HIFU vs Radiofrequency: What’s the difference?

As our skin begins to age we lose the ability to form as much collagen – naturally year on year we see a decline. Visibly we start to see changes, albeit small ones initially; in the majority of us these small changes emphasise over time. Studies show that on average our collagen production slows by 1-2% each year from our mid 20’s onwards.

Thankfully, there are safe and effective treatments that aim to boost our collagen with no downtime. But with so many treatment options on the market, how do you know what to choose? Let’s look at two popular treatments; HIFU and Radiofrequency, and what the key differences between these are.

What is HIFU?

HIFU, or High Intensity Focused Ultrasound delivers a precise and intensive ultrasonic energy that stimulates collagen and remodels tissue deep within the skin. HIFU uses fractional heat that encourages your deeper dermal tissue to produce new collagen fibres, therefore creating a lift, tone and firmness to the skin. 

What are the benefits?

HIFU reaches deep into the skin which generates a whole host of benefits such as;

– Ability to destroy fat cells.

– Skin lifting results due to the deep penetration of the ultrasonic energy.

– Visible results from the first initial treatment. 

– Visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkle formation. 

– Smoother skin texture and more even skin complexion.

What is Radiofrequency?

Radio Frequency micro-needling is a tissue tightening procedure that uses radio frequency energy to deliver heat into the epidermal layers of the skin. The technique uses bulk heating across larger areas to tighten skin, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and stimulate collagen. 

As RF works primarily on the epidermis layers down to the mid dermis, with heat distribution throughout all these, we find this treatment is better suited when addressing volume loss on more delicate areas. 

What are the benefits?

– Visible skin-tightening.

– Collagen production is spiked through heat application into the skin. 

– Needling triggers the skin’s wound healing response which encourages cell turnover. 

– Encourages an even complexion therefore promoting a more youthful appearance. 

– Diminishes the appearance of enlarged pores. 

How do I know which is the right treatment for my anti-ageing needs?

This all depends on your skin needs and your specific skin concerns. We always recommend a skin consultation to discuss your options thoroughly, we can then clearly document expectation and treatment outcomes for you.

In general RF is better suited for those patients looking to encourage areas of volume loss as well as wanting to discourage fine lines and signs of ageing, HIFU may further reduce this with its ability to destroy fat cells. 

For those patients with concerns around loss of volume, sagging and suffering with loss of laxity, HIFU is recommended as it will stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin for a powerful lifting effect. 

If you’re looking to smooth superficial ageing lines, RF would be your go-to recommended treatment to plump the skin and smooth texture. However, if we are dealing with deep set wrinkles that have formed which have created sagging skin this will best respond with HIFU as it will strengthen the foundation layers and improve appearance long term.  

Aside from being non-invasive and more cost effective than surgical treatments, the best thing about HIFU and RF therapies is that the results are permanent due to them harnessing the bodies natural mechanisms to produce collagen. Ageing is inevitable and although we can not slow the years we can undergo safe and effective treatments that will work with the natural ageing process and slow down the visible effects. For maximum results we do offer these as combined treatments.

Book a skin consultation with us today! We will be able to assess your skin needs and advise on which treatment plan may be most suitable for your anti-ageing needs.