A high intensity focused ultrasound facial, or HIFU facial, is a noninvasive treatment for facial aging. This procedure is an anti-aging treatment that may provide some of the benefits of a facelift without the need for surgery.

Noninvasive cosmetic procedures have a shorter recovery period than surgical options, but they provide less noticeable and long-lasting results. Due to this, practitioners recommend HIFU only for mild to moderate or early signs of aging.

This article looks at what a HIFU facial involves, how effective it is, and whether there are any side effects.

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A HIFU facial uses ultrasound to create heat at a deep level in the skin. This heat damages targeted skin cells, causing the body to try to repair them. To do this, the body produces collagen to aid in cell regrowth. Collagen is a substance in the skin that gives it structure and elasticity.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nonsurgical ultrasound treatments such as HIFU can address the following issues:

  • wrinkles
  • pigmentation, such as sun spots or darkened areas of skin
  • scars
  • visible blood vessels
  • loss of skin tone
  • dull skin

This procedure uses a different type of ultrasound than the one doctors use for medical imaging. HIFU uses high-energy waves to target specific areas of the body.

Specialists also use HIFU to treat tumors in much longer, more intense sessions that can last for up to 3 hours in an MRI scanner.

Doctors usually begin HIFU facial rejuvenation by cleaning the chosen area of the face and applying a gel. Then, they use a handheld device that emits the ultrasound waves in short bursts. Each session typically lasts 30 to 90 minutes.

Some people report mild discomfort during the treatment, and some have pain afterward. Doctors may apply a local anesthetic before the procedure to help prevent this pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), may also help.

Unlike other cosmetic procedures, including laser hair removal, HIFU facials do not require preparation. There is also no recovery time after a session, which means that people can get on with their daily activities right away.

People may require multiple treatment sessions, depending on the results they want to achieve.

Many reports say that HIFU facials work. A 2018 review looked at 231 studies on the use of ultrasound technology. After analyzing the studies that involved ultrasound for treating skin tightening, body tightening, and cellulite reduction, the researchers concluded that the technique is safe and effective.

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery say that ultrasound skin tightening usually produces positive results in 2 to 3 months and that good skin care can help maintain these results for up to 1 year.

An older study evaluated the effectiveness of a HIFU facial after 7 days, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the participants’ skin elasticity had significantly improved in all the treated areas.

Other researchers studied the experience of 73 women and two men who underwent HIFU facials. Physicians evaluating the results reported an 80% improvement in facial and neck skin, while the rate of satisfaction among the participants was 78%.

It is worth noting that each of the above studies involved only a relatively small number of participants.

A HIFU facial has few side effects, although some people may experience pain and discomfort right after the procedure.

Other possible side effects include:

  • swelling
  • numbness
  • redness or darkening of the skin
  • bruising
  • a purple rash

A study found that 25.3% of participants had pain following the procedure but that it improved without any intervention.

After a HIFU facial, a person can care for their skin in the following ways to ensure proper healing and optimal results:

  • use a gentle cleanser with lukewarm water
  • moisturize regularly
  • avoid heat, such as steamy baths and showers for a few days
  • use sunscreen with at least SPF 30
  • avoid applying makeup to the skin for the first 24 hours
  • drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
  • avoid other skin treatments for a few weeks
  • avoid massaging the skin
  • avoid alcohol and smoking

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery states that the average cost of a nonsurgical skin-tightening procedure, such as HIFU, was $1,707 in 2017. The current cost may be between $2,000 and $4,000.

However, the cost of HIFU treatments will vary depending on the location and the number of sessions.

A high intensity focused ultrasound facial, or HIFU facial, can be an effective way to minimize the signs of aging.

As a nonsurgical technique, HIFU calls for shorter recovery time than a surgical facelift, but the results will not be as pronounced. Still, researchers have found that the procedure can firm sagging skin, smooth wrinkles, and improve skin texture.

With good aftercare, the benefits of a HIFU facial can last for about one year.