HIFU Technology

Medical Applications of HIFU Technology

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive therapeutic technology that uses non-ionizing ultrasonic energy to heat tissue. HIFU can be used to increase the flow of blood or to destroy tissue, such as tumours, through ablation or cavitation. HIFU technology has a number of proven applications such as neurological disorders, uterine fibroids, some cancers and drug delivery. 

The team behind ULTRAISER, Cambridge Tech Ltd, has been providing high-quality HIFU components to organisations  all across the globe for many years now. We uphold the very highest standards in all our products and services, and it is our mission to make HIFU accessible to everyone who can benefit from it. Whether it’s targeting and destroying cancerous tissue to help heal a hospital patient, to burning fat and lifting the skin to make someone feel more confident in their own body, HIFU technology has so much to offer.

HIFU Technology in Skin Treatment

HIFU is a new cosmetic treatment for skin tightening that is non-invasive and painless. HIFU technology uses ultrasound energy to stimulate the production of collagen, which results in firmer skin. Collagen (along with elastin) is found in the dermal layer of skin, providing structural support and is also responsible for skin elasticity.

The ultrasound energy created by our ULTRAISER devices targets the layers of skin just below the surface (dermis) and causes the tissue to heat up rapidly. Once the cells in the targeted area reach a certain temperature, a process occurs that stimulates the cells to produce more collagen. This boost in collagen results in tighter, firmer skin with fewer wrinkles. The high-frequency ultrasound beams emitted by ULTRAISER  devices are focused on a specific spots below the skin’s surface so there is no damage to the upper layers of the skin or adjacent issue.

Studies of HIFU Technology

A number of scientific studies have started to appear and these show very promising results. Some small clinical trials show HIFU technology to be safe and effective for facial lifting and refining wrinkles with people able to see positive results in just a few months after treatment.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) has been extensively studied as a noninvasive technology for skin tightening and facial rejuvenation. Scientific research consistently supports its efficacy, particularly for the lower face, neck, jawline, and periorbital regions [1][2][3].

Key Findings from Scientific Studies:

• Efficacy: Systematic reviews and clinical trials report improvements in skin laxity ranging from 18% to 30%, especially in the lower face, neck, and periorbital areas [1]. Quantitative studies have confirmed significant tightening and lifting effects, with measurable improvement in skin elasticity and reduction of wrinkles [2].
• Mechanism: HIFU delivers focused ultrasound energy at specific skin depths (1.5mm, 3mm, and 4.5mm), targeting the Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System (SMAS) - the same layer addressed in surgical facelifts. This energy creates thermal micro-injuries that stimulate the body’s natural healing response, leading to increased collagen and elastin production [3][4].
• Treatment Outcomes:
  
  • Immediate: Some patients notice mild tightening right after treatment due to collagen contraction.
  • Progressive: Collagen regeneration continues for months, with full results visible at 3–6 months post-treatment and effects lasting up to 12–18 months [3][2].
  • Patient Satisfaction: Studies report 80–93% patient satisfaction at 3–6 months, with visible improvements in firmness and contour [3][2].
• Safety Profile: HIFU is generally well-tolerated. Adverse effects are mild and transient, including temporary erythema, swelling, or mild discomfort in fewer than 5% of patients [1][2].
• Comparisons: While HIFU does not provide the same degree of correction as surgical facelifts, it offers a significant, noninvasive alternative with minimal downtime and no incisions [3].

Summary Table: HIFU Skin Tightening Outcomes

[1] Haykal D, Sattler S, Verner I, Madhumita M, Cartier H. A Systematic Review of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound in Skin Tightening and Body Contouring. Aesthet Surg J. 2025 Jun 16;45(7):690-698. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjaf053. PMID: 40184185. Endocrinology, 15, 1218679. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40184185/

[2] Diala Haykal, Sonja Sattler, Ines Verner, Monisha Madhumita, Hugues Cartier, A Systematic Review of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound in Skin Tightening and Body Contouring, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 45, Issue 7, July 2025, Pages 690–698, https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/45/7/690/8106464

[3] Lio ML, Chang CC, Chuang ADC, Tsai LC, Chen CC. Quantified Facial Rejuvenation Utilizing High Intense Focus Ultrasound with Multiple Penetrative Depths. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022;15:489-496, https://www.dovepress.com/quantified-facial-rejuvenation-utilizing-high-intense-focus-ultrasound-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CCID

[4] Rob Russell-Haworth-Dunne: The science behind High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). LinkedIn, Dec 9, 2024, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/science-behind-high-intensity-focused-ultrasound-hifu-rob-qbr5e

[5] Park H, Kim E, Kim J, Ro Y, Ko J. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for the Treatment of Wrinkles and Skin Laxity in Seven Different Facial Areas. Ann Dermatol. 2015 Dec;27(6):688-93. doi: 10.5021/ad.2015.27.6.688. Epub 2015 Dec 7. PMID: 26719637; PMCID: PMC4695420. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4695420/

Our HIFU Machines

Our About page provides some more information about the history of the ULTRAISER HIFU device and our long-term experience and involvement in this field.

Our HIFU devices have been intensively tested, both in the UK and Korea (clinics in Gangnam) over several years and its safety, performance and quality have been approved by professionals such as doctors and clinicians.

Find out about the benefits of our HIFU machines