Lasers, HIFU and radiofrequency

HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is an ultrasound technique used to rectify sagging and improve the quality of the skin by reducing fine lines on the face. This treatment aims to firm and lift the face without surgery.
Indications for HIFU treatment include:

• Treatment of the oval of the face, jowls, and bitterness folds
• Improving the elasticity of the face, neck, and neckline

High-intensity focused ultrasound uses focused ultrasound waves on a targeted point on the skin; this raises the temperature of the tissue (between 50°C and 60°C) creating a very localised burn. This induces tissue repair by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin and resulting in tissue retraction (and therefore tightness) as it heals. Ideally, the skin needs to be treated in each location at 3 different depths to maximize the result. In some cases, a second session can be considered 3 to 6 months after for optimum treatment.

The treatment is carried out at the office, with no specific anesthetic. A gel (identical to those used for ultrasound scans) is applied to the areas to be treated. The applicator (also known as handpiece) is passed over each area, targeting the superficial tissue first then the deeper layers for an optimum effect.
Treating the superficial layers of the skin is not painful, although it may feel unpleasant. However, treatment of the deeper layers is more painful. For this reason, it is recommended to take a painkiller such as paracetamol an hour before the session.
Complications are quite rare with HIFU. However, a minor deep burn is always possible, even if it is rare. In this case, the burn will heal within a few weeks, generally with no scar.

After HIFU treatment, there is no downtime but redness of the areas treated may be visible for 2 to 3 days. You must also bear in mind that mild edema (swelling) of the areas treated is possible for a few days.
As after any aesthetic treatment, SPF 50 sun protection is recommended for a few days following the session.

Radiofrequency is a technique using electromagnetic waves that heat the skin (to around 45°C). The mild heating immediately induces retraction and stimulates the production of collagen fibres.
Radiofrequency thus helps improve sagging skin, tighten loose skin, but also activate microcirculation in the dermis.
Radiofrequency can be used alone to gently tighten the facial skin or as post-surgery adjuvant treatment after liposuction for instance to ensure the skin retracts correctly.

Radiofrequency is a gentle treatment that requires 3 to 5 sessions 2 to 6 weeks apart to obtain a satisfactory result.
There are no significant side effects following the treatment. Slight redness and mild swelling are possible for a few hours

Ultherapy uses micro-focused ultrasound to improve skin laxity. In one or two sessions, ultherapy enhances the face contour, droopy eyelids and neck. The results appear after a few days and are optimal after a few months. But this treatment obviously cannot replace a surgical lift. Ulthera is an attractive alternative to surgery for younger patients and does not involve a recovery period in which patients are likely to avoid going out in public.

Fraxel Repair is an ablative fractional laser used to improve deep wrinkles, perioral wrinkles and scars such as acne scars. This fractional CO2 laser is relatively aggressive, and patients generally avoid going out in public for a week.

MiraDry is a treatment that uses short microwaves to destroy sweat glands in the underarm area, drastically reducing perspiration in this region of the body. One session is generally adequate, but a second may be needed for best results. This treatment is permanent and produces lifelong results.

Laser photorejuvenation is used to reduce imperfections due to photoaging (wrinkles and dark spots) while stimulating collagen production for smoother skin.
This treatment is based on stimulation “from within”, unlike peels, which exfoliate “from outside”. These techniques can, in certain cases, be combined to achieve the desired effect.
The Affirm® laser by Cynosure can be used on any skin type to improve overall skin texture and erase signs of aging such as dark spots, redness and sagging skin.

• No preparation is required.
• One treatment session lasts about 20 minutes. Slight discomfort may be felt but no real pain.

Following treatment, slight swelling may appear for a few hours along with discreet redness in the first 48 hours.

• Two to five sessions are needed, depending on the individual, allowing one month between treatments. A detailed diagnosis will be performed before beginning the treatment to plan the number of sessions necessary. Throughout the treatment, the skin must be protected with sunscreen.
• The results last from one to several years, depending on the individual. However, as with any skin treatment procedure, the skin should be protected following treatment with SPF 50 sunscreen to maintain its texture and softness.

Laser photorejuvenation can be performed as of age 30 and is an ideal treatment when used in combination with targeted hyaluronic acid or botulinum toxin treatments.