Aging comes with a lot of changes to the body. This may not only affect the functioning of our body systems, but it also takes a toll on our physical appearance. Many aging individuals consider going under the knife to get a facelift and look younger. However, with the introduction of noninvasive facelifting techniques, dermatologists have recommended procedures like HIFU and Ultherapy in recent years. While they are two similar procedures that have gained popularity over the years, the two are not the same. This article will highlight the differences between HIFU and Ultherapy and, in turn, help you decide which procedure may be better suited to you.
What is HIFU?
HIFU stands for high-frequency focused ultrasound technology. Popular technologies used for conducting HIFU procedures include Ultraformer 3 and Sygmalift, which are the preferred choices of most dermatologists and cosmetic experts. HIFU is considered one of the most popular nonsurgical alternatives to more invasive forms of a facelift.
HIFU technology is known for its ability to maintain a youthful appearance on the skin. It does this by promoting firmer skin and smoothening out wrinkles. It also helps promote an uplifted appearance of the face.
Who is Suitable for HIFU?
Individuals who may be considered suitable for HIFU include those with excess sagginess of the skin on their faces. It is also popularly opted for by individuals with extra facial fat leading to chubby cheeks. It is ideal for individuals with early signs of aging who want to improve the appearance of their wrinkles and fine lines.
Expected Result
Results can be seen immediately after the completion of the HIFU treatment; however, these may seem mild at first. The results continue to become more apparent within 1 to 3 months after the completion of the session. For some individuals, it may even take up to 6 months to see the full effect of the HIFU treatment. After this time, the patients report having an uplifted and fresher appearance of their skin. These results may last up to a year, after which the individual may be suggested to have additional sessions. These are also referred to as maintenance sessions.
What is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is a noninvasive, nonsurgical procedure for facelifts. It is commonly performed on individuals with visible signs of aging. This includes individuals with skin sagging and wrinkles on the face, neck, and chest. It may also be performed on the brow area. What makes Ultherapy particularly popular is that it is FDA-approved to be used as a way to boost collagen synthesis in the skin. The increased collagen production makes the skin look younger and improves the overall firmness.
Who is Suitable for Ultherapy?
Ultherapy helps target skin laxity and sagging skin, common signs of aging. The majority of the individuals who may be considered suitable for this procedure are over the age of 25 years old. This is because 25 is the age after which the individual may first start seeing signs of aging on their skin. Moreover, individuals who opt for Ultherapy in their late 30s may benefit more from Ultherapy as compared to those who are older than 55 years.
Individuals who may not be considered suitable for Ultherapy are those who are either pregnant, currently breastfeeding, or suffering from an autoimmune condition. Individuals with Autoimmune conditions like Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, and Ehler Danlos Syndrome may have flare-ups with Ultherapy, which can impact their health negatively. Moreover, individuals with an active skin infection may not be considered ideal candidates for Ultherapy as it may worsen the symptoms or cause it to spread to other areas of the body.
Expected Result
Similar to HIFU, there is no downtime with Ultherapy. After completing Ultherapy, the patients can return to their everyday activities – whether returning to work or indulging in social activities. The effects of Ultherapy can be seen in only a few days of the procedure. This also depends on how fast the body is able to produce collagen. The improvement in the results of Ultherapy can be seen up to 3 months after the completion of the procedure. These results may last for more than a year after the treatment. The longevity of the results also depends on the individual’s natural aging process.
Hifu VS Ultherapy: Procedure
Both HIFU and Ultherapy are considered painless and noninvasive procedures, which is why they remain a popular choice amongst the majority. Unfortunately, a majority of individuals often confuse the two procedures, thinking they are the same. In fact, the two procedures are only similar and not identical. Ultherapy has the additional benefit of being conducted with real-time imaging. Moreover, while the two treatments both use ultrasounds, the types of ultrasound beams used by both are different.
Ultherapy works by using micro-focused ultrasound beams, while HIFU uses high-intensity focused ultrasound. While Ultherapy is designed to deliver energy to a specific layer of skin, HIFU can also target the fat cells and promote fat loss.
Hifu Vs. Ultratherapy: Treatment Areas
HIFU and Ultherapy are commonly used on the face, neck, chin, and brows to tighten and lift up the skin. It may also be used on the chest to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Hifu VS Ultratherapy: Side Effect
Both HIFU and Ultherapy have similar side effects. However, when conducted by a qualified health professional, HIFU allows the individual to resume everyday activities the next day. Some individuals may experience slight redness and swelling; however, they resolve quickly. A few individuals may also experience a light tingling sensation, but this may also resolve in a few weeks.
Similar to HIFU, individuals undergoing Ultherapy may also experience a tingling or numbing sensation lasting for a few days. Bruising is also a possible side effect for Ultherapy, but the doctor’s right pre and post-operative instruction may avoid it.
Hifu VS Ultratherapy: Cost
Hifu Cost
The average cost of HIFU for the face is between $1700 to $2000. However, this may depend more or less on the areas of the face being targeted and the number of sessions required to reach the goal of the patient and the health professional.
Ultherapy Cost
The cost of Ultherapy usually ranges between $1500 to $4000. However, this may be less or less depending on the areas of the face being treated. For example, Ultherapy targeting the eyebrows can cost almost $1800, while targeting the entire face and neck can cost up to $3000 to $4000.
Where Can I Get the Treatment?
Ultherapy and HIFU should both be conducted in a medical clinic under the supervision of a specialized and trained health physician. At the clinic, the patients are first asked to undergo an initial consultation, where the doctor determines if they are the right candidate for the procedure. Once their eligibility is determined, the patient is given an appointment.
Final Thoughts
HIFU is often confused with Ultherapy. While the two procedures are similar to one another, their details may differ from each other. It is up to the patients to consult an experienced health professional to help them determine the procedure that may suit them better.
About Dream Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery
Bespoke surgical for cosmetic or medical reasons is what Dream covers to bring out the beauty in every individual. Going beyond the aesthetics and working on physical anomalies are what we value the most in leading our patients to cherish self-improvement and confident lifestyles.
Derived from Associate Professor Vincent Yeow’s long-standing experience performing plastic surgery in Singapore, our treatment plans deliver physical remodelling in our patients’ favour. One of the notable remodellings is droopy eyelid correction. The ptosis surgery used for treatment eventually fixes drooping eyelids, improves vision and enhances appearance.
Most importantly, as a trustworthy plastic surgery and aesthetic clinic, we treasure positive and natural outcomes for each individual. We will ensure to deliver the beauty refinement of your dream without compromising your safety and privacy.
