HIFU, PDO and RF Skin Tightening

There is a myriad of HIFU machines on the market.  The best knows Ultherapy; however, this is also the most expensive, costing $2500 for a HIFU facial because of the consumable cost involved. As HIFU facial effects only last about one year, we thought it better to provide a more reasonably priced option.

How does HIFU tighten your skin?  HIFU is a high-intensity ultrasound that is emitted onto your skin in small pulses. The ultrasound pulses are targeted to specific depths (3mm and 4.5 mm on the face), heating these layers to bring about the controlled injury required for new collagen productions.  HIFU really came into prominence with the Korean V Lift, a treatment that combines HIFU facelift with PDO threads.

Treatment Time: 60 minutes for HIFU facial. Recovery: You can return to regular activity immediately. There is redness, swelling and tenderness or bruising afterwards. Results: take 2-3 months to be observed. (See optimising your outcomes below) No. of Treatments for Optimal Results: 1 for mild sagging, 2-3 for moderate sagging. Treatment lasts up to 12 months with good homecare. HIFU Facial Cost: At Pearl Clinic, our HIFU facial treatment is an affordable $700.

PDO threads target skin laxity to provide tightening and improved skin quality by treating fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, some people get a lifting effect with the treatment (a bonus).  MINT Threads are designed to treat skin redundancy and provide lifting.

How do PDO Threads work?  PDO threads work by inserting tiny suture threads under the skin. The threads are made of PDO (Polydioxanone), a substance that has been used as dissolvable sutures for decades. The thread is the injury signal that causes collagen production. PDO threads are incredible at the job of stimulating collagen, as long as sufficient threads are used. (100 to 150 required for lower face skin tightening)

Treatment Time: 60 minutes for PDO thread lift Recovery: You can return to regular activity immediately. However, there is extensive bruising with this treatment, as well as redness, swelling and tenderness. Results: take 2-3 months to be observed. (See optimising your outcomes below) No. of Treatments for Optimal Results: 1 for mild sagging, 2-3 for moderate sagging. Treatment Lasts: Top up treatment is recommended at 12 months. PDO thread Cost: At Pearl Clinic, the cost for lower face PDO thread lifts is $1499

The original RF skin tightening was a facial that used radiofrequency to create bulk heating of facial skin tissue. This older technology has largely been replaced by HIFU. Newer treatments for  RF skin tightening treatments are microneedling techniques such as Infini and Secret RF. Advanced radiofrequency modalities insert pins under the skin and then discharge radiofrequency energy deep into your skin. They are more commonly used for textural skin changes and are helpful for acne scar treatments and changes related to sun damage and aging. Radiofrequency microneedling is more appropriate for skin laxity with fine lines and wrinkles.

How Does RF Skin Tightening Work?

Radiofrequency skin tightening works by heating the deeper layers of the skin. The handpiece is applied to the skin, and the needles penetrate to a specific depth before the radiofrequency signal is discharged.  Once again, this controlled injury signals your skin to mount a healing and repair response, producing collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.   Though radiofrequency provides skin tightening, it is more appropriate for skin texture concerns. Although RF is ideal for treating wrinkles, lines, and acne scars and photoaging, it is not our top pick for skin tightening.

Treatment Time: 45 minutes (plus 30 minutes for numbing before treatment) Recovery: You can return to regular activity immediately. Expect redness and swelling afterwards. A delicate grid pattern remains on your face for up to 2 weeks. (this can be covered with Oxygenetix makeup). Results: take 2-3 months to be observed. (See optimising your outcomes below) No. of Treatments for Optimal Results: A course of 4 is generally recommended (we do provide package buys) Treatment lasts:  Results are long-lasting; expect results to last 2- 5 years. RF Skin Tightening Cost: $795 per treatment. It can be combined with fractional CO2 laser treatment.

We offer a fractional CO2 laser for advanced skin and sun damage, extensive wrinkling and acne scarring. The CO2 laser can be combined with Secret RF. Once again, though CO2 laser treatments do provide skin tightening, they are better served for skin textural changes.  Laser skin tightening is best performed with ablative Erbium or CO2 laser. However, these require significant downtime and healing and risk of scarring and have been largely replaced by fractional laser treatments.

How Does CO2 Laser work? CO2 lasers work when the light of a specific wavelength pulsed onto the skin. Light energy is attracted to water components in the skin and ablates the tissue it contacts. Once again, this tissue damages set off the collagen repair process.

Treatment Time: 45 minutes (plus 30 minutes for numbing before treatment) Recovery: You can return to regular activity immediately. Expect redness and swelling afterwards, which can take 1-2 weeks to settle. Redness of the skin persists for up to 6 weeks. (this can be covered with Oxygenetix makeup). Results: results begin to appear around six weeks and develop over three months. (See optimising your outcomes below) No. of Treatments for Optimal Results: Up to 4 is generally recommended (we provide package buys). Treatment lasts:  Results are long-lasting; expect results to last 2- 5 years. CO2 laser cost: $795 per treatment. It can be combined with Secret RF.