HIFU What is it? What Does it do?

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a medical procedure that utilizes ultrasound waves to effectively treat specific health issues, including tumors, uterine fibroids, and tremors. By directing intense and precise sound waves towards targeted tissues within the body, HIFU is capable of altering or eliminating them.

Advantages of HIFU

HIFU offers several benefits compared to alternative treatment choices.

Traditional surgery is not necessary.
Radiation is not a risk for the patients.
It specifically focuses on the affected area, causing no harm to the surrounding healthy tissue.
The impact on the body is lower than that of surgery or radiation treatment.
The procedure can be done without requiring an overnight stay and has a quick recovery period. Many patients are able to resume their regular activities within a day.

Who can have HIFU?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) suggests that HIFU should only be utilized for prostate cancer in designated facilities or as a component of research studies. NICE is an autonomous organization that offers advice to the NHS with the aim of enhancing healthcare.

If you have cancer, your doctor may suggest HIFU as a treatment option.

Prostate cancer is found within the prostate gland. The cancer is limited to this area.
It is in the early stages of penetrating the protective layer around the prostate. This indicates the presence of locally advanced prostate cancer.
has returned after receiving treatment before. This treatment is a last-ditch effort.

If your cancer has spread to other areas of your body, such as advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, you are not eligible for HIFU treatment.

You might have HIFU treatment to either:

the entirety of the prostate gland. This refers to the entire prostate HIFU procedure.
targeting certain regions within the prostate gland, which is known as focal high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

HIFU facial

HIFU employs focused ultrasound energy to selectively treat the layers of skin located directly beneath the outer surface. This ultrasound energy induces quick heating of the tissue.

When the cells in the specific region reach a specific temperature, they undergo harm. Although this may appear to be contradictory, this harm actually encourages the cells to generate a greater amount of collagen, which is a protein that gives the skin its structure.

Tighter, more firm skin is achieved through an increase in collagen.

With a reduced amount of creases, the upper layers of the skin and nearby tissue remain unharmed as the high-frequency ultrasound beams target a specific tissue area beneath the surface of the skin.

Not everyone may be suitable for HIFU. Typically, the treatment is most effective for individuals aged 30 and above who have mild to moderate skin looseness.

Individuals who have skin damage caused by sunlight or a significant amount of sagging skin may require multiple sessions in order to observe noticeable improvements.

Older individuals who have significant signs of aging in their photos, such as severe skin sagging or looseness particularly on the neck area, may not be suitable candidates. They might require surgical intervention.

People who have infections and open wounds in the targeted area, severe or cystic acne, as well as metallic implants in the treatment area should not opt for HIFU.

What are the applications of HIFU in facial treatments?

The HIFU treatment for the face acts as a facelift that does not require surgery. It elevates and tightens the skin, smoothing wrinkles and fine lines, reducing pore size, and addressing the formation of the “V” line and jowl lines. Additionally, HIFU enhances the overall appearance of the skin, including tone, brightness, and elasticity.

It can be employed to focus on particular sections of the face like the neck, jawline, and brow with the aim of improving the overall facial appearance and achieving a more youthful look. Moreover, HIFU treatments could be a viable choice for individuals seeking to enhance their appearance without opting for extensive surgeries or cuts.

The SMAS layer, which is typically addressed by plastic surgeons during surgery with a knife to pull and tighten, can be targeted by HIFU non-invasively. This innovative procedure offers patients the opportunity to have a facelift without any recovery time. By avoiding surgical incisions, HIFU eliminates the risks commonly associated with surgery, including infections, scars, and swelling. The treatment is quick, and some individuals may see immediate results depending on the elasticity of their skin.

What happens during a HIFU procedure?

The manner in which you will be given HIFU treatment is dependent on the specific purpose your healthcare provider has for using it. To get an accurate understanding of what to anticipate, it is advisable to have a conversation with your healthcare team and seek clarification by asking relevant questions.

Typically, a HIFU procedure usually includes the following steps:

You will lie down on an examination table or take a seat in an examination chair.
The healthcare provider might employ a device to steady the specific region of the tissue being targetted. For instance, they could use a device to keep the breast tissue immobile or use a head frame to keep your head steady during tremor treatment.
The method of sedation or anesthesia for the procedure can vary based on the circumstances, and it may include being fully awake, mildly sedated, or completely under general anesthesia.
The service provider will utilize ultrasound or MRI scans to accurately locate the specific area of the tissue being targeted.
The head of the HIFU probe will be positioned directly above or on the specific tissue they are aiming to treat. Typically, the probe will be placed on or above the skin. However, for prostate cancer treatment, the healthcare professional will insert a probe, similar in size to your index finger, into your rectum.
A test dose will be administered to the exact location within the targeted tissue.
They will modify the strength of the ultrasound waves depending on the thickness of the tissue, if required.
Ultrasonic waves will be emitted in short bursts to the tissue.
To ensure that the specific tissue was successfully eliminated, they will employ an imaging test.

Typically, only one session or procedure is needed for HIFU treatment.

What advantages does Face Rejuvenation with Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) offer?

Compared to alternative procedures, Focus Ultrasound offers numerous benefits to patients and does not require invasive surgery.
This technique has been authorized by the FDA and its effectiveness has been confirmed through clinical research.
This procedure is trustworthy and provides a comfortable experience.
Anesthesia is not needed, and the procedure is free of pain.
After the procedure, patients are able to go back to their work and engage in their regular social activities.
The application of this treatment occurs in just one session, and its benefits can be experienced for approximately 24 months.
It is effective on various skin layers and facial structures with three different depth cartridges – 1.5mm, 3mm, and 4.5mm.
It does not leave scars, change the color of the skin, or result in infection because it demonstrates its effects without harming or injuring the skin.

What is the recovery time for HIFU?

Every individual is one-of-a-kind, and the application of HIFU in medical treatment varies for each person. Generally, HIFU entails a faster recovery period compared to other, more intrusive treatment methods.

After your HIFU procedure, your healthcare team will inform you about what you can anticipate and the estimated recovery time.

Treatment in Türkiye:

The medical staff of surgical teams, doctors and consultants in Rehab Türk can provide the best treatment options and free consultations – by striving to keep abreast of the latest medical technologies and methods.

Ask for a free consultation.