HIFU VS Fractional RF Skin Tightening

The only way to combat sagging skin and wrinkles was through invasive, expensive and time-consuming cosmetic procedures. Today, there are many safe and effective treatments such as HIFU and fractional radiofrequency to help you achieve firmer, younger-looking skin. But when it comes to HIFU and fractional radiofrequency, which treatment is more suitable for you?

HIFU and RF are non-surgical, non-invasive skin tightening treatments that heat the skin to stimulate collagen regeneration in its deep layers. Although they both tighten the skin and reduce the number of wrinkles, they use different techniques to do so.

HIFU uses ultrasound energy and is fast, noninvasive and relatively painless. Fractional RF works by combining radio frequency and microneedling to plump and repair the skin.

HIFU penetrates deep into the dermis and beyond, reaching the SMAS layer. RF cannot reach the depth of HIFU. Fractional RF focuses on the epidermis without going beyond the deeper layers of the dermis. So HIFU is considered more effective than RF.

HIFU can be done as a single treatment, but RF may require multiple treatments. The exact number of sessions needed for each treatment varies from person to person.

Choosing HIFU or Fractional RF

After understanding the difference between HIFU and fractional radiofrequency, which one to choose to treat different types of problems.

Skin Tightening

HIFU is the best option because it tightens the SMAS layer of the skin, thereby reversing the sagging process. HIFU helps to tighten sagging skin on the neck, remove a double chin or lift eyebrows. Additionally, HIFU removes excess fat and tissue that worsens the sagging effect.

Size Reduction

RF is a less intense method that doesn't penetrate as deeply into tissue as HIFU, and is a better option for volume reduction or for treating delicate areas like the lower and upper eyelids. So, if you don't have saggy skin, but the volume of your face has decreased, you can choose RF. Radiofrequency tightens the skin, but also has a volume effect, especially in the area around the mouth.

Remove Wrinkles

Both HIFU and RF can promote collagen production and accelerate skin tissue regeneration. Therefore, both are effective in treating wrinkles and fine lines. Choosing the best method for treating signs of skin deterioration depends on the age of your skin and the area you want to treat. Deep lines and wrinkles should be addressed with HIFU as RF does not target the depth of the SMAS.