In order to understand how HI-FU works, we first must understand what is happening below the surface of our skin as we age. When we perform HI-FU for age management, we are targeting three main areas.
Production of collagen and elastin
Reduction of hypertrophic fat pads
Lifting and strengthening of the SMAS layer, which is the structural support (scaffolding) of the face.
We have all heard about the decline of collagen and elastin production as we age causing less density, firmness and overall glow on the surface of the skin. Unfortunately, this is not the only factor that contributes to the changes we see in the mirror, particularly during perimenopause/menopause.
A lack of density is not only caused by less collagen production, it is also caused by a loss of fat in the subcutaneous layer of the skin. As we age the deep fat pads in our face shrink (hypotrophy) while some superficial fat pads increase in size (hypertrophy). The increase in fat cells generally happens in the lower half of the face contributing to the heaviness around the jowls and lower neck and jaw.
As the fat pads sag, they pull on what's known as the SMAS layer (Subcutaneous Musculo-Aponeurotic System).
The SMAS is like the scaffolding that holds up the face. As we age, the SMAS weakens, causing the face to sag due to gravity and other factors. This leads to the formation of jowls, a sagging neckline, and deeper lines between the cheeks and nose.
During HI-FU treatments, we target the SMAS layers deep within the skin. This is similar to the deep lifting done in surgical facelifts. By stimulating collagen and elastin in this layer, we can lift the upper layers of the skin.
The SMAS is mostly made of collagen and elastin fibers, which we remodel to lift the face from its base. This process takes time, usually starting around 12 weeks and continuing for up to 26 weeks.
How does HI-FU work?
HI-FU is high intensity focused ultrasound. Aesthetic HIFU heats the targeted area to about 65 degrees. This temperature is just right to cause a change in the collagen fibers. Imagine collagen fibers as tiny strings that hold your skin together. When they're heated to this temperature, they unwind and separate. This process is called denaturation.
Research has found that when collagen denatures, it triggers your body's cleaning process, called autophagy. This process gets rid of damaged cells and helps generate newer, healthier ones. It also signals your body to produce new collagen to repair the "wounds" caused by the heat from HIFU.
What's interesting is that HIFU not only boosts collagen production but also increases elastin production. Elastin is like the stretchy part of your skin that helps it bounce back after being stretched. So, with HIFU, we're not only making the skin firmer and tighter with more collagen but also more elastic, allowing it to stretch and return to its shape. These proteins, collagen, and elastin, work together to give our skin its shape and firmness.
Need proof? Here are some Non-Surgical Face Lift before and afters.
Feel free to contact, if you have any further questions or would like to book a consultation.
📞 Call us at 1300 056 657
📧 Email us at info@drmlskinclinic.com.au or Book Online
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