High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound or HIFU is one of the industry’s fastest-growing treatments, and with good reason – it’s not known as the ‘non-surgical facelift’ for nothing.
If you already have HIFU in your clinic, we’ll share some tips on getting the most out of this fantastic treatment. If not, this article should help you decide whether it’s right for you.
First, a bit about the science behind HIFU and how it works.
The clue is in the name. HIFU uses ultrasound energy (the same energy used to look at babies in the womb, but far more focused) to heat different layers in the skin and activate healing responses. Where other treatments can only be focused on a certain layer of the skin – dermal or sub-dermal – HIFU can be targeted based on depth and so can be seen as a more ‘complete’ skin rejuvenation treatment.
But, unlike Coolifting, hydrodermabrasion or carbon facials, the results will not be instant. So, managing client expectations is important, both for their confidence in the process and to make sure they get the best results.
Tell the Client that Results Aren’t Instant, But That They’re Worth the Wait
HIFU treatments can take weeks or even months for results to show, but the outcome is outstanding and long lasting. Many of us are used to selling the ‘Hollywood Facial‘ or ‘Date Night Treatment’ that gives clients an instant glow and reduces skin imperfections. HIFU is the opposite. Rather than just saying that they won’t see immediate results, take the time to talk them through the science of the treatment and why it takes a while for the outcomes to become evident in the mirror. Remember to stress that HIFU results last a long time – up to a year or more.
Mark Out the Treatment Area
There are some parts of the face that should not be treated by HIFU – the thyroid area, the forehead and the nasolabial below the nose. By marking out the face you know where you’ve been and where you shouldn’t go – please see the video on this page for more details.
Work the Layers
The real power of a HIFU treatment is how many layers of the skin it can penetrate and how targeted that penetration can be (something else you should be communicating clearly to your clients.)
By adjusting your treatment, perhaps from 3.5mm to 4.5mm to more effectively target sub-dermal layers, you will activate additional healing processes, ensuring the best outcome for the client.
Scientifically based treatments are a great addition to a clinic menu, but they do require a nuanced approach when it comes to client communication. Start by understanding the type of client who will benefit from HIFU (not the twenty-something with a job interview in two days) and take your time explaining how the process works and effectively manage their expectations.
To a certain extent, HIFU is underutilised because of the delayed outcome, but the long-lasting results are extraordinary. Correctly used and effectively managed, HIFU can be an incredible addition to your clinic, opening up a whole new range of opportunities and giving you access to different clients.
If you would like to speak with a Laseraid Trainer about how HIFU works, or discuss subscription offers with a Client Advisor, please call 02 9011 5509 or email enquiries@laseraid.com.au
