HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is popular among all the non-surgical facial treatments. It’s being utilized for non-surgical skin tightening, particularly on the face, neck, and décolletage. But before you get a HIFU treatment, you might wonder: “Is it painful?” and “What can I expect during and after the session?”
This article answers those questions and gives you an accurate image of the HIFU treatment, what it is, and what to expect beforehand, during, and after.
What is HIFU? A Simple Explanation
HIFU refers to a very brief High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. It uses ultrasound waves to heat deeper skin layers—specifically, the SMAS layer (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System), the same layer treated in facelift surgery.
The ultrasonic energy heats the treated area, signaling the body to produce collagen. Collagen is a protein that tightens and elasticizes skin. As increased amounts of collagen are produced over time, the skin tightens smooths, and lifts— with no injections and no cuts.
Is HIFU Painful?
The extent of pain or discomfort during HIFU likewise differs from person to person. Here’s what you need to know:-
During the Procedure
- Most patients experience mild to moderate pain.
- You may experience fleeting, sudden flashes of heat or a prickly or tingling sensation under the skin as the ultrasound energy passes through.
- Areas with less fat or thinner skin (like the Jawline or forehead) will be more noticeable.
- Others say it feels like a “deep warming” or “electric shock” sensation in the tissue but not on the skin surface.
- Discomfort will typically manifest itself in pulses rather than a dull ache.
Pain Tolerance Is Important:
- Degree of pain also varies based on your sensitivity, pain tolerance, and equipment adjustment.
- An experienced practitioner can vary the degree based on your comfort levels and deliver effective results.
Numbing Alternatives:
- To minimize discomfort, clinics can utilize a topical numbing cream around 30–45 minutes before commencing.
- Certain clinics may also provide mild oral pain medication when required.
- All this notwithstanding, no anaesthetic and no sedation are needed for HIFU.
Bottom line:
Most people can tolerate HIFU. Yes, it is not painless, but it is tolerable and fleeting.
What to Expect During a Facial HIFU Session
Following is what a typical facial HIFU session is like from start to finish:-
- Consultation:
- Your doctor or aesthetician will also inspect your skin, review your medical history, and determine whether you are a good candidate.
- Marking & Cleaning:
- The skin is carefully cleaned, and the areas to be treated are marked to guide the application of ultrasound.
- APPLICATION OF ULTRASOUND GEL:
- A gel cover is used so the device may roll over it.
- Ultrasound Energy Delivery:
- The HIFU hand piece is brought into contact with the skin and releases energy in pulses. Depending on the size of the area to be treated, it usually lasts 30 to 90 minutes.
- Completion and Clean-up
- Treatment is finished, and the skin is cleaned. A soothing cream or sunscreen is applied afterwards.
After the HIFU Treatment: What to Expect
Instant Sensations
- There can be a slight redness or swelling an hour or so after the treatment, but this will clear up within a few hours.
- There can be some numbness or sensitivity in the treated area for a few days.
Delayed Soreness
- Some individuals experience tenderness or soreness in the jawline or cheekbones for several days following treatment.
- Effects are minor and do not normally disrupt daily routine.
Skin Tightening Doesn’t Occur Overnight
- HIFU results are not immediate, unlike surgical facelifts.
- There is a lag time for collagen to be remade; therefore, results are more apparent 4 to 12 weeks later.
- You will notice a progressive improvement in firming and lifting of the skin in 2 to 3 months.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
A single treatment for most will be adequate to induce collagen growth and visible lifting.
However:-
- If the skin is too lax or over 50, it will require a repeat session within six months.
- Rejuvenation every year is recommended in a bid to upkeep outcomes.
HIFU Treatment Benefits and Downsides
Pros:
- No need for needles or cuts (surgical-free)
- No downtime – work or go straight home
- Targets natural collagen
- Safe and doctor/clinic-authorised
Cons:
- Discomfort during treatment (moderate to minor)
- Long-term and short-term outcomes
- Less effective for very sagging skin
Who Should Not Get HIFU?
HIFU is safe but not for everyone. Don’t get HIFU if you:-
- Have open wounds, poor acne, or infections
- Are you pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have metal implants, pacemakers, or implanted electronic devices
- Have extremely loose or sun-damaged skin (surgical methods might be better)
Always approach a certified practitioner to determine whether HIFU is right for your skin.
Cost of HIFU Treatment
The price of HIFU also depends on the treated area, clinic, and machine.
| Area Treated | Cost Range (INR) | Cost Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Face | Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 70,000 | $300 – $850 |
| Jawline | Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 30,000 | $180 – $360 |
| Neck | Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 40,000 | $240 – $480 |
Packages of sessions offered at discounted prices can be bought from clinics.
Conclusion
HIFU is a highly safe, non-surgical skin tightening treatment with limited recovery time. While the procedure may be somewhat unpleasant, it is generally temporary and tolerable to most. The most important thing is knowing what to expect, selecting an experienced practitioner, and being patient while results emerge.
If you’re looking for a facelift-like effect without surgery, HIFU might be an excellent option. Always have a thorough consultation before making any decision, and remember—good skin care starts with good choices.