cosmetic surgery. HIFU treatments may not give good results for those with severe skin laxity/sagging.

There are a few possibilities.

1. Currently, there are different HIFU treatments available on the market. Some require more than 1 treatment to see results, some will only need one treatment to see results, e.g. Ultherapy. Hence depending on which type and brand of HIFU you did, the results may differ. HIFU treatments like Ultherapy, allow direct visualiation via real-time ultrasound and this allows for accurate delivery of the ultrasound energy into the correct depth and area of treatment, as well as ensuring optimal contact between the probe and the skin.. It also depends on the technique and expertise of the operator administering the HIFU treatment. Hence it is prudent that you choose a clinic with doctors who are well experienced with administering HIFU treatments.

2. HIFU treatments typically take around 3-6 months to see the full results, as HIFU treatments work by using ultrasound energy to activate the skin regenerative process, through tissue contraction and stimulation of new collagen production. These take time to happen and hence you may not see immediate results after HIFU treatment.

3. While HIFU treatments are a great alternative especially for those who are not ready for surgery and for those with have mild to moderate sagging/skin laxity, it is not a replacement for surgical facelift/cosmetic surgery. HIFU treatments may not give good results for those with severe skin laxity/sagging.