Overview

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a relatively new

cosmetic treatment for skin tightening that some consider a
noninvasive and painless replacement for face lifts. It uses
ultrasound energy to encourage the production of collagen, which
results in firmer skin.

HIFU is most widely known for its use in treating tumors. The first
reported use of HIFU for aesthetic use was in 2008Trusted
Source.

HIFU was then approved by the Food and Drug Administration

(FDA) in 2009 for brow lifts. The device was also cleared by the
FDA in 2014 to improve lines and wrinkles of the upper chest and
neckline (décolletage).

Several small clinical trials have found HIFU to be safe and

effective for facial lifting and refining wrinkles. People were able
to see results in a few months after treatment, without the risks
associated with surgery.

While the procedure is also used for overall facial rejuvenation,

lifting, tightening, and body contouring, these are considered
“off-label” uses for HIFU, meaning the FDA has yet to approve
HIFU for these purposes.

More evidence will be needed to find out who is best suited for
this type of procedure. So far, HIFU has been found to be a
promising treatment that could replace face lifts, especially in
younger people who don’t want the risks and recovery time
associated with surgery.
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 HIFU won’t work as well for people with more severe cases of
sagging skin.

HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to target the layers of skin

just below the surface. The ultrasound energy causes the tissue
to heat up rapidly.

Once the cells in the targeted area reach a certain temperature,

they experience cellular damage. While this may seem
counterintuitive, the damage actually stimulates the cells to
produce more collagen — a protein that provides structure to the
skin.

The increase in collagen results in tighter, firmer skinTrusted

Source with fewer wrinkles. Since the high-frequency ultrasound
beams are focused on a specific tissue site below the skin’s
surface, there’s no damage to the upper layers of the skin and
adjacent issue.

HIFU may not be appropriate for everyone. In general, the

procedure works best on people older than 30 with mild-to-
moderate skin laxity.

People with photodamaged skin or a high degree of loose skin

may need several treatments before seeing results.

Older people with more extensive photo-aging, severe skin laxity,

or very saggy skin on the neck aren’t good candidates and may
need surgery.

HIFU isn’t recommended for people with infections and open skin
lesions at the target area, severe or cystic acne, and metallic
implants in the treatment area.
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 According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
(ASAPS), HIFU and other nonsurgical alternatives to facelifts have
seen a major increase in popularity over the last few years. The
total number of procedures performed has increased 64.8
percent between 2012 and 2017.

HIFU has many aesthetic benefits, including:

wrinkle reduction
tightening sagging skin on the neck (sometimes called turkey
neck)
lifting the cheeks, eyebrows, and eyelids
enhancing jawline definition
tightening of the décolletage
smoothing the skin

Study results are promising. A 2017 studyTrusted Source

involving 32 Korean people showed that HIFU significantly
improved skin elasticity of the cheeks, lower abdomen, and thighs
after 12 weeks.

In a larger study of 93 people, 66 percent of those treated with

HIFU perceived an improvement in the appearance of their face
and neck after 90 days.

HIFU vs. facelift

While HIFU carries far fewer risks and costs than a surgical face
lift, results may not last as long and repeated procedures may be
needed. Here’s a summary of the major differences between each
procedure:

According to ASAPS, the average cost for a nonsurgical skin

tightening procedure in 2017 was $1,707. This is a drastic
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 difference from a surgical facelift procedure, which carried an
average cost of $7,562.

Ultimately, the cost will depend the area being treated and your
geographic location, as well as the total number of sessions
needed to achieve the desired results.

You should contact an HIFU provider in your area for an estimate.

HIFU won’t be covered by your health insurance.

You may experience slight discomfort during an HIFU procedure.

Some people describe it as tiny electric pulses or a light prickly
sensation.

If you’re worried about pain, your doctor may suggest taking

acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil), prior to treatment.

Immediately after the treatment, you may experience mild

redness or swelling, which will gradually recede over the next few
hours.

There’s no special preparation needed before having an HIFU

procedure. You should remove all makeup and skin care products
from the target area before treatment.

Here’s what to expect at your appointment:

1. A physician or technician first cleans the target area.

2. They may apply a topical anesthetic cream before starting.
3. The physician or technician then applies an ultrasound gel.
4. The HIFU device is placed against the skin.
5. Using an ultrasound viewer, the physician or technician
adjusts the device to the right setting.
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 6. Ultrasound energy is then delivered to the target area in short
pulses for roughly 30 to 90 minutes.
7. The device is removed.

If additional treatments are needed, you will schedule the next

treatment.

While the ultrasound energy is being applied, you might feel heat
and tingling. You can take a pain medication if it’s bothersome.

You’re free to go home and resume your normal daily activities

right away after the procedure.

HIFU is considered very safe if performed by a trained and

qualified professional.

The best part about this treatment is that you’re able to resume
your normal activities immediately after you leave the provider’s
office. Some slight redness or swelling may occur, but it should
subside quickly. A light tingling sensation of the treated area may
persist for a few weeks.

Rarely, you may experience temporary numbness or bruising, but

these side effects usually go away after a few days.
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High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) uses ultrasound waves to stimulate collagen and elastin
production in order to create a more youthful appearance. Images via The Body Clinic.

HIFU is considered a safe, effective, and noninvasive procedure

for tightening the facial skin.

Its advantages over a surgical face lift are hard to deny. There are
no incisions, no scarring, and no required rest or recovery time.
HIFU is also far less expensive than a face lift.

Most people see full results three monthsTrusted Source after

their final treatment.

If you’re looking for a treatment that is quick, painless, and

noninvasive, HIFU is an excellent option compared to a surgical
face lift.

Of course, HIFU isn’t a miracle cure for aging. The procedure is

best suited for patients with mild-to-moderate skin laxity, and you
may need to have the procedure repeated in one to two years as
the natural aging process takes over.
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 If you’re older with more severe skin sagging and wrinkles, HIFU
may not be able to eliminate these skin issues.
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