HIFU: what is this technology and how is it used in medicine and aesthetics?

A type of technology used in oncology and skin rejuvenation treatments.

Since the dawn of mankind, health and disease have been of concern to human beings, as our survival depends on it. Fortunately, with the passing of time, medicine has made numerous technical and technological advances. Among them we find HIFU technology.

This is a technology that may sound for its use at an aesthetic level (especially facial rejuvenation or skin rejuvenation of other parts of the body), but in reality it has proven useful in diseases as relevant as cancer. Throughout this article we will see what this technology is, what it is used for and in which cases it is contraindicated.

What is HIFU?

The acronym HIFU refers to High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound technology. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, in English 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 and directed specifically 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. heat energy that produces hyperthermia in the target areas.. It also generates a mechanical force, in the form of vibration, which allows the tissues to be compressed or decompressed.

This procedure is non-invasive, as it does not does not require surgery or chemical elementsIt has the advantage that it does not cause damage to the tissues between the ultrasound emission site 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 usual procedures, it can generate burns and may not be useful depending on the area or organ to be treated. It should also be noted that its clinical application dates back to the 1990s,

Indications for this technology

HIFU technology, used as a medical procedure, can have many and varied utilities, but the main and most relevant one is its use as an but the main and most relevant is its use in oncology..

HIFU can be useful in both benign and malignant tumors, and has been applied in fibroids in different parts of the body, such as the breast or uterus. Also in carcinomas, myomas, prostate, pancreatic or kidney tumors.

Its use can occur in solid tumors, and sometimes also in cases with liver metastases. This use can be as an adjuvant treatment to other therapies, as a treatment of relapsesas a relapse treatment or even as a palliative treatment.

It is usually indicated in myomas, also when there are rejections to transfusions or when surgical resection is not possible. However, there is not much data on its level of success, and more research is needed. Although some studies carried out so far seem to corroborate its efficacy in the treatment of problems such as prostate cancer, others have not determined its efficacy with certainty. In general, other techniques are usually used, although we may be facing a valuable alternative.

Its use in aesthetic medicine

Secondarily, although it is actually the field in which it is most commonly used in our country, HIFU technology also has applications in the field of aesthetics. Specifically, it is sometimes used to is sometimes used to reduce flaccidity and destroy dead cells or even fat cells, without the need for surgery.without requiring surgical interventions and with the possibility of acting in different body areas.

Thus, it is used to perform some facelifts, treatments to reduce wrinkles and even liposuction 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 increased or decreased sensitivity, edema, ecchymosis or bruising, or pain during treatment. Also burns may also occur..

In addition to the above, it must be taken into account that in reality an increase in temperature is being generated in specific areas of the body, something that can be harmful if there are certain health problems. If used incorrectly, it could generate thyroid problems or even neurological damage..

There are also contraindications that should be taken into account. First of all, pregnant women are contraindicated in the use of this technology. Also those who have autoimmune people who have autoimmune problems or an altered or weakened immune system, people with open wounds or open wounds or problems with the immune system.Those with open wounds or coagulation problems, people in feverish processes or in a state of hyperthermia.

Another sector that has contraindicated this technology is those who have implants, whether these are aesthetic (heat can cause them to be reabsorbed or generate severe burns) or medical implants such as pacemakers (given the risk that the sonic waves may affect the implant). Nor those who have metallic implants, at least in the area to be treated or in its vicinity. It is not recommended in case of acne and is contraindicated in those with renal insufficiency, severe diabetes or metabolic diseases.

Although it is used in some bone tumors, in general this is a type of tissue in which this technology is not used, nor in the bone marrow. Nor in areas such as lung, stomach or intestine since the gas they contain limits their effect.

Bibliographic references:

• Afschin Fatemi, MD. (2016). High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Effectively Reduces Adipose Tissue. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. Elsevier.
• Chapelon, J.Y., Margonari, J. & Vernier, F. (1992). In-vivo effects of high intensity ultrasound on prostatic adenocarcinoma Dunning R3327. Cancer Res., 52: 6353-6357.
• Huber, P., Debus, J. & Jenne, J. (1996). Therapeutic ultrasound in tumor therapy: principles, applications and new developments. Radiologe, 36: 64-71.
• Lledó García, E., Jara Rascón, J., Subirá Ríos, D., Herranz Amo, F., Martínez-Salamanca, J.I. & Hernández Fernández, C. (2005). Evidencia científica actual sobre la utilidad del Ultrasonido de Alta Intensidad (HIFU) en el tratamiento del Adenocarcinoma Prostático. Actas Urológicas Españolas, 29 (2).
• Sadick, N. & Magro, C. (2007). A study evaluating the safety and efficacy of the VelaSmooth system in the treatment of cellulite. J Cosmet Laser Ther 9:15-20.