Ultherapy vs Hifu – What’s best for skin tightening?

Patients seeking non-surgical facial rejuvenation often ask us what’s the difference between Ultherapy and Hifu and which treatment is best?

The Private Clinic is one of the UK’s leading Ultherapy clinic providers and our clinical teams and patients are convinced of its effectiveness.

But let’s explore this comparison so you can see why we consider Ultherapy superior to Hifu.

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is a non-surgical skin tightening treatment that uses micro-focused ultrasound with visualisation (MFU-V) energy. This type of energy can treat depths of the skin that other non-invasive treatments are unable to reach. The treatment works to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin which reverses the visible signs of ageing. The increase in collagen results in a significant lift to the areas treated over time.

What is Hifu?

Hifu or High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound treatment is a skin tightening treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to target the layers of skin just below the surface. The treatment encourages collagen production which then in turn, results in tighter and smoother skin over time.

What are the differences between Ultherapy and Hifu?

Whilst both descriptions of the treatment do sound similar, there are many differences between both treatments.

Ultherapy	Hifu
Uses micro-focused ultrasound (MFU) which uses highly focused energy to target specific skin layers.	Uses a high-intensity focused ultrasound which is usually used for medical purposes such as treating tumours.
FDA approved in 2004 for non-invasive skin tightening and lifting.	FDA approved in 2009 for Brow lifts and in 2014 to improve lines and wrinkles of the upper chest and neckline (décolletage).
The MFU method is sharply focused leaving surrounding areas unaffected.	Applies multiple beams that can hit bone and fat tissues as well.
Patented DeepSEE™ visualisation technology guides the entire process which allows practitioners to see the structure of the skin, muscles, and bone as they apply the treatment.	Does not use imaging technology which means practitioners cannot see the layers of skin they are treating, or how it is making an impact.
Can treat depths between 1.5 and 4.5mm	Can treat depths between 1.5 and 4.5mm
Best results are seen after 2-3 months	Best results are seen after 2-3 months
Results can last between 6 months to 18 months.	Results can last between 6 months to 18 months.

Is Ultherapy safer and more effective than Hifu?

Research

Having been available for much longer than Hifu, Ultherapy is one of the most researched skin enhancement and anti-ageing technologies of its kind. Ultherapy results have been independently verified and supported by over 110 studies and research papers (60 peer-renewed papers and 50 clinical studies). Hifu treatments have only been studied a small number of times for their efficacy and patient satisfaction. This is a big reason why Ultherapy comes recommended by most doctors and cosmetic specialists as the gold-standard skin tightening treatment.

DeepSEE Technology

The biggest reason why Ultherapy is a safer treatment is that it uses unique DeepSEE technology and micro-focused ultrasound energy. This technology means there is no risk of hitting fat cells, blood vessels or muscles in the process. Hifu is performed blind. This is because practitioners are not able to see the layers of skin they are treating, or how it is making an impact. Not only does this put you at risk, but your results are unlikely to be as effective. If Hifu treatment hits fat cells within the face then it can cause hollow areas on the face. This can cause more lines and wrinkles.

FDA Approved Treatment

Being EU CE certified and FDA cleared for skin tightening, Ultherapy is medically rated ahead of Hifu which only has limited FDA clearance for treating certain areas. Where clinics perform Hifu treatments against its planned use, often the risks can outweigh the benefits.

Celebrity Endorsement

Ultherapy is endorsed by several celebrities including, actress Jennifer Aniston, model Christie Brinkley and presenter Tess Daly.

“I believe in investing in my skin as I do in my general skin health, looking after what you have got. Ultherapy works with your own skin to leave you looking refreshed and like you’ve had a good 8 hours sleep. Ultherapy only took an hour with no downtime, and over time my skin looked more radiant, boosted and fresh.” – Tess Daly, April 2021

Ultherapy before and after photos

before and after photos of ultherapy treatment

Results of Ultherapy to tighten the neck

before and after photos of ultherapy treatment

Ultherapy brow lift

ultherapy necklift non surgical skin tightening before after results

Overall facial skin tightening with Ultherapy

Ultherapy treatment at The Private Clinic

At The Private Clinic, we only offer Ultherapy for skin tightening treatment. Our practitioners have all been highly trained and have a wealth of knowledge and experience about Ultherapy treatment. All clinics use a genuine Ultherapy® system and will be able to show you a Certificate of Authenticity so you can rest assured you are in the best hands.

The benefits of Ultherapy include:

Non-Surgical Skin Tightening in 30 minutes.
Long-lasting results with no downtime.
FDA Approved treatment.
Suitable for the eyes, face, neck, and décolletage.
Stimulates new collagen & elastin, to help reverse the signs of ageing.
Over 2 million treatments performed worldwide.
Ultherapy has won its 9th New Beauty Award as the Best Nonsurgical Skin Tightener in 2022
Awarded ‘Best Skin Tightening Device’ at AMWC Aesthetic Medicine Awards
Popular with a host of celebrity stars such as Tess Daly, Courtney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian, and Kirsty Gallacher.
Treatment available at our clinics in Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Northampton and Buckinghamshire.