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Ultraformer HIFU London
Non-Surgical Face Lift Treatment
What Is Ultraformer HIFU Treatment?
Ultraformer is an advanced HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) device used for non-surgical skin lifting and tightening. This FDA-cleared technology delivers focused ultrasound energy to precise depths beneath the skin, stimulating collagen production and tissue contraction without surgery, needles, or significant downtime.
At Reborne Longevity in London, Ultraformer III treatment is offered as a non-invasive alternative to surgical facelifts, addressing skin laxity, jowls, sagging, and loss of facial definition. Ultraformer can also be used for body contouring and skin tightening on areas including the neck, decolletage, arms, abdomen, and knees.
How Does Ultraformer HIFU Work?
Ultraformer delivers high-intensity focused ultrasound energy to targeted depths beneath the skin surface. Like a magnifying glass focusing sunlight, HIFU concentrates ultrasound waves at precise focal points, creating thermal coagulation zones that trigger the body's natural wound-healing and collagen-remodelling response.
The key advantage of HIFU technology is its ability to reach the SMAS layer (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) - the same deep tissue layer targeted in surgical facelifts. By heating this foundational layer to approximately 65-70 degrees Celsius, Ultraformer causes immediate tissue contraction followed by progressive collagen regeneration over subsequent months.
Ultraformer III features multiple transducer cartridges that deliver energy to different depths (1.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.5mm, 6.0mm, and 9.0mm), allowing clinicians to customise treatment based on the tissue layers requiring attention and the specific concerns being addressed.
What Areas Can Ultraformer Treat?
Face and Jawline: Jowls, sagging cheeks, loss of facial definition, nasolabial folds
Brow and Forehead: Brow lifting, forehead lines, hooded eyelids
Neck and Chin: Double chin, turkey neck, neck bands, submental fullness
Decolletage: Chest skin laxity, crepey skin texture
Body Areas: Arms, abdomen, thighs, knees, buttocks (skin tightening)
Periorbital Area: Under-eye skin laxity, crow's feet (with appropriate cartridges)
What Happens During an Ultraformer Treatment?
Your Ultraformer treatment begins with a consultation to assess your concerns and determine the appropriate treatment protocol. On treatment day, the skin is cleansed and ultrasound gel applied to facilitate energy transmission. Your clinician maps the treatment areas and selects appropriate cartridge depths based on tissue assessment.
The Ultraformer handpiece is then passed systematically across the treatment area, delivering focused ultrasound energy in precise lines. You will feel brief moments of heat and tingling as energy is deposited - a sensation that indicates the treatment is reaching target tissues. Treatment intensity can be adjusted based on comfort.
What Results Can I Expect from Ultraformer?
Ultraformer results develop in two phases. Some patients notice an immediate lifting and tightening effect due to tissue contraction from the thermal energy. The more significant results develop gradually over 2-6 months as new collagen is produced and tissue remodelling occurs.
Peak results are typically seen around 3-6 months post-treatment, with improvements continuing for up to a year. Results can last 12-18 months or longer, depending on individual factors including age, skin quality, and lifestyle. Many patients choose annual maintenance treatments to sustain their results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ultraformer HIFU
What is the difference between Ultraformer and Ultherapy?
Both Ultraformer and Ultherapy are HIFU devices that use focused ultrasound to lift and tighten skin. Ultherapy was the first FDA-cleared HIFU device and includes real-time ultrasound imaging. Ultraformer III is a newer generation device that many practitioners find delivers comparable results with potentially greater comfort due to faster pulse delivery and updated transducer technology. Both target the same tissue depths including the SMAS layer.
Is Ultraformer painful?
Ultraformer treatment involves some discomfort - most patients describe brief, intense sensations of heat and tingling as each pulse of energy is delivered. Discomfort varies by treatment area, with bony areas (jawline, forehead) typically more sensitive than fleshy areas. Pain relief options may include topical anaesthetic, oral pain relief, or Pro-Nox (nitrous oxide) depending on patient preference and clinic protocols. Many patients find the treatment tolerable without anaesthesia.
How many Ultraformer sessions do I need?
Many patients achieve satisfactory results from a single Ultraformer treatment. However, those with more significant laxity, older patients, or those seeking more dramatic improvement may benefit from 2-3 sessions spaced 3-6 months apart. Annual maintenance treatments are commonly recommended to sustain results long-term.
Is there downtime after Ultraformer?
Ultraformer is a no-downtime treatment. Most patients return immediately to normal activities including work and social engagements. Some temporary effects may include mild redness (resolving within hours), slight swelling, tingling, or tenderness in treated areas (resolving within days). Rarely, small areas of bruising may occur. There are no wounds, incisions, or visible recovery period.
Who is a good candidate for Ultraformer?
Ideal candidates for Ultraformer are those with mild to moderate skin laxity who wish to avoid surgery. The treatment works best for patients who still have some skin elasticity - typically ages 30-65, though suitability is assessed individually. Ultraformer is not a replacement for surgical facelift in cases of severe laxity or significant excess skin. A consultation will determine whether HIFU is appropriate for your concerns.
How does Ultraformer compare to thread lifts?
Thread lifts use dissolvable sutures inserted under the skin to physically lift tissue, with results visible immediately. Ultraformer uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production, with results developing gradually over months. Thread lifts are more invasive (involving needle insertion) with more potential for complications, while Ultraformer is completely non-invasive. The treatments can be complementary - some practitioners combine both approaches.
How does Ultraformer compare to radiofrequency treatments?
Both Ultraformer (HIFU) and radiofrequency (RF) treatments like Morpheus8 stimulate collagen through thermal energy. The key difference is depth: HIFU can reach the deep SMAS layer (4.5mm+) that RF typically cannot access. RF treatments are generally better for skin texture and superficial tightening, while HIFU excels at deeper lifting. The treatments can be combined for comprehensive rejuvenation addressing multiple tissue layers.
Can Ultraformer be combined with other treatments?
Yes, Ultraformer works well as part of combination protocols. Common pairings include dermal fillers (for volume restoration), Botox (for dynamic wrinkles), radiofrequency treatments (for skin texture), and polynucleotides or skin boosters (for skin quality). Your clinician can design a comprehensive treatment plan addressing multiple aspects of facial ageing.
Where can I get Ultraformer HIFU treatment in London?
Reborne Longevity offers Ultraformer III HIFU treatment in London as part of their non-surgical face lifting and regenerative aesthetics services.
Clinical Evidence for HIFU Skin Tightening
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for skin lifting and tightening is supported by peer-reviewed research demonstrating histological evidence of collagen remodelling and clinical improvements in skin laxity. Studies have documented the ability of HIFU to create precise thermal coagulation points at targeted depths, including the SMAS layer.
Key References:
Alam M et al., Annals of Internal Medicine 2018 (PMID: 30083763) - Ultrasound tightening of facial and neck skin: a rater-blinded prospective cohort study.
Fabi SG, Dermatologic Surgery 2014 (PMID: 24852468) - Noninvasive skin tightening: focus on new ultrasound techniques.
MacGregor JL & Tanzi EL, Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 2013 (PMID: 24049961) - Microfocused ultrasound for skin tightening.
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