Unplanned volume reduction may happen if the doctor sets parameters too high, performs too many treatment lines, or overlaps the lines. Burns may also occur, sometimes leading to scarring. This can happen, for example, if there is poor contact between the tissues and the handpiece — for instance, when too much ultrasound gel is applied.
Articles and clinical reviews mention the following risks and side effects associated with ultrasound SMAS lifting / HIFU:
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Redness, swelling, edema, tingling, and changes in skin sensitivity (numbness or decreased sensation).
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Possible formation of hematomas and small subcutaneous bruises.
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Rarely—nerve damage, partial or temporary paresis of the frontal branch of the facial nerve, or loss of sensation.
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Potential burns or blistering if the transducer does not fit tightly to the skin or if incorrect power settings are used.
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Possible long-term effects: mild facial asymmetry, changes in facial contour, or more pronounced wrinkles if the result is weak.
Real Patient Reviews on Ultrasound SMAS Lifting / HIFU
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«The procedure literally melted my face. It was obvious the very next morning.»Reddit
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«I had Ultherapy… It was excruciatingly painful and left me with nerve damage and muscle weakness in my right cheek, fat loss on both sides of my face… one eyebrow higher than the other.»Reddit
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«Burned by HIFU treatment — my skin is still burned… the doctor refunded my money but I’m still processing the damage.» Reddit
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«Saggy and more volume loss… After that treatment I started to look… gaunt — I ended up getting fat transfer.» Reddit
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«For the first two weeks my face (especially the jawline area) hurt so much that I could barely touch the skin — it felt like a really painful bruise.» Reddit
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«I got nerve damage from Ulthera… my lips are now imbalanced and lopsided. The clinic failed to inform me prior this was a risk.» Reddit
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«I’m panicking after HIFU — still feeling slightly sore around my jaw and chin area.» Reddit
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«The pain is off the charts — possibly the most intense pain I have ever experienced. Nitrous oxide helped.» Reddit
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«I found a website of women reporting severe facial fat loss making them look gaunt — I have second thoughts about HIFU.» Reddit
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«Theory is I obviously have some nerve damage from the fracture and treatments may trigger something… does that mean I can't use any antiaging treatments on my face the rest of my life?» Reddit
