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

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

This is a technology that may sound due to its use at an aesthetic level (especially facial or skin rejuvenation of other parts of the body), but in reality it has been shown to be 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.

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What is HIFU?

The acronym HIFU refers to 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 which is based on the application of sonic waves focused and directed specifically to a target or objective area, in order to cause the death or necrosis of certain cells of the 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 producing 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 chemicals, and has the advantage in relation to these that it does not generate 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 usual procedures, it can generate burns and may not be useful depending on the area or organ that is being treated. It should also be noted 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 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 the 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 can be as adjunctive treatment to other therapies, as a treatment for relapses or even as palliative treatment.

It is usually indicated in fibroids, also when there are refusals to transfusions or when surgical resection is not possible. However, there are not excessive data regarding its level of success, requiring a higher level of research. Although some studies carried out so far appear to corroborate its efficacy in treating problems such as prostate cancer, others have not determined its efficacy with certainty. In general, other techniques are used, although we may be facing an alternative of great value.

Its use in aesthetic medicine

In a secondary way, despite the fact that it is actually the area in which it is most often used in our country, HIFU technology also has applications within the field of aesthetics. Specifically, sometimes it is used to reduce sagging and destroy dead cells or even fat cells, without requiring surgical interventions and with the possibility of acting in different areas of the body.

Thus, it is used to do some lifting, 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.

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Risks and contraindications

Although it is considered a safe technique since it is minimally invasive, the use of this technology also has potential risks and side effects. Among them are increased or decreased sensitivity, edema, bruising or bruising, or pain during treatment. Also burns may occur.

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

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

Another sector that has this technology contraindicated is that of those who wear implants, be they aesthetic (heat can make that are reabsorbed or generate severe burns) or doctors such as pacemakers (given the risk that the sonic waves may affect the implant). Neither do those with metal 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 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, as well as in the marrow. Neither in areas such as the 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). Current scientific evidence on the usefulness of High Intensity Ultrasound (HIFU) in the treatment of Prostatic Adenocarcinoma. 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.