HIFU (Non-Surgical Face Lift)

HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) is a non-surgical face-lifting and skin-tightening treatment that focuses sound waves on the deep layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production. Most people need a single session, which takes roughly 45–60 minutes depending on the area. You can return to daily life straight away; results develop gradually as collagen renews and are most visible from the second or third month.

HIFU, also known as a non-surgical face lift and commonly called focused ultrasound, is used to treat sagging skin. Over time the skin gradually sags under the influence of age, gravity, environmental factors and the incorrect use of cosmetic products, and this can make the face look tired and older. HIFU helps lift and firm sagging skin and counteracts some of the visible effects of ageing. It is suitable for both women and men, and serious side effects are rare; temporary redness, mild swelling and tenderness may occur. The procedure is completed in a short time and its effect lasts for a long period.

How does HIFU work?

HIFU works through sound waves that tighten the face. Specially focused ultrasound waves create heat energy in the deepest layer of the skin, and this triggers new collagen production. Other aspects of the treatment include:

• Some people feel a slight tightening straight after the procedure; the main effect appears over the following months as collagen renews.
• The name HIFU comes from the English term high-intensity focused ultrasound.
• The ultrasound waves used cannot be heard by the human ear.
• The ultrasound energy is delivered to precise points, creating small zones of intense heat.
• The skin responds by starting its natural healing process, and this renews it.
• As a result, the skin looks firmer, livelier and younger.
• Good skin care helps the treatment deliver its best result.
• Regular sleep, plenty of water, a balanced diet and a generally healthy lifestyle can help the effect of HIFU last longer.

Which skin problems can HIFU help with?

HIFU can be considered for the following concerns:

• sagging along the jaw (jowls)
• sagging around the mouth
• loose folds of skin on the neck
• wrinkles
• a poorly defined lower jawline
• sagging cheeks
• loss of facial contour
• sagging skin on the inner thighs and inner arms
• loss of elasticity
• sagging under the chin (double chin area)
• crow’s feet around the eyes

Although HIFU is most often used on the face, it can also be applied to other parts of the body.

How long does a HIFU session take?

The length of a HIFU session depends on which areas are treated and how large they are. On average the procedure takes about 45 minutes and at most around an hour. The treatment should always be planned with a specialist doctor beforehand, so that you know in advance roughly how long your session will take.

When do the effects of HIFU start to appear?

A single session is usually enough for the effects of HIFU to begin to show. Of course, everyone’s skin is different, and when results become visible can vary with factors such as skin characteristics and age. Some people notice a slight lift straight after the procedure. The most visible results usually appear from the second or third month and can continue to develop until around the sixth month. Collagen production increases over time, which is why the effect builds gradually.

HIFU before and after: what should you expect?

The HIFU process involves brief preparation, an easy recovery and a result that develops gradually over a few months. The degree of improvement varies from person to person depending on age, skin thickness and the extent of sagging.

Preparing for HIFU

• At the consultation, the degree of sagging, skin thickness and your expectations are assessed, and the treatment areas and cartridge depths are planned.
• If you have fillers, threads or implants in your face, you must tell the doctor.
• There should be no sunburn, active acne, cold sores or open wounds in the treatment area.
• On the day of treatment the skin should be clean and free of make-up; a numbing cream can be applied if you wish.

HIFU recovery timeline

HIFU does not replace a surgical face lift: it aims for a natural lift in mild to moderate sagging, and results are not the same for everyone. For advanced sagging, surgical options such as a face and neck lift are more suitable. For treatments focused on the area under the chin, see our jowl and double chin tightening guide, and for other non-surgical options, our skin tightening page.

If you notice numbness lasting more than a few days, weakness in facial movements, blistering or burn-like marks, contact your doctor without delay.

What are the benefits of HIFU?

• It is a comfortable procedure.
• It can be performed in any season, with good results all year round.
• No incisions are made.
• It does not require injections.
• It is a reliable, well-established procedure.
• It helps keep the skin’s connective tissue healthier.
• Side effects after the procedure are usually mild and temporary.
• It can be used on different skin types.
• It can be performed without anaesthesia.
• It makes the skin more elastic.
• It can provide a visible lift in mild to moderate sagging.
• The appearance of fine lines that are not yet deeply set can be reduced.
• When planned correctly, it can be applied without harming the facial tissues.
• A single session is enough for most people.
• You can return to your daily routine as soon as the procedure is over.
• Any redness and tenderness usually fade within a few hours to a few days.

How long do the effects of HIFU last?

How long HIFU lasts differs from person to person. To maintain the skin’s improved condition, repeating the treatment roughly every 1.5–2 years is generally recommended.

Mesotherapy treatments suited to your skin, as recommended by your doctor, can further improve skin quality. In addition, for healthy skin it always helps to:

• get regular sleep;
• eat a regular, balanced diet;
• drink plenty of water;
• avoid unhealthy foods;
• exercise;
• keep up your skincare routine and keep your skin clean.

Is HIFU painful?

Discomfort during HIFU is usually mild. Thanks to the new-generation LIFU technology used at our clinic in Etiler, the procedure is comfortable for most people. Patients often describe the sensation as a slight electric tingling or a brief pricking feeling. If you feel your pain threshold is low, anaesthesia can be used before the procedure, but this is rarely necessary; most patients complete the session comfortably without any. HIFU is known as a comfortable, easy procedure.

What should you pay attention to after HIFU?

• Moisturize your skin regularly, as it may feel sensitive and dry after the procedure.
• Always apply sunscreen when you go out, even in winter.
• During recovery the skin is sensitive, so avoid pressing on it and treat it gently.
• Avoid hot showers straight after the procedure.
• Do not use a sauna.
• Avoid very hot environments.

Who is a good candidate for HIFU?

Good candidates for HIFU include:

• people over about 35;
• people with crow’s feet around the eyes;
• those whose jawline has lost definition;
• people with sagging skin on the face and neck.

Which treatments can HIFU be combined with?

HIFU can be combined with the following treatments:

• microneedling
• PRP
• dermal fillers
• facial mesotherapy

Combining HIFU with these treatments can make the overall results more effective. Combining it with some other skin rejuvenation methods may be harmful, but there is no objection to combining it with the treatments listed above; your doctor plans the timing.

Who should not have HIFU?

HIFU is not recommended for:

• people with very severe sagging;
• people with an active skin reaction in the treatment area;
• people with filler in the area to be treated (the timing should be planned with the doctor so that the filler is not affected);
• people with immune system disorders;
• people with metal stents;
• people with conditions that impair wound healing;
• people with a pacemaker;
• people with diabetes, particularly if it is not well controlled;
• pregnant women;
• people with epilepsy.

How is a HIFU treatment planned?

When planning HIFU, the following points must be taken into account:

• which cartridge is used on which area;
• the depth of the cartridge in millimeters;
• the direction of application;
• the number of shots;
• the treatment vectors;
• careful planning of the energy level (dose).

The person performing the treatment must be an experienced specialist.

What effects does HIFU have on the skin?

• Lines on the cheeks look softer.
• The jawline becomes more defined.
• The skin becomes more elastic.
• Collagen production in the skin increases.
• The area under the chin can look slimmer and tighter.
• The skin looks more vibrant.
• When applied to the neck, the neck skin becomes firmer.
• The appearance of fine facial lines that are not yet deeply set can be reduced.

This reliable, incision-free and quick procedure is chosen by people who want a more youthful look and firmer, livelier skin. At our clinic, focused ultrasound treatment is performed with the Ultracel Q+ Linear device.

For a needle-free option that uses radiofrequency rather than focused ultrasound, see our page on XERF skin tightening.

Frequently asked questions

Does the face swell after HIFU?

Some people have mild swelling and tenderness to the touch in the first 1–3 days. This swelling is usually not very noticeable, goes away on its own and does not interfere with daily life.

When does HIFU start to work?

Some people feel a slight tightening straight after the procedure. The main effect appears as collagen renews; results usually become visible from the second or third month and can keep improving until the sixth month.

How long does HIFU last?

How long the results last depends on age, skin structure and lifestyle. To maintain the lifted look, repeating the treatment every 1.5–2 years is generally recommended.

What should I pay attention to after HIFU?

It is advisable to moisturize regularly, use sunscreen every day, avoid hot showers, saunas and very hot environments in the first few days and not press on the treated area. Treatments such as peels or lasers should not be done until the period recommended by your doctor has passed.

Can I wear make-up after HIFU?

Once any redness has faded, most people can wear light make-up the same day or the next day. On the first day, avoid rubbing the skin when cleansing so as not to irritate it.

Who should not have HIFU?

Pregnant women and people with a pacemaker or metal implants in the treatment area, an active skin infection, uncontrolled diabetes, conditions that impair wound healing or epilepsy are not suitable candidates. For very advanced sagging, surgical options are more appropriate.

This content is for information only and does not replace a medical examination. To find out whether HIFU is right for you, contact us.