When you notice the first signs of ageing, you want to do anything to make sure that you get rid of them. Ageing signs not only change the look of your skin but also lead to you losing confidence.
As we age, our skin changes, losing its ability to generate collagen. This process starts after we turn 25 years old. Over time, fine lines and wrinkles may appear, and sagging skin may become an issue, especially if sun damage occurs as well.
HIFU and RF microneedling are two effective treatments that can help prevent these skin issues. The procedures help people achieve the smooth, tightened, and youthful skin they dream of. What makes HIFU and RF microneedling different, though? Let’s find out!
What Is HIFU?
HIFU is short for high-intensity focused ultrasound. It is a procedure that uses ultrasonic energy to cause damage to skin cells deeper into the skin, boosting collagen production, but also stimulating tissue remodeling. With the used fractional heat, deep dermal tissue will be able to create new collagen fibers.
The treatment is a non-surgical one and it can tighten, lift and firm someone’s skin. In a single treatment, it is able to contract all skin layers. HIFU treatments can be used for different areas, such as the face, jawline, and even the body.
What Is RF Microneedling?
RF microneedling refers to a treatment that can deliver heat into the skin’s epidermis. It uses very fine needles to penetrate the skin, then it releases radiofrequency in order to deliver the heat into the skin. The heat is distributed in a controlled way. RF stimulates the healing response that makes the skin produce fresh collagen and elastin.
RF microneedling can help improve the texture of the skin and refine pores. Over time, it can have anti-ageing benefits. After going through this procedure, patients can see smaller pores, a fine line reduction, and a much younger appearance. Even conditions like acne will be improved.
The procedure can be used to reduce stretch marks, smooth wrinkles and fine lines, shrink enlarged pores, tighten the skin, smoothen surgical and acne scars and lift loose skin or eyebrows.
Is HIFU Suitable for People of All Ages?
Even though it is an outstanding treatment due to its amazing and long-lasting results, HIFU may not be suitable for all people. Most of the time, doctors will recommend HIFU for people who are 30 or older. Also, elderly people who have sagging skin will not get the best results from this treatment.
Is RF Microneedling Suitable for People of All Ages?
RF microneedling can be used by most people, even youngsters. If you’re not looking necessarily for tightening and lifting, then you may consider microneedling without radiofrequency, as it can simply improve the texture of the skin and make it look better. Microneedling with radiofrequency, though, might be suitable for people past 30 years old, especially if they have laxity concerns.
What Are the Main Differences Between HIFU and RF Microneedling?
Despite trying to reach similar results, HIFU and RF microneedling are different. RF microneedling has a bulk heating strategy, whereas HIFU is able to deliver fractional ultrasound energy more precisely and intensely, which goes to the SMAS layer.
RF is something that may require more than one session, whereas HIFU usually requires one treatment. Most times, how many treatments someone needs will depend on the condition of their skin, as well as the type of device used for the treatment.
Also, HIFU is able to penetrate deeper into the skin, going past the dermis and reaching the SMAS layer, bringing more benefits as a result. RF goes less deep than HIFU, as it mainly focuses on the epidermal layers. It doesn’t go past the dermis – therefore, it is less effective than HIFU in this regard.
| HIFU | RF Microneedling | |
| Depth | It goes deeper into the skin, going past the epidermis and dermis and reaching the SMAS layer. | It only acts on the epidermal layers and doesn’t reach past the dermis. |
| Who It’s Best for | People with wrinkles, pigmentation, and sagging skin. | People with wrinkles, pigmentations, and loss of volume. |
| Technology Used | Ultrasound technology | Monopolar radiofrequency |
| Cost | About the same | About the same |
| Number of Treatments Required | It depends on the individual. Some patients only require one treatment, while others may have to repeat it after 4-6 weeks or several months, or once a year. | Once a week or twice a week. |
| Ideal Areas | It’s the best for treating deep wrinkles, lifting the brows, making loose skin around the jaw tighter, and improving the double chin appearance. | Ideal for delicate areas like the upper and lower eyelids, as well as treating volume loss. It can also help improve fine lines around the eyes or other delicate areas. |
Final Thoughts
RF microneedling and HIFU are both amazing treatments suitable for different groups of people. When used right, both can help patients achieve the desired results: reducing ageing signs. Before considering one of the treatments, consult a doctor.
