FDA-approved non-invasive skin tightening and lifting treatment in Singapore
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that uses focused ultrasound to lift, tone and tighten loose skin on the brow, neck, chin, chest and body.
The procedure is non-surgical, non-invasive and works by stimulating collagen and elastin fibres production in the deeper layers of the skin, resulting in firmer, tighter skin.
Although you may not see any radical improvement immediately after the treatment, the continued collagen production over the ensuing few months will gradually tighten the treated skin, resulting in the lifting of the face and tightening of the skin – naturally.
Ultrasound to lift and tighten skin
HIFU is currently one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for skin lifting in Singapore. Without damaging the skin and its surrounding tissues, it creates selective thermal coagulative zones on the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) layer to improve skin laxity and reduce fat cells.
How does HIFU treatment work?
Unlike other skin lifting treatments such as thread lift, toxin, and dermal fillers, HIFU bypasses superficial skin to deliver the right amount of ultrasound energy at controlled depths and at the right, consistent temperature. By heating the tissue to 60 to 70°C, it triggers the area to stimulate new collagen growth as it has been proven that collagen growth happens at around that temperature. The ultrasound energy activates the area to commence the regenerative process to produce new collagen in the treated area. Over the healing process in the next 2 to 3 months, a gradual skin lifting effect can be observed.
The Nueva HIFU has transducers that target multiple layers of skin, and comes in both macro- and micro-focused modes, allowing maximal customization to tailor the treatment to specific needs of each individual. Delivering controlled, consistent heat of 60 to 70°C, HIFU may result in immediate tissue contraction at the same depth of a surgical facelift.
Why is HIFU effective in treating wrinkles and lifting the skin?
HIFU treatment has the unique function of providing all-layer treatment:
- At a depth of 1.5mm, the High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound is able to lighten pigmentation and brighten the skin. The amount of melanin in the skin will reduce by a fair amount after a few weekly treatments with the Ultraformer MPT HIFU.
- At a dept of 2.0mm, ultrasound energy can be delivered within the dermis to tighten skin around the eyes and to improve skin tightness and fine lines. The handpiece is also able to deliver macro-focused ultrasound pulses to kickstart regeneration in the dermis.
- At a depth of 3.0mm, neocollagenesis and neoelastogenesis are activated by inducing thermal effect. In other words, collagen remodelling is stimulated to tighten the skin and treat deep-set winkles and fine lines to improve the texture and appearance of the face.
- At a depth of 4.5mm, the thermal effect causes the SMAS layer to contract and the fat layer reduced for a visible lifting and contouring effect.
You can see visible lifting and contouring effect which is most visible in the jowl, double chin, neck, and eyebrow after the treatment.
The HIFU treatment process at Nueva Clinic
At Nueva Clinic, we pride ourselves on taking a systematic approach in treating your skin in our HIFU treatments. We use our Assess, Plan and Treat protocol so that we will always achieve optimal skin-lifting outcome for you.
ASSESS During the initial consultation, our doctor will first assess your skin to understand your skin texture and also find out what your areas of concern are.
The doctor will then proceed to perform a more in-depth visual and manual assessment your skin to evaluate your skin thickness on various parts of your face. This is an important and necessary step because just like everything else – everybody’s skin is different.
PLAN Your doctor will provide pain relief medication and topical numbing cream to ensure your treatment is more comfortable.
While waiting for the pain relief medication to take effect, your doctor will plan your treatment with the number of shots and the specific ultrasound energy level for each part of your face.
TREAT The treatment commences by delivering focused ultrasound to treat each specific area of your face based on the plan that was customised for you.
Benefits of the Nueva HIFU treatment
Other than its capabilities of lifting and tightening saggy skin caused by intrinsic ageing, HIFU also has the following benefits:
- Non-invasive treatment which means you can return to your daily activities immediately after the procedure
- Almost no downtime
- Convenient treatment as only 1 session is expected to last about 9 to 12 months
- Visible long-lasting results
- Improvement in overall skin texture and skin tone, tightens under eye area, improves jaw definition and eye bags, and reduces double chin
- Reduce wrinkles and fine lines on the face
Frequently asked questions about HIFU treatments in Singapore
How much does HIFU treatments cost in Singapore?
The cost largely depends on the brand of HIFU machine that the doctor uses. Few HIFU devices in the market that obtained US FDA approval for skin tightening and lifting. At Nueva, we use one of the most recent devices and operates at a higher speed and precision than before for non-surgical face lifting and skin tightening.
In Singapore, the price for a HIFU treatment ranges between S$800 and S$4,000, depending on the areas and number of shots of the treatment.
How long do results from HIFU last?
With just 1 session, results can be seen gradually over the ensuing 2-3 months and results will peak at about 6 months. The tightening and lifting achieved can typically last about 9 to 12 months.
How long does it take to see results from HIFU?
Collagen remodelling takes about 10 to 13 weeks to significantly reduce the fine lines and improve the overall appearance of the face. The dermis will also strengthen, creating a younger-looking, tighter skin. Only one session is required to see visible skin lifting result which can last for as long as 12 months.
Am I suitable for HIFU treatment?
The HIFU treatment at Nueva Clinic provides the best result for older people with moderate skin laxity with facial fat. However, HIFU treatment is also suitable for people under the age of 40 who wish to take preventive measures to stimulate collagen production in the skin and strengthen the dermis to delay the onset of ageing.
Can HIFU replace a surgical facelift?
While HIFU does not replace a surgical facelift, it is an excellent option for people who are not willing to undergo a surgery. However, undergoing a surgical facelift will still be the best option for patients with heavy, bulky skin with severe skin laxity.
Is HIFU painful?
HIFU treatments at Nueva Clinic is very tolerable. You may feel some heat under the skin during the treatment but the pain can be easily managed with numbing cream and other oral pain medication that the doctor will provide before the treatment.
What is the downtime and side effects from HIFU?
HIFU is a safe treatment because it does not break the skin. Furthermore, no foreign body is introduced into the body.
Immediately after treatment, your skin may appear red or flushed but it should subside within a few hours.
While HIFU does not replace a surgical facelift, it is a very popular skin lifting treatment option in Singapore because many people are unwilling to undergo a non-essential cosmetic surgery.
You can expect some tenderness, redness and swelling immediately after the treatment. However, these side effects are transient, and they should resolve within a day or two.
Can HIFU be combined with other treatments?
Benefits
Best For
- Achieve tighter, firmer skin
- Gradual tightening of sagging howls, cheeks and eyes
- Improve overall skin texture and skin tone
- Reduce appearance of eyebags and double chin
- Achieve a slimmer, more V-shaped face
- Gradual stimulation of natural collagen in the skin
- Convenient, low-risk anti-ageing treatment
People who want to undergo a non-surgical procedure to lift, tighten and tone the skin using a safe, FDA-approved non-invasive skin-lifting HIFU machine to reverse signs of ageing.