HIFU: What Is This Technology And How Is It Used In Medicine And Aesthetics?
Since the dawn of humanity, health and illness have been a cause of concern for human beings, as our survival depends on it. Fortunately, with the passage of time, medicine has made numerous technical and technological advances. Among them we find HIFU technology
This is a technology that may sound like it is used on an aesthetic level (especially facial rejuvenation or skin rejuvenation of other parts of the body), but it has actually been proven useful in diseases as relevant as cancer. Throughout this article we are going to see what this technology is, what it is used for and in which cases it is contraindicated.
The acronym HIFU refers to the technology High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, in Spanish high-intensity focused ultrasound It is a type of technique or procedure with applications of great interest in medicine, and is based on the application of focused sonic waves specifically directed to a target area or objective, in order to cause the death or necrosis of certain cells. of living organisms.
The operation of this technique bases its effectiveness on the fact that the sound waves, concentrated in an area when applied in a beam, end up generating heat energy that produces hyperthermia in target areas It also generates a mechanical force, in the form of vibration, that allows tissues to be compressed or decompressed.
This procedure is non-invasive, since does not require surgery or chemical elements , and has the advantage in relation to these that it does not cause damage to the tissues that are between the place of ultrasound emission and the target area. The risk of infection or introduction of toxic elements is also reduced.
On the other hand, although it is effective, it is not as powerful as other common procedures, it can cause burns and may not be useful depending on the area or organ being treated. It is also worth noting that its clinical application dates back to the 90s,
Indications of this technology
HIFU technology, used as a medical procedure, can have many and varied uses, but the main and most relevant one is its use in oncology
HIFU can be useful in both benign and malignant tumors, and has been applied to fibroids in different parts of the body, such as the breast or uterus. Also in carcinomas, fibroids, prostate, pancreas or kidney tumors.
Its use can occur in solid tumors, and sometimes also in cases with liver metastases. This use It can be used as an adjuvant treatment for other therapies as a treatment for recurrences or even as palliative treatment.
It is usually indicated in fibroids, also when there is transfusion rejection or when surgical resection is not possible. However, there is not much data regarding its level of success, requiring a higher level of research. Although some studies carried out at the moment seem to corroborate its effectiveness in the treatment of problems such as prostate cancer, others have not determined its effectiveness with certainty. In general, other techniques are used, although we may be faced with a highly valuable alternative.
Its use in aesthetic medicine
Secondarily, although it is actually the area in which it is most commonly used in our country, HIFU technology also has applications within the field of aesthetics. Specifically, sometimes It is used to reduce flaccidity and destroy dead cells or even fat cells without requiring surgical interventions and with the possibility of acting on different areas of the body.
Thus, it is used to perform some facelifts, treatments to reduce wrinkles and even liposuctions with, in principle, less risk to the patient’s health. It is often offered in facial rejuvenation procedures.
Risks and contraindications
Although it is considered a safe technique since it is minimally invasive, the use of this technology also has possible risks and side effects. These include an increase or decrease in sensitivity, edema, ecchymosis or hematomas, or pain during treatment. Also burns may occur
In addition to the above, it must be taken into account that an increase in temperature is actually being generated in specific areas of the body, something that can be harmful if there are certain health problems. If used incorrectly, it could cause thyroid problems or even neurological damage
There are also contraindications that must be taken into account. First of all, pregnant women are contraindicated in the use of this technology. Also those people who have autoimmune problems or an altered or weakened immune system those people with open wounds or coagulation problems, people in febrile processes or in a state of hyperthermia.
Another sector that is contraindicated for this technology is those who have implants, whether cosmetic (heat can cause them to be reabsorbed or cause severe burns) or medical such as pacemakers (given the risk that sonic waves can affect the implant). Nor those who have metal implants, at least in the area to be treated or nearby. It is not recommended in case of acne and is contraindicated in those with kidney failure, severe diabetes or metabolic diseases.
Although it is used in some bone tumors, it is generally a type of tissue in which this technology is not used, nor in the marrow. Nor in areas such as the lung, stomach or intestine since the gas they contain limits their effect.
