What are the pros and cons of HIFU treatment on the face?

Question

My face is chubby and has much fat in cheeks and jawline. My skin also has acne scars and indents from old acne. I had HIFU on my jawline in the past and I got some positive results. I am thinking to do it again on my whole face to address all of my issues. I have heard about fat loss following HIFU but I am interested in fat loss from my cheeks and jawline. Please suggest. Pros and cons would be welcome.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Rita Rakus, MBBS · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question. We have fantastic results for facial shaping and resculpting using ultrasound and radiofrequency. It's hard to assess what you may need without a face to face consult or photos but my advice would be to seek an in person consult from a reputable and trustworthy clinician. Always go to a qualified and experienced practitioner, to ensure you get the best results with this kind of treatment, best wishes

Ryan Welter, MD · Answer

What to Know About HIFU for Your Face
Thank you for your question! HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a great option if you’re looking to reshape your face and improve skin texture. Given your positive experience with HIFU on your jawline, expanding the treatment to your entire face could help you achieve the results you’re aiming for, especially in reducing cheek and jawline fat while addressing acne scars.

HIFU works by targeting deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production, tighten tissue, and improve skin firmness. It can help contour your face by reducing fat in specific areas like the cheeks and jawline. As a non-invasive treatment, it comes with the added benefit of minimal downtime—you can usually resume your regular activities immediately after. Many people see long-lasting results, often up to a year or more with proper care.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. While HIFU can reduce fat and tighten skin, the results are typically subtle and may require multiple sessions to fully achieve your goals. Acne scars, particularly deeper indentations, may not respond as dramatically to HIFU alone. Combining it with treatments like microneedling or PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) could further enhance collagen production and improve the appearance of scars.

It’s also worth noting that mild redness or swelling is a common short-term side effect but tends to resolve quickly. Since everyone’s facial anatomy and concerns are unique, consulting a skilled practitioner is key to ensuring your treatment is customized to your goals. With the right approach, HIFU can be an excellent tool for contouring and rejuvenating your face while addressing some of the concerns you’ve mentioned.

What are the pros and cons of HIFU treatment on the face?

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What are the pros and cons of HIFU treatment on the face?

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