HIFU Skin Lifting Treatment
HIFU skin lifting is a cosmetic treatment that uses High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology to lift and tighten the skin on the face and neck. It is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that stimulates collagen production and elastin fibers in the deeper layers of the skin, resulting in firmer, tighter skin.
The procedure is usually painless and requires no downtime, although some patients may experience temporary redness or swelling. Before the treatment, your doctor will prescribe oral painkillers to make the procedure more tolerable.
HIFU skin lifting can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns, including sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. Results may vary depending on the individual, but most patients see an improvement in skin tightness and texture within a few weeks of the procedure.
It is important to note that HIFU skin lifting is not a permanent solution and may require maintenance treatments to maintain the results.
Ultrasound to tighten and lift skin
HIFU is currently one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for skin lifting in Singapore. Without damaging the skin and its surrounding tissues, it creates selective thermal coagulative zones on the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) layer to improve skin laxity and reduce fat cells.
Temperature of the treatment can reach 60 to 70 degrees Celsius without damaging the skin surface. Over the healing process in the next 2 to 3 months, a gradual skin lifting effect can be observed.
How does HIFU treatment work?
When electrical energy is transferred to the HIFU transducer, it transforms into ultrasonic waves. When the ultrasound is focused, it generates thermal energy at maximal focal point targeted at the deep adipose tissue and muscles. It kickstarts the process of thermal coagulation to the SMAS, fascia, deep dermis, and subcutaneous fibrous tissues. During the next few months, skin tightening and rejuvenation occur gradually.
Ultraformer - Multi-Layered Precision for Skin Lifting and Contouring
At Radium Medical Aesthetics, we use the Ultraformer, a type of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) system designed to target multiple layers of the skin with surgical precision – all without needles, incisions, or downtime.
Why is HIFU treatment effective in treating wrinkles and lifting the skin?
The Ultraformer delivers focused ultrasound energy at three key depths:
- 1.5mm: Targets the epidermal–dermal junction, improving fine lines, skin tone, and overall texture.
- 3.0mm: Reaches the deep dermis, where collagen and elastin fibres are stimulated to tighten and strengthen the skin’s structure.
- 4.5mm: Penetrates into the SMAS layer the same foundational layer addressed in a surgical facelift - to create a deep lifting and firming effect.
- 6.0mm and 9.0mm: Deliver thermal energy into the subcutaneous fat layer to induces lipolysis, breaking down small fat deposits under the chin, along the jawline, or around the lower face
Ultraformer sets itself apart by inducing focused heat to debulk stubborn fat deposits under the chin, along the jawline, or around the lower face. The result is a more refined, contoured facial profile with tighter, firmer skin.
Ultraformer HIFU treatment at Radium
Each pulse of energy creates a precisely controlled microthermal zone, prompting the body’s natural wound-healing response. Over the next 2 to 6 months, new collagen and elastin are produced, gradually tightening the skin and improving elasticity.
Because Ultraformer treats multiple layers simultaneously, it provides a dual benefit – lifting and firming the skin while debulking stubborn fat in targeted zones. The outcome is a naturally sculpted, youthful appearance that continues to improve long after the treatment.
At Radium, all Ultraformer treatments are customised to your skin condition and aesthetic goals. Our medical team carefully adjusts the energy levels, cartridge depths, and number of passes to ensure maximum results with minimal discomfort.
Frequently asked questions about HIFU treatment in Singapore
The cost largely depends on the brand of HIFU machine that the doctor uses. Ultherapy Prime in Singapore is the only skin tightening HIFU device that obtained US FDA approval for lifting the neck, chin and brow, and improves lines and wrinkles on the upper chest. The results are also supported by numerous peer reviewed studies globally. Naturally with such strong evidence of its effectiveness, Ultherapy tends to be priced higher than other HIFU machines.
You can expect to pay between S$3,000 and S$5,000 for a treatment.
Alternatively, Ultraformer is a popular HIFU device that is priced lower than Ultherapy Prime. It starts from $450 to $1,500.
According to a study involving 93 people, 66% of them who underwent HIFU noticed a significant improvement in their face and neck after 90 days.
HIFU works by delivering focused ultrasound energy into targeted layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production and support skin tightening over time. Because collagen remodelling is gradual, results usually develop progressively over the next few months after treatment.
The longevity of results depends on factors such as age, skin laxity, collagen response, treatment area, lifestyle, and the natural ageing process. Some patients may benefit from maintenance treatments every 6 to 12 months to help sustain firmness and lifting effects.
A doctor’s assessment is recommended to determine whether HIFU is suitable for your skin condition and to advise on an appropriate maintenance plan.
With HIFU treatment, some patients may notice a subtle tightening or lifting effect shortly after treatment, but the main results usually develop gradually over the next 2 to 3 months as new collagen is produced and remodelled.
Because HIFU works by stimulating the body’s natural collagen-building process, improvement is not immediate. The skin may continue to feel firmer and more lifted over time, with some patients seeing progressive changes up to 3 to 6 months after treatment.
The timeline varies depending on your age, skin condition, degree of skin laxity, treatment area, collagen response, and the type of HIFU treatment performed. A doctor’s assessment is recommended to determine suitability and the expected treatment outcome.
A suitable candidate for HIFU skin lifting treatment is usually someone who has mild to moderate skin laxity and is starting to notice early signs of sagging, such as a softer jawline, mild jowling, drooping cheeks, or reduced firmness around the face and neck.
HIFU may be considered for patients who want a non-surgical lifting and tightening treatment with minimal downtime. It is often suitable for those who are not ready for surgical procedures, but still wish to support collagen production and improve the appearance of skin firmness over time.
You may be suitable for HIFU if you are concerned with:
- Mild sagging around the cheeks or lower face
- Softening jawline definition
- Mild jowls
- Loose skin around the neck
- Droopy-looking brows or eyelids, where appropriate
- Reduced skin firmness and elasticity
- Early signs of facial ageing
However, HIFU may not be suitable for everyone. Patients with severe skin laxity, significant excess skin, certain medical conditions, active skin infections, open wounds, or unrealistic expectations may require alternative treatments or a different approach.
A doctor’s assessment is recommended to determine whether HIFU is appropriate for your skin condition, facial anatomy, treatment goals, and expected outcome.
HIFU treatment in Singapore can cause some discomfort, but it is generally well tolerated by most patients. During the procedure, you may feel a warm, prickling, tingling, or deep aching sensation as the ultrasound energy is delivered into the deeper layers of the skin.
The level of discomfort varies depending on the treatment area, energy settings, individual pain tolerance, and the depth being treated. Areas closer to the bone, such as the jawline, chin, or forehead, may feel more sensitive than fleshier areas.
Any discomfort is usually temporary and occurs only during the delivery of ultrasound pulses. After treatment, some patients may experience mild tenderness, tightness, redness, or slight swelling, but these effects typically settle on their own.
Your doctor will assess your suitability and may adjust the treatment settings where appropriate to balance comfort, safety, and treatment effectiveness.
Yes. HIFU treatment in Singapore generally has minimal to no downtime, and most patients can return to normal daily activities shortly after the procedure.
Common temporary side effects may include mild redness, swelling, tenderness, tightness, tingling, or slight soreness over the treated area. These effects usually settle within a few hours to a few days. Some patients may also experience mild bruising or sensitivity, especially around bony areas such as the jawline or cheekbones.
Less commonly, patients may experience temporary numbness, prolonged tenderness, uneven swelling, or skin sensitivity. Serious side effects are uncommon when HIFU is performed by a trained provider using appropriate settings and after proper assessment.
After treatment, it is usually advisable to avoid excessive heat, sauna, strenuous exercise, alcohol, and harsh skincare for the first few days. Daily sun protection and gentle skincare are also recommended to support recovery and maintain skin health.
Benefits
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Achieve skin tightening and skin lifting without undergoing surgery -
Improve overall appearance and skin texture -
Reduce wrinkles and fine lines on the face -
Stimulate collagen production to delay onset of ageing




