Face lifting

A clear comparison: Hifu vs. Ulthera skin tightening – what are the differences?

Ulthera vs. Hifu

Currently, there are various skin tightening procedures available to suit different skin problems and budgets. Many people wonder how these two lifting methods differ: HIFU vs. ... Ulthera Today, Romrawin Clinic will reveal the clear differences between our two types of skin tightening treatments. We'll cover their advantages, benefits, suitability for each, expected results, pricing, and much more. Don't miss any of the details in this article!



What are HIFU vs. Ulthera?

Ever wondered why? hifu What are the differences between HIFU and Ulthera? Before we look at the differences between these two skin tightening machines, Romrawin Clinic would like to introduce you to what HIFU and Ulthera are, as follows:

What is HIFU? How many types are there?

Hifu High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a skin tightening device that uses ultrasound heat waves to stimulate collagen and elastin production beneath the skin. HIFU uses three different treatment heads to deliver energy to different skin layers, as follows:

  • Shooting tip 1.5-2.0 mm: Suitable for the upper layer of skin and for addressing fine lines. 
  • 3.0 mm nozzle: Suitable for the middle layer of the skin, it helps reduce fat and cellulite while minimizing sagging.
  • 4.5 mm nozzle: Suitable for the SMAS layer of the skin, it effectively lifts and firms the cheeks, chin, and neck.

What is Ulthera? How many types are there?

Ulthera Ultherapy is another type of facial lifting device that uses high-frequency, focused ultrasound waves to penetrate the SMAS layer of the skin. The Ulthera device comes with three different applicator heads:

  • 1.5 mm tip size Helps to reduce wrinkles by releasing energy to the upper layers of the skin, the epidermis and the dermis. 
  • 3.0 mm tip size: Helps reduce sagging, especially around the eyes, under the eyes, and forehead. It also helps tighten the subcutis layer (fat layer) with vertical collagen and can deliver energy to the SMAS area in certain locations.
  • 4.5 mm tip size: This treatment head can deliver energy to the SMAS layer, which contains horizontal collagen, making it ideal for lifting and tightening the cheeks, chin, and neck.

Ulthera can help lift and firm the face, reduce wrinkles, restore youthful and smooth skin, and also help to define the facial contours more clearly.   


How do HIFU and Ulthera work?

Both HIFU and Ulthera work similarly by delivering energy waves to the SMAS layer of the skin, causing cells to contract. This results in skin tightening, a more defined facial contour, and a slimmer face. Both HIFU and Ulthera also stimulate collagen production, helping to smooth wrinkles and give the skin a more youthful appearance.


How many brands of HIFU vs. Ulthera machines are there? Are the usage methods different?

What are the differences between Ulthera and Hifu?

When discussing HIFU vs. Ulthera skin tightening machines, we must start with the HIFU models. There are many brands and models of HIFU machines, but the most popular one is... Ultraformer III The treatment releases energy in spot amounts of 0.5-1 mm, with applicator heads ranging from 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm, including a special Cherry Pink 2.0 mm head, which can effectively and quickly address various skin problems with precise and noticeable results. 

The most popular Ulthera skin tightening machine is the Ulthera SPT, which has a treatment head size of 1.5 mm-4.5 mm, similar to the HIFU machine, but differs in that it delivers energy in 1 mm dots and has a display screen showing the doctor during the procedure which skin layer the energy has reached. 


Between HIFU and Ulthera, which treatment gives better results?

Ulthera vs Hifu

For both HIFU and Ulthera skin tightening treatments, those interested in skin tightening want to know which device provides better results.

 In terms of results, Ulthera provides better results than HIFU because its Line Cartridge energy delivery, with a larger focal point, is more effective than HIFU machines that use Single Shot and Line Cartridge energy delivery with a medium focal point.

However, while Ulthera offers better results, it is more painful during the procedure than Hifu and is also more expensive. Therefore, many people who can't tolerate the pain of Ulthera choose Hifu for skin tightening instead, believing it provides similar results with half the time taken, and that they can tolerate the pain during the procedure.

Before and after review of Hifu treatment.

Romrawin would like to show you before and after comparison photos. Hifu ReviewsFrom real patients who have received services at our clinic, here's a comparison showing the clear difference in results:

What does HIFU help with?
Who is HIFU suitable for?

"Before and after Hifu treatment review by Best Nattasit Kotimanasvanich (actor). You can see that after the treatment, the skin is lifted and the facial contours are more defined."

Before and after review of Ulthera treatment.

Before and after Ulthera treatment comparison photos from real patients at our clinic. The results are clearly visible, showing just how different the results are, as follows:

How long does the effects of Ulthera last?

"Review of Ulthera treatment by actress Saiparn Apinyakulcharoensuk. As you can see, after the treatment, the right cheek is immediately lifted by 20%."


What are the costs for Hifu and Ulthera treatments?

The price for HIFU vs. Ulthera treatments differs. The starting prices for these two skin tightening methods are as follows: 

  • Making Hifu pricePrices start at approximately 9,000-15,000 baht, depending on promotions, the number of shots, and the shooting line.
  • Making Ulthera pricePrices start at approximately 28,000-40,000 baht, depending on promotions and the number of lines used.

Hifu vs. Ulthera: Which one is right for you?

Romrawin compares HIFU vs. Ulthera skin tightening machines, explaining which one is right for whom in a concise and easy-to-understand way, as follows:

hifuUlthera
People aged 20-30 years old.People aged 30 years and older.
Suitable for those with sagging skin who want to lift and firm it, those with minor wrinkles, and those who want to reshape their face and create a more defined jawline. Suitable for skin with moderate sagging and lifting effects, including wrinkles, drooping eyelids, and crow's feet.
Suitable for those who are afraid of needles but want to tighten skin in various areas such as the face, jawline, chin, neck, upper arms, and thighs.Suitable for those who are afraid of needles but want to tighten skin in various areas such as the face, jawline, chin, neck, upper arms, and thighs.
Ideal for those who don't have time for self-care but want to firm their skin and maintain a youthful appearance. Ideal for those who don't have time for self-care but want to firm their skin and maintain a youthful appearance. 
Ideal for those who are afraid of pain, because HIFU lifting is less painful than Ulthera.This procedure is suitable for those who can tolerate pain, as Ulthera skin tightening is more painful than Hifu. 
This process needs to be repeated 2-3 times for best results.One treatment provides noticeable and more effective results.
The results last for 5-6 months.The results last for 1-2 years.
Cheaper than Ulthera treatment.The price is higher than Hifu treatment.

Do HIFU, Ulthera, and Thermage produce different results?

Romrawin Clinic summarizes the differences between three types of skin tightening machines: Hifu vs. Ulthera vs. thermage The table below explains the differences between these three types of skin tightening devices and whether they produce different results.

HifuUltherThermage
Release energy waves to the SMAS layer of the skin. Release energy waves to the SMAS layer of the skin. Release energy waves to the subcutaneous fat layer.
High-energy ultrasound wavesHigh-energy ultrasound wavesradio wave
It features both single-shot and line cartridge firing modes.It features a line cartridge energy firing system.It features a burst of energy firing.
Helps to firm the skin, address sagging skin, stimulate collagen production, and reshape the face for a slimmer look. Helps to firm the skin, address sagging skin, stimulate collagen production, and reshape the face for a slimmer look. Helps break down fat, reduce double chin and cheek fat, while stimulating collagen production under the skin and tightening the skin.
It can lift and firm skin in multiple areas, including the face, neck, chin, eye area, arms, chest, and abdomen.It can lift and firm skin in multiple areas, including the face, neck, chin, eye area, arms, chest, and abdomen.It can lift and firm skin in multiple areas, including the face, neck, chin, eye area, arms, chest, and abdomen.
The results last for 5-6 months.The results last for 1 year.The results last for 1-2 years.
Cheaper than Ulthera and Thermage treatments.The price is higher than HIFU but similar to Thermage.The price is higher than HIFU but similar to Ulthera.

For those planning to undergo Thermage or Ulthera but are still wondering about the differences, Romrawin invites you to delve deeper into the differences between these skin tightening procedures. Thermage vs Ultherapy Feel free to add more!


Frequently asked questions about HIFU vs. Ulthera.

Answering frequently asked questions about HIFU vs. Ulthera that everyone wants to know.

For people with large jawlines, is HIFU or Ulthera more suitable?

If you have a problem with a large jaw due to enlarged jaw muscles from chewing or frequent movement of those muscles, resulting in larger jaw muscles, it is recommended that...Botox injection for the jawlineTo reduce the size of the jaw, Botox would be a better option because it helps reduce the size of the jaw muscles. HIFU or Ulthera treatments, which tighten sagging skin, reduce double chin and cheeks, and create a more defined jawline, are not suitable for this problem if you want to reduce the size of your jaw. 

Between HIFU and Ulthera, which one is more painful?

Ulthera skin tightening is more painful than Hifu because Ulthera delivers a higher energy pulse than Hifu, resulting in a more painful sensation. However, if you are afraid of pain but still want skin tightening treatment, a numbing cream will be applied to the skin before the procedure to reduce discomfort. You can also inform the doctor during the procedure so they can reduce the energy level.

How long do the effects of Hifu and Ulthera treatments last?

For skin tightening with HIFU and Ulthera, the results after treatment help to address sagging skin, making it firmer, smoother, and more youthful. However, the results of the two lifting machines also differ. HIFU shows immediate results of 10-20% and lasts for 5-6 months, while Ulthera shows immediate results of 20-30% and lasts for 1 year.

Hifu vs. Ulthera: Which treatment causes less swelling?

Typically, after skin tightening treatments such as HIFU or Ulthera, swelling will occur. This is normal and results from the energy waves penetrating the skin layers. The swelling will subside on its own within 1-2 weeks. Importantly, this is not a dangerous side effect.

Are HIFU and Ulthera safe? Do they have any side effects?

Skin tightening with HIFU and Ulthera machines, genuine devices certified by the FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) and the Thai FDA, is performed by expert physicians. This is a safe skin tightening method because it delivers precise and consistent energy waves, preventing skin damage such as burns or scalds. These side effects often occur with substandard or counterfeit machines, which are not only unsafe but also ineffective. 

HIFU vs. Ulthera: Which treatment should you choose to see results faster?

HIFU vs. Ulthera: Which shows results faster? Actually, both treatments show immediate results, with noticeable changes after about 2 months. However, the results last longer; Ulthera lasts approximately 1 year, while HIFU lasts about 6 months.


Summary of Hifu vs. Ulthera

HIFU and Ulthera are similar skin tightening devices that can deliver energy to the SMAS layer of the skin, addressing sagging skin, wrinkles, and promoting smoother, more youthful skin. However, HIFU and Ulthera differ in the duration of results and price.

However, for anyone interested in skin tightening procedures and looking for a clinic with expert doctors specializing in skin tightening who can provide precise advice and appropriately address their concerns, Romrawin Clinic is the place to go. We have all the necessary skin tightening machines, including HIFU and Ulthera, all genuine and certified to meet standards. If you're interested in our skin tightening programs and special promotions, contact us to book an appointment.


According to foreign websites.

Cutis Laser Clinics. (2023, September 13). Ultherapy vs HIFU: What's the Difference?. Cutislasermedicalclinics.
https://www.cutislaserclinics.com/blog/ultherapy-vs-hifu-whats-the-difference/