HIFU Skin Tightening for Men

HIFU delivers energy to defined depths rather than to the surface, which is why the skin above is largely unaffected. The response is a gradual tightening in the treated layer over the months after a session.

It is not surgery and it is not a substitute for it. If the concern is significant, heavy laxity, a device treatment is likely to disappoint and your doctor will tell you that at assessment instead of selling you a session.

Superficial depth, dermis

The shallowest setting delivers energy within the skin itself, where the target is dermal collagen and skin texture rather than support. It is used on thinner skin and on smaller areas where a deeper setting would be uncomfortable or unnecessary.

Mid depth, deep dermis and subdermis

Energy is delivered at the junction between the deep skin and the layer beneath it. The target is the fibrous tissue that holds the skin against the fat below, which is where mild laxity in the cheek and jawline tends to sit.

Deep, the SMAS layer

The deepest setting reaches the muscular and fibrous sheet under the fat of the lower face. This is the layer a surgeon lifts, and it is the target where the concern is jawline and under-chin laxity rather than skin quality.

How a plan combines them

A plan usually combines depths across one session, chosen by the area and by how much fat and laxity is present. The depths used on the face typically sit at around 1.5 mm for the dermis, 3.0 mm for the deep dermis and subdermis and 4.5 mm for the SMAS layer, with shallower settings on thinner skin such as the neck. Which depths are used for your face, and how long the session takes, are decided by your doctor at assessment.

• Mild to moderate skin laxity in the lower face and under the chin
• Jawline definition where laxity rather than volume is the issue
• Neck laxity in selected cases
• Brow position in selected cases

Assessment first, including whether your degree of laxity is realistically treatable with a device.

The area is cleaned, marked and mapped. Ultrasound gel is applied.

Energy is delivered line by line at the planned depths. Most men describe brief deep prickling or heat during delivery.

The area is cleaned, aftercare is explained and a review is booked at the interval your doctor sets.

There is usually no visible change on the day. Any early tightening is not the result.

The tightening response builds over the months following the session. Results vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed.

Redness, mild swelling and tenderness to touch for a few days. Some men notice tingling or numbness in the treated area that settles.

There is no wound to care for. Use sun protection and report any persistent numbness, unusual asymmetry or ongoing pain to the clinic.

HIFU is normally planned as a single session repeated at an interval, rather than as a short course of consecutive sessions.

The interval before a repeat session, and whether the plan is staged, are set by your doctor at review once the tightening response has had time to develop.

What moves the cost of a HIFU session is the areas treated and the number of lines delivered, which depends on the area and on the depths used.

How we quote, and why we do not publish prices

Focused ultrasound devices of this class are regulated as medical devices in Singapore. Treatment is described here by the depths delivered and the tissue targeted rather than by a machine trade name.

The depths selected, the number of lines delivered and the energy used are recorded in your notes at the time of treatment.

• Every HIFU session is performed by an SMC-registered doctor, not delegated to a therapist.
• Depth selection is matched to your own tissue thickness rather than run off a fixed template.

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