Safe use of HIFU cartridge depths means picking the right depth. Each treatment area and patient needs a different depth. High-intensity focused ultrasound works on certain tissue layers. It is important to match the cartridge to skin thickness. Using the wrong HIFU cartridge can cause problems. Some problems are nerve injuries. This happens a lot in the face. The temporal branch of the Trigeminal Nerve and the Marginal Mandibular Nerve are at risk. You can lower these risks with careful technique. You should also avoid areas that are not safe. Thermal injuries can happen too. Deep burns have happened during non-invasive HIFU procedures. This is when energy goes to the wrong depth.
Following safety rules during every procedure helps keep patients safe. It also makes sure people get the good results of this non-invasive procedure.
Key Takeaways
- Pick the right HIFU cartridge depth for each area. Think about how thick the skin is. This helps stop burns and nerve injuries.
- Use more than one cartridge depth in a session. This treats different skin layers. It helps lift and tighten the skin better.
- Check the patient’s skin and health before treatment. This helps you choose the safest and best cartridge.
- Always follow safety rules. Stay away from risky spots like eyes and nerves. Change power settings to keep patients comfortable.
- Give clear aftercare steps. Set up follow-up visits. This helps healing and keeps results lasting longer.
HIFU Cartridge Depths
Common Depths
Doctors use different hifu cartridge depths for skin tightening. These depths help reach different layers under the skin. The most used cartridges are 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 3.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 7 mm, and 13 mm. Each cartridge sends energy to a certain skin layer. This helps make skin look younger and shapes the face.
| Cartridge Depth (mm) | Targeted Tissue Layer(s) | Clinical Application / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 – 2.0 | Superficial layers of tissue | Fine lines and wrinkles around delicate facial areas (forehead, eyes, mouth) |
| 2.0 (MF2) | Superficial dermal layers | Precise targeting of narrow facial contours and fine wrinkles |
| 3.0 – 13.0 | Deeper subcutaneous tissue layers | Penetrate deeper layers for skin tightening and collagen stimulation |
Treatment Layers
Hifu cartridges can reach different layers in the skin. The 1.5 mm cartridge works on the top skin layer. It is good for thin skin near the eyes. The 3.0 mm cartridge goes deeper into the skin and fat. This helps lift the face and refresh the skin. The 4.5 mm cartridge targets the SMAS layer. This layer is important for lifting and tightening the face. For the body, 7 mm and 13 mm cartridges go even deeper. They help reduce fat and shape the body.
Tip: Picking the right hifu cartridge depth helps the energy reach the right layer. This lowers the chance of side effects and gives better results.
Indications
Each hifu cartridge depth has its own use. The 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm cartridges are best for making the top skin look better. They treat fine lines near the eyes and mouth. The 3.0 mm cartridge is good for tightening skin and shrinking pores. It also helps with wrinkles on the forehead, cheeks, and under the eyes. The 4.5 mm cartridge lifts the face by working on the SMAS layer. This is best for thicker skin on the cheeks and neck. For shaping the body, the 7 mm and 13 mm cartridges help reduce fat on the stomach and thighs.
Studies show using more than one depth in a session can make skin tighter and lift the face more. This way, doctors can treat the whole face and body to fit each person’s needs.
HIFU Cartridge Selection
Assessment
A good assessment is the first step for safe hifu treatment. The practitioner looks at the patient’s skin type and thickness. They also check if the skin is healthy. They look for sensitive spots and past treatments. They also check for any reasons not to do the procedure. This helps pick the best hifu cartridge and keeps risks low.
Key things to check during assessment are:
- Skin thickness and how stretchy it is
- Age and how loose the skin is
- If there are fine lines, wrinkles, or deep folds
- Where the treatment will be (face, neck, or body)
- How comfortable the patient feels
A careful check lets the practitioner make a plan just for that person. The 11d hifu machine can change cartridge depths. This helps treat small face areas and bigger body parts safely.
Choosing Depths
Picking the right hifu cartridge depth is very important. The practitioner matches the cartridge to the area and the patient’s needs. For the face, 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm, and 4.5 mm cartridges are used most. These reach both shallow and deep skin layers. The SMAS layer can be treated for lifting the face.
For the body, deeper cartridges like 8.0 mm and 13.0 mm are used. These go into fat under the skin and are not for the face. The 11d hifu machine has many cartridges for both face and body.
| Cartridge Depth | Treatment Area | Usage Notes and Protocols |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5mm | Face and Neck | Targets top skin layers; safe energy range 0.1-0.9J; used for gentle face areas. |
| 3.0mm | Face and Neck | Targets deeper skin and SMAS; safe energy range 0.1-1.0J; software shows treatment spots and lines. |
| 4.5mm | Face and Neck | Deepest face cartridge; goes 4.5mm deep; safe energy range 0.1-1.2J; do not go over safe energy. |
| 8.0mm | Body | For deep body treatments; not for face; software changes treatment map. |
| 13.0mm | Body | Deepest body cartridge; never use on face; covers big and deep areas. |
Note: Always start with the lowest power and change it if needed. The device software shows where to treat and how many lines to use.
The practitioner uses gel and moves the transducer gently. This helps spread the energy evenly. The 11d hifu machine can be set for safe and effective treatments for all skin types.
Multiple Depths
Using more than one hifu cartridge depth in one session can help results. This way, many skin layers get treated. Collagen can rebuild and skin gets tighter from top to bottom. The plan often starts with 4.5 mm for the SMAS layer. Then 3.0 mm is used for the dermis. Last, 1.5 mm is used for lines near the surface.
Benefits of using more than one depth are:
- Treats both shallow and deep skin layers
- Lifts the face and tightens skin better
- Patients are happier and see better results
- Can be changed for different skin types
Top hifu machines like the 11d hifu machine can use two or three frequencies. This lets practitioners make the best plan for each person. Studies show using more than one depth works better and makes patients happier than using just one.
Tip: Using more than one hifu cartridge depth helps every patient get the best and safest results.
HIFU Safety Guidelines
Avoiding Risks
Practitioners need to be very careful during hifu treatments. Some common risks are redness, swelling, and soreness. Sometimes, burns or nerve problems can happen, but this is rare. These problems usually happen if the device hits the wrong spot or uses too much power. To help stop these issues, professionals should:
- Mark spots like the eyes, jaw, and near nerves before starting.
- Leave out risky places like eyelids, nose, and thyroid gland from the plan.
- Use special tools to find nerves and bones.
- Reset the device each time a new cartridge is put on.
- Puff up the cheeks when working near the jaw to keep nerves safe and not hit bone.
- Change the power and number of shots for each area and depth.
| Anatomical Area | Reason for Avoidance / Risk |
|---|---|
| Eye area and eyelids | Skin is thin here, so burns and muscle harm can happen |
| Forehead and between eyebrows | Facial nerves are in this area |
| Nose and nasal cartilage | Not much tissue, so damage can happen |
| Thyroid gland and jugular fossa | This area is sensitive and can affect hormones |
| Cheekbones and jawline | Skin is thin over bone, so heat can hurt it |
| Marginal mandibular nerve area | Nerve damage here can cause face movement problems |
Note: Only trained people should do hifu treatments. Clinics must check their machines often and follow all safety rules to keep everyone safe.
Patient Comfort
Making sure patients feel okay is very important during hifu. Most people feel a little warm or tingly, but some may feel pain. Practitioners can do a few things to help patients feel better:
- Start with low power and go up slowly, stopping if it hurts.
- Put on a thick layer of gel so the device moves smoothly.
- Move the device gently and do not press hard.
- Use numbing cream before the treatment if needed.
- Pick the right power for the cartridge depth and area.
- Ask the patient how they feel and change the plan if needed.
Tip: Linear cartridge technology spreads energy in a line, which can make the treatment feel better for patients.
Some people may get red, swollen, or have numb skin, but this goes away in two days. Practitioners should always check how the patient feels and give clear aftercare steps.
Contraindications
Not everyone can get hifu. Practitioners must look at the patient’s health and skin before starting. Some health problems make hifu unsafe, and others mean extra care is needed.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Absolute Contraindications | Active infection, open wounds, cystic acne, pregnancy |
| Relative Contraindications | Heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, slow healing, or not having real expectations |
| Cartridge Depths (Face/Neck) | 4.5mm is deepest, 3.0mm is medium, 1.5mm is shallow; treat from deep to shallow |
| Cartridge Depths (Body) | 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 13mm, 16mm; pick based on area and what the patient can handle |
| Special Precautions | Stay away from throat, jawline, and nerve-rich areas; pick cartridge depth carefully to avoid nerve harm |
Practitioners should never treat over infections or open wounds. They must not use deep cartridges near nerves or thin skin. People with sensitive skin, thin faces, or some health problems need extra care and a special plan.
Spacing treatments is important. Doing too many can hurt the skin or lower collagen. Clinics should teach patients what to expect and always follow safety rules for the best results.
HIFU Best Practices
Pre-Procedure
Operators need to use a checklist before starting hifu.
- Ask a medical professional to look at the patient’s health and skin.
- Plan an imaging test like MRI or ultrasound to find the right tissue.
- Tell patients not to get facial peels for four weeks. They should skip microdermabrasion for two weeks before treatment.
- Patients must stop using strong skincare for five days. They should stay out of the sun for at least one week.
- Suggest no alcohol for 48 hours. Tell them to drink more water for healthy skin.
- Pick a clinic with skilled staff for the procedure.
- Have a meeting to talk about what the patient wants and what is possible.
Tip: Getting ready the right way lowers risks and helps hifu work better.
During Treatment
Operators should check the hifu device before every session. Quick checks and calibration make sure the device works right.
- Use imaging like ultrasound or MRI to watch the treatment and see changes in tissue.
- Make sure the transducer touches the skin well to stop burns.
- Change device settings for each area and depth as planned.
- Watch how the patient feels and how their skin looks during treatment.
- Stay away from sensitive spots and mark risky areas before starting.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Device Calibration | Do quick checks and full calibration often for safety |
| Imaging | Use ultrasound or MRI to watch in real time |
| Patient Monitoring | Check comfort, change settings, and avoid risky spots |
Post-Treatment
After hifu, operators should give clear aftercare steps.
- Tell patients to clean gently with mild products and warm water for two days.
- Suggest using moisturizers without fragrance and cold packs to help swelling go down.
- Say to avoid makeup, hot or cold places, and hard exercise for one or two days.
- Remind patients to use sunscreen every day and drink water often.
- Tell them to stay out of the sun, skip hot showers, and not use harsh skincare for a few weeks.
- Plan follow-up visits to check healing and help with any problems.
- Let patients know results take time and healthy habits help skin stay tight.
Note: Checking in and using gentle skincare keeps results and stops problems.
Practitioners can help skin look better and stay safe by using important safety steps for HIFU cartridge depths.
- Watching the skin during treatment and checking heat levels stops burns and problems.
- Picking the right cartridge and checking the patient’s skin helps treat the face carefully.
- Learning from experts and keeping up with new rules helps practitioners do the treatment the right way and keep quality high.Clinics that use new machines and follow trusted rules give good results every time and make clients feel safe.
FAQ
What happens if the wrong HIFU cartridge depth is used?
Using the wrong cartridge depth can cause burns, nerve injuries, or poor results. Practitioners must match the cartridge to the treatment area and skin thickness to keep patients safe.
Can HIFU treat all skin types safely?
Yes, HIFU works on all skin types. Practitioners adjust cartridge depth and energy settings for each patient. They always check skin health before starting treatment.
How soon can patients see results after HIFU?
Some patients notice changes right away. Most see full results in two to three months. Collagen needs time to rebuild, so improvements appear gradually.
Is HIFU painful?
Most patients feel warmth or tingling. Some feel mild discomfort. Practitioners use numbing cream or lower energy settings to help patients stay comfortable.
How often can someone get HIFU treatments?
Doctors recommend waiting at least six months between sessions. This gives the skin time to heal and produce new collagen. Too many treatments can harm the skin.