Hifu Smas-Lifting

What HIFU SMAS lifting is and how it works

HIFU stands for high-intensity focused ultrasound. The device concentrates ultrasound energy into tiny points at a set depth beneath the skin, creating small heated zones while the skin surface stays intact. The tissue responds by producing new collagen and elastin, so the effect is not instant: the skin may firm up gradually over weeks and months.

The SMAS is the connective tissue layer between the muscles and the skin that holds the facial soft tissues in place – the layer a surgeon works on in a facelift. HIFU reaches it without an incision. At Melior Clinics the HIPRO-V device works at 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mm on the face and up to 13 mm on the body, where it also affects fat under the skin.

HIFU treatments at Melior Clinics

• HIFU SMAS lifting – the full face or individual areas (upper or lower face, double chin), neck and décolleté; on the body the abdomen, flanks, thighs, buttocks, knees and arms. For the face, HIFU combined with plasma therapy is also available.
• Prices by area are listed in the price list

What the treatment involves

The first treatment starts with a consultation about your skin, health, recent injections, any implants and the areas to be treated. A session takes 30–90 minutes depending on the area. A gel is applied and the handpiece is moved over the skin in rows.

Anaesthesia is not usually needed. Most patients describe intermittent warmth or prickling, stronger near bone; the energy can be lowered for sensitive areas. For the face, one treatment a year is usually enough, while body areas are often treated as an individually planned course of 2–3 sessions.

When HIFU is not suitable

• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• acute inflammation, infection or damaged skin in the treatment area;
• metal implants in the treatment area (for example in the jaw);
• serious heart or neurological conditions;
• recent dermal fillers or botulinum toxin injections in the same area – an interval of at least 4 weeks is needed.

Chronic conditions and medication are discussed at the consultation, where the final decision is made by the specialist.

After the treatment

The skin may be slightly pink and sensitive for a few hours; mild swelling or tenderness sometimes occurs and usually settles within days. Make-up can be worn the same day. The usual recommendations are:

• no exercise or sauna for at least 24 hours;
• SPF 50 in the sun for the next 7 days;
• no other aesthetic treatments in the same area for at least 7 days.

The result typically develops over 2–6 months and is reviewed after about 3 months.

Frequently asked questions

How long does HIFU last?

Collagen renewal takes time, so the greatest change is usually seen after 2–6 months. The effect often lasts around 12–18 months, depending on age, skin condition and lifestyle; natural ageing continues after the treatment.

Is HIFU painful?

Sensations vary. Most patients describe warmth and occasional prickling and find it tolerable; the energy can be adjusted during treatment.

Can HIFU be combined with fillers?

Yes, with a gap between them. HIFU is done first and dermal fillers usually 2–4 weeks later, because heat may speed up the breakdown of an injected product.

Is HIFU suitable for men?

Yes. In men, the jawline, the area under the chin and the neck are treated most often.

The service is provided by Melior Clinics (Star Company OÜ, Estonian Health Board (Terviseamet) licence L04198), Liivalaia 53, Tallinn, Stockmann department store, 5th floor.