Focused ultrasound produces heat in selected tissue beneath the skin. The resulting tissue response can stimulate new collagen formation, with a gradual and variable tightening effect. The ultrasound mechanism does not require injected fillers; a contact gel and skincare products may still be used during the treatment.

HIFU will not duplicate the results of a surgical facelift. It may be an option for some people with mild to moderate skin laxity who are considering a non-surgical approach. Suitability, expected benefit and alternatives need individual assessment, especially after previous cosmetic procedures.

HIFU may improve mild to moderate skin laxity in selected areas, such as the brow, lower face or neck. It does not remove excess skin, and the degree of lift varies. Your clinician will assess the area, explain realistic limits and confirm whether HIFU is appropriate.

Many people have little recovery time after HIFU, but this varies. Redness, swelling, tenderness or bruising can affect your usual activities. Follow the aftercare advice provided for your treatment and discuss any concerns with the clinic.

You may feel heat, tingling or discomfort during treatment, and comfort levels vary. Tenderness or other discomfort can continue afterwards. What you feel during treatment does not establish how much collagen will form or predict your final result.

Some people notice an early change, while improvement may develop over two to three months and continue for up to six months. The timing and degree of lifting or firming vary; a particular result is not guaranteed.

The degree and duration of any firming benefit vary, and skin continues to age. A maintenance treatment at 12 months is the current clinic recommendation, but suitability and the need for any repeat treatment must be reassessed.

A maintenance treatment at 12 months is the current clinic recommendation, but suitability and the need for any repeat treatment must be reassessed.

Some people may need only one initial treatment, while others may need further treatment or a different approach. However this may be based on the degree of skin laxity, the biological response to ultrasound energy and the individual’s collagen-building process, some clients may benefit from additional treatments. Because skin continues to age, future touch-up treatments can help clients keep pace with the body’s natural aging process. 

Possible effects include redness, swelling, tenderness, tingling, pain or bruising. Their severity and duration vary; they do not always settle within a few hours. Burns, blistering, pigment changes, nerve effects and other tissue injuries are also possible. Your clinician will explain the risks relevant to your treatment before you decide whether to proceed.

Some of the post-treatment advice is listed below. Please note that during the consultation you will be provided with a complete list. Redness, swelling or bruising can occur after treatment. Blistering after treatment needs prompt medical assessment. Contact the clinic immediately; if you suspect a burn or cannot obtain prompt clinical advice, seek help from NHS 111. Do not put creams or ointments on a suspected burn or burst a blister yourself. Your clinician will provide aftercare advice tailored to your treatment and skin.

Some of the contraindications are listed below. Please note that during the consultation we will assess suitability for the treatment

Age below 18

Coagulation disorders (Haemophilia)

Pregnancy, recent pregnancy or breast feeding

Heart conditions including pacemaker

A good candidate is someone with skin that has relaxed to the point of, an often feeling, less firm. Typically, those in their thirties and older who have mild to moderate skin laxity are good candidates. However prior to suitability a consultation will be performed to determine eligibility.

Some of the pre-treatment advice is listed below. Please note that during the consultation you will be provided with a complete list.

One week before the treatment:

A Hydrafacial treatment is recommended one week before to help remove the dead skin before treatment.

Do not use products containing retinol or strong AHA fruit acids on the treatment area for 3-5 days before your HIFU treatment.

Avoid any heat (example: sunbeds, steam, sauna etc.) on the treatment area for 12 hours prior to your HIFU treatment.

Depending on the type of other procedures performed there are specific wait times needed for before and after a HIFU treatment. During the consultation we will discuss which treatments, if any, have been done previously and advise recommended waiting times.

Some people may need only one initial treatment, while others may need further treatment or a different approach. A maintenance treatment at 12 months is the current clinic recommendation, but suitability and the need for any repeat treatment must be reassessed.

Many people have little recovery time after HIFU, but this varies. Redness, swelling, tenderness or bruising can affect your usual activities. Follow the aftercare advice provided for your treatment and discuss any concerns with the clinic.

HIFU does not require surgical incisions. It uses focused ultrasound to heat selected tissue beneath the skin, but burns and other tissue injuries are possible. Non-surgical treatment does not mean risk-free treatment.