What is Focused Ultrasound?
Focused ultrasound is a non-surgical aesthetic procedure used for skin tightening and face lifting. It works with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology and increases collagen production by sending heat energy to the lower layers of the skin. Focused ultrasound affects deep tissues without damaging the skin surface and over time, it tightens the skin, reduces wrinkles and gives it a younger appearance. This method, which can be used on the face, neck, décolleté and various areas of the body, is also known as a non-surgical face lift. Since it accelerates the skin’s natural repair process, its effects last for a long time.
How is Focused Ultrasound Performed?
Focused ultrasound application is performed by a specialist doctor or an experienced aesthetician in a clinical environment. Before the procedure, the area to be applied is cleaned and, if necessary, an anesthetic cream is applied to relax the skin. Then, a special gel is applied to transmit ultrasound energy and the device head is placed on the skin. Ultrasound waves are focused on different depths of the skin such as 1.5 mm, 3 mm and 4.5 mm, triggering collagen production. The procedure time varies depending on the area applied, but lasts between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours. A slight heat may be felt during the procedure, but no serious pain or ache occurs. After the application, the person can return to their daily life immediately and there are no cuts or wounds on the skin.
In Which Areas Is Focused Ultrasound Treatment Used?
Focused ultrasound treatment can be applied to many different areas of the face and body that require skin tightening and lifting. The most common areas used are:
Face: Applied to cheeks, jawline, nasolabial lines (lines running down the side of the nose), forehead, eye contour and eyebrow lift.
Neck and Jowl Area: It is preferred to tighten sagging skin and give it a tighter appearance.
Décolleté Area: Provides a more youthful appearance by reducing fine wrinkles in the chest area.
Body Areas: It can be applied to tighten areas such as the abdomen, arms, legs, inner thighs and hips.
In addition to skin tightening, it is also used for aesthetic purposes such as defining the jawline, melting the double chin and tightening sagging. It is an effective option for people who want a younger and more toned appearance.
Effect of Focused Ultrasound on Skin Lifting and Tightening
Focused ultrasound increases the skin’s natural collagen production, allowing the skin to renew itself from the inside out. Intense ultrasound waves applied under the skin create controlled heat damage in the lowest layer of the skin, tightening the collagen fibers and triggering new collagen production. As a result:
- The skin becomes firmer and more resilient.
- Wrinkles and fine lines diminish over time.
- The jaw line becomes more defined and the face oval becomes more rounded.
- Sagging in the neck area is corrected.
- Skin elasticity increases, providing a more youthful appearance.
These effects begin to be seen within the first few weeks, with maximum results occurring within 2-3 months. Due to continued collagen production, they can last for 1-2 years.
Differences Between HIFU and Laser
Although HIFU (Focused Ultrasound) and laser treatments are both used for skin renewal and rejuvenation, they differ in terms of their mechanisms of action and areas of application.
Depth of Effect: HIFU affects the lowest layer of the skin and stimulates collagen production, while laser generally affects the upper layers of the skin.
Process: HIFU provides effective results even in a single session, while laser treatments usually require several sessions.
Healing Process: After HIFU, the person can immediately return to their daily life, whereas in laser applications, side effects such as redness, crusting and peeling may occur.
Area of Use: While laser treatments are more suitable for skin blemishes, color irregularities and superficial wrinkles, HIFU is more effective for deep wrinkles, sagging and skin tightening.
Pain and Comfort: While a slight heat is felt during HIFU treatment, laser procedures can often cause greater sensitivity.
Who is Focused Ultrasound Suitable For?
Focused ultrasound is an ideal method for people who want skin tightening and lifting without surgery. Individuals who have sagging problems in the face, neck, chin and body areas can choose this treatment. It is an effective solution for people who have lost skin elasticity, have visible wrinkles or whose face oval has started to deteriorate. It can also be used for eyebrow lifting, jawline definition and facial contour recovery.
Focused ultrasound is recommended to delay the signs of skin aging, especially in individuals aged 35 and over. However, it can also be used as a preventive and skin tightening application at younger ages. This treatment is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, those with skin infections or open wounds, those with serious skin diseases, and those with metal implants. It should be applied under the supervision of a doctor, depending on the person’s skin structure and needs.
Can Focused Ultrasound Melt Fat?
Focused ultrasound is a method used for skin tightening and lifting, but it can also help break down fat cells in certain areas. When applied to areas such as the chin, abdomen, hips, inner arms and inner thighs, it breaks down fat cells under the skin by sending intense ultrasound waves. However, this effect is not as pronounced as a direct liposuction or invasive fat removal operation.
The fat melting feature of focused ultrasound is especially effective in areas with small fat deposits, meaning it is more suitable for people who want to achieve regional thinning and have a slight excess fat. Individuals with excess fat may require more than one session to achieve more noticeable results. More successful results are achieved when supported by sports and a healthy diet.
Are There Any Side Effects of Focused Ultrasound?
Focused ultrasound is a non-surgical procedure, so it does not have serious side effects, but some mild side effects may occur. During the procedure, you may experience a slight feeling of warmth, stinging or tingling, but this is usually not uncomfortable. After the procedure, you may experience slight redness, slight swelling or tenderness, but these effects usually disappear within a few hours or at most a few days.
Temporary slight bruising or swelling may occur on some sensitive skin types, but these will resolve on their own. In very rare cases, a slight numbness may be felt in the treated area, but this is temporary. In order for focused ultrasound to be applied safely, it is important that it is performed by an experienced specialist.
How Does Focused Ultrasound Improve Skin Elasticity?
Focused ultrasound is a treatment that restores the skin’s natural elasticity by increasing collagen production. During the procedure, ultrasound waves are focused into the lower layers of the skin, creating thermal energy, which stimulates skin cells and encourages the production of new collagen.
Collagen is the main protein that provides skin firmness and elasticity. After focused ultrasound is applied, collagen production in the skin is accelerated and this process continues for several months. As a result:
- The skin becomes firmer and more resilient.
- Wrinkles and sagging are significantly reduced.
- A younger, smoother and more elastic skin appearance is achieved.
These improvements in skin elasticity are usually noticeable within the first 4-6 weeks, with maximum results occurring within 2-3 months. After the procedure, the skin maintains its youthful and healthy appearance for a long time as collagen production continues. It is recommended to repeat the treatment once a year for a permanent and long-lasting effect.
How Long Does It Take for Focused Ultrasound Treatment to Take Effect?
Although focused ultrasound treatment starts to show its effect from the first session, the full results become apparent over time. A visible tightening and recovery of the skin is felt within the first 3-4 weeks after the procedure. However, since collagen production increases over time, the best results become apparent within 2-3 months.
As the skin’s renewal process continues, the effects of the treatment become stronger. Tightening becomes visible, especially in the jawline, neck and face. Depending on the person’s skin type and age, this process may progress faster or slower. It can take between 3 and 6 months for the results to fully set in.
How Permanent Are Focused Ultrasound Results?
The effects of focused ultrasound treatment vary depending on the person’s skin structure, age and lifestyle. The results usually last for 1 to 2 years. Thanks to the continued production of collagen, the skin remains firmer, smoother and younger for a longer period of time.
However, since the aging process continues naturally, it is recommended to have a maintenance session once a year to maintain the effects. In addition, taking care of your skin, using sunscreen and eating healthy will help to maintain the effect of the treatment for a longer period of time.
How Many Focused Ultrasound Sessions Are Performed?
Focused ultrasound treatment is applied in a single session for most people. One session may be sufficient for people with moderate to mild skin sagging, but for people with more pronounced sagging, additional sessions may be recommended at 6-month to 1-year intervals.
In body applications, 2-3 sessions are generally recommended for fat burning and tightening. This may vary depending on the person’s skin elasticity and the treatment area. The most accurate approach is for the doctor to determine how many sessions are needed by performing a skin analysis.
Focused Ultrasound Prices 2026
Focused ultrasound prices may vary in 2026 depending on the area of application, the quality of the device used, and clinical conditions. Single session prices for the face and neck generally range from 7,000 TL to 20,000 TL. For applications performed on body areas, the price per session may range from 10,000 TL to 30,000 TL.