Is HIFU Painful, What can go wrong with HIFU non surgical face lift treatment?

Jess Callahan • October 11, 2023

Is HIFU Painful?


HIFU can be painful if the machine is old or the cartridge style has no or limited control of settings, in that case be ready for a big ZAP! 10 years ago I had my first treatment and it was horrible. Thankfully, todays machines have improved to produce more accurate beams that bypass nerves and have cooling incorporated in the head making it much more comfortable.


If we use the wrong settings on the wrong part of your face you will feel pain. Ensure your operator is thoroughly trained and understands which depths can be used on each part of the face. This is also part of the consultation process as everyone is different with different needs!


If you have metal implants or fillings in the area they pick up the ultrasound more and it can hurt! Jess has devised a few methods to alleviate this because we don't like hurting clients! Other salons may just avoid the area , but usually its the mouth area - exactly where we want tightening so we will get you thru it with our tricks!


Our machine has a lot of settings we can adapt and change to reduce pain if you are one of the very rare ones who is struggling! If you have metal fillings or implants I have ways to buffer the pain. Your comfort is my priority, we are not a run in-run out salon, I am focussed on you and your treatment ONLY. 


Our HIFU machine is the latest and most advanced with CFU technology and added cooling. It's rare people find the treatment uncomfortable!


We do HIFU all day long, we specialise so we can be the best HIFU salon in Melbourne.


What can go wrong with a HIFU Treatment?


HIFU is a very safe treatment with a qualified, experienced and knowledgeable therapist. Ensure the clinic you are attending is trained and knows the anatomy of the face and body. A great thing about HIFU therapy is that the majority of people who undergo HIFU treatment do not experience any side effects or adverse effects. However, as with any medical procedure, there are rare cases where people may experience mild, transient side effects. It is worth noting that these complications are resolved in a short period of time.


Over the last decade I have seen a few cases of nerve damage with HIFU. Mostly this is resolved over time. The patients that had these effects were not screened properly by the salon. Bells Palsy, stroke or previous nerve damage to the face means we cannot treat a patient, please ensure your therapist does a thorough health assessment prior to treatment.


An inexperienced therapist could also cause damage to a client by using the wrong settings , the wrong amount of energy at the wrong depth and not understanding the machine could cause adverse effects. A well-trained therapist will carefully evaluate each patient's needs and adjust the treatment settings accordingly. Select a therapist who has had a proven success rate of providing HIFU treatments.


Burns and blisters are another complication that I have heard of. Although, we have never witnessed this. HIFU works under the skin so to get a burn or blister huge power would need to be used in one spot for a long duration. This is very unlikely as the client would be telling the operator to stop! We always listen and monitor clients thoroughly. Always speak up if something doesn't feel right. HIFU or any other treatment should not be painful!   

What are the downsides?


Redness and swelling: After the treatment, some individuals may experience mild redness and swelling in the treated area. This is a temporary side effect and usually subsides within a few hours or days. Swelling can appear as a lumpy rash in about 1/1000 clients. This is a histamine reaction and will subside. An anti-histamine can be taken to avoid this and ease symptoms,


Tenderness or sensitivity: One potentially observable effect is the likelihood of experiencing tenderness or sensitivity in the treated area. This sensation may manifest immediately after the procedure or within a few days, albeit typically characterised by mild intensity and short-lived duration. A tight feeling in the jaw is common, but nothing to worry about it will subside over a few weeks as the muscle tightens.


Bruising: In rare cases, bruising may occur in the treated area. This is typically minimal and resolves on its own within a few days. We have never seen any bruising on clients at HUSH. This is due to our head size and utilising CFU.


Numbness or Tingling: There is a possibility that certain individuals may encounter a temporary sensation of numbness or tingling in the treated area. This is due to inflammation of the nerves. It will pass and is not constant, just some strange feelings in the area

Is HIFU ok to do every month?


NO. Well some clinics offer HIFU glow, this can be done every month but it is 1/4 - 1/2 a full treatment. We prefer to give full treatments with the maximium shots.


If someone responds very well and just needs a lift say for an event you could consider a HIFU GLOW. Similar results to RF facials, just working on the superficial skin, giving plump and lift. We aim to have the best value HIFU facials and can tailor a programme perfect for you concerns. See our PRICELIST here.

By Jess Callahan May 22, 2025
Why I Only Use Human Umbilical Cord Exosomes – The Truth About Skin Regeneration** At HUSH Clinical, I’m committed to delivering real results — not just trends. That’s why when it comes to skin regeneration and post-treatment healing, I exclusively use **Dermapen-certified human exosomes**, derived from ethically sourced **umbilical cords**, screened under the **highest American medical standards**. With exosomes becoming one of the most talked-about tools in skin rejuvenation, there’s a growing list of products on the market — from salmon DNA serums to stem cell extracts. But not all exosomes are created equal, and choosing the wrong source can mean reduced results or even skin irritation. Let me explain why I’ve chosen the best — and what to avoid. What Are Exosomes and Why Are They Used in Skin Treatments? Exosomes are microscopic messengers released by cells. They carry proteins, lipids, and RNA that help repair damaged tissue, reduce inflammation, and trigger collagen and elastin production — all essential for healthy, youthful skin. When used correctly, exosomes: Accelerate healing** after treatments like skin needling Improve skin texture and tone** Reduce redness, downtime, and inflammation** Promote collagen remodeling** for firmer, thicker skin They’re most powerful when used during and immediately after procedures like **Dermapen4 microneedling**, helping your skin regenerate faster and better. --- The Problem With Salmon-Based Products Like Rejuran One of the most hyped exosome-like products in recent years is **Rejuran**, a treatment based on **polynucleotides from salmon DNA**. While it may have a place in some clinics, here’s the issue: > 🧬 ** Salmon DNA is foreign to the human body .** Your skin cells can’t fully recognize or respond to fish-derived exosomes or polynucleotides. There’s potential for immune rejection, reduced effectiveness, or unpredictable results — especially for sensitive or reactive skin types. Salmon-based or animal-derived exosomes are **not bio-identical** to human ones, and that matters when you’re trying to heal, renew, and stimulate *your own* skin cells. --- Why I Use Only Dermapen-Screened Human Exosomes At HUSH Clinical, I’ve researched this extensively — and I’ve chosen the **Dermapen Exosome System**, made from **human umbilical cord stem cells**. These exosomes are: ✅ **Sourced ethically** from regulated American tissue banks ✅ **Certified for safety and sterility** under FDA and TGA-aligned standards ✅ **Clinically approved** for use with Dermapen4 microneedling ✅ **Bio-compatible**, meaning your skin instantly recognizes and responds to them These exosomes enhance every needling treatment by boosting collagen and dramatically improving post-procedure recovery — with minimal redness, less inflammation, and visible glow within days. --- What About Other Exosome Products in Australia? There are many exosome options now on the market. Here's a quick overview: | **Product** | **Source** | **Use** | **Concerns** | |-------------|------------|---------|--------------| | **Rejuran** | Salmon DNA | Injectable | Not bio-compatible with human skin | | **Vitaran** | Salmon + PDRN | Serum | Animal-derived, less effective | | **Exomide** | Human stem cells | Microneedling support | More compatible but varies by supplier | | **ASCE+** | Human exosomes | Skin & scalp | Used in Korean clinics | | **Snow Fox Orbs** | Plant + peptide | Topical | No stem cell benefit | | **Plated Serum** | Blood bank platelets | Topical anti-aging | New to market, limited access in AU | | **Medicube Ampoule** | Korean human exosomes | Sensitive skin serum | Gentle but not TGA-reviewed | | **Contour Clinics & Youth Lab** | Mesenchymal stem cell exosomes | Advanced facials | May vary in concentration and purity | At HUSH Clinical, I choose only what’s backed by science, ethics, and proven results.  That’s why Dermapen-certified exosomes are the only kind I use. --- Results You Can See — And Trust Using Dermapen human exosomes with our skin needling treatments means: ✨ Faster healing ✨ Plumper, firmer skin ✨ Reduced redness and sensitivity ✨ Fewer fine lines and better texture ✨ Enhanced collagen regeneration long term With 30 years of industry experience, I don’t follow trends — I follow outcomes. And my clients deserve nothing less than gold-standard skin science. Book Your Free Consultation If you’re considering microneedling or curious about exosome therapy, come and talk to me. I’ll explain everything honestly — no hard sell, just education, experience, and real results. 📍 HUSH Clinical – South Yarra 📞 0490 084 370 💻 [hushclinical.com.au](https://hushclinical.com.au)
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