HIFU (Focused Ultrasound)
What Is It?
HIFU concentrates focused ultrasound energy at a single point in the deep layers of the skin without touching the surface. Controlled heat forms where the energy gathers, and the tissue responds by producing collagen and tightening over time.
What sets it apart is that depth can be selected. Energy can be delivered separately to different layers of the skin and to the support layer that surgeons also work on. Its effect is therefore different from a superficial skin treatment — but it is not on the same scale as a surgical lift either; it sits somewhere between the two.
How Is It Done?
Treatment begins with examination. The degree of laxity, skin thickness and the state of the facial fat are assessed, and the depth to be treated in each area is planned accordingly. If expectations and the state of the tissue do not match, that is discussed at the outset.
The area is cleansed, ultrasound gel is applied and the treatment map is drawn. The device delivers sequential shots at the planned depths, during which brief heat and a deep tingling sensation are felt. For the face and neck the procedure averages 45-60 minutes. Anaesthesia is usually unnecessary; topical anaesthetic cream can be used for more sensitive patients. Most people return to daily life the same day.
Who Is It For?
Suitable for people with mild to moderate skin laxity who do not want surgery, or for whom surgery would be premature. Some preserved skin thickness and tissue support directly affect how visible the result will be, so the clearest response is usually seen between the ages of about 35 and 55.
Where laxity is advanced and there is pronounced excess skin, the expected effect is limited and surgical options are discussed. Pregnancy and breastfeeding, active infection or an open wound at the site, permanent filler or implants in the area, uncontrolled systemic disease and electronic implants such as a pacemaker all change the planning and are assessed individually at examination.
Process & Recovery
Examination and treatment map
The degree of laxity, skin thickness and facial fat are assessed and the depth to be treated in each area is planned. Photographs are taken.
Treatment day
Gel is applied, the treatment map is drawn and sequential shots are delivered at the planned depths. For face and neck it averages 45-60 minutes.
First 24-48 hours
Redness, mild swelling and tenderness to touch may occur; some people feel a mild deep ache for a few days. These are expected findings and do not prevent make-up or normal daily life.
Weeks 4-8
The collagen response comes into play. The first tightening starts to be noticed in this period; no marked change is expected before it.
Months 3-6
The effect reaches its clearest point in this period. Assessment is made at the third month by photographic comparison, and any repeat plan is discussed there.
Results & Duration
The most misunderstood aspect of HIFU is its timing: no marked difference is expected in the mirror on the day of treatment. The collagen response takes weeks; the first tightening is felt over weeks 4-8 and the effect is clearest at 3-6 months.
The range generally reported is 1.5-2 years. Duration varies with the starting condition of the skin, age, smoking and sun exposure. The effect is not permanent and requires renewal; because ageing continues, the result eventually drifts back toward the starting point.
What Is Not Promised
HIFU does not replace a surgical face lift. It does not remove excess skin where laxity is advanced, has no effect on pigmentation or surface skin quality, and does not restore lost volume — where volume is missing, filler is a separate subject.
No particular degree of tightening or duration is guaranteed. Seeing no change in the first weeks is normal; the result is not judged before the third month. If expectations do not match the state of the tissue, that is discussed openly at consultation.
Key Benefits
- Skin tightening
- Collagen increase
- Non-surgical lifting
“HIFU takes patience; the real effect comes as the skin produces its own collagen. The patient who looks in the mirror in the first month and sees nothing is the one who sees the difference at three months.”
— Dr. Sinan Akyürek
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HIFU surgery?
No. There is no incision; the energy is concentrated in the deep layers without touching the surface. Most people return to daily life the same day.
How long does it take?
For the face and neck, on average 45-60 minutes.
Is it painful?
Brief heat and a deep tingling sensation are felt during the shots. Anaesthesia is usually unnecessary; topical anaesthetic cream can be used for more sensitive patients.
When will I see the result?
The first tightening is noticed over weeks 4-8 and the effect is clearest at 3-6 months. No marked difference is expected on the day of treatment.
How long does it last?
The range generally reported is 1.5-2 years, varying with the condition of the skin, age, smoking and sun exposure.
How many sessions are needed?
A single session is usually planned. Any repeat is discussed at the three-month assessment.
Can it be combined with filler or Botox?
They do different jobs and can be combined in one plan: HIFU for tissue support, filler for volume, Botox for expression lines. The sequence is decided at examination.
Which situations need separate assessment?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding, active infection or an open wound at the site, permanent filler or implants in the area, uncontrolled systemic disease and electronic implants such as a pacemaker all change the planning; each is discussed at examination.