Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Jacquelyn Cafasso on February 4, 2019
Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/hifu-for-face
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:
| Invasive? | Cost | Recovery Time | Risks | Efficacy | Long-term effects | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIFU | Non-invasive; no incisions | $1,707 on average | None | Mild redness and swelling | In one studyTrusted Source, 94% of people described improvement in skin lifting at a 3-month follow-up visit. | The same studyTrusted Source found that improvement in appearance persisted for at least 6 months. You will likely need to have additional HIFU treatments once the natural aging process takes over. |
| Surgical face lift | Invasive procedure that requires incisions and sutures | $7,562 on average | 2–4 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. |
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.
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:
- 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 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.