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.

Benefits of high-intensity focused ultrasound

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.

Surgical face lift Invasive procedure that requires incisions and sutures  $9,562 on average2–4 weeks 

• Anesthesia risks
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Pain or scarring
• Hair loss at the incision site

In one studyTrusted Source, 97.8% of people described the improvement as very good or beyond expectations after one year.   Results are long-lasting. In one studyTrusted Source, 68.5% percent of people rated improvement as very good or beyond expectations after an average of 12.6 years following the procedure.

HIFU for face cost

According to ASAPS, the average cost for a nonsurgical skin tightening procedure in 2017 was $1,707. This is a drastic 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.

What does HIFU feel like?

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.

HIFU for face procedure

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:

A physician or technician first cleans the target area.

They may apply a topical anesthetic cream before starting.

The physician or technician then applies an ultrasound gel.

The HIFU device is placed against the skin.

Using an ultrasound viewer, the physician or technician adjusts the device to the right setting.

Ultrasound energy is then delivered to the target area in short pulses for roughly 30 to 90 minutes.

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 treatment for face side effects

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.

Before and after

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.

If you’re older with more severe skin sagging and wrinkles, HIFU may not be able to eliminate these skin issues.