HIFU
HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) is a medical aesthetic treatment that delivers heat energy to deeper tissues without any incision, stimulating collagen production and tightening mild sagging.
Overview
With age, the collagen in the skin decreases; the face and neck loosen, the jawline loses definition and the brows begin to drop.
HIFU focuses ultrasound energy at specific depths without damaging the surface of the skin. The controlled heat created at these points stimulates tissue tightening and new collagen production.
The treatment does not require surgery, and most people return to their daily routine the same day. The result appears gradually over the following weeks as new collagen forms.
- A treatment with no incisions or needles
- Energy that reaches the deep supporting layer
- Back to daily life the same day
- A result that develops gradually with new collagen
What Is HIFU?
HIFU is a non-surgical skin-tightening method that delivers high-intensity focused ultrasound waves to different layers of the skin. The energy can reach the deep supporting layer (SMAS), the same layer addressed in a facelift.
Its ability to act on deep tissues without harming the skin surface is what sets HIFU apart from superficial skin treatments.
Which Areas Can Be Treated With HIFU?
- Brows and forehead: a subtle brow-lifting effect
- Cheeks and midface: tightening loose tissue
- Jawline and under the chin: a clearer contour
- Neck and décolleté: supporting skin firmness
Who Is HIFU Suitable For?
HIFU is suitable for people who have started to notice mild to moderate laxity in the face and neck and want a firmer look without surgery.
Its effect is limited in advanced sagging with marked excess skin; a facelift or neck lift may be more suitable in that case. It is not performed, or is assessed separately, during pregnancy, where there are open wounds or an active infection in the area, or where there are metal or electronic implants in the treatment area.
How Is HIFU Performed?
The skin is cleansed, a numbing cream is applied if needed and ultrasound gel is spread on the area. The handpiece is placed on the skin and the energy is delivered in rows at the planned depths.
You may feel brief warmth or prickling at the points where energy is delivered. A session usually takes 30–90 minutes, depending on the areas treated.
After HIFU: Recovery and Results
After the treatment there may be mild redness, swelling or tenderness, which usually settles within a few hours to a few days. Most people return to make-up and daily life the same day.
Although some people notice an initial effect straight away, the main tightening develops over 2–3 months as new collagen forms. The treatment can be repeated at the intervals your physician recommends to maintain the effect.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
- Temporary redness, swelling and tenderness
- Rarely, mild bruising or line-shaped marks on the skin
- Rarely, temporary numbness or changes in sensation
Delivering the energy at the correct depth and an appropriate intensity is key to reducing side effects.
Factors That Affect the Cost of HIFU
The cost of HIFU is calculated individually, based on the plan agreed at the consultation. The main factors are:
- The number and size of the areas treated
- The amount of energy delivered (number of shots)
- Whether it is planned together with other treatments
The information on this page is for general guidance only; diagnosis and treatment plans are decided individually after a physician's examination.
Treatment Process
Consultation and Assessment
Skin quality and the degree of laxity are assessed, and whether HIFU suits you and which areas will be treated are decided.
The Treatment
The energy is delivered in rows to the planned depths and areas.
Recovery and Follow-up
Aftercare advice is given, and the result is reviewed at a check-up a few months later.
Who is it suitable for?
- People with mild to moderate laxity in the face and neck
- People looking for a non-surgical tightening method
- People without open wounds or an active infection in the treatment area
- People with realistic expectations who are able to follow the aftercare advice
Quick Facts
- Duration: 30–90 minutes
- Treatment Model: A single session, repeated at intervals if needed
- Recovery: Back to daily life the same day
- Method: High-intensity focused ultrasound
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HIFU painful?
You may feel brief warmth or prickling where the energy is delivered. A numbing cream can be used beforehand if needed.
When will I see the results of HIFU?
Some people notice an initial effect straight away; the main tightening develops over 2–3 months as new collagen forms.
How long do the effects of HIFU last?
How long the effect lasts depends on age, skin type and lifestyle. The treatment can be repeated at the intervals your physician recommends to maintain the effect.
Can HIFU replace a facelift?
It can be a non-surgical option for mild to moderate laxity, but it is not a substitute for a facelift where there is advanced sagging and excess skin.
What does the cost of HIFU depend on?
It depends on the number and size of the areas treated, the amount of energy delivered and whether it is combined with other treatments. The exact price is set after the consultation.