Face Contouring

Doublo Gold® 3rd Generation HiFu is effective at treating a wide range of skin concerns.

For example, if you are conscious of age-related changes such as;
Sagging skin, double chins, adding definition to the cheekbones and jawline
smoothing fine lines and wrinkles or lifting the skin around the eyebrows, eyelids, and mouth.

Dermal fillers address a wide range of concerns such as the lips, chin, jaw, cheeks, forehead and nose, and are ideal for dealing with specific issues such as loss of volume, deep lines, tear troughs, and jowls.

We discuss your full medical history at your consultation. The treatment is safe for most people, though we would ask you to postpone treatment if you were pregnant or breastfeeding.

Treatment may not suitable if you are having immune therapy or undergoing cancer treatment.

HiFu
HiFu stands for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. This energy reaches the underlying tissue – even the deepest support structures. This includes the dermis, epidermis, superficial dermis, deep dermis, and SMAS. SMAS is the same layer which is tightened during conventional surgery. However, unlike surgery, HIFU is more affordable, less invasive and requires no time off work.

The heat generated causes micro-injuries at three precise depths of the skin: 4.5mm, 3mm, and 1.5mm. This process stimulates collagen production in the skin. Collagen is a protein that is responsible for repairing wounds, injuries, and the skin overall. However, as we get older, our skin produces less and less, and the current reserves in the skin begin to deplete. This weakens the skin and the connective tissues holding it in place, which is what causes lines, wrinkling, and sagging in the first place. By kick-starting the collagen production process, skin begins to repair and rebuild itself during the months following treatment for a firmer, tighter, and smoother appearance.

Dermal Fillers
Fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, which is a clear, non-animal based gel. This is injected under the skin to bind water, and encourage collagen to regrow. The filler is injected through a fine sterile needle or cannula into the area where volume loss has occurred, which smooths wrinkle lines and volume loss.

HIFU
20 minutes before treatment, anaesthetic is applied to the treatment area to minimise any sensation. During treatment, a gentle but powerful dose of HiFu energy is directed towards the skin. The ultrasound is delivered in a series of pulses over the treatment area. After targeting the deeper structures of the area (SMAS), the process is then repeated to target the superficial structures.

Dermal Fillers
As every client’s skin and required goals are unique, a bespoke consultation with Dr Natalia Hancock is essential prior to undergoing any advanced non-surgical treatment. During the consultation, Dr Hancock will discuss any problem areas, desired improvements, options available (including no treatment at all) and expected outcomes. Should dermal fillers be agreed upon as the most suitable treatment, the skin will be thoroughly cleansed and the treatment area will be anaesthetised using either an appropriate topical anaesthetic (numbing cream) or a dental nerve block to ensure discomfort is completely minimal.

Once the treatment area is anaesthetised, the filler will be injected under the surface of the skin using an ultra-fine needle, before being gently massaged. The treatment itself usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes allowed prior to treatment for the anaesthetic to take effect.

HIFU
The procedure is certainly more comfortable than surgical options. However, you may notice a dull discomfort during application to the deeper areas, and a sharp tingling sensation over the superficial areas. However, as a strong anaesthetic is applied before treatment, the sensation you do feel is generally mild and resolves immediately after the probe is lifted.

Dermal Fillers
As the treatment area is numbed prior to treatment and the needle used to inject the dermal fillers is ultra-fine, most people find the treatment is only mildly uncomfortable. Many clients report barely feeling the injections, and any unpleasant sensation disappears very quickly.

HIFU
Most patients experience no downtime and can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. Worst case they may experience something like a cat scratch which will resolve within 48-72 hours after the procedure.

Dermal Fillers
Immediately after a dermal filler procedure, the treatment area may be slightly red and / or slightly swollen. However, normal activities may be resumed immediately. In fact, it is possible to have this treatment in a lunch break and return straight back to work.
Occasionally there will be mild bruising and swelling which can take up to 10 days to resolve naturally.