Most side effects from HIFU facial treatments are mild and temporary:
- Redness:
Skin may appear red or flushed immediately after treatment but usually fades within a few hours.
- Swelling:
Mild swelling can occur, typically resolving within 1-3 days.
- Tenderness or soreness:
The treated areas might feel tender, similar to a mild sunburn or muscle soreness for a few days.
- Tingling or numbness:
Some patients report a tingling sensation or slight numbness, which generally resolves within a few days to weeks.
- Bruising:
Rare but possible, especially if small blood vessels near the skin’s surface are affected.
- Skin type and sensitivity:
More sensitive skin might react more with redness or swelling.
Less Common / Rare Side Effects
- Temporary nerve irritation:
This can cause slight numbness or muscle weakness but usually resolves within a few weeks.
- Burns or blisters:
Very rare, but can occur if the ultrasound energy is not properly controlled or administered.
- Scarring:
Extremely rare, typically related to burns or improper treatment technique.
- Paradoxical effect:
In very rare cases, there might be temporary worsening of skin laxity or unevenness before improvement is seen.