HIFU Facelift Singapore
A Detailed Guide to HIFU Facelift Treatment in Singapore
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) uses ultrasonic energy to target facial fats and stimulate collagen and elastin production. This non-invasive procedure aims to lift and tighten the skin, creating a natural-looking appearance. HIFU penetrates deep into the foundational layers of the skin, providing underlying support and enhancing facial contours.
HIFU is a safe and FDA-approved solution suitable for all skin types. Results are often noticeable after just one session, with minimal to no downtime required, making it a convenient option for those seeking skin rejuvenation.
This guide is medically reviewed by Dr. Chin Kok Ping.
HIFU At A Glance
Treatment Duration
30 – 40 Minutes
Recommended Sessions
1 – 2 Sessions
Recommended Interval
6 – 9 Months
Recovery Time
Minimal to No Downtime
Treatment Cost
$1800
What is HIFU?
HIFU is a non-surgical approach that utilises focused ultrasound energy to help stimulate collagen and elastin production deep within the skin. This regenerative facelift procedure is commonly recommended for face firming and lifting. The ultrasound energy targets the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) layer, promoting collagen formation beneath the skin’s surface.
It targets deeper layers of the skin without damaging the surface, providing face-lifting and skin-tightening effects. This approach can be used on the face and neck to help minimise the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin, as well as address areas such as a double chin or saggy jowls.
What Are the Benefits of HIFU Treatment?
With natural ageing, the skin loses collagen and elastin in the dermis, resulting in saggy skin and wrinkles. HIFU can help address skin laxity as it kickstarts collagen and elastin production to keep skin firm and tight. Many have chosen this facelift procedure for the reduction of double chin or cheek fats to achieve a V-shaped face.
The treatment offers similar results to a surgical facelift without invasive surgeries, downtime, and complications. After the procedure, you can typically resume your normal activities immediately.
Non-invasive and Painless Process
This HIFU facelift offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional surgical facelifts, requiring no incisions or leaving scars. It uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen and elastin, resulting in potentially tighter, firmer skin.
Reduction of Fine Lines and Wrinkles
As skin loses elasticity with age, fine lines and wrinkles may appear. This HIFU facelift stimulates collagen production, leading to possibly smoother skin and a reduction in wrinkle depth.
Tightening of Sagging Skin
HIFU can help to tighten sagging skin by targeting deeper layers, stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity for a more youthful, lifted appearance.
Enhances Jawline Definition
HIFU can help in enhancing jawline definition by targeting deep skin layers and underlying fat, stimulating collagen production for a more defined, sculpted look.
Natural Lifting Results
Unlike surgical facelifts, HIFU triggers the body’s natural healing response, stimulating new collagen deep within the skin for a natural lifting and firming effect without incisions or anaesthesia.
Shrinking of Pores
This HIFU facelift can help reduce the size of enlarged pores, potentially contributing to a smoother and more even skin texture.
FDA-approved Procedure
HIFU is an FDA-approved procedure, assuring its safety and efficacy for various aesthetic concerns, making it a trusted facelift option in Singapore.
Treatment by Doctors
At Become Aesthetics Clinic, all HIFU treatments are performed by MOH-certified doctors, ensuring professional care and optimal results.
Single Treatment for Results
Many individuals experience noticeable improvements after just one HIFU session, making it a recommended skin tightening treatment.
Results Last Up to 9 Months
The collagen stimulation from HIFU can lead to results that may last up to 9 months or longer, providing sustained skin rejuvenation and a youthful appearance.
How Does HIFU Work?
HIFU utilises medical-grade ultrasound energy which penetrates deep into the skin at precise depths for effective skin tightening. The ultrasound energy heats up the tissue below the skin’s surface, reaching 60-70 degrees Celsius to trigger new collagen growth and promote tissue repair.
The heat generated also helps melt fats under the skin, making it potentially effective for double chin reduction. This process ensures the surrounding skin is not harmed, as it targets only the tissue below the surface.
Which Skin Layer Does HIFU Treatment Target?
HIFU targets three key layers: Epidermis, Deep Dermis, and the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS), which are facial muscles normally worked on by cosmetic surgeons for a traditional facelift.
1.5mm depth
It reaches the superficial dermis to help reduce melanin, lightening pigmentation and brightening the skin.
3mm depth
The energy reaches the deep dermis for a skin tightening effect by controlled heating of skin tissue and stimulation of collagen production.
4.5mm depth
It reaches the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) for a skin-lifting effect, similar to a surgical facelift.
What Areas Can Be Treated With HIFU?
The treatment is helpful in reducing signs of ageing on the face and neck. It can address common fine lines and wrinkles such as forehead wrinkles, frown lines, smile lines, and necklines can be treated. To achieve a V-shaped face, HIFU can help with double chin removal, saggy jowls, and chubby cheeks for a more defined jawline.
Forehead
HIFU can help reduce frown lines and forehead wrinkles caused by repeated brow lifting, helping to smooth out static lines for a refreshed look.
Nasolabial Folds
HIFU helps to minimise laugh lines by stimulating collagen, which can reduce the depth of these folds caused by collagen loss and sagging skin.
Eyelids & Eyebrows
HIFU can lift and tighten the skin around the eyelids and eyebrows, reducing the appearance of droopiness and creating a more open, youthful eye area.
Jawline
HIFU targets jawline sagging caused by jowls and collagen loss, tightening the skin to create a more defined and sculpted jawline contour.
Saggy Cheeks
HIFU addresses saggy cheeks by stimulating collagen in drooping fat pads, lifting and firming the skin for a more youthful facial contour.
Neck Lines and Neck
HIFU can improve neck lines and sagging neck skin by stimulating collagen and improving elasticity, addressing concerns from ageing, sun damage, and moisture loss.
Before and After: HIFU Treatment
Typically, the effects of HIFU treatments become noticeable after just one session. You may start to see some initial improvements such as subtle lifting and tightening of the skin within the first few weeks.
However, the actual outcomes may vary depending on factors like skin type, concerns, and the body’s ability to heal naturally.
It is important to note that we are unable to publicly share before and after images of the treatment due to regulations set by the Ministry of Health (MOH). For more information, please visit our clinics.
What To Expect During Your HIFU Treatment?
Before Your Treatment
Most people find the treatment tolerable. However, you may request for topical numbing cream before the procedure. It is also advisable to avoid excessive sun exposure before your HIFU facelift. Following that, a gel solution would be applied to the skin to facilitate the passage of ultrasonic waves.
During the Treatment
You might feel a mild prickling sensation during the procedure as the device administers pulses of ultrasonic radiation to the skin at depths of 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5mm. This stimulation promotes collagen contraction and regeneration.
After the Treatment
After the treatment, you may experience minimal downtime such as a mild swelling or redness on the treated areas. These effects are temporary and will typically subside within a few hours. We recommend applying sunscreen regularly after your HIFU facelift to protect your skin.
How Often Can You Do HIFU?
Most patients would need one well-executed session every 9 to 12 months.
After the procedure, the toning and lifting effect should be noticeable in 4 to 6 weeks. These desired outcomes from increased collagen synthesis typically last 9 to 12 months.
If you have more significant skin laxity, you might require two sessions spaced six months apart. The process of collagen remodelling takes time, so a six-month waiting interval is suggested to ensure optimal results from your HIFU facelift.
How Long Do The HIFU Results Last?
Immediate Tightening
After undergoing the treatment, some patients may notice immediate improvements in the appearance of their skin. This can include mild swelling, tightening, and a reduction in the visibility of wrinkles. However, it’s important to note that these immediate results are just the beginning of the process.
Best Results After 2-3 Months
While immediate improvements can be seen, the full results of the treatment typically take 2-3 months to fully develop. During this time, the skin continues to produce collagen, which leads to tighter and firmer skin. Patience is key during this period, as the gradual process of collagen synthesis takes time to showcase its full effects.
Long-term Collagen Synthesis
The long-term results of the treatment can vary from person to person. However, many individuals experience benefits that can last up to a year or longer. This is because HIFU stimulates collagen production, which helps to maintain the tightened and lifted appearance of the skin. To maintain these results, periodic touch-up treatments may be necessary every 6-12 months.
How is HIFU Different From Other Skin Tightening Treatments?
Currently, HIFU is the only medical procedure that allows the deepest penetration of ultrasound energy for treating skin laxity and stimulating collagen. The treatment can penetrate deep into the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) for face lifting and skin tightening, where cosmetic surgeons work on surgical facelifts. This distinguishes HIFU as a recommended facelift option.
Are There Any Side Effects for HIFU Facelift?
When undergoing the treatment, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects that may occur. While these side effects are generally mild and temporary, it’s still important to understand what to expect. Some expected side effects include:
Mild discomfort
During the treatment, you may experience a prickling or tingling sensation, as well as a warm feeling on your skin. This discomfort is usually tolerable and should subside after the treatment.
Swelling
It’s not uncommon to experience some swelling in the treated area. This is a normal reaction to the energy that is delivered during the HIFU treatment. The swelling should go down within a few days.
Redness
You may notice some redness in the treated area, similar to a mild sunburn. This is also a normal reaction and should fade within a few days.
It’s important to note that these risks and side effects are rare and can be minimised by choosing a reputable and experienced practitioner. Always consult with a trained professional before undergoing any medical treatment.
How Much Does It Cost to Do HIFU Treatment?
The cost of a HIFU facelift in Singapore depends on a few different factors, such as the brand of the machine, the specific treatment areas, the number of treatments required for your condition and more.
In general, the cost of HIFU treatment in Singapore starts from $1800.
An Overview on HIFU Face Lift Treatment in Singapore
Treatment Duration
30 – 40 mins
Recommended Session
1~2 sessions
Recommended Interval
6 – 9 months
Recovery Time
Minimal to no downtime
Treatment Cost
$1800
Is HIFU a Safe Treatment For You?
At Become Aesthetics Clinic, we only use medical-grade devices for our treatments, and they are operated by board-certified medical doctors.
Medical grade HIFU is approved by the respective authorities for being a safe and effective treatment in Singapore. It has also been available for decades and is proven to be safe for medical use with no long-term side effects. It is safe for all skin types with saggy skin, and recommended for those who do not wish to undergo surgeries.
Non-surgical treatments may require several sessions for optimal results which will be determined by the doctor during your consultation.
