HIFU
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound
Look 5 to 10 years younger with HIFU. Working with high intensity focused ultrasound energy, HIFU is the next generation in advanced, non-invasive facial lifting technology, penetrating to depths only previously possible with cosmetic surgery.
With thousands of skin building energy shots, your skin is transformed from deep within its foundation… using the latest HIFU technology, this procedure targets the facial muscle layer at the same depth as a surgical face lift – giving you cosmetic surgery results but with no needles, no knife and no downtime!
HIFU is a safe, ultrasound treatment designed for anti-ageing, facial lifting and body sculpting. Micro-shots of high intensity focused ultrasound energy are beamed through the surface of the skin stimulating new collagen synthesis while at the same time tightening muscles, improving skin texture, reducing wrinkles, firming and lifting the skin, giving you a sculpted, tightened and lifted new look… all naturally; with no needles, no knife and no downtime – we call it SUBTLE SURGERY!
HIFU FACE LIFT
1/2 hr – 2 1/2 hrs
HIFU Facial Lift treatments target deep into the dermis and foundation muscle layers of the skin … at 3.0mm and 4.5mm … working at the same depths as a surgical face lift !
In a full HIFU Facial Lift treatment, we deliver a matrix of up to 6,000 micro shots of HIFU energy into the skin. Each micro shot stimulates the body’s own natural repair response, tightening muscle and creating a new matrix of collagen that gently lifts the skin, improving the tone of all the key facial features.
The process of regeneration takes place progressively and gradually, from the deeper tissue towards the skin surface, working naturally to both uplift and rejuvenate the skin.
Areas that can be treated include around the eyes, forehead, cheeks, neck, chin and jowl areas; smile lines are softened and nasolabial folds reduced.
Best visible results are seen after 6 to 10 weeks, with continual on-going improvement up to 6 months as the new collagen matrix reaches it’s full strength.
HIFU GLOW FACIAL
1/2 hr – 1 1/2 hrs
In the HIFU Glow Facial we target the upper layers of the skin at a depth of 1.5mm. As new collagen regeneration is stimulated by the HIFU energy, fine lines and wrinkles are erased, leaving you with a naturally radiant, fresh, plumped and more youthful skin… with no needles and no downtime!
This treatment is excellent for:
- Skin refining (removes fine lines, including lip lines and forehead)
- Skin plumping, toning and smoothing (reduces pore size)
- Scarring (including acne scarring and stretch marks)
- Pigmentation
Best visible results are usually seen after 2 to 4 weeks, and the HIFU Glow Facial can be repeated on-going every 4 to 8 weeks to maintain results, depending on your age and skin type.
HIFU BODY CONTOUR & SCULPTING
From 1 hr
HIFU energy can be used to literally melt fat… to sculpt, contour and tighten the body. HIFU body treatments can target specific and focused areas of hard to shift body fat in the quickest way possible, destroying fat cells and reducing cellulite.
Results are achieved in just one treatment! with best results seen after 4 to 6 weeks as the process of fat elimination is completed and new collagen and elastin is formed, improving skin elasticity, tone and texture.
Body areas which are treatable with our HIFU technology includes the abdomen, buttocks, inner and outer thighs, hips, ‘back-fat’ and under the arms.
Treatment prior to HIFU
Avoid any sensitized skin condition, which reddens the skin and makes it tender.
For at least three days prior to the procedure, do not use topical products containing Retinol (vitamin A), glycolic acid, or salicylic acid, as these can sensitize the skin.
Gently cleanse treatment area to remove make-up. Do not apply any creams, lotions, foundation, powder or other products prior to treatment.
No water on the skin during treatment (only Ultrasound gel).
For patients with poor pain tolerance, recommend taking a pain killer – paracetamol and/or codeine (recommend at least 1,000mg / 45mg), approximately 30 mins before procedure. Mersyndol
NOTE 1: Always ensure clients have eaten before taking painkillers.
NOTE 2: Anti-inflammatory pain killers (e.g. ibuprofen / Nurofen) are least preferred for the HIFU treatment but can be used if client has issues with paracetamol / codeine.
Following HIFU treatment
Typically, client may return to normal activities immediately after HIFU treatment, noting comments below.
If the skin is slightly pink or red in area(s) treated, wash the face with lukewarm water until the ‘blush’ has subsided (usually within a few hours).
Makeup (preferably mineral based) may be applied immediately post treatment.
Soothing, non-irritating creams or moisturisers may be used.
***Immediately post-HIFU Facial / Body – recommended application of: heritage healers WATER Wildflower essences, followed by Chakra Nourishing Cream, blended with WATER Aromatherapy Oil Blend (with anti-inflammatory Macadamia Oil base).
Client to avoid (minimize) sun exposure immediately after the treatment (facial).
Client to avoid exfoliation, or any aggressive skin treatment, for at least one week or until all sensitivity in the treatment area has subsided.
Avoid strenuous exercise / straining of the treated area(s) for at least three to four days.
Increase protein intake to boost the skin healing (collagen regeneration) process.
Highly recommend gentle, regenerative and healing facial treatments (such as Collagen, Oxygen Therapy and LED light therapy) to boost the neocollagenesis and neoolastogenesis processes; treatments can start once all sensitivity in the treated area has subsided – usually 1 to 2 weeks post HIFU treatment.
Similarly, home-care products should be more regenerative, nourishing serums and moisturisers.
HIFU Skin Rejuvenation
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a safe, non-invasive treatment backed by strong clinical research. It stimulates natural collagen production to lift, tighten, and rejuvenate the skin without surgery.
Clinical Effectiveness
- Systematic reviews show **18–30% skin tightening** in the lower face, jawline, and neck.
- Studies confirm up to **2.5–4.5 cm body contouring reduction** (abdomen, thighs).
- Patient satisfaction is consistently high, especially with newer devices.
Safety Profile
- Mild, temporary side effects: redness, swelling, tingling.
- No downtime: most return to daily activities immediately.
- Rare complications are minimized when performed by trained professionals.
What to Expect
- Results build gradually over 2–3 months.
- Effects last 12–18 months with maintenance.
- Sensation: tingling or warmth, generally well tolerated.
| Aspect | Findings & Benefits |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | 18–30% tightening; up to 4.5 cm body contouring |
| Satisfaction | Moderate to high; newer devices show better results |
| Safety | Mild, short-lived side effects; rare complications |
| Innovation | Latest devices improve precision, comfort, and results |
✔ Backed by clinical studies, HIFU is a proven choice for natural, long-lasting skin rejuvenation without surgery.
Research References
- Shin Y, et al. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) in Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Arch Dermatol Res. 2024;316:17–29.
- Chen X, et al. Efficacy and Safety of HIFU for Skin Laxity and Body Contouring: A Systematic Review of 45 Studies (2010–2024). Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2025;45(7):690–702.
- Park J, et al. Randomized Trial Comparing Next-Generation “More Young” HIFU vs 7D HIFU. Applied Sciences. 2025;15(15):8485.
- Kim H, et al. Safety Profile of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound: Review of 22 Clinical Studies. Applied Sciences. 2025;15(9):4958.
- White WM, et al. Meta-analysis of HIFU for Facial and Neck Rejuvenation. Lasers Med Sci. 2020;35:477–488.
HIFU frequently asked questions
How does HIFU work?
The fundamental principle is similar to using a magnifying glass to focus sunlight, generating a burning heat. Focused ultrasound uses an acoustic lens to concentrate multiple intersecting beams of ultrasound precisely on a target point deep in the skin. Each individual beam passes through tissue with no effect (just like a normal Ultrasound scan); but at the focal point, where the beams converge, the combined energy has a precise localised thermal (heating) effect.
Who is HIFU best suited to?
A good candidate for HIFU is someone with skin that has “relaxed” to the point of looking, and often feeling, less firm. A lowered eyebrow line or sagging skin on the eyelids, for instance, is often the first sign of “maturing” skin. Typically, those in their late thirties and older who have mild to moderate skin laxity are candidates.
While HIFU is not a replacement for a surgical face lift, there are many people who want some lifting but are not ready for surgery, either mentally, financially or logistically. There are also younger people who want to “stay ahead of the game” as well as those looking to prolong the effects of cosmetic surgery.
How long will a HIFU treatment take?
The length of your treatment depends on what you are having treated. A full face treatment and neck takes 2.5 hours and a partial face or eye lift treatment can take around 30 minutes. Body treatments will sit somewhere within that range.
Is there downtime?
With HIFU treatment there is NO downtime. After your treatment, you can resume your normal activities immediately and there are no special measures that you have to take. It is even possible to have your treatment during your lunchbreak.
How long until you see results and do they remain?
Immediately after your HIFU treatment you may see an initial effect but the ultimate results will take place over the next 2-3 months…and continue getting better for the next 6 months! During this time your body is naturally regenerating collagen and muscles are firming. As it is your own collagen that is being generated, the length of time the results last really depends on your own body’s healing response. The treatment produces new collagen and muscle firmness beneath the skin but your own natural aging process will then dictate how long that translates into visible results on the surface.
How does HIFU stimulate the production of collagen?
During the treatment, HIFU delivers focused ultrasound energy deep beneath the skin at the optimal temperature for collagen regeneration. This jumpstarts a process known as neocollagenesis which produces fresh, new collagen naturally. HIFU treatments don’t involve any creams, fillers or toxins. It is your body’s own collagen-building process that is activated and creates the natural and noticeable results.
How do HIFU treatments feel?
While the ultrasound energy is being delivered you will feel tiny amounts of “energy” being deposited to precise depths of the skin. This is a positive and temporary signal that the collagen-building process has been initiated. Comfort thresholds vary from person to person but the sensations only last while the treatment is being delivered. Your dermal therapist will aim to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Patients typically leave feeling relaxed and excited about the benefits to come.
How many treatments will I need?
Generally only one treatment is needed every 6 months to 2 years depending on the client’s age and degree of skin laxity, biological response to ultrasound energy and their individual collagen-building process. Some clients may benefit from additional treatments and future touch-up treatments can help clients keep pace with their body’s natural aging process.
Are there side effects?
It is possible for the skin to appear flushed at first. This can happen during treatment but it sometimes lasts longer. If there is any redness, it should disappear within a few hours. Some clients experience a slight swelling, redness, tingling or tenderness to the touch however these are only temporary sensations. Other, less common post-procedural effects may include temporary bruising or numbness on small areas of skin.
What is the cost of HIFU?
HIFU treatment costs range widely and depend upon the size and number of areas being treated. That being said, the pricing is however well below the cost of cosmetic surgery. To find out current pricing contact heritagehealers direct on freecall 1 800 68 50 50 or call in and see your nearest professional therapist.
Is HIFU a replacement for a facelift?
While HIFU treats the same deep foundational layer that cosmetic surgery treats, although it comes close, it won’t duplicate the exact results of a full facelift. Yet it offers a great non-surgical alternative that is gentler and non-invasive. It is also possible to extend the effects of cosmetic surgery with HIFU.