Overview

What is a HIFU facial, and does it work?

Written by Dr. Shirin Lakhani, Elite Aesthetics
Explore Elite Aesthetics for innovative aesthetic treatments in Kent and beyond.

In a world where skin rejuvenation treatments are booming, the HIFU Facial has emerged as a beacon of hope for those seeking a natural, non-invasive lift. Harnessing the power of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, this advanced treatment is unlocking new levels of skin confidence, especially for those grappling with sagging, dullness, and the early signs of ageing.

What Is a HIFU Facial and How Does It Work?

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is an innovative treatment that targets deep layers of the skin with precision-focused energy. Unlike lasers or radiofrequency, HIFU bypasses the skin’s surface, penetrating to the SMAS layer—the same one targeted during surgical facelifts. The result? A natural lift, collagen production boost, and skin tightening with no need for downtime.

This non-invasive treatment stimulates your body’s healing process, which leads to firmer, tighter, and more youthful-looking skin over the course of several weeks. One of the most appealing aspects of HIFU is that results continue to improve long after the procedure, peaking around 3 months post-treatment.

Summary of HIFU Facial

Procedure Time

2 hours

Back To Work

Immediately

Full Recovery

1 Day

Sensitivity Period

24 hrs

Duration Of Results

18 months

Risks & Complications

Swelling, bruising

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The Benefits of a HIFU Facial: Natural, Non-Invasive Lifting

• Lifts and tightens sagging skin on the face and neck
• Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
• Defines jawlines and cheekbones
• Stimulates collagen and elastin production
• Improves skin texture and elasticity
• No needles, no downtime, no anaesthesia

Moreover, HIFU enhances the skin’s internal scaffolding without harming the surface, making it a safe, precise option for long-term rejuvenation.

Who Is the Ideal Candidate for a HIFU Facial?

The HIFU Facial is particularly suited for clients in their 30s to 60s who are noticing skin laxity but are not ready for surgery. It’s ideal for those seeking prevention or early intervention, and for anyone weighing up options after grappling with unsuccessful topical solutions.

If you’re experiencing mild to moderate skin sagging, a softening jawline, or drooping eyelids, HIFU may be exactly what you need. It’s also a popular treatment for those who want to stay ahead of the ageing curve with minimal intervention.

What Areas Can a HIFU Facial Treat?

• Forehead and brow
• Eyes (to reduce crow’s feet and lift the upper lids)
• Midface (cheeks and nasolabial folds)
• Jawline and jowls
• Neck and décolletage

HIFU is adaptable and can be customised based on your unique facial structure. At Elite Aesthetics, every treatment is bespoke, meticulously mapped out using ultrasound imaging to ensure optimal precision.

HIFU vs Traditional Facelift: A Modern Alternative

While a traditional facelift remains a solution for severe sagging, HIFU presents a compelling alternative for those seeking a more natural, subtle enhancement. There’s no scarring, no recovery time, and no disruption to your daily life—just gradual, graceful results.

For patients in their 30s to 50s, HIFU can act as a preventive solution. For more mature skin, it can delay or even eliminate the need for future surgery, especially when combined with other complementary treatments such as Profhilo or dermal fillers.

Is HIFU Safe? Understanding the Technology and Expertise Behind It

HIFU is backed by extensive clinical trials and is FDA-cleared for facial lifting. When administered by qualified professionals like Dr. Shirin Lakhani, it’s both safe and highly effective. At Elite Aesthetics, we pride ourselves on using only advanced, medical-grade devices, combined with our signature technique to maximise comfort and results.

The ultrasound technology used in HIFU is non-ionising and does not damage surrounding tissues. Most patients report only a mild tingling or warming sensation during the treatment. There is no need for anaesthesia or sedation, and you can resume your daily routine immediately afterwards.

HIFU Facial Before and Afters

*Banwell Clinic

What to Expect During the Procedure

A HIFU session typically lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the area being treated. After a deep cleanse, we apply a conductive gel and carefully map out the zones to target. The handheld HIFU device delivers ultrasound energy in short pulses beneath the skin’s surface.

Most clients tolerate the treatment well, though some may feel slight sensitivity over bony areas. Dr. Shirin’s refined approach ensures maximum comfort throughout your appointment.

What Results Can You Expect?

While some clients see an immediate tightening effect, the true magic of HIFU unfolds over time. As your skin produces fresh collagen, firmness, elasticity and lift all improve steadily. By the 3-month mark, many clients look visibly fresher, lifted and more contoured.

The results can last up to 12 months or more, particularly with annual top-ups or a robust skincare regimen. For best outcomes, we always provide aftercare advice and recommend complementary treatments tailored to your skin’s unique journey.

Ready to Explore the Power of HIFU?

Related Blogs:

• Learn more about our HIFU treatment
• Discover our full range of Non-Surgical Facelift options
• Meet Dr. Shirin Lakhani

What to Expect Before and After Your HIFU Facial

Visit Elite Aesthetics for personalised, advanced aesthetic care in Kent.

A HIFU Facial is more than a treatment—it’s an elegant unveiling of your skin’s potential. From the moment you arrive at Elite Aesthetics, your journey is tailored, comforting, and empowering. Let’s delve into what the HIFU experience truly looks like—before, during, and after your session.

What to Expect from Your First HIFU Appointment

Upon arrival, your experience begins with a detailed consultation with one of our expertly trained patient coordinators. We discuss your concerns, aesthetic goals, and suitability for treatment. Dr. Shirin Lakhani ensures the treatment is designed with precision, taking your unique facial architecture into account.

Each client receives a bespoke plan and clear expectations about the results and timeline. At Elite Aesthetics, we prioritise education and empowerment, so you feel informed and confident before moving forward.

This consultation also includes a skin health assessment to help identify any underlying factors affecting your skin’s performance. By understanding the unique behaviour of your skin, we can tailor your HIFU session to maximise safety and results.

During the HIFU Facial: Comfort, Focus, Precision

We begin with a thorough cleanse, followed by marking the treatment zones. As the HIFU device glides across the skin, you may feel short bursts of heat or tingling—signs that collagen stimulation is underway. Treatment times vary, but typically range from 30–90 minutes.

The sensation is generally well tolerated. Clients often describe it as a warm flicking sensation or a gentle pulse deep beneath the surface. While there’s no need for anaesthesia, we offer numbing options for those who are especially sensitive.

Does a HIFU Facial Hurt?

Some describe the sensation as a warm prickling or tiny pulses deep within the skin. Thanks to Dr. Shirin’s honed technique, most clients find the procedure very tolerable. For particularly sensitive areas, numbing options may be discussed.

Most patients experience little to no discomfort, and there’s no need for recovery downtime. You can leave the clinic and go straight back to your normal day. Some may feel a faint muscular tenderness in the treated zones for 24–72 hours—another reassuring sign that deep collagen restructuring is taking place.

Aftercare and Recovery: What Happens Next?

One of the many advantages of HIFU is its minimal recovery time. You might experience light redness, mild tenderness, or tingling—all temporary and completely normal. There’s no need to cancel your plans or retreat from the world. Most clients return to daily activities immediately.

We advise avoiding excessive heat (like saunas or hot yoga) and direct sun exposure for 24–48 hours. Hydration and medical-grade skincare can enhance and prolong your results. Your patient coordinator will also recommend post-treatment skincare, including collagen-boosting serums and SPF.

HIFU Facial Results Timeline: When Will You See a Difference?

• Immediately after: Skin may feel tighter with a subtle glow.
• 2–3 weeks: Collagen production accelerates, creating noticeable lifting.
• 12 weeks: Peak results—firmer, smoother, and more youthful skin.
• 6–12 months: Results can last up to a year, depending on your skin’s natural ageing process and lifestyle factors.

While some clients see visible change early on, HIFU is designed to gradually reveal its effects over time. This natural progression gives results that feel authentic and lasting. A follow-up review at 3 months helps track your progress and guide maintenance.

Before and After Results: A New Era of Skin Confidence

At Elite Aesthetics, we take pride in showcasing real results. Many of our patients return to us after being amazed at how natural, yet transformative their HIFU outcomes are. Fine lines blur, cheekbones elevate, jawlines sharpen. These subtle but striking changes redefine what non-surgical rejuvenation can achieve.

Our clients often comment on the ‘lifted’ feeling and visible freshness just weeks after their treatment. Their friends notice too—but without guessing they’ve had anything done. That’s the quiet power of HIFU.

We recommend taking your own before and after photographs. Comparing images over time reveals just how far your skin has journeyed. It’s a powerful, confidence-boosting reminder of your investment in yourself.

How Many HIFU Sessions Will I Need?

Most clients benefit from a single session, with optional top-ups after 6–12 months. However, your treatment plan will be tailored based on your skin condition and desired outcome.

For those with more advanced skin laxity or who want to supercharge results, a second session at 3–6 months may be recommended. During your consultation, we’ll map out the ideal schedule for your goals.

Clients often return annually for maintenance treatments as part of their long-term skin strategy—ensuring that collagen renewal continues and the lifting effects are sustained.

HIFU vs Fillers: Can You Combine Treatments?

Absolutely. While HIFU lifts and tightens, dermal fillers can add volume and structure. Many of our clients opt for combination treatments for a harmonised, multidimensional result—always under the expert eye of Dr. Shirin.

When HIFU is paired with Profhilo, skin boosters, or anti-wrinkle injections, the result is even more profound. Your face retains natural expression while looking more sculpted and radiant.

This layered approach allows us to address both the structural and surface elements of facial ageing—offering long-lasting, balanced rejuvenation.

Why Choose Elite Aesthetics

Elite Aesthetics is a trusted destination for patients seeking non-surgical excellence. Led by Dr. Shirin Lakhani, we offer HIFU treatments that are mapped, delivered, and refined with medical expertise.

• Exceptional safety and comfort protocols
• Transparent, ethical advice with no pressure
• Advanced ultrasound technology for precise results
• A warm, elegant setting in Kent—welcoming clients from across the UK
• Long-term support, aftercare, and skin maintenance

We don’t just perform treatments—we craft journeys, with you at the centre.

Where Can I Get The HIFU Face Treatment Near Me?

We offer HIFU treatments your face following a thorough consultation at our HIFU skin clinic based in Greenhithe, Kent; we free parking for all our clients. We also have great public transport links to London; St Pancras station being a short 17-minute train ride away from Ebbsfleet Station.

Dr Shirin – Medical Director at Elite Aesthetics

Dr. Shirin Lakhani is an award-winning aesthetics doctor known for her compassionate approach, expert technique, and commitment to natural beauty. With backgrounds in intimate health, anaesthetics, and advanced skin treatments, she offers a uniquely holistic approach to rejuvenation.

She personally oversees each treatment plan and ensures every client receives an experience defined by care, trust, and innovation. Under her guidance, Elite Aesthetics has become synonymous with elegance and excellence in aesthetic medicine.

Dr. Shirin’s passion lies in educating and empowering her clients—making sure each person understands their skin, their options, and the journey ahead.

Start Your Personalised Skin Rejuvenation Journey Today

Is a HIFU Facial Worth It? Results, Longevity & Value

In the ever-evolving realm of aesthetic medicine, the HIFU Facial has earned its place as a top-tier choice for those seeking visible skin lifting without surgery. But how long does it last? And is it really worth the investment? Let’s demystify the facts and explore why more people are choosing HIFU at Elite Aesthetics.

How Long Do HIFU Facial Results Last?

The effects of a single HIFU session can last 6 to 12 months, sometimes longer depending on individual skin condition, age, and lifestyle. What makes HIFU so unique is its ability to stimulate your body’s own collagen production, creating a natural progression of improvement that continues to unfold over several months.

The collagen stimulated during treatment acts as a long-term skin scaffold, tightening and smoothing the skin from the inside out. This gradual and authentic transformation is what makes HIFU so appealing to patients who desire results without drastic changes.

What Affects the Longevity of Results?

• Age and Skin Condition: Younger skin may respond faster; mature skin may need additional support to achieve optimal results.
• Lifestyle Habits: Factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, chronic stress, and sun exposure can accelerate the breakdown of collagen.
• Skincare Routine: Clients who use antioxidant-rich, medical-grade skincare tend to maintain their results longer.
• Follow-Up Treatments: Maintenance sessions every 9–12 months can preserve and even enhance your initial results.

It’s also worth noting that consistent hydration, adequate sleep, and a nutrient-dense diet all support skin regeneration. At Elite Aesthetics, we provide wellness advice alongside your treatment plan to help you get the most out of your results.

Is HIFU a One-Time Treatment?

For many clients, one session delivers impressive lifting and firming. However, aesthetic medicine is not one-size-fits-all. Skin age, quality, and lifestyle all influence how your face responds.

We often recommend a second session within 6 months for clients with more advanced laxity or those seeking dramatic lift. After this, a yearly top-up is generally enough to maintain collagen levels and sustain results.

Our commitment is to honest, ethical advice. We’ll never recommend more than you need—and we’ll always support you with a long-term strategy.

Clients who are proactive about maintenance often experience what we call the ‘compounding effect’—where each subsequent session builds on the results of the last, creating a cumulative lift and tightening that evolves beautifully over time.

Cost of HIFU Facial in the UK

Prices vary based on location, expertise, and the area being treated. At Elite Aesthetics, HIFU treatments typically range from £1400. While this may seem like a significant investment, it is essential to consider the quality of the technology used and the clinical expertise guiding your treatment.

What Are You Paying For?

• Advanced ultrasound technology that reaches the SMAS layer
• Tailored treatment planning using medical-grade mapping
• Years of experience in facial anatomy and energy-based devices
• Safe, elegant results in a medical environment
• Ongoing aftercare and annual reviews to sustain your lift

Many patients see HIFU as an investment in skin health and confidence—not just aesthetics. It offers long-term value when compared to shorter-acting solutions.

Why Choose Elite Aesthetics for Your HIFU Facial?

• Treatments led by renowned doctor Dr. Shirin Lakhani
• State-of-the-art ultrasound devices and protocols
• Tailored mapping and assessment for every client
• A serene, discreet setting in Kent with loyal clients from across the UK
• Transparent pricing, no pressure, and follow-up care

At Elite Aesthetics, our ethos is rooted in delivering natural-looking results that celebrate your individuality. You’ll never feel rushed or over-treated—instead, you’ll be heard, cared for, and guided with clinical precision.

Can HIFU Replace Other Treatments?

HIFU can stand alone or form part of a more comprehensive rejuvenation plan. While it is excellent for lifting and tightening, it does not replace volume restoration or surface treatments.

Clients often combine HIFU with:

• Dermal fillers to replace lost volume in cheeks or lips
• Profhilo or skin boosters to hydrate and revitalise the skin’s surface
• Anti-wrinkle injections for dynamic expression lines

When carefully layered, these treatments can work in synergy to produce a sculpted, fresh and natural-looking result. The goal isn’t to change how you look—it’s to enhance what makes you feel like your best self.

HIFU vs Morpheus8: Which Is Better?

Both HIFU and Morpheus8 have surged in popularity, but they work differently:

• HIFU: Delivers focused ultrasound energy to the SMAS layer. Best for lifting and deep tissue tightening.
• Morpheus8: Combines microneedling with radiofrequency to improve skin texture, scars, and superficial laxity.

Which is better? It depends on your goals. If you’re looking to define your jawline, lift cheeks or tighten your neck, HIFU excels. If you’re battling large pores, acne scars or crepey texture, Morpheus8 may be more suitable. Many clients choose to combine both treatments over time.

During your consultation at Elite Aesthetics, we take time to understand your concerns, examine your skin closely, and recommend the best treatment—or combination—for your specific needs.