UltraLift™ 3D HIFU — Knife-free facelift

• For women and men with signs of aging in their skin
• For patients who do not wish or cannot undergo facelift surgery
• For patients who want to prevent skin sagging
• For patients who want to strengthen their skin’s collagen production
• For patients considering SMAS facelift

UltraLift™ HIFU enhances the skin’s collagen regeneration, similar to radiofrequency and laser treatments. However, HIFU differs somewhat from laser and radiofrequency treatments.

High-intensity, microfocused ultrasound — HIFU — penetrates deeper into the skin than radiofrequency or laser light energy. Laser and radiofrequency procedures can stimulate the skin to produce new collagen and elastin. The same results can be achieved with HIFU energy, but HIFU also allows for tightening the SMAS structure located beneath the skin.

Tightening the SMAS structure is not possible with laser or radiofrequency energy.

SMAS is an abbreviation for Submuscular Aponeurotic System. The SMAS structure is located in the cheek area, between subcutaneous fat and muscle. At its lower part, it connects to the platysma muscle of the lower face and neck.

In some surgical facelift procedures, the skin is tightened and repositioned along with the SMAS tissue. This allows for better firming of sagging in the lower face. Before the discovery of HIFU technology, SMAS tissue could not be tightened without surgery.

High-intensity ultrasound energy (HIFU) allows for moderate tightening of the SMAS structure without surgery. HIFU procedures are often referred to as non-surgical facelifts. However, it should be noted that HIFU technology does not achieve as radical results as traditional facelift surgery.

Collagen is a protein found, among other places, in the dermis of the skin. Collagen makes the skin firm and tight.

The collagen content of the skin begins to decrease as early as the age of 25. The decline in both the quality and quantity of collagen accelerates after the age of 40. Therefore, the skin of a middle-aged person is looser and more wrinkled than before.

Medical device treatments can increase the amount of collagen to some extent and improve its quality. Collagen production can be enhanced using methods such as laser light or radiofrequency energy. Additionally, UltraLift™ HIFU improves the quality of existing collagen and stimulates the skin to produce entirely new collagen.

• Come to the UltraLift™ treatment without wearing makeup.
• If you wish, you can also remove your makeup at Cityklinikka. In that case, ask the reception staff for a cleanser.
• Leave all jewelry at home; also remove piercings.
• It is recommended to start taking collagen supplements before the procedure.

The duration of the procedure depends on the treatment area. UltraLift™ for the upper face typically takes about half an hour. For the face, neck, and chest UltraLift™ treatment, it lasts from one and a half to two hours.

UltraLift™ treatment may be completely painless. Some may experience tingling on the skin during the procedure. Treatment on the lower face may cause a sensation of toothache.

It is recommended to take a painkiller 30–60 minutes before the start of the procedure.

Post-treatment discomfort can also be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers.

The results of the treatment are always individual.

Sometimes, the first results are visible immediately after the treatment.
On average, results start to show after 8–12 weeks of treatment when the skin’s own collagen production has begun.
The treatment results gradually improve over the first 6–12 months, and the result can be evaluated at the earliest six months after the procedure.

The best results have been achieved when treating the upper face (brows, forehead, and crow’s feet).

HIFU treatment is often marketed with some exaggeration. However, it should be remembered that no HIFU treatment can fully replace surgical facelift.

If the skin has completely lost its elasticity, meaning its ability to recover, HIFU treatment may not achieve very good results.

You can also test skin elasticity at home:

• Pinch the skin on the back of your hand with the thumb and forefinger of your other hand.
• Keep the pinch for five seconds.
• Release.
• If the skin returns to its original position in less than seven seconds, your skin still has elasticity.
• The faster the skin returns to its original position, the more elastic it is.
• If skin recovery takes more than 7 seconds, surgical facelift may be a better option for you than HIFU lift.