Unintentional fat loss from hifu/radio frequency - does this happen in the forehead area where there is already low fat?

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and radiofrequency devices work by delivering heat into deeper tissue layers. At certain depths, that heat can tighten skin and stimulate collagen, but it may also affect fat cells — which is why some patients report volume loss in areas like the cheeks or under the eyes.

In the forehead, there’s already very little fat. Most of what you’re treating is skin and underlying muscle, so significant fat loss there is unlikely. The main risk would be skin or tissue injury if the energy is placed too deep or too aggressively.

In the neck, mild fat reduction can sometimes be a benefit, but again, the primary goal of these treatments is skin tightening, not fat melting. The effect really depends on the device used, the settings, and the skill of the provider.

Bottom line: HIFU and RF are generally safe when performed by an experienced practitioner, but unintentional fat loss is a possibility in fat-rich areas of the face. Careful treatment planning helps minimize that risk.