Non-surgical treatments for skin tightening have become increasingly popular over the years. According to Dr Justin Boey, Medical Director of Sozo Clinic, two of the most well-known non-surgical skin tightening treatments are Ultherapy and HIFU. Both utilise ultrasound technology to lift and tighten the skin but have unique features that cater to different needs.
With insights from Dr Boey, this guide will explain how each treatment works, their differences and their costs to help you decide which option is right.
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What is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is a treatment that uses microfocused ultrasound with visualisation (MFU-V). Ultherapy stimulates collagen production, which helps lift and firm the skin. Benefits of Ultherapy
- FDA-approved for patient safety
- Effective for areas like the face, neck and décolletage
- Results can last up to a year or more
Ultherapy’s ability to focus energy ensures the treatment reaches deep skin layers, including the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS), where results are most effective for lifting and tightening.
What is HIFU?
HIFU, or High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, is another non-invasive treatment designed to tighten and lift the skin. Unlike Ultherapy, HIFU treatment can also be used for body contouring. It delivers focused ultrasound energy to both the dermis and the SMAS, stimulating collagen production and improving skin firmness.
Benefits of HIFU
- Suitable for larger body areas, such as the stomach and thighs
- Shorter session duration compared to Ultherapy
- More affordable treatment options, especially for body-related goals
HIFU is particularly appealing for individuals looking to address multiple areas of skin laxity, whether on the face or body, in less time and at a lower cost.
How Do Ultherapy and HIFU Work?
Despite similar underlying principles, the two treatments differ in their approach. Both HIFU and Ultherapy machines use ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production. Still, Ultherapy’s real-time ultrasound imaging allows aesthetic practitioners to visualise targeted skin tissue layers during the procedure. On the other hand, HIFU delivers broader ultrasound energy, making it ideal for treating larger areas.
Key Differences Between Ultherapy and HIFU
Although both treatments are effective for non-invasive skin tightening, they vary in areas of use, cost and overall experience. Below are the five main differences to consider when choosing between Ultherapy and HIFU.
Technology Used
- Ultherapy. Uses microfocused ultrasound with visualisation (MFU-V). Real-time imaging allows for the targeting of specific skin layers.
- HIFU. Relies on high-intensity focused ultrasound without visualisation, catering to broader applications for both face and body.
Here’s a quick comparison of their technology:
| Feature | Ultherapy | HIFU |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound technology | Microfocused ultrasound (MFU-V) | High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) |
| Imaging | Real-time visualisation | No imaging |
| Precision | High | Generalised |
Target Areas
- Ultherapy is ideal for smaller, delicate areas like the face, under the chin, brows, neck and décolletage.
- HIFU is effective for facial tightening and may be used for larger body areas like the abdomen, upper arms and thighs.
If you’re looking for a skin lifting treatment that extends to body contouring, HIFU might better suit your needs. For more targeted skin lifting and toning, consider Ultherapy treatment.
Treatment Duration
The length of the procedure depends on the size of the treatment area.
- Ultherapy sessions typically take 60–90 minutes, as the process involves targeting small areas over multiple layers of the skin.
- HIFU treatments range from 30–60 minutes per session, making it a quicker option in most cases.
Treatment Downtime
Both Ultherapy and HIFU offer minimal downtime, but there are slight variations in the after-effects.
- Ultherapy may cause mild redness, swelling, or tenderness that lasts a few hours post-treatment.
- HIFU may result in temporary redness, tingling, or slight swelling that typically resolves quickly.
While both treatments allow you to resume daily activities immediately, some may experience mild discomfort.
Pain and Comfort Levels
Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but here’s what to expect during each treatment:
- Ultherapy delivers energy to deeper skin layers and is often described as more intense. Most practitioners offer numbing cream to minimise discomfort.
- HIFU is generally reported to cause milder pain. However, this may depend on the treated area, as larger areas can still feel slightly uncomfortable during the procedure.
Ultherapy vs HIFU: Cost
When considering affordability, HIFU is generally the more accessible choice.
- Ultherapy costs range from $3,000 to $4,000, depending on the size of the area being treated.
- HIFU costs range from $300 to $2,500 per area.
It’s worth noting that prices may vary based on the clinic, practitioner expertise and individual requirements.
Ultherapy vs HIFU: How Long Do Results Last?
The longevity of results also differs between the two treatments.
- Ultherapy results typically last over a year or more, depending on lifestyle and the natural ageing process.
- HIFU results are visible for about 6–12 months due to a shorter duration of collagen stimulation.
Ultherapy vs HIFU: Which One is Right for You?
Selecting the most suitable treatment involves considering several factors, including your skin concerns, budget, pain tolerance and desired outcomes.
Suitability Based on Skin Concerns
- Ultherapy and HIFU both target wrinkles and sagging skin. However, Ultherapy’s precision makes it more suitable for delicate areas that require lifting and toning, such as the face and neck, for skin rejuvenation.
- HIFU shines in treating larger areas of skin laxity on different parts of the body, such as the abdomen, arms or thighs.
Age and Skin Type Considerations
Both treatments are generally effective for adults experiencing skin laxity. They are safe for use for all skin types.
Personal Preferences
Your pain tolerance, budget and long-term goals also play a role. If you’re willing to invest in a longer-lasting treatment for specific areas, Ultherapy might be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer shorter, more affordable sessions, HIFU offers more flexibility. For tailored advice, consulting with an aesthetic practitioner is always recommended.
Dr Justin Boey of Sozo Clinic emphasises the importance of identifying individual goals before choosing the right treatment for you.
Conclusion
Both Ultherapy and HIFU offer non-invasive options for skin tightening and lifting. While Ultherapy excels in precision and longer-lasting results for specific areas, HIFU provides affordability and versatility, making it suitable for broader applications.
At Sozo Clinic, you can explore these treatments alongside effective acne scar solutions to address various skin concerns.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your skin concerns and preferences and consultation results with a qualified aesthetic professional. Take the first step towards firmer skin today by learning more about each treatment in detail.
