At Shens Clinic, ULTRAcel Q+ is used for the HIFU treatments targeting your face and neck. HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a non-surgical treatment that delivers focused ultrasound energy to specific depths beneath your skin. This treatment lifts sagging tissues, stimulates collagen production, and can be used to treat double chin by reduce small pockets of fat under your chin.
HIFU directs focused ultrasound energy beneath the skin while leaving the surface largely unaffected. The energy creates controlled thermal effects at targeted tissue depths, which initiates the body’s natural tissue response rather than physically removing or filling an area.
The controlled thermal effect produced by HIFU can stimulate a healing response within the treated tissue, including collagen remodelling over time. As these changes develop gradually, you may notice progressive improvement in the appearance of skin firmness and facial contours rather than an immediate surgical-style lift. This tightening and lifting effect offers an alternative to a traditional facelift with minimal downtime and natural-looking results.
HIFU treatment in Singapore provides a non-surgical approach to addressing mild to moderate skin laxity and reduced facial definition. By delivering focused ultrasound energy beneath the skin, treatment can support gradual tissue changes and collagen remodelling without surgical incisions.
HIFU's unique ability is in targeting the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS), which lies below the skin and fat. HIFU delivers energy to precise depths (e.g., 4.5mm, 3.0mm, and 1.5mm) to target different layers.
HIFU targets the superficial dermis, which is just below the outermost layer of the skin. Additionally to a tightening effect, HIFU helps reduce melanin, lighten pigmentation and brighten the skin. This shallow depth primarily affects the skin tone and texture, improving the appearance of fine lines and contributing to a more even skin tone.
HIFU reaches the deep dermis layer. At this mid-level, collagen production is stimulated by heating the skin tissue. This controlled heating promotes skin tightening and enhances the skin’s elasticity. The increased collagen production can significantly tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of deeper wrinkles.
This is where HIFU targets the SMAS and induce a lifting effect by contracting and subsequently tightening this foundational layer, which is the same layer adjusted during traditional surgical facelifts. The result is a facial lift and an overall improvement on facial contours.
At these depths, HIFU creates highly focused heating, causing the targeted tissue to reach temperatures of around 60-65°C and producing controlled thermal injury. At this temperature, this leads to immediate collagen contracting, stimulation of fibroblasts and tissue remodelling. This comprehensive internal rejuvenation contributes to a firmer, more youthful skin appearance, along with a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and smoother skin texture.
HIFU may be suitable if you have mild to moderate skin laxity, especially if you are between 30 to 50 years and would like to address changes in firmness or facial definition without surgery. HIFU is safe across different skin tones in Singapore.
HIFU may be an option if you would prefer a treatment that does not involve surgical incisions. Results develop gradually and are not equivalent to those of a surgical facelift, so your doctor will discuss what may realistically be achievable for you.
Your doctor will assess your skin condition, facial anatomy, medical history, and treatment goals before determining whether HIFU is appropriate for you.
HIFU relies on your body’s gradual response to focused ultrasound energy, which means the extent and timing of changes can vary between individuals. Your consultation can help you understand whether your concern is appropriate for HIFU and what degree of improvement may reasonably be expected.
HIFU is not appropriate for everyone. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, have an active infection or open wound in the intended treatment area, have implanted medical devices, or have undergone previous procedures in the area. Your doctor will review your medical history and the specific HIFU system being considered before advising whether treatment is suitable.
Your HIFU appointment begins with a consultation and assessment of the areas you would like to address. If HIFU is suitable for you, your doctor will plan the treatment according to your facial anatomy, skin condition, and intended treatment areas before the ultrasound energy is delivered.
Your doctor will assess your skin laxity, facial contours, and the areas where you would like greater firmness or definition. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions, implanted medical devices, medications, or previous facial treatments so these can be considered when planning your treatment.
Your skin will be cleansed and the treatment areas identified before HIFU begins. Ultrasound gel may be applied to help the treatment handpiece maintain contact with your skin. Depending on the treatment plan, measures to help manage discomfort may also be discussed with you.
The handpiece delivers focused ultrasound energy to selected depths beneath your skin. You may feel warmth, tingling, or brief sensations of discomfort as individual pulses are delivered. Your experience can vary depending on the area treated, treatment settings, and your individual sensitivity.
The duration of your appointment will depend on the size and number of areas being treated and your individual treatment plan. Your clinic team will advise you on the expected treatment time after assessing the areas you would like to address.
HIFU generally involves minimal downtime, and you can usually return to your usual daily activities after treatment. You may notice temporary redness, tenderness, swelling, tingling, or sensitivity in the treated areas, and your doctor will advise you on aftercare based on your individual response.
As HIFU does not involve surgical incisions, an extended recovery period is generally not required. You can usually continue with your normal routine after your appointment, although individual recovery experiences can vary.
Your skin may feel temporarily tender or sensitive following treatment. Avoid unnecessary rubbing or pressure on the area and follow any skincare instructions provided by your doctor while these effects settle.
Your doctor may provide guidance on your usual skincare routine and whether any products or activities should be temporarily avoided. Follow the recommendations given to you rather than introducing new or potentially irritating products immediately after treatment.
Mild redness, swelling, tenderness, tingling, or sensitivity can occur after HIFU treatment and may resolve gradually. The type and duration of these effects can differ between individuals and according to the areas treated.
Your doctor will let you know which post-treatment effects are expected and what symptoms may require medical attention. Contact the clinic if you develop persistent, worsening, or otherwise concerning symptoms after your treatment.
Results from HIFU develop progressively as the treated tissue responds to the focused ultrasound energy and collagen remodelling takes place. The timing and degree of visible change vary between individuals, so your doctor will review your response before advising whether further treatment is appropriate.
You may notice some changes after treatment, but HIFU results are generally expected to develop gradually rather than immediately. Changes in skin firmness and contour may become more noticeable over the following weeks and months as collagen remodelling progresses.
The number of sessions you may need depends on factors such as your degree of skin laxity, the areas being treated, and how your tissue responds. Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on your assessment rather than prescribing the same number of sessions for every patient.
If another HIFU session is being considered, your doctor will allow time to assess how your skin has responded to the previous treatment. The appropriate interval can vary according to the treatment area, your response, and the HIFU system used.
The duration of visible changes varies between individuals. HIFU does not stop the natural ageing process, so factors such as age, skin condition, lifestyle, and changes in your facial tissues can continue to influence your appearance over time.
Some patients may consider further HIFU treatment as changes associated with ageing continue. Rather than following a fixed maintenance schedule, your doctor can review your skin and facial contours over time and advise whether another treatment is appropriate for you.
HIFU vs Radiofrequency Treatments |
HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy delivered to specific depths beneath the skin, while radiofrequency treatments use radiofrequency energy to heat targeted tissue. Both may be considered for concerns involving skin firmness, but the mechanism, treatment depth, number of sessions, and sensations experienced can differ depending on the device and treatment plan. |
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HIFU vs Injectable Treatments |
HIFU works by delivering focused ultrasound energy to support gradual collagen remodelling. Injectable treatments work differently. Dermal fillers add volume to selected areas, while other injectables may be used for different aesthetic concerns. Your doctor can assess whether skin laxity, volume changes, or another factor is contributing to your concern before recommending an approach. |
HIFU vs Surgical Facelift |
HIFU is non-surgical and may be considered for suitable patients with mild to moderate skin laxity. A facelift surgically repositions and removes tissue to address more significant signs of facial ageing and generally produces a different degree of change. Surgery also involves anaesthesia, surgical risks, and a longer recovery period. |
Results and Treatment Duration |
Changes following HIFU generally develop progressively as collagen remodelling takes place. Other non-surgical treatments may have different timelines depending on how they work, while surgical results also require time to settle during recovery. The degree and duration of results can also vary between individuals with any approach. |
Downtime and Risks |
HIFU generally involves minimal downtime, although temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, tingling, or sensitivity may occur. Other energy-based treatments have their own potential side effects, while surgery carries additional risks associated with an invasive procedure and anaesthesia. Your doctor should discuss the risks relevant to the option you are considering. |
Cost and Treatment Frequency |
The overall cost depends on the treatment selected, the areas being addressed, and whether additional or maintenance sessions are recommended. Rather than considering the cost of one session alone, your doctor can advise you on the expected treatment plan so you can understand the applicable fees and potential need for future treatment. |
The cost of HIFU in Singapore can vary depending on the areas being treated, the extent of treatment recommended, and your individual treatment plan. Your doctor will first assess your skin condition, degree of laxity, and treatment goals before recommending an appropriate approach and confirming the applicable fees.
A HIFU treatment at Shens Clinic starts from $600, with the final cost depending on your individual treatment requirements.
Your treatment cost may depend on factors such as the size and number of areas being treated and the extent of treatment recommended for those areas. For example, treating one specific area may involve a different treatment plan from addressing several areas of the face or neck.
We provide close follow-ups and review appointments to support a smooth recovery and address any concerns after treatment.
Enjoy a fuss-free and personalised experience at Shens Clinic, with treatment planned according to your individual needs and aesthetic goals.
Dr Shens is a Korean-trained plastic surgeon and a member of the Singapore Society of Aesthetic Medicine. He specialises in providing Korean-style aesthetic treatments.
Dr Shens has served more than 12,000 clients in plastic surgery and medical aesthetics
Dr Shens has more than 20 years of experience in the plastic surgery industry.
Shens Clinic incorporates modern techniques and technology across its range of treatments.
Medical Director & Consultant Plastic Surgeon
“I believe in championing your journey in self-empowered beauty where my expertise achieves your aesthetic and personal vision.”
MBBS, MMed (Surgery), MRCS (Edinburgh)
FAMS (Plastic Surgery)
Member of Singapore Association of Plastic Surgeons, American Association of Plastic Surgeons and Singapore Society of Aesthetic Medicine.
Dr Shens (Dr Shenthilkumar Naidu) is an MOH-accredited plastic surgeon specialising in reconstructive microsurgery, facial and body cosmetic surgery and aesthetics. He is internationally trained in South Korean, Columbia, Japan and across the US, with over 20 years of experience in the industry.
If you are considering HIFU in Singapore, you may have questions about suitability, safety, discomfort, and what the treatment may realistically achieve. A consultation allows your doctor to assess your skin, facial anatomy, medical history, and treatment goals before recommending whether HIFU is appropriate for you.
No. HIFU may not be suitable for everyone, and your suitability depends on your health, skin condition, and intended treatment area. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions, pregnancy, implanted medical devices, medications, active skin conditions, and previous procedures so these can be considered during your assessment.
You may experience warmth, tingling, or brief sensations of discomfort as the ultrasound energy is delivered. The sensation can vary according to the area being treated, treatment settings, and your individual sensitivity. Your clinic team will let you know what to expect before treatment begins.
Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, tingling, or sensitivity may occur following HIFU. Other less common effects may also be associated with treatment, so your doctor will discuss the relevant risks and warning signs with you before you decide whether to proceed.
HIFU and a surgical facelift are different treatments. HIFU may be considered for suitable patients with mild to moderate skin laxity, while surgery can address more significant tissue laxity through surgical repositioning. Your doctor can assess the degree of laxity and discuss which type of approach may be appropriate for your concerns.
Previous fillers, thread treatments, energy-based procedures, or facial surgery may affect whether, where, and when HIFU can be performed. Tell your doctor what treatments you have previously undergone and when they were performed so this can be considered when planning your treatment.
Your treatment begins with an individual assessment rather than a standard treatment plan. At Shens Clinic, your doctor will consider your facial anatomy, degree of skin laxity, treatment areas, medical history, and aesthetic goals before determining whether HIFU is suitable and planning the treatment accordingly.
Monday – Friday: 09:00 am – 06:00 pm
Saturday: 09:00 am – 02:00 pm
Sun and PH: Closed
(Strictly By Appointment Only)
Monday – Friday: 09:00am – 06:00pm
Saturday: 09:00am – 02:00pm
Sun and PH: Closed
(Strictly by appointment only)
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