墨白 On the morning of the fourth day after undergoing the Ultraformer HIFU treatment, when you looked in the mirror, did you notice that your cheeks had become sunken? Don’t panic. This issue is frequently discussed on medical beauty forums and on platforms like REDnote, with people asking about it almost regularly. This article will explain the reasons behind this phenomenon and provide guidance on how to recover.
Is it normal to experience facial sagging on the fourth day after ultrasonic treatment?
In most cases, a slight sense of indentation on the fourth day is a normal part of the recovery process. The principle of action of HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is to use ultrasonic energy to heat the dermis and SMAS fascia layers, thereby causing Collagen to contract and regenerate. During this process, the following effects may occur in the early stages after the procedure:
- Reduction of postoperative edema: In the early stages after surgery, the edema subsides between days 3 and 5, causing the face to appear thinner or more sunken than before the procedure.
- Temporary contraction of fat layers: After being stimulated by ultrasonic energy, the superficial fat layers experience temporary contraction.
- Early stage of Collagen remodeling: The regeneration of Collagen is a gradual process that takes 3 to 6 months. During this initial phase, the organizational structure is undergoing adjustments.
Based on clinical observations, it is estimated that approximately 80
Why does ultrasonic treatment cause the face to appear sunken? A detailed analysis of the reasons.
Reason one: Excessively high energy parameters
If the practitioner uses too much energy, the ultrasonic waves may cause excessive ablation of subcutaneous fat. Fat acts as the “support structure” that gives the face its three-dimensional appearance; when a large amount of fat is ablated, the face will naturally become sunken. This situation is more likely to occur in clinics where the technicians are not highly skilled.
Reason two: The treatment head shifts its position or overlaps during the procedure.
Ultrasound devices require even distribution of energy. If the applicator repeatedly presses on the same area during treatment, the local tissue may receive excessive amounts of energy, potentially resulting in the formation of streak-like marks or localized indentations.
Reason three: Insufficient subcutaneous nutrition before the procedure
For those with thin subcutaneous fat and significant loss of Collagen, the indentation effect after undergoing ultrasonic treatment will be more pronounced. Such individuals should inform their doctor before the procedure so that the doctor can adjust the energy level and treatment depth accordingly.
Reason four: Inadequate postoperative care
After ultrasonic treatment, the skin’s barrier becomes more sensitive. If proper post-treatment care is lacking, the skin’s natural ability to recover will be weakened, potentially leading to a longer-lasting appearance of indentation.
On the fourth day after the procedure, if there is a depression, how should it be properly addressed?
You can observe and wait for a while first.
If the indentation is mild (the area still feels elastic when pressed lightly and only appears flatter visually), it is recommended to observe the situation for 1-2 weeks. Once the swelling has completely subsided, the facial contours will become more stable. There is no need to worry excessively during the “trough period” that usually occurs 3-7 days after the procedure.
Strengthen postoperative care
- Use a repairing cream containing Filler and ceramides to enhance the repair of the skin barrier.
- Avoid using skincare products or exfoliants containing high concentrations of acids for at least 2 weeks.
- Sun protection is essential: Ultraviolet rays can exacerbate postoperative tissue damage and hinder recovery.
- Ensure adequate sleep and proper hydration.
Behaviors that should be avoided for the time being
- Do not rub your face too hard.
- Avoid high-temperature environments (such as saunas and steam baths) for at least 2 weeks.
- Do not immediately add other energy therapy devices to your treatment plan.
- Avoid intense exercise that causes excessive sweating.
In what situations is it necessary to seek medical attention?
In the following situations, it is necessary to contact the clinic where the procedure was performed or seek medical attention promptly:
- The depression has not improved after more than a month; in fact, it has even worsened.
- The appearance of cord-like lumps or an uneven skin surface
- Local numbness, pain, or abnormal redness may occur.
- The indentation is clearly asymmetrical, with a significant difference between the two sides.
For persistent depressions confirmed to be caused by fat damage, subsequent treatment may require Filler injections or autologous fat transplantation to restore the affected area.
Recovery timeline after ultrasonic treatment
- 1–3 days after the procedure: Mild redness, swelling, and discomfort are normal reactions.
- 4–7 days after the procedure: The swelling subsides, and some people may notice a feeling of sagging or that their face appears “slimmer”.
- One month after the procedure: The tissues begin to stabilize, and most of the temporary indentations gradually improve.
- 3 to 6 months after the procedure: A large amount of Collagen is regenerated, and the lifting effect begins to become apparent.
- 6 to 12 months after the procedure: The effects of ultrasonic treatment reach their peak.
How to choose a safe ultrasound therapy clinic?
Although ultrasonic guns seem non-invasive, improper use can indeed pose risks such as indentations and burns. When choosing a clinic for this treatment, it is recommended to pay attention to the following:
- Ensure that the physician performing the procedure holds a specialized qualification in Dermatology, rather than being merely a general practitioner.
- Whether the device is an authentic product (such as the official models Ultraformer III/MPT or Ulthera)
- Was there a detailed pre-treatment consultation and assessment before the procedure?
- Are there any follow-up consultations and monitoring services after the procedure?
If you are considering having the treatment in South Korea, you can use the BeautsGO platform to search for ultrasonic therapy services. There, you can view the ratings of various clinics, the qualifications of the doctors, as well as reviews from real users. All of the 849+ clinics listed on this platform have undergone strict qualification audits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days after ultrasonic treatment does it look the worst?
Typically, days 3 to 7 mark the “trough” of the recovery period – the swelling subsides, but collagen regeneration has not yet begun. During this stage, the face may appear thinner or more sunken than before the procedure, which is a normal part of the healing process and should not be used as a basis for making any judgments at this time.
After getting ultrasonic treatment, if my face becomes sunken, will it return to its original state?
Mild, temporary indentations usually resolve within 1 to 3 months. If the indentation persists due to fat damage (without any improvement after more than 3 months), filler treatments may be necessary; it is recommended to seek medical evaluation in such cases.
How much does an ultrasound gun usually cost?
Prices vary significantly depending on the device model, the number of treatments administered, and the clinic providing the service. Taking the South Korea market as an example, the cost of a full-face treatment using the Ultraformer series starts from approximately 300,000 South Korean won. Due to the higher technical complexity of the Ulthera system, the fees usually range from 9 million South Korean won upwards. It is recommended to compare the actual prices offered by different clinics through the BeautsGO platform.
