Today we will continue discussing HIFU (Ultrasound lifting devices). To use this technology properly, we must fully understand and master its working principles.
1. Mechanism of Micro-Focused Ultrasound
(1) Energy Source: Ultrasound
HIFU lifting devices use Gerichte echografie met hoge intensiteit (HIFU) as their energy source, which is high-frequency ultrasound.
However, the energy used for non-invasive anti-aging treatments is much lower than the energy used in surgical HIFU for cutting tissue.
Therefore, the more accurate academic term is:
Micro-Focused Ultrasound (MFU).
The US FDA-approved Ultherapy system includes real-time ultrasound visualization, so its academic name is:
Micro-Focused Ultrasound with Visualization (MFU-V).
The frequencies used by Ultherapy include:
- 4 MHz
- 7 MHz
- 10 MHz
Among them:
- 7 MHz and 10 MHz lose energy rapidly in tissue because molecular friction and scattering occur more frequently.
Therefore they can only treat superficial skin layers, zoals 1.5 mm or 3.0 mm depths. - 4 MHz attenuates more slowly in tissue and can doordringend, reaching layers such as the 4.5 mm SMAS fascia layer.
(2) Ultrasound Focusing Principle
The principle is similar to using a magnifying glass to focus sunlight.
De transducer emits high-frequency ultrasound waves and focuses energy precisely at a specific depth beneath the skin.
This is called geometric focusing.
As ultrasound passes through the epidermis and superficial dermis, the energy remains dispersed.
Therefore, the heat per unit area is insufficient to cause tissue damage.
Only at the geometric focal point does the energy density suddenly reach its maximum peak.
(3) Ultrasound Heat Generation
When ultrasound waves travel through tissue, they cause high-frequency oscillation of tissue molecules, vibrating millions of times per second.
This produces instant heat.
Due to intense molecular friction, acoustic energy converts into thermal energy, raising the temperature at the focal point rapidly to 60°C–70°C within milliseconds.
(4) Transducer
The most critical component of the ultrasound treatment probe is the transducer.
Its function is to convert electrical energy into ultrasound (mechanical vibration energy).
The working mechanism relies on the inverse piezoelectric effect.
Process
Inside the transducer are piezoelectric ceramic crystals.
When high-frequency alternating current is applied:
- the crystals expand and contract rapidly according to the electrical frequency.
Resultaat
This rapid mechanical vibration pushes the surrounding medium (such as coupling gel and skin tissue) to form longitudinal pressure waves, which we call ultrasone golven.
(5) Thermal Coagulation Points
Focused ultrasound produces instant temperatures of 60–70°C at specific depths in the skin.
This heat creates thermal coagulation points (TCPs) approximately 1 mm in size.
These points are surrounded by healthy tissue, forming a fractional pattern of controlled micro-injuries.
Inside each TCP:
- Collagen fibers undergo thermal denaturation
- Collageen contracts immediately
This produces an instant tightening and lifting effect.
Both thermal denaturation and coagulation trigger the body’s wound healing response, leidend months of collagen and elastin regeneration.
Histologically:
- TCPs appear as white round regions under the microscope.
- In reality, they are wedge-shaped, not perfectly round.
(6) Wound Healing Response: New Collagen and Elastin Formation
Thermal coagulation points initiate three biological repair phases.
1. Inflammatory Phase
Duration: Immediately after treatment up to about 70 days.
When tissue reaches the collagen denaturation temperature (60–70°C):
- significant inflammation occurs
- macrophages remove damaged tissue
- cytokines recruit fibroblasts
Fibroblasts then begin producing new collagen.
2. Proliferation Phase
This phase may overlap with inflammation and begins within hours after treatment.
Fibroblasts synthesize:
- Type III collagen
- Elastin
- Fibronectin
- Glycosaminoglycans
- Other matrix components
These substances rebuild the extracellular collagen matrix.
3. Remodeling Phase
This stage usually begins around 3 weken na de behandeling and can last up to one year.
Tijdens deze fase:
- Type III collagen gradually converts into Type I collagen
- Collagen fibers form stronger cross-linking structures
This remodeling process is the key to long-term skin tightening and lifting.
2. Mechanism of Chinese “Ultraformer-type” HIFU Devices
De Ultraformer-type cartridges of Chinese devices function similarly to those of the US Ultherapy system.
Difference Between 2D hifu Head and Ultraformer-type Head
2D HIFU En MPT HIFU (Micro-Pulse Technology HIFU) refer to different energy delivery methods and treatment modes in micro-focused ultrasound devices. The distinction mainly lies in how ultrasound energy is emitted and how heat accumulates in tissue.
Below is a clear technical comparison.
2D HIFU vs MPT HIFU
| Parameter | 2D HIFU | MPT HIFU |
|---|---|---|
| Energy emission | Single pulse or traditional pulse | Multiple micro-pulses |
| Energie levering | One strong pulse per point/line | Energy divided into many small pulses |
| Thermal formation | Instant high-temperature coagulation point | Gradual heat accumulation |
| Temperature peak | Higher instantaneous temperature | Lower instantaneous temperature |
| Pijn niveau | Hoger | Lager |
| Tissue damage | More concentrated | More controlled |
| Veiligheid | Gematigd | Hoger |
| Treatment comfort | Gematigd | Hoger |
| Behandeling snelheid | Normaal | Usually faster with continuous scanning |
| Technology generation | Traditional HIFU | Newer generation technology |
2D HIFU (Traditional HIFU)
Werkingsprincipe
2D HIFU usually uses single pulse energy to create thermal coagulation points (TCPs) in de huid.
Energy is released once per shot, creating a focused point that quickly reaches: ~60–70°C
This causes:
- Collageencontractie
- collagen denaturation
- SMAS tightening
Kenmerken
Voordelen
- Strong lifting effect
- Diepe penetratie
- Clear TCP formation
Nadelen
- Higher pain
- Higher nerve irritation risk
- Heat concentration at one point
2. MPT HIFU (Micro Pulse Technology)
MPT stands for Micro Pulse Technology.
Instead of delivering one large pulse, the system splits energy into multiple micro-pulses.
Voorbeeld:
Traditional pulse
1 pulse = 25–50 ms
MPT pulse
1 pulse = multiple sub-pulses
each ≤5 ms
These micro-pulses are released in rapid sequence, allowing heat to accumulate gradually.
How MPT changes the heating process
Traditional HIFU
Energy → instant heat spike → TCP
MPT HIFU
micro pulse
micro pulse
micro pulse
heat accumulation → TCP
Result:
- smoother heating
- less nerve stimulation
- improved comfort
Thermal Effect Comparison
| Factor | Traditional HIFU | MPT HIFU |
|---|---|---|
| Heating pattern | Instant spike | Gradual build-up |
| Tissue response | Strong thermal shock | Controlled thermal stimulation |
| Pain sensation | Sharp pain | Mild verwarmend gevoel |
| Safety margin | Smaller | Larger |
Clinical Effect Comparison
| Treatment goal | 2D HIFU | MPT HIFU |
|---|---|---|
| SMAS lifting | Sterk | Sterk |
| Huidverstrakking | Goed | Goed |
| Comfort | Medium | Hoog |
| Downtime | Minimaal | Minimaal |
| Risk of nerve irritation | Hoger | Lager |
Why many new HIFU machines use MPT
Modern HIFU devices adopt MPT because it:
- reduces pain significantly
- improves safety
- maintains lifting effect
- improves patient tolerance
This is particularly important for:
- full face treatment
- sensitive patients
- sliding treatment modes
Simple analogy
Traditional HIFU
→ Hammer strike
MPT HIFU
→ Many small taps building heat
Both can produce the same thermal effect, but the second is more controlled and comfortable.
💡 Belangrijk:
MPT is not a different ultrasound technology, it is simply a different pulse delivery method within micro-focused ultrasound systems.
Sliding Operation and Volumetric Heating
Unlike the stamping method used by the knife head, the MPT HIFU head slides across the skin continuously.
It releases high-frequency pulses repeatedly, allowing heat to accumulate gradually in deeper tissues.
This sliding motion transforms treatment coverage:
from points → to surfaces
Heat becomes more evenly distributed in target layers such as:
- dermis
- fat layer
- fascia -laag
Voordelen:
- reduced overheating risk
- significantly reduced pain
Typical Clinical Operation
Usually:
- 2D hifu head is used first
→ precise lifting of key areas
(jawline, lower cheek, apple cheek support) - MPT hifu head is then used
→ sliding across the entire face
→ enhancing collagen contraction and fat tightening
3. Relationship Between Mechanism and Clinical Efficacy
The fundamental principle of ultrasound lifting is: controlled thermal injury in target tissue layers.
In theory: Higher temperatures within a safe range produce stronger lifting effects.
However, excessive temperature can cause:
- excessive tissue damage
- poor healing
- fibrosis
- severe pain
- higher nerve injury risk
Therefore:
- Ultherapy (US system)
temperature: 65–70°C
→ theoretically stronger effect - Chinese HIFU systems
temperature: around 60°C
→ theoretically safer
3. Fractional Pattern of HIFU Treatment
HIFU treatment essentially uses a fractional pattern, similar to:
- fractionele lasers
- RF-microneedling
Each ultrasound line:
- length: 25 mm
- contains 17–25 TCPs
- TCP diameter: 0.5–1 mm
- spacing: 1.1–1.5 mm
- maximum adjustable spacing: 2 mm
Healthy tissue remains between points, acting as biological support zones to accelerate healing and collagen regeneration.
Without these gaps, treatment would resemble large-area burns, leading to necrosis or scarring.
4. Key Operating HIFU Principles
A. Full Contact (Prevent Misfire / Burns)
The treatment probe must maintain complete contact with the skin.
Reason:
Air gaps cause ultrasound reflection, shifting energy to the surface and causing epidermal burns or blisters.
Operation:
- apply sufficient ultrasound coupling gel
- maintain stable vertical pressure
B. Avoid Overlapping Shots (Prevent Heat Accumulation)
Never fire repeatedly at the same position in a short time.
Reason:
Independent thermal points may merge into sheet-like burns, causing:
- severe pain
- nerve damage
- fat destruction
Operation:
Maintain at least 1 mm spacing between lines.
5. Technical Innovations in the Peninsula “Super HIFU”
To balance werkzaamheid en veiligheid, Peninsula devices control TCP temperature at about 60 ° C.
This is lower than Ultherapy.
To maintain efficacy, they introduced dual focal technology.
Comfort Micro-Pulse Technology
Instead of one large pulse, energy is divided into multiple micro-pulses.
Pulse width comparison:
- Ultherapy: 25–50 ms
- Peninsula Gen-2: ≤20 ms
- Latest Super HIFU: ≤5 ms sub-pulses
Voordelen:
- improved comfort
- improved safety
Samenvatting
- Micro-focused ultrasound is one of the most widely used non-invasive skin lifting technologies worldwide.
- The treatment technique is closely linked to the physical principles of ultrasound energy delivery.
- There are many technical details involved in MFU treatments. If you want to master non-invasive anti-aging treatments, continuous learning is essential.
