There are three types of facial aging – where the skin sinks and loses volume, where the skin sags and where the skin wrinkles and you start to see fine lines. Most people’s facial aging is a combination of all three, and the common reason for all three is collagen loss.

Facial Anti-Aging is a highly fascinating topic and of huge personal interest to me, a mother of two, time ticking away after every passing school year and the determination to embrace aging by using natural, effective products, looking after my skin inside and out, in turn aging gracefully.

As a writer, I jumped at the chance to experience the much acclaimed HIFU Treatment – three treatments over the course of nine months and whilst undertaking the journey, take notes and then write an honest review of how I felt before, during and after.

What’s HIFU?

HIFU uses highly focused ultrasound which effectively rebuilds the compact fibre texture, promoting collagen and helping the elasticity of the facial muscles and skin.

Unlike lasers and radio-frequency which penetrate the skin from the outside-in, the HIFU procedure bypasses the surface of the skin, and delivers targeted energy specifically into the deep, structural tissues and muscles. The penetrating ultrasound stimulates collagen production, which results in micro injury to the targeted tissue. As the tissue heals, it increases collagen; and as the collagen fibres organise and shorten, a tightening effect is seen.

HIFU What to expect?

Even after consultation and research, there is always a little trepidation, wondering what the treatment will feel like? Does it hurt? Will I feel or see a difference straight away?

On the first treatment, a quick cleanse and then Jamie drew wipeable white lines on to face, and neck, the treatment can include the décolletage (all dependent on your treatment goals) A cold sensation as the ultrasound gel was applied and then the treatment begins. Jamie placed the HIFU device against my skin along the white lines and the ultrasound level was selected – this will vary depending on whether you are having Treatment 1, 2 or 3. For my first treatment it was kept relatively low so I could not only get used to the feeling but Jamie could see how the facial muscles reacted.

Ultrasound energy was then delivered to the target area in short pulses for roughly 10 seconds. While the ultrasound energy is being applied, you might feel heat and a tingling sensation. I felt a warming sensation and in the bony areas of the face a slight tingle but nothing that was uncomfortable. Treatment 2 and 3 didn’t feel much different, slight warming, slight tingle in certain areas and yet the device level increased, I put it down knowing what to expect and muscle memory. Jamie talks you through each and every device placement so If you do experience too much heat or discomfort, the ultrasound level can and will be adjusted.

The first HIFU treatment lasted around 40 minutes but its dependent on whether you are having Treatment 1, 2 or 3 (Treatment 2 and 3 took less time) and what areas are being treated.

Once complete, Jamie cleansed my skin and added a boosting collagen moisturizer. I can only describe my face feeling like it was puffy, like a dental injection that was wearing off but on looking in the mirror – I had no redness, no puffiness and my skin looked like it had been slightly lifted. As I rushed out for the school run, I can certainly say there was no downtime, you can resume your normal daily activities right away after the procedure, but just steer clear of hot showers, sunbathing, steam rooms and saunas for the next 24 hours.

The next treatment was booked 3 months’ and 6 months’ later.

Knowing what to expect treatment 2 and 3 took less time, the device level increased with no additional pain or tingle and the results straight after could be seen – resulting in smooth, lifted skin.

After Treatment 1

For one week after Treatment 1, I felt like my face had completed a strenuous workout – I can only describe it as sore muscles but with no visual signs. The skin felt tighter and every week throughout the 3 months the muscle ache wore of, as the skin felt tighter and looked smoother.

After Treatment 2 and 3

No aches or pains, but the skin felt like it was getting tighter as time ticked on. My skin has never felt or looked better, Fine lines have reduced and my cheeks and the area at the side of my mouth is much fuller than when I started. I can only describe that every time I looked in the mirror, I felt like my skin was looking younger and tighter. Don’t just take my word for it, a recent facial resulted in the therapist noting and commenting on the noticeable fullness and collagen build up around my mouth, which is so encouraging.

In a nutshell:

(HIFU) is a relatively new cosmetic treatment for skin tightening, it’s non-invasive, no injections are needed but it results in a full-face skin tightening. It’s a 9-month process to get the desired results but it then lasts another 18 months. No downtime, no needle marks, no bruising but you will experience warmness, the sensation of puffiness and some tingling. As the face repairs, encouraging the production of collagen, resulting in facial rejuvenation, lifting, tightening, firmer plump skin.

Interested? Book a consultation

During your consultation, we will listen to your concerns and guide you on which treatments are suitable. We’ll answer all your questions and provide honest advice about how we can help you reach your goals! The treatments will be explained in language you can understand and we will show you before and after results of clients, just like you, who we have treated. We appreciate that making the right decision may take some time, so we are always on hand if you have extra questions.

Growing Old Gracefully