High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a promising anti-ageing for skin tightening and facelifting. Many aesthetic clinics in Singapore have seen the demand for this non-surgical procedure soar over the past years, which goes to say that its results are highly effective in keeping the skin looking younger. Simultaneous to its popularity, electronic devices and establishments offering substandard mini-HIFU treatments have emerged. This is most likely due to the fact that the HIFU treatment cost in Singapore is actually high. At-home Mini-HIFUs and those offered in too-good-to-be-true prices can be enticing, but before you get yourself into these treatments, read this article first to know whether they are worth the risk.
The hidden dangers of substandard HIFU treatments
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) uses a high powered machine that delivers concentrated ultrasound energy to reach a specific depth in the skin to trigger your body’s natural way of responding to wound healing and produce new collagen and elastin fibres. When this happens, your skin will lift and tighten gradually, making it look firmer and more youthful from deep within all the way to its surface. The effective results of a HIFU treatment greatly relies on how it is done with precision since the procedure commands for temperature control, consistency in energy delivery, and accuracy in targeting the right skin layers. If any of these are compromised, then your treatment results may not only be ineffective but also cause harm.
There are various hidden dangers that lurk when using substandard HIFU treatments. These include:
- Burns and scarring
- Fat atrophy and uneven skin texture
- Nerve injury
Burns and scarring. Exposing your skin to a HIFU treatment that is done by unqualified technicians can result in burns and scarring. HIFU machines use heat energy which requires a user to have a comprehensive understanding of the skin’s anatomy and the complexity of the equipment’s device setting. Without the right knowledge, your skin may receive too much energy or be in contact with the heated device for longer than required. These can cause immediate damage to the surface of your skin or even to its deeper layers.
Burns happen instantly and they can range from a mild redness to severe and deep blisters due to thermal damage. Wounds definitely come with pain and scars can develop as they heal. Imagine yourself expecting to see a more youthful skin, only to be faced with disfigurement following a subpar treatment. Definitely not worth your time and money.
Fat atrophy and uneven skin texture. One of the benefits of a HIFU treatment that is handled by a licensed expert is its ability to select and target fats that are stubborn and reduce their appearance significantly. On the contrary, when the procedure falls on untrained hands, mistakes could happen, such as applying excessive heat or targeting healthy fats instead of the problematic areas. These errors can make your skin look dimpled, uneven, or hollowed out. Unfortunately, a blunder like this is irreversible as the fat loss in certain areas often remains permanent. As a result, your skin may appear less healthy and older as they originally appeared. Restoring these areas of your skin may require other aesthetic procedures, like fat grafting which will cost more.
Nerve injury. Aside from noticeable skin damage, another serious risk of substandard mini-HIFUs is nerve injury. Applying mini-HIFU without the proper training and skills can affect the complex structure of nerves in your face and neck. This can be grave as your sensation and muscle movement may be damaged permanently. You may feel numbness, weakness, or even paralysis in certain parts of your face when this happens. This grave fault can make your face look imbalanced or, even worse– your ability to eat and speak may also be impaired.
Confirming the legitimacy of HIFU treatment and cost in Singapore
The temptation of going for HIFU treatments at a bargain can be strong, but remember to always think twice as these can do you more harm than good. Before making a decision, be sure to:
- Check the establishment’s reputation and practitioner’s qualifications.
Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has set standards for clinics to comply with in order to ensure that patients get gold standard care and safe aesthetic procedures. Proper HIFU treatments are performed by aesthetic professionals who have the right aesthetic education, have undergone rigorous skill training in safely and effectively handling HIFU equipment, and have received certifications from the MOH. These establishments follow strict rules when it comes to delivering aesthetic services and are proactive in having their staff training up to date. Most importantly, they invest in FDA-approved and medical grade HIFU machines.
- Inquire about the HIFU device. It is important that the HIFU machine used for your treatment is FDA-cleared as this ensures your safety from faulty devices. The most common HIFU equipment used by many reputable clinics in Singapore are Ulterapy and Ultraformer.
- Be cautious about uncommonly low prices. Aside from the cost of high quality HIFU machines, the cost of your treatment is also influenced by your provider’s qualifications and skills. MOH-certified doctors that have years of excellent experience tucked under their belt in performing HIFU treatments may charge higher fees. Other factors that affect the costs are:
- Consultation and consumables (e.g. aftercare products)
- Treatment area
- Number of shots required per session
A session of HIFU in Singapore may range anywhere between S$500 to $4,000. Below is a typical breakdown of costs per session:
- Cheeks or full face: S$1,000 to S$2,500
- Chin or jawline: S$500 to S$1,200
- Double chin and neck combo: S$500 to S$1,500
- Full face and neck: S$1,200 to S$2,500
Some clinics may offer multi-session packages and maintenance programs, which can help you save in the long run if you wish to maintain and enjoy your HIFU results for a long time.
In summary
Generally speaking, a HIFU procedure is a great treatment to rejuvenate your face and keep it looking fresh and young. However, it is important to know that a legitimate HIFU procedure is not cheap. Substandard and low-priced mini-HIFU services may be alluring, but you can never be too sure about their outcomes. Remember to always prioritize your skin’s safety over costs. Your skin deserves only the best treatments and this can be achieved when you are making wise decisions and investing in procedures that are done by qualified and highly skilled aesthetic professionals.
Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic – Dr Edwin Lim
#02-12/13, Changi City Point,
5 Changi Business pArk Central 1,
Singapore 4886038
By Appointment Only:
#05-51 Lucky Plaza,
304 Orchard Road
Singapore 23888863
Tel: +65 690 422 18
Whatsapp: +65 963 722 18
