Is Hifu bad, or did I get a bad result?

Question

I am 42 years old. I went through hifu procedure almost 2 weeks ago for the first time (first timer in face treatments to be exact) and some parts of my face and jaw get progressively nump. I have noticed that the practitioner (not doctor) who performed the hifu was entering 1.4mm. Isn't this long incision? I am worried that that was a poor treatment that gets worse as time goes by or its just me and my fears....

Jag Chana, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

My main concern with non-surgical options for the face and jawline is that they do not address the true anatomical reason for the jowls and loose skin to have occurred in the first place which is a descent of the soft tissues and fat compartments in the face along with a weakening of the muscles. The use of a non-surgical energy based treatment  will not relocate the tissues back to their youthful position and will only provide a shortlived temporary minor improvement. The best procedure is a lower face and necklift which will relocate the tissues to their normal position and provide a longlasting effect. Of course facelift and necklift procedures is not one all-encompassing procedure since every face is different and the specific type of surgery and adjustment to the deep tissues ( the SMAS layer and platysma) will be different. It is best to seek out a surgeon who is experienced in all types of facelift surgery and who is able to individualise your surgery to the specific ageing features in your face. Beware of surgeons promoting one type of branded facelift or enticements into a local anaesthetic procedure. The ageing face needs an overall assessment and may require multiple techniques during the facelift to provide the best longlasting natural result.

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

There are several modalities for non-surgical skin rejuvenation and skin tightening. Some send focused RF energy under the kin while others use fractional needle RF with direct contact. What is important is the quality of the machine as well as the practitioner doing the procedure. For facial aesthetics, I usually do not prefer treatments consisting of energy focusing under the skin. To my belief, these treatments will unevenly cause fibrosis of the subcutaneous tissue also resulting in fat atrophy, which will end in a more aging skin. Needling procedures with RF are my primary tool for non-surgical skin rejuvenation and tightening in the face.
Hope this helps,
Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Heating the skin up with electromagnetic energy at best creates temporary swelling. In no way can it supplant the need to remove surplus skin if it is a component of the aesthetic problem. I suggest you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Nora Nugent, FRCSI (Plast) · Answer

Dear monafiero,
Thank you for your question. It is normal to have some temporary swelling of your skin after HIFU but the default if you are worried after a treatment is to see the practitioner that treated you. They need to be aware of any problems and concerns and can advise you. I would also ask to see the doctor who oversees the facility that you had your treatment in as well. If there is no doctor attached to this clinic, then you should see a board certified plastic surgeon in your area who can assess and advise you.
I hope this was helpful and that the rest of your recovery goes well.
Best wishes

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

A HIFU lift is high intensity focused ultrasound treatment.  The machine heats tissues and theheat can tighten tissues.  1.4 mm is less than a tenth of an inch, or a very small distance.Swelling is most likely from  your body healing and it will go away with time.Best wishes.

Is Hifu bad, or did I get a bad result?

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Is Hifu bad, or did I get a bad result?

Answers (5)

Answer: Worried After HIFU

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