High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) delivers precise, focused energy at greater depths below the skin surface, to produce a thermal coagulation points to sub-dermal connective tissue, as well as the superficial dermis, to encourage the generation of more collagen. This deeper wound healing response generates collagen production at multiple levels.

In order to graduate from all of our courses, students will need to pass a final written examination to assess their knowledge and understanding, and to pass a practical observation performing the treatment in full, including client consultation and aftercare. For Level 4 courses, after having completed the practical session at the Academy, students will be asked to complete four case studies and a 5,000-word assignment in order to complete the course

NB: We expect students to have read the course materials fully prior to attending the onsite courses at the Academy of Advanced Beauty

Our courses are suitable for Beauty Therapists with the suitable pre-requisites (Level 3 Beauty or equivalent) and Aesthetic practitioners

Our short courses, for those wish to learn more about the treatments without gaining an accredited Level 4 course, are two days in duration

Our Level 4 course is based on core knowledge taught on the short course but in addition includes a substantial theory component which explores the science behind the treatment further, and comprises of a three-day practical training session (rather than two in the short course) where you will be asked to demonstrate your competence in the treatment through a series of assessments and exams

Level 4 Accredited Course certificates will be issued externally. For our Short Courses, we will provide an Academy of Advanced Beauty Diploma

The HIFU Level 4 accredited course for Face and Neck carries 9 credits and will qualify you for insurance cover. Some of these credits can be transferred to other courses if the subject matter overlaps. For example, if you have studied the necessary Health and Safety legislation in the Beauty and Aesthetics sector, you will not need to cover this in the same amount of detail for any additional course which covers this same material

Course Structure

Unit 1

Safe and effective methods of working when carrying out treatments:

• Health and safety
• Data protection act
• Client modesty, privacy and confidentiality
• Hygiene

Unit 2

Anatomy and Physiology, and other science relevant to the treatment:

• Relevant Anatomy and Physiology of the skin
• Stages of skin laxity
• Muscles in the face and neck, and their position
• Nerves in the face and neck, and their position
• Science behind High Intensity Focused Ultrasound
• SMAS layer
• Thermal coagulation points
• Depth of skin layers and corresponding transducers
• Collagen
• Elastin
• Fibroblasts
• Wound healing process

Unit 3

Planning, preparing and consulting client before treatment and understanding the organisational and legal obligations of performing treatments:

• Client consultation
• Marking areas suitable for treatment, as well as marking the position of the nerves
• Contra indications and actions
• Client suitability
• Risks and side effects
• Realistic expectations
• Areas suitable for treatment and areas that MUST be avoided
• Choice of transducer and treatment depth

Unit 4

Carrying out treatments:

• Live Demo
• Step-by-step
• Treatment techniques

Unit 5

Handling equipment and electrical safety:

• Importance of using contact medium
• Appropriate choice of transducer
• Spacing between the TCPs (Thermal Coagulation Points)
• Making sure you do not overlap the treatment areas
• Appropriate treatment settings
• Administering the appropriate number of shots
• Warning signs and danger zones to be aware of during the treatment and how to respond
• Importance of client feedback throughout the treatment and stopping treatment if it is necessary

Unit 6

Providing aftercare to the client:

• Returning clients and treatment maintenance
• Alternative treatment suggestions