HIFU: SKIN LIFTING, SUPPORTED FROM WITHIN

FAQ

• Is HIFU a facelift?

  No. HIFU is a non-invasive focused-ultrasound treatment designed to support skin lifting and tightening by helping stimulate your own collagen — it doesn’t remove or reposition tissue the way surgery does. For mild-to-moderate skin laxity it’s often a reasonable option to consider; for more advanced laxity your clinician may recommend a surgical consult instead. Suitability is assessed at your free consultation.

• Ultraformer III at Toowong, Ultraformer MPT at Sunnybank — what's the difference?

  Both are Classys HIFU platforms and both target the same layers (superficial dermis, deeper dermis, SMAS, and subcutaneous for body work). Ultraformer III is a well-established third-generation platform used at our Toowong clinic. Ultraformer MPT is the next-generation platform used at our Sunnybank clinic — it uses Micro-Pulsed Technology, which breaks each shot into a rapid train of smaller pulses. In practice, MPT treatments are generally faster and tend to feel a little more comfortable. Neither is “better” — location and your clinician’s assessment of your skin drive the choice.

• Does it hurt?

  HIFU isn’t painless, and we don’t describe it that way. Most people feel a sharp, deep warmth with each shot, especially over bony areas like the jawline or brow. A topical numbing cream is applied before treatment, and your clinician paces the session to your tolerance. MPT’s micro-pulsed delivery is generally reported as more comfortable than traditional HIFU delivery.

• How many sessions will I need?

  HIFU is typically a single session, not a course — the lifting and tightening response develops from one treatment over three to six months. A booster every 6–12 months is a common way to support the change over time. A second session within the first three months isn’t recommended, because collagen remodelling is still under way.

• How long do results last?

  Results typically peak around three to six months after treatment and are maintained for 12–18 months, depending on your baseline skin, age and lifestyle. Some clients see benefit for up to 24 months. HIFU results aren’t permanent — collagen continues to change with time. Individual results vary.

• What are the risks?

  Expected and transient effects include redness, mild swelling, tenderness and small welts along treatment lines. Less commonly, bruising or temporary changes in pigmentation can occur. Rare but documented risks include transient nerve irritation (usually resolving within weeks), and — rarely — changes to fat distribution in the treated area, particularly with deeper settings in thin-skinned patients. Your clinician will go through all of this at consultation and tailor settings to your skin.

• Who's not a candidate?

  HIFU isn’t suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding; for people with pacemakers, defibrillators or other implanted electronic devices; over metal implants, plates or facial silicone implants; over dermal fillers placed recently (a wait of 2–4 weeks is typical); with active infection, cystic acne or herpes outbreak in the area; with a history of keloid scarring; or with certain skin or autoimmune conditions. It’s also not treated over the thyroid, larynx or major blood vessels. Your consultation covers suitability in detail.

• Is HIFU TGA-approved?

  Our HIFU platforms are supplied by Classys Australia Pty Ltd and included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods as Focused Ultrasound Therapeutic Equipment (ARTG 410730). [DEV-NOTE: client to confirm with Classys Australia whether Ultraformer MPT sits on 410730 or a separate model-level ARTG before go-live; adjust phrasing accordingly.]

• Who performs the treatment?

  HIFU at Flourish is performed by our Registered Nurses, trained on the specific Classys platform at each location. Consent, risks and aftercare are covered at your consultation.