How many HIFU treatments are necessary?

Question

Hello Doctors I recently visted a clinic to inquire about HIFU. I am a 36 year old female with mild skin laxity around the jawline and one hooded eyelid which I would like to improve. The lady I spoke to in the clinic recommended 1200 HIFU shots spread out over 4 monthly sessions (300 shots a session). Most sites i have visited online say that usually one session is enough, but additional sessions may be necessary depending on the individual. 4 sessions seems like a lot to me. Any advice?

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Ultherapy is the only FDA cleared HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) device for noninvasive skin lifting. It usually requires one session then it is best to wait a few months before determining if more are needed. If it is not Ultherapy then it is probably not true HIFU but non-focused ultrasound or a much lower energy device.

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Dear Sally:The issues you describe generally require a full-face treatment with Ultherapy.  While the number of lines recommended is good, I would generally deliver 800 to 1200 Lines with one treatment, offering a lower price to a younger person such as yourself who should need a lower number of lines. There have been no studies of fractional treatments such as what is being recommended, and I cannot imagine the advantage to you. Most patients would prefer to have the complete treatment up front, for earlier results and efficiencies in time and travel, and probably cost (I offer additional lines at cost), and if you are taking an oral medication to prevent discomfort, you will have more time for the effects to wear off if you have all lines with that first treatment.Ultherapy should absolutely be overseen by a physician. In my opinion, at least, it is not a procedure that should be offered in a spa setting.  You should determine whether they are offering HIFU with a device by Ulthera, or some other nonapproved device. I will be answering questions, offering free consults and a few lines of treatment for those who are interested in learning more and seeing what it feels like, on the 25th.All the best,  Dr. Clark

Victoria Dobbie, BDS · Answer

Hello Sally
Is the HIFU device FDA approved? does it have research that shows this unit  is a safe treatment? Does it have research to show it works? As your provider to provide proof. Do not confuse HIFU with MFUS (Ultherapy)
Know what you are buying? different units are not comparable, which is probably why you are reading variable advice on the internet.
Best wishes
Victoria

How many HIFU treatments are necessary?

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