HIFU Face

A full-face Ultraformer III HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) treatment delivering focused ultrasound energy to the SMAS layer for non-surgical face lifting and skin tightening without needles or downtime.

HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) at Dr. Jahnke & Colleagues uses the Ultraformer III device to deliver precise ultrasound energy to targeted depths in the facial tissue, including the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) -- the same fibromuscular layer that is tightened during surgical facelift procedures. By heating the SMAS to approximately 65°C, HIFU causes immediate collagen contraction and triggers a long-term neocollagenesis response. The Ultraformer III uses interchangeable cartridges at different focal depths: 1.5mm (superficial dermis), 3.0mm (deep dermis), and 4.5mm (SMAS layer). During a full-face treatment, Dr. med. Irina Jahnke selects the appropriate cartridge for each facial zone. The jawline and lower face typically receive deeper treatment to address laxity and jowl formation, while the forehead and periorbital area use shallower depths for skin texture and fine-line improvement. Unlike RF-based treatments (such as Morpheus8), HIFU is completely non-invasive -- there are no needles, no skin puncture, and no wound healing phase. The ultrasound energy passes through the skin surface without affecting it, focusing its thermal effect at the target depth. This means there is no significant downtime. Patients may experience mild redness and tenderness for a few hours, but can apply makeup and return to normal activities immediately. Results from HIFU develop gradually over 2 to 6 months as the collagen remodelling process unfolds. The lifting effect is most noticeable along the jawline, in the mid-face, and under the chin. A single treatment provides clinically measurable lifting, with effects lasting 12 to 18 months. Annual maintenance treatments are recommended to sustain results. The full-face treatment takes approximately 60 minutes and delivers 500 to 800 lines of focused ultrasound depending on the facial area coverage. HIFU is best suited for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who want a non-surgical alternative to facelift surgery. It is not a replacement for surgical lifting in cases of severe laxity, and Dr. Jahnke counsels patients accordingly during the consultation.