"Exploring HIFU: A Bridal Beauty Trend Gaining Popularity"

2023.04.03 published

Bridal beauty is increasing with HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)

Until recently, it was mainly associated with models and Instagram influencers—those with top-level beauty consciousness...

However, recently, HIFU has become a popular option among brides preparing for their weddings.

There are many salons offering HIFU treatments listed on Hot Pepper Beauty, and we’re seeing it more often.

Known as a “non-surgical lift,” many people are curious about whether to try it or not...

But you're likely wondering what kind of effects it really has, how much it costs, and if there are any downsides...

In this article, we will provide detailed answers to your questions about HIFU.

【First】 What is HIFU?

The official name of HIFU is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound.

It is performed at cosmetic surgery and dermatology clinics, and it is a non-insured aesthetic treatment.

A specialized device is used to emit ultrasound on the face.

When this ultrasound reaches the inner layers of the skin, it causes the loose fascia to heat and solidify, tightening it vertically. (During this process, collagen is also generated.)

As a result:

✅ The facial line becomes sharper

✅ Looks like a smaller face

✅ Appears more youthful

✅ Reduces the appearance of double chin

✅ Less noticeable sagging and wrinkles around the mouth, as well as nasolabial folds

✅ Skin obtains elasticity and firmness due to collagen production

This is how the effects occur.

Since HIFU can reach areas that regular at-home self-care cannot, many people feel a significant difference after just one treatment.

The skin turns red after the treatment, but there is no damage to the surface. There’s no downtime needed, so you can wear makeup and take a bath right after.

Until now, the only high-threshold options for long-lasting facial lifts were methods like thread lifting or surgical procedures.

It makes sense that such “almost risk-free latest beauty treatments” have become widely available now, resembling spa treatments rather than surgery.

HIFU is expanding not only for the face but also for areas like the back and upper arms.

There are medical HIFU and aesthetic HIFU

There are two types of HIFU: medical HIFU and aesthetic HIFU.

Medical HIFU, performed in medical institutions, is characterized by the lack of limitations on the output power of the machines produced by various manufacturers.

The cost for a full face treatment ranges from about 30,000 to 40,000 yen at a lower end, and can go up to several hundred thousand yen. The lifting effect lasts about six months to a year after the treatment.

Because of the high output, the frequency of treatments is slower, generally every 3 to 6 months.

In contrast, aesthetic HIFU can be administered by estheticians who do not have medical qualifications, and the output power is often limited depending on the machine.

Although there is less pain, the duration of the effect is shorter, estimated at 1 to 2 months. So, it’s better to have treatments at that frequency.

The cost is also lower, usually around 10,000 to 30,000 yen per session. Some salons offer treatments for a few thousand yen or unlimited sessions for 10,000 yen.

Just like with hair removal, whether to choose the medical option for better results or the more affordable aesthetic option is up to individual judgment.

However, it seems that there are more brides opting for medical HIFU.

When should you do it before the wedding ceremony?

I will proceed with the discussion assuming medical HIFU*

It is said that the effects of HIFU are strongest one to two months after treatment.

(Individual differences exist, but effects can generally be felt starting one week after the session!)

Therefore, if you're planning to do it before the wedding, the ideal time would be to finish the treatment about 1 to 1.5 months before the ceremony, so that you can have the best results on the wedding day.

Some clinics only accept treatments until one month before the wedding as a precaution, so be aware of that.*

@hire_wedding

However, since people's experiences and results can vary, if you have time before the ceremony, it might be a good idea to try one session in advance.

Are there any downsides?

Regarding potential downsides, some common concerns include:

- Mild prickling sensation during treatment (but it’s manageable)

- A temporary decrease in moisture levels post-treatment, leading to increased dryness and susceptibility to UV damage (so thorough moisturizing and UV protection is essential)

- Redness, swelling, or puffiness post-treatment (usually subsiding within hours to a few days)

These aspects should be explained thoroughly by the clinic.

Additionally, there is information suggesting that long-term HIFU may harden subcutaneous tissue, making it harder to perform thread lifting, indicating a poor synergy.

There are some online reports of nerve damage, burns, blisters, or cases where individuals felt minimal benefit...

However, nothing can guarantee 100% effectiveness, whether it’s HIFU or any other treatment, so it’s best to make your decision to proceed after consulting with a trusted medical professional (cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist).

Recommended clinics

Gallery Clinic Ginza, also famous for its art makeup.

They offer medical HIFU.*

The device used here is the Ultraformer III, a medical HIFU machine.

It features adjustable depth of ultrasound energy delivery using different cartridges (2.0mm, 3.0mm, 4.5mm).

Treatment is tailored to the state of sagging and skin thickness in areas such as around the eyes and jawline.

<Pricing Plans>

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【HIFU】 For a thorough HIFU treatment:

Full face: 55,000 yen for one session, 148,000 yen for three sessions

Full face + neck: 66,000 yen for one session, 178,200 yen for three sessions

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【HIFU Shower】 Before a thorough HIFU treatment

(A menu that quickly administers continuous emission at shallow layers of skin using a 2.0mm cartridge)

Full face: 44,000 yen for one session, 118,800 yen for three sessions, 193,600 yen for five sessions

Full face + neck: 55,000 yen for one session, 148,500 yen for three sessions, 242,000 yen for five sessions

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【HIFU Eye Shower】 If you want to focus on the eyes

28,600 yen for one session, 77,220 yen for three sessions, 125,840 yen for five sessions

(A menu dedicated to the area around the eyes, allowing even distribution of emissions to the edge of the eyes)

➡ Click here for homepage and reservations*

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It may be becoming a standard bridal beauty treatment

Even though more people are casually opting for HIFU, there is still a budget limit for beauty treatments, and it can be hard to visit repeatedly...

Still, many have expressed that they were glad they did it, so it definitely piques interest.

I plan to join in on the trend of trying HIFU while looking at Instagram posts and asking friends who have actually done it!*

@kn_eternallovewedding