Is Ultherapy and HIFU the Same?

If you have looked into non-surgical facelifts, the chances are that you have come across two names almost everywhere: Ultherapy and HIFU. Since they both use ultrasound to tighten the skin, many people think they are the same. So are Ultherapy and HIFU the same?

In other words, the clarification to your question is that Ultherapy is just one of several types of HIFU. Think of it this way; If you were to think of a smartphone, an iPhone would be an example of a smartphone; however, not every smartphone has an iPhone attached to it, nor does an iPhone represent all smartphones. HIFU is the generic term used to describe this treatment method. Ultherapy is a premium branded HIFU product that incorporates unique safety features and has clinical evidence backing up its use, while the majority of the other HIFU products available on the market do not have such evidence to back up their usage.

The "Visible" Difference: Real-Time Imaging

The main factor that distinguishes these two is visualization. Ultherapy has patented DeepSEE technology. This enables the doctor to see on a screen the skin, muscle, and bone layers through which they are working.

Regular HIFU is frequently referred to as a "blind" procedure. Without a monitor, the operator depends on general instructions instead of actually looking at the place where the energy is being targeted. This is why Ultherapy is the most precise and safest method.

Is Ultherapy and HIFU the Same in Terms of Results?

While both treatments aim to stimulate collagen by heating deep tissue to about 60–70°C, the experience differs:

• Efficiency: Because Ultherapy is so precise, you usually only need one session to see results that last 12–18 months.
• Frequency: Generic HIFU may require 2 to 3 sessions to achieve the same lifting effect as a single Ultherapy treatment.
• Safety: The imaging in Ultherapy prevents the energy from hitting your fat cells or bone, which reduces the risk of volume loss or unnecessary pain.

Summary

Ultherapy and HIFU are two different things when we talk about technology and dependability although they are based on the same scientific principles.

Ultherapy is more of a "see, what, you, treat" method that gives more stable results whereas a generic HIFU can be considered as a low, cost treatment option for people with slight skin problems.