HIFU Treatment Care Tips

As a natural process of ageing, our skin loses collagen throughout the years, which leads to saggy and wrinkled skin. Thus, if you are looking for a way to reverse or slow down the ageing process, you should be looking for treatments to boost collagen in your skin.

That’s what HIFU is for! High intensity focused ultrasound, or HIFU, is a technology commonly used in aesthetic treatments to provide a facelift without the need for surgery or needles. It works by delivering ultrasound beams into the deep layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production.

HIFU is highly popular amongst busy women due to its minimal downtime and non-invasive nature. However, as with any procedure, there are some things you still must pay attention to after receiving the treatment, to optimise the effects and ensure your health and safety.

If you will be attending your first HIFU treatment session soon, here are some things you must know for post-treatment care:

Stay away from direct sunlight

Sun protection is absolutely necessary if you want your skin to recover properly from the treatment. If you are unable to avoid the sun or harsh indoor lighting, do apply sunblock to minimise sun damage to your skin. Extra care is required for the first few days after receiving HIFU treatment as the skin is more sensitive and more prone to irritation, sunburn, and pigmentation.

Keep the skin hydrated

Promote ample hydration in your skin post-treatment with the use of a light moisturiser and by drinking sufficient amounts of water. The hydration is important in helping your skin recover and for stimulation of collagen production.

Avoid hot baths or showers

Exposure to excess heat is not recommended immediately after the treatment as it can aggravate sensitive skin. So, hold off on the saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms. Hot showers also strip the skin’s natural oils and make it more vulnerable to damage. Instead, opt for cool or lukewarm showers to soothe your skin after treatment.

Keep away from strong skin products

Skin products containing potential irritants or abrasives like salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide, retinol products, or vitamin C should be avoided until the skin no longer feels tender and swollen. Use instead a non-exfoliating cleanser and light moisturiser during this time. Makeup can be used if the ingredients are gentle to the skin.

Wait before exercising

Although HIFU is a non-invasive treatment with zero downtime, vigorous exercise and heavy lifting is not recommended immediately after treatment. During exercise, the body heats up and perspires, which can be uncomfortable for your tender skin at this time. You can resume all activities once your skin feels back to normal.

As you might have realised by now, most of the pointers relate to being gentle with your skin during this time of recovery. As the skin might exhibit side effects like tenderness, swelling, and redness after treatment, it might be more sensitive to triggers like extreme temperatures, vigorous activity, and abrasive chemicals. For more pointers on how to care for your skin after undergoing HIFU treatment, you should consult the practitioner performing the procedure for you.