Ultherapy vs. HIFU: What's the difference?

Ultherapy and HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) are two of the most popular and advanced treatments on the market. Both offer impressive results in tightening the skin. Both promote a youthful appearance without the need for invasive surgery. But what’s the difference between them? In this article, I’ll dive into a few of the details to help you make an informed decision. (Teesside Fat Freezing offers HIFU treatments only).

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is a registered trademark for a device created by a German company called Merz. It is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin on the face, neck, and décolletage. It works by delivering targeted energy deep into the skin’s foundational layers, including the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer, which is typically addressed during a surgical facelift. This energy stimulates the production of collagen, a natural protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness.

What is HIFU?

Like Ultherapy, HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to target superficial and deeper layers of the skin, including the SMAS layer, promoting collagen regeneration. While similar in its core mechanism, HIFU is a  generic term that encompasses a variety of devices used for non-invasive skin tightening. HIFU is not a registered trade mark.

What do Ultherapy and HIFU have in common?

• They stimulate collagen production both superficially and in the deeper layers of the skin for long-term lifting and firming.
• Results start to be seen at around 6 weeks after treatment and continue to develop for 6 months (these timings vary from client to client).

Key Differences Between Ultherapy and HIFU

Ultherapy and HIFU use similar technology. The main differences are:

• Ultherapy is a registered trademark referring to a particular brand, whereas HIFU is a generic description of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound machines.
• Ultherapy is FDA and CE approved – HIFU machines have CE approval.
• Ultherapy offers real-time ultrasound imaging during the treatment, allowing practitioners to precisely see the layers of tissue being treated.  HIFU devices treat three fixed depths in the skin – 1.5mm, 3.0mm and 4.5mm.
• Ultherapy treatments are an order of magnitude more expensive than HIFU treatments. Indeed, they average around £2600. I charge £400 for a full HIFU face and neck lift and there are other options available, eg a brow lift on its own is just £150.
• HIFU parameters can be adjusted if fat loss is required on the cheeks or chin. There are also HIFU cartridges designed to go deeper (up to 16mm) for body sculpting and fat loss on the body (although fat freezing is a better treatment for fat loss on the body).

Final Thoughts

Both Ultherapy and HIFU offer excellent alternatives to traditional surgical facelifts, providing effective skin lifting and tightening without the downtime or risks associated with surgery. Ultherapy stands out for its precision, while HIFU offers great results at a fraction of the price. With either an Ultherapy or a HIFU treatment, you can achieve the rejuvenated, youthful look you desire without going under the knife.