In recent years, “sagging skin treatment” has been attracting attention in the field of aesthetic medicine. Among these, HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) is known as an effective treatment that makes use of the properties of ultrasound to generate collagen and tighten the skin. In this article, we will explain in detail to aesthetic medicine professionals the basic principles of HIFU, specific treatment methods, and safety.
- INDEX
The Secret to Success in HIFU Treatment for Sagging Skin (02:39-)
HIFU irradiates high-density ultrasound linearly onto the lesion or sagging tissue, promoting thermal coagulation and collagen production. Ultrasound has high directivity, causing the temperature in the center to rise. This is different from lasers, which cannot penetrate without a medium.
HIFU can control the target depth of 2mm, 3mm, 4.5mm, and 6mm, and works effectively on the dermis, deep fat layer, and SMAS, which are fibrous tissues. It reconstructs and reshapes the skin that has become loose with age. SMAS is an important tissue that supports the facial muscles and the skin. When the skin ages, the components of the dermis decrease, the support ligaments become loose, and the skin sags due to drooping and shifting of fat.
HIFU has a skin tightening effect because it applies heat in dotted or linear patterns through irradiation.
HIFU, Now Becoming the Standard Treatment for Sagging Skin(8:56-)
The third generation of HIFU, [ZI:] has two irradiation modes: Dot mode and Linear mode. Dot mode applies heat at 60°C-65°C to the target to promote collagen shrinkage. Linear mode applies a lower temperature of 58°C to promote fat dissolving and tightening effects.
Each mode can be used for different purposes. For example, Linear mode is suitable for fat dissolution, while Dot mode is practically effective for rebuilding fibrous tissue. Fat dissolution with Dot mode is also possible, but in that case, 0.6J at 3mm is appropriate, or 6mm with Linear mode. For sagging lower eyelids, 0.3J in Linear mode would be the optimal solution.
For facial lifting, I believe that the method established by Dr. Ishikawa is the most effective. Its feature is it also irradiates in the vertical direction. As a result, contraction, lifting and tightening can be done simultaneously. SMAS and the area under the chin can be tightened.
I tried it out on my own face.
HIFU was applied only to the right side of my face. When comparing the left and right sides, you can see that the right cheek(on the left-hand side of the photo) has been lifted. What is characteristic is that the corner of the mouth and the side of the nostril have also been lifted. The texture of the skin has also improved.
Safety Guidelines for Maximizing the Effects of HIFU (18:00-)
In performing HIFU treatment, the risk of nerve damage must be avoided. Numbness can occur if sensory nerves, motor nerves, trigeminal nerves, supraorbital nerves, or trochlear nerves are irradiated. Irradiation at 4.5 mm depth near the labiomandibular fold is also contraindicated to avoid rami mentales.
As a matter of fact, HIFU treatment at beauty salons has been banned in Japan since June 2024. HIFU is very effective for sagging skin, but it is important to follow the prescribed techniques. HIFU practitioners must fully understand the method advocated by Dr. Ishikawa in terms of both effectiveness and safety.
Future Vision of Safe and Effective Sagging Skin Treatment with HIFU (20:36-)
HIFU is very useful for tightening and lifting sagging skin, but ensuring safety is essential. Controlling the depth and irradiating in the vertical direction are effective for lifting. Irradiation is generally performed in Dot mode, but treatment in Linear mode is also possible depending on the skill of the practitioner. Combining HIFU with RF or hyaluronic acid injections etc. can lead to increased patient satisfaction.
