{"id":59184,"date":"2026-10-24T13:48:27","date_gmt":"2026-10-24T10:48:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/melior.ee\/hifu-facial-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-10-25T16:32:03","modified_gmt":"2026-10-25T14:32:03","slug":"hifu-facial-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/hifu-facial-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"HIFU facial in Tallinn: who it suits, does it hurt and how long it lasts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"mg mg-top\"><span class=\"mg-eyebrow\">Guide \u00b7 HIFU facial<\/span><span>Melior Clinics \u00b7 updated 24.10.2026 \u00b7 3 min read<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"mg\"><div class=\"mg-answer\"><b>In short<\/b>A HIFU facial uses focused ultrasound to heat deep skin layers and renew collagen. Skin tightens gradually: the biggest change usually shows at <strong>2\u20136 months<\/strong> and often lasts <strong>12\u201318 months<\/strong>. It suits mild to moderate laxity; marked sagging is a question for a surgeon.<\/div><div class=\"mg-tiles\"><div class=\"mg-tile\"><span class=\"n\">2\u20136<small>months<\/small><\/span><span class=\"l\">to the biggest change<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mg-tile\"><span class=\"n\">12\u201318<small>months<\/small><\/span><span class=\"l\">the result often lasts<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mg-tile\"><span class=\"n\">\u22484<small>\/10<\/small><\/span><span class=\"l\">average pain in studies<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mg-tile\"><span class=\"n\">150<small>\u20ac<\/small><\/span><span class=\"l\">from, double chin<\/span><\/div><\/div><p class=\"mg-asof\">Prices as of 24.10.2026<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"mg mg-b-timeline\"><h2>How long does HIFU last, and when do results show?<\/h2><p class=\"mg-hint\">Tap a point on the scale.<\/p><div class=\"mg-track\" role=\"tablist\"><button class=\"mg-stop\" role=\"tab\" id=\"a5-en-0-t0\" aria-controls=\"a5-en-0-p0\" aria-selected=\"true\"><span class=\"dot\">0<\/span>day<\/button><button class=\"mg-stop\" role=\"tab\" id=\"a5-en-0-t1\" aria-controls=\"a5-en-0-p1\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"dot\">1\u20132<\/span>months<\/button><button class=\"mg-stop\" role=\"tab\" id=\"a5-en-0-t2\" aria-controls=\"a5-en-0-p2\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"dot\">2\u20136<\/span>months<\/button><button class=\"mg-stop\" role=\"tab\" id=\"a5-en-0-t3\" aria-controls=\"a5-en-0-p3\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"dot\">12\u201318<\/span>months<\/button><\/div><div class=\"mg-panel\" role=\"tabpanel\" id=\"a5-en-0-p0\" aria-labelledby=\"a5-en-0-t0\"><h3>Straight after<\/h3><p>Skin may look pink and feel tighter \u2014 partly mild swelling. Redness settles within hours, swelling and tenderness within days. Daily life at once.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"mg-panel\" role=\"tabpanel\" id=\"a5-en-0-p1\" aria-labelledby=\"a5-en-0-t1\" hidden><h3>Months 1\u20132<\/h3><p>Collagen is renewing. Change is slow and hard to notice.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"mg-panel\" role=\"tabpanel\" id=\"a5-en-0-p2\" aria-labelledby=\"a5-en-0-t2\" hidden><h3>Months 2\u20136<\/h3><p>The biggest change. The result is reviewed after about 3 months. Expect tightening, not a facelift: in studies, patients often described the change as mild.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"mg-panel\" role=\"tabpanel\" id=\"a5-en-0-p3\" aria-labelledby=\"a5-en-0-t3\" hidden><h3>Months 12\u201318<\/h3><p>The effect fades and natural ageing continues. For the face, a repeat is usually yearly \u2014 decided by how the face looks, not the calendar. Studies mostly followed patients for up to a year.<\/p><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"mg mg-b-check\"><h2>Who is HIFU for, and who is it not for?<\/h2><div class=\"mg-two\"><div class=\"mg-box mg-yes\"><h3>Suitable if\u2026<\/h3><ul class=\"mg-list\"><li><span>laxity is mild to moderate<\/span><\/li><li><span>the jawline has softened<\/span><\/li><li><span>cheeks or chin sag slightly<\/span><\/li><li><span>neck skin is looser<\/span><\/li><li><span>you want no injections or downtime<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"mg-box mg-no\"><h3>Not suitable if\u2026<\/h3><ul class=\"mg-list\"><li><span>marked sagging or hanging skin \u2014 a surgeon\u2019s field<\/span><\/li><li><span>volume is lost \u2014 fillers or collagen stimulators<\/span><\/li><li><span>mostly fat under the chin \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/teenus-toode\/double-chin-lipolysis\/\">double chin lipolysis<\/a><\/span><\/li><li><span>pregnancy or breastfeeding<\/span><\/li><li><span>inflammation, damaged skin or a metal implant there<\/span><\/li><li><span>fillers or botulinum toxin there under 4 weeks ago<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"mg mg-b-photo\"><figure class=\"mg-photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/melior.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/melior-blogi-hifu-smas-lifting-konsultatsioon-kliinikus.jpg\" alt=\"A Melior Clinics specialist assesses a patient&#x27;s jawline at a consultation\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1073\"><figcaption>The consultation assesses how much the skin has loosened<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"mg mg-b-compare\"><h2>HIFU vs threads, RF or a biostimulator<\/h2><p class=\"mg-hint\">Often combined: HIFU first, fillers 2\u20134 weeks later. On threads: <a href=\"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/teenus-toode\/lifting-cog-threads\/\">COG lifting threads<\/a>.<\/p><div class=\"mg-cmp\"><table><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\"><\/th><th scope=\"col\">HIFU<\/th><th scope=\"col\">COG threads<\/th><th scope=\"col\">RF<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Biostimulator<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">How it works<\/th><td data-label=\"HIFU\">ultrasound heats points down to the SMAS<\/td><td data-label=\"COG threads\">barbed threads lift tissue<\/td><td data-label=\"RF\">current heats skin more broadly<\/td><td data-label=\"Biostimulator\">injection triggers collagen<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Needles<\/th><td data-label=\"HIFU\">no<\/td><td data-label=\"COG threads\">threads under the skin<\/td><td data-label=\"RF\">no<\/td><td data-label=\"Biostimulator\">injections<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Results<\/th><td data-label=\"HIFU\">gradual, peak at 2\u20136 months<\/td><td data-label=\"COG threads\">lift at once, final at 2\u20133 months<\/td><td data-label=\"RF\">gradual, often a course<\/td><td data-label=\"Biostimulator\">gradual, 2\u20136 months<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Lasts<\/th><td data-label=\"HIFU\">often 12\u201318 months<\/td><td data-label=\"COG threads\">on average 12\u201318 months<\/td><td data-label=\"RF\">depends on device, course<\/td><td data-label=\"Biostimulator\">12\u201318 months, some longer<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Downtime<\/th><td data-label=\"HIFU\">usually none<\/td><td data-label=\"COG threads\">swelling, bruising 5\u201310 days<\/td><td data-label=\"RF\">usually none<\/td><td data-label=\"Biostimulator\">swelling, bruising a few days<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Mainly for<\/th><td data-label=\"HIFU\">mild to moderate laxity, jawline, neck<\/td><td data-label=\"COG threads\">sagging, visible lift wanted<\/td><td data-label=\"RF\">mild laxity, skin texture<\/td><td data-label=\"Biostimulator\">thin skin, volume loss<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"mg mg-b-light\"><h2>HIFU side effects: normal or not?<\/h2><p class=\"mg-hint\">One review: other side effects in about 2% of patients.<\/p><div class=\"mg-light\"><div class=\"mg-lamp mg-g\"><h3>Common<\/h3><ul><li>redness \u2014 hours<\/li><li>swelling, tenderness \u2014 days<\/li><li>temporary numbness or tingling<\/li><li>sometimes a bruise<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"mg-lamp mg-a\"><h3>Rare<\/h3><ul><li>nerve irritation; very rarely an uneven smile<\/li><li>blisters, burns or line marks, often on the jawline<\/li><li>hollow cheeks or temples in a lean face<\/li><\/ul><p>Tell the clinic<\/p><\/div><div class=\"mg-lamp mg-r\"><h3>Right away<\/h3><ul><li>blisters or a wound<\/li><li>pain or swelling worse after a few days<\/li><li>facial movement changes<\/li><li>lasting numbness, a dent in the skin<\/li><\/ul><p>Tell the clinic at once<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"mg mg-b-care\"><h2>HIFU preparation and aftercare<\/h2><p class=\"mg-hint\">Pick a stage.<\/p><div class=\"mg-seg\" role=\"tablist\"><button class=\"mg-tab\" role=\"tab\" id=\"a5-en-5-t0\" aria-controls=\"a5-en-5-p0\" aria-selected=\"true\">Before<\/button><button class=\"mg-tab\" role=\"tab\" id=\"a5-en-5-t1\" aria-controls=\"a5-en-5-p1\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\">24 hours<\/button><button class=\"mg-tab\" role=\"tab\" id=\"a5-en-5-t2\" aria-controls=\"a5-en-5-p2\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\">7 days<\/button><button class=\"mg-tab\" role=\"tab\" id=\"a5-en-5-t3\" aria-controls=\"a5-en-5-p3\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\">2\u20134 weeks<\/button><\/div><div class=\"mg-two\" role=\"tabpanel\" id=\"a5-en-5-p0\" aria-labelledby=\"a5-en-5-t0\"><div class=\"mg-box mg-no\"><h3>Avoid<\/h3><ul class=\"mg-list\"><li><span>Peels, intensive facials, tanning \u2014 5 days before<\/span><\/li><li><span>Alcohol and intense exercise on the day<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"mg-box mg-yes\"><h3>Mention<\/h3><ul class=\"mg-list\"><li><span>Chronic conditions, implants, recent injections<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"mg-two\" role=\"tabpanel\" id=\"a5-en-5-p1\" aria-labelledby=\"a5-en-5-t1\" hidden><div class=\"mg-box mg-no\"><h3>Avoid<\/h3><ul class=\"mg-list\"><li><span>Exercise<\/span><\/li><li><span>Sauna<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"mg-box mg-yes\"><h3>Fine<\/h3><ul class=\"mg-list\"><li><span>Work and daily life<\/span><\/li><li><span>Make-up the same day, if the skin feels comfortable<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"mg-two\" role=\"tabpanel\" id=\"a5-en-5-p2\" aria-labelledby=\"a5-en-5-t2\" hidden><div class=\"mg-box mg-no\"><h3>Avoid<\/h3><ul class=\"mg-list\"><li><span>Sun without SPF 50<\/span><\/li><li><span>Other aesthetic treatments in the same area<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"mg-box mg-yes\"><h3>Fine<\/h3><ul class=\"mg-list\"><li><span>Exercise and sauna<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"mg-two\" role=\"tabpanel\" id=\"a5-en-5-p3\" aria-labelledby=\"a5-en-5-t3\" hidden><div class=\"mg-box mg-no\"><h3>Not yet<\/h3><ul class=\"mg-list\"><li><span>Fillers in the same area<em>Heat may speed up the breakdown of an injected product<\/em><\/span><\/li><li><span>Judging the result<em>It is reviewed after about 3 months<\/em><\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"mg-box mg-yes\"><h3>Fine<\/h3><ul class=\"mg-list\"><li><span>Fillers 2\u20134 weeks after HIFU<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"mg mg-b-plan\"><div class=\"mg-plan\" data-late=\"Less than 2 months to go: the change is still building and usually peaks later. Whether the timing works is decided with the specialist at the consultation.\" data-now=\"Now is a good time: the result usually has time to develop fully by the event.\" data-early=\"There is time. The best window is about 2\u20136 months before the event.\"><h2>Planning an event?<\/h2><p class=\"mg-hint\">Wedding, holiday, photo shoot \u2014 pick how long you have until the event.<\/p><div class=\"mg-qs\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"How long until the event?\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"mg-q\" data-k=\"late\" aria-pressed=\"false\">&lt; 2 months<\/button><button type=\"button\" class=\"mg-q\" data-k=\"now\" aria-pressed=\"false\">2\u20136 months<\/button><button type=\"button\" class=\"mg-q\" data-k=\"early\" aria-pressed=\"false\">&gt; 6 months<\/button><\/div><div class=\"out\" aria-live=\"polite\">Ideal timing \u2014 <strong>2\u20136 months ahead<\/strong>: the change is usually at its biggest by then.<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"mg mg-more\"><h2>In more detail<\/h2><details><summary>What HIFU and the SMAS are<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>HIFU, or high-intensity focused ultrasound, concentrates energy into tiny points at a set depth. Small heated spots form there for a moment while the skin surface stays intact. The tissue responds by renewing collagen, so over weeks and months the skin may become firmer.<\/p><p>The SMAS is the layer between the facial muscles and the skin that holds the soft tissues in place. A surgeon works on it in a facelift; HIFU reaches it without an incision. The HIPRO-V device at Melior works at 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mm on the face. HIFU does not add volume or remove excess skin.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details><summary>What happens during treatment<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>30\u201390 minutes depending on the area. The specialist assesses laxity, skin thickness and fat, and asks about your health, medication, implants and recent injections. The skin is cleansed, gel is applied and the handpiece is moved in rows, at different depths. Energy is lowered in sensitive areas; anaesthesia is not usually needed.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details><summary>Who should not have HIFU<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>Not during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with acute inflammation or damaged skin in the area, or with a metal implant there (for example in the jaw). Serious heart or neurological conditions need your own doctor\u2019s opinion. In a very lean face, the risk of fat loss is weighed. The specialist decides at the consultation.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details><summary>How often can you have HIFU?<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>For the face, usually once a year: collagen renews over months and the result is reviewed after about 3 months. Body areas \u2014 abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms \u2014 are often treated as a course of 2\u20133 sessions.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details><summary>What the studies show<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>In pooled analyses the improvement was mild to moderate, and smaller with more laxity and higher body weight. Serious complications are rarely described, though one review notes they may be underreported.<\/p><p>In the US FDA database of device reports, the most frequent reports for one HIFU device concerned fat loss, nerve damage and scarring. These are unverified reports, not studies.<\/p><\/div><\/details><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"mg mg-faq melior-faq\"><h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2><details><summary>Is HIFU painful?<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>Uncomfortable but tolerable for most people: brief pulses of heat and prickling, stronger near bone such as the jawline and forehead. In a pooled analysis of studies, patients rated pain at about 4 out of 10.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details><summary>How long does HIFU last?<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>According to Melior Clinics, often 12\u201318 months, with the biggest change at 2\u20136 months. Studies mostly followed patients for up to a year. It depends on age, skin, laxity and lifestyle.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details><summary>What are the side effects of HIFU?<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>Usually redness, mild swelling, tenderness and temporary numbness that settle within hours to days. Rare risks include nerve irritation, blisters or burn marks, and fat loss in a lean face.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details><summary>How much does HIFU cost in Tallinn?<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>At Melior Clinics, from \u20ac150 for the double chin; neck \u20ac200, full face \u20ac400, face, neck and d\u00e9collet\u00e9 \u20ac550 (price list of 24.10.2026).<\/p><\/div><\/details><details><summary>HIFU vs Ultherapy and Ultraformer?<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>HIFU is the technology; Ultherapy and Ultraformer are brand names of devices from different manufacturers. The principle is the same: focused ultrasound at a set depth. Melior Clinics uses the HIPRO-V device.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details><summary>Can HIFU replace fillers or a facelift?<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>No. HIFU tightens mild to moderate laxity; fillers add volume, and a facelift removes excess skin and repositions tissue. HIFU can be combined with fillers: HIFU first, fillers 2\u20134 weeks later.<\/p><\/div><\/details><\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"mg\"><div class=\"mg-service\"><div><span class=\"mg-eyebrow\">Treatment at Melior Clinics<\/span><h2>HIFU SMAS lifting in Tallinn<\/h2><div class=\"mg-chips\"><span class=\"mg-chip\">from \u20ac150<\/span><span class=\"mg-chip\">30\u201390 min<\/span><span class=\"mg-chip\">review at 3 months<\/span><span class=\"mg-chip\">Stockmann, 5th floor<\/span><\/div><\/div><div><a class=\"mg-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/teenus-toode\/hifu-smas-lifting\/\">Areas and prices<\/a><div class=\"alt\"><a href=\"https:\/\/n1376880.alteg.io\/company\/1312549\/personal\/menu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">online booking<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/prices\/\">All prices<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/categories\/hifu-smas-lifting-en\/\">HIFU SMAS lifting<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"mg mg-nextwrap\"><h2>Read next<\/h2><div class=\"mg-next\"><a class=\"mg-nextcard\" href=\"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/skin-boosters-explained\/\"><small>Skin quality<\/small>Skin boosters explained<\/a><a class=\"mg-nextcard\" href=\"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/botox-vs-fillers\/\"><small>Comparison<\/small>Botulinum toxin vs dermal fillers<\/a><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"mg mg-src\"><strong>Sources<\/strong><ol><li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/36674277\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Contini M. et al. A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Microfocused Ultrasound for Facial Skin Tightening. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2023 (PubMed)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32026164\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ayatollahi A. et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis of safety and efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for face and neck rejuvenation. Lasers Med Sci, 2020 (PubMed)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29154457\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Friedmann DP et al. Complications from microfocused transcutaneous ultrasound: case series and review of the literature. Lasers Surg Med, 2018 (PubMed)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/39625163\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Humphrey VS et al. Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization: A Systematic Review of Adverse Events and Risk of Subsequent Facelift Compromise. Dermatol Surg, 2025 (PubMed)<\/a><\/li><\/ol><p>This article is general information and does not replace a consultation. Whether a treatment suits you is decided by a specialist at the consultation. Melior Clinics (Star Company O\u00dc), Liivalaia 53, Tallinn \u00b7 Estonian Health Board licence L04198.<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A HIFU facial uses focused ultrasound to heat deep skin layers and renew collagen. Skin tightens gradually: the biggest change usually shows at 2\u20136 months and often lasts 12\u201318 months. It suits mild to moderate laxity; marked sagging is a question for a surgeon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2035,"featured_media":59271,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[3923],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-59184","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59184","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2035"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=59184"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59184\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":59344,"href":"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59184\/revisions\/59344"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59271"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59184"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=59184"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/melior.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=59184"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}