## 3 Results
### Safety and Effectiveness of HIFU Application in Esthetics  
* Before undergoing high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment, it is of utmost importance that medical professionals conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient's medical history. This includes evaluating any previous esthetic treatments--whether they were invasive, such as surgical facelifts or liposuction, or non-invasive procedures like laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or radiofrequency therapy. A thorough understanding of the patient's medical background helps in determining whether they are a suitable candidate for HIFU treatment while minimizing potential risks and complications. * Once the patient is deemed appropriate for the procedure, healthcare providers must offer detailed and transparent information regarding every aspect of the treatment. This includes discussing the following:
* Contraintifications for HIFU treatments: Medical professionals should clearly explain which conditions or medical histories make a patient ineligible for HIFU, such as active infections, certain chronic diseases, or previous treatments that could interfere with ultrasound energy absorption. * Sensations that may be experienced during the procedure: Patients should be informed about the expected levels of discomfort during the application of HIFU. This can vary between individuals, with some experiencing mild tingling, heat, or slight discomfort, while others may report moderate pain that subsides quickly after treatment. * Expected sensations immediately after the procedure: Right after the session, patients might experience mild redness, tenderness, or slight swelling in the treated area. These effects are generally temporary and subside within a few hours to a few days. * Sensations and clinical appearance of the skin in the days following treatment: As part of the natural healing response, the skin may feel slightly tight, with mild swelling or tenderness persisting for a short period. Bruising may occur in some cases, especially in patients with more sensitive skin. * Expected results, including the timeline for visible improvements and the duration of effects: Patients must understand that HIFU results are not instantaneous. While some initial tightening may be visible immediately, the primary benefits, such as collagen production and overall skin rejuvenation, take time to fully develop, with the most noticeable effects appearing within two to three months post treatment. The optimal results usually peak around the six-month mark and can last up to 18 months, depending on individual skin characteristics and lifestyle factors. * Pre-treatment and post-treatment care instructions: Clear guidelines should be provided on how to prepare for the procedure (e.g., avoiding direct sun exposure, discontinuing the use of certain skincare products, staying hydrated) and what steps to follow afterward (e.g., using gentle skincare, applying sunscreen, avoiding excessive heat exposure, and refraining from aggressive exfoliation or chemical treatments). * Recommended frequency of HIFU treatments: Patients should be advised on how often they can safely undergo HIFU procedures. Generally, one session provides noticeable improvements, but additional treatments may be recommended at intervals of six months to a year, depending on the area treated and the patient's esthetic goals. * Potential side effects associated with the procedure: While HIFU is generally considered a safe and effective non-invasive treatment, patients should be aware of potential minor side effects, including temporary redness, mild swelling, or tingling sensations in the treated area. Rare complications such as prolonged numbness or bruising should also be discussed [4; 5; 6; 9]. In addition to thoroughly explaining these aspects, obtaining informed consent from the patient is a crucial step before proceeding with treatment. A signed consent form ensures that the patient fully understands the procedure, its expected outcomes, and any associated risks.