A cool ultrasound gel is applied to the skin first, which soothes the surface of the skin and allows for the conduction of the ultrasound energy. The handpiece is applied to the skin and delivers several highly focused shots of ultrasound energy into the skin. HIFU fat-reducing treatments are not generally described as painful, as the fat does not have the same infusion of nerves and blood vessels as the skin and muscle. Therefore, you will most likely be surprised at how comfortable fat reduction can be.

Like any medical intervention, there are potential risks that are associated with having a HIFU treatment; however, most are mild, such as pinkness to the skin for a few hours and a little sensitivity. As part of your consultation with us, you will be advised on these in more detail before you decide to proceed with any treatment. Our team's expertise and experience mean that we are able to assist you with side effects should you experience them. You should plan your treatments around social events in case you do experience any effects that could affect your appearance, such as bruising. You will be given your practitioner's out-of-hours mobile telephone number, should you require any urgent advice.

Many patients will see a good improvement after 3 treatments; however, some people will require more. A consultation with us will be able to inform you of the likely number of treatments you will require.

The results of HIFU take up to 1-3 months to develop, during which time your body will evolve.

The effect of duration can vary from person to person and depends on the degree of skin ageing. Treatment results can last up to 2 years and deteriorate at the rate of ageing. Fat contouring is considered permanent; however, lifestyle will also play a part in how long the effects will last.

Yes, although these will be discussed in greater detail during your appointment:

-Making a conscious effort to stay hydrated and eating a healthy diet to support your body in its regeneration. Below are some tips to help boost your results:

• Water: Drinking 2 litres of water today helps flush post-treatment thermal injury toxins from building within the tissues and assists with healthy skin function and hydration.

• Reduce Fat, Carbohydrate and Sugar: Whilst we are working for your body to eliminate unwanted fat cell energy, it is important that you are not eating an excess of fat and carbohydrates that convert to sugars as this will only convert to energy within your remaining fat cells and reduce the appearance of your results.

• Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables: As a natural consequence of inflammation from surgery, the body will temporarily produce higher levels of free radicals. You can help combat this and support oxidative balance by eating more antioxidant-rich foods such as spinach, kale and other leafy green vegetables, along with fruits like strawberries, blueberries and blackberries.

• Vitamin A-rich foods: Vitamin A is essential for epidermal (skin) growth, aiding in the reproduction and differentiation of cells. It’s also an immune-booster and anti-inflammatory nutrient. Vitamin A-rich foods include kale, spinach, beet greens and other leafy greens, carrots, and squash.

• Vitamin C-rich foods: While you may already know that vitamin C promotes the synthesis of collagen. During wound healing, it also plays an additional role in helping to stabilise the structure of collagen. And on top of this, vitamin C boosts your immune function, sending in special immune cells that can assist with the wound healing process. Vitamin C-rich foods include bell peppers, citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato juice, mustard, spinach, broccoli, kale, parsley, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.

-Avoid UV sun exposure for 2 weeks after treatment, and wear a daily sun protectant with a broad spectrum SPF 30 or above.

This treatment has a permanent effect of reducing the number of fat cells within a treatment area. However, if you live an unhealthy lifestyle, the remaining fat cells will simply enlarge and require further treatment.