HIFU, high-intensity focused ultrasound, focuses ultrasound energy at set depths beneath the skin to create tiny points of heat, including in the SMAS layer. Research supports it for mild to moderate skin laxity, with changes developing over around three months. It isn’t a replacement for surgery, and results vary from person to person.

What is HIFU?

HIFU stands for high-intensity focused ultrasound. In skin treatments it usually means micro-focused ultrasound: instead of spreading energy across the surface, the device focuses ultrasound at a chosen depth beneath the skin, where it creates tiny points of heat without breaking the skin.

According to a 2023 systematic review, these points are about 1 mm³ in size and reach around 60 to 70°C. Typical depths are 1.5 mm and 3 mm in the skin, and 4.5 mm at the SMAS, a layer of connective tissue beneath the skin and fat. The heat changes existing collagen and is thought to start a repair process that builds new collagen over the following months.

What does a HIFU session involve?

Your treatment starts with a consultation, where we assess your skin, go through your health history and agree which areas to treat. HIFU at AESKN covers the face, the neck and areas of the body.

  1. Your skin is cleansed, and the treatment area may be marked out.
  2. A gel is applied and the handpiece is placed on the skin.
  3. The handpiece delivers lines of focused ultrasound at the planned depths, area by area.
  4. The gel is removed, and your practitioner explains your aftercare.

Session length depends on the areas treated. Your practitioner will tell you how long yours will take.

Does HIFU hurt?

You will feel warmth and a prickling or tingling sensation as each line of energy is delivered, and some areas are more sensitive than others. In the studies pooled in the 2023 review, average pain scores were around 3.8 out of 10, recorded with pain relief. Your practitioner checks in with you throughout.

When will I see a difference, and how long does it last?

Any change develops gradually, as new collagen forms, and most studies assess results at around three months. In the 2023 review, investigators rated 92% of people as improved at 90 days. People’s own ratings were more modest: at 90 days a quarter saw no change, and the most common rating was mild improvement. The authors note that longer-term follow-up data are not available.

Results vary from person to person. In the review, very lax skin and a body mass index over 30 were linked with less benefit.

Who is HIFU suitable for?

The research supports HIFU mainly for mild to moderate skin laxity. It doesn’t replace surgical lifting where laxity is more advanced, and we will tell you if we think another approach would serve you better.

It isn’t suitable for everyone. At your consultation we review your health history, any implants or metal in the treatment area, skin conditions and medicines, and we do not treat during pregnancy.

What are the side effects?

In the 2023 review, temporary redness, sometimes with swelling, occurred in almost everyone. Less common effects, reported in about 2% of people, included bruising, temporary changes in skin sensation, raised welts, small burns, and white lines or spots on the skin. Your practitioner explains your aftercare and who to contact if anything concerns you.

Questions we’re asked

What does HIFU stand for?

High-intensity focused ultrasound. In skin treatments you may also see it called micro-focused ultrasound.

Is HIFU the same as a facelift?

No. HIFU involves no incisions and no surgery, and it doesn’t replace surgical lifting for more significant laxity. The research supports it for mild to moderate laxity.

How long does a HIFU session take?

It depends on the areas treated. Your practitioner tells you how long yours will take at your consultation.

How much is HIFU at AESKN?

HIFU for the face starts from £750 per session, and every treatment starts with a consultation, which costs £50. See all prices.

Sources

Results vary from person to person.