Locations:
Search IconSearch

How Ultrasound Facials Can Tighten Your Skin

This noninvasive procedure can help aging skin by boosting collagen production

person getting an ultrasound facial

You may have gotten an ultrasound during a pregnancy or an abdominal ultrasound to help pinpoint stomach pain.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

But you might not realize that ultrasound imaging can also be used to lift skin and promote collagen production. And if you’ve been thinking about getting a facelift, an ultrasound facial may be an option.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the noninvasive treatment uses a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to target deep tissue layers, stimulating new collagen growth.

An ultrasound skin tightening device can be used to focus energy where it’s most needed: eyebrows, neck, under-chin area and even your decolletage (chest area). You’ll see a notable lift and tightening in your skin’s overall appearance.

So, is an ultrasound facial right for you?

Aesthetician Amanda Kanaan explains how an ultrasound facial works and the potential side effects.

How do ultrasound facials work?

An ultrasound skin tightening device typically reaches 5 millimeters deep under your skin, penetrating into the second layer of muscles underneath your facial muscles.

Need some perspective? Lasers don’t even go that deep, says Kanaan. And going deep into your skin matters because that’s where your skin makes new collagen.

“Unlike other laser treatments that simply target the outer layers of skin, ultrasound therapy bypasses the skin’s surface,” explains Kanaan. “It delivers collagen-stimulating ultrasound energy to the deepest layers.”

Advertisement

The in-office procedure may take anywhere from two to three hours, depending on the different areas you’re having treated.

An ultrasound facial can be used in these areas:

  • Eyebrow.
  • Neck.
  • Under your chin.
  • Decolletage, or your chest area.

Benefits of ultrasound facials

An ultrasound facial helps stimulate collagen. It may also include the following benefits:

  • Smooths wrinkles.
  • Improves skin elasticity.
  • Reduces appearance of jowls.
  • Lifts drooping eyelids or eyebrows.
  • Tightens decolletage.

The dermis layer of your skin contains most of your skin’s specialized cells and structures. It synthesizes less collagen each year after about the age of 20. For women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB), estrogen levels decrease after menopause. This leaves your skin drier, thinner and less taut than before.

“Once the dermis begins producing the new collagen, sagging facial and neck skin lifts and starts to look younger and tighter,” notes Kanaan.

Is it right for you?

Because ultrasound therapy is noninvasive, there’s no cutting, no stitches and no downtime.

An ultrasound facial is a good alternative for those who can’t or don’t want a facelift or who at least want to put off surgery for a few years. People with mild to moderate facial and neck skin that’s loose make good candidates for ultrasound therapy treatments.

Even people under age 30 can use the procedure as a preventive measure. Some plastic surgeons use the therapy on surgical facelift patients to enhance and prolong surgery results.

“After the procedure, clients can go right back to their normal activities without having to follow any special post-procedure instructions,” says Kanaan.

Most people see the full effect of the treatment about three to six months after the procedure. Some notice initial effects sooner. One treatment is usually sufficient. But some people need three or more sessions to achieve the desired goal.

It’s important to note that as an ultrasound facial is considered a cosmetic procedure, most insurance won’t cover the cost.

Is there anyone who should avoid getting an ultrasound facial? If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or have an autoimmune disease like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, you may not be a good candidate for this procedure and should speak with your healthcare provider.

Potential side effects from ultrasound facials

While there’s essentially no downtime with an ultrasound facial, you may experience minimal bruising and tenderness. You may also see slight redness where your skin was treated for about an hour following the procedure.

These side effects are typically temporary. In some cases, skin tenderness may last for a month after treatment.

Advertisement

Bottom line?

An ultrasound facial may be a good option if you’re noticing sagging skin and wrinkles. The noninvasive treatment essentially has no downtime and minimal side effects, so it may be good for those who don’t want or aren’t ready for a facelift.

Think you’re interested? Kanaan stresses the importance of doing your homework before deciding to try an ultrasound facial. That includes reading up on the treatment and coming up with questions to ask your healthcare provider to make sure you understand how it all works, what to expect and how much it may cost.

“Make certain the practitioner who does your procedure is certified and experienced in the treatment,” advises Kanaan.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Health Library
Skin Care Basics and Tips

Related Articles

Person inspecting sweat marks on their underarms on their shirt
August 30, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Why Do I Sweat So Much? 9 Reasons

Exercise, weather, anxiety, hormone changes and spicy foods can cause you to perspire more than usual

Person sitting, shaving their leg with shaving cream
August 30, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Shaving vs. Waxing: What’s Better for Your Skin?

Your hair removal routine will depend on your pain tolerance, budget and skin sensitivities

Smiling person with double chin
August 15, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
How Do I Get Rid of My Pesky Double Chin?

Seeing double (chins) when taking selfies? From exercises to surgery, you can reduce or eliminate chin fat, but there’s no overnight solution

Sweaty construction worker in yellow hard hat drinking water from a plastic bottle
August 14, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
8 Methods To Help You Stop Sweating

Stay cool by wearing breathable clothes, eating certain foods and using an antiperspirant

Person spraying antipersperant into their armpit at home, kitty on chair
August 13, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant: What’s the Difference?

One reduces the amount of sweat, while the other masks body odor

Person relaxing, head back, eyes closed, sitting in patch of purple flora
August 9, 2024/Allergies
5 Lifestyle Tips for Managing Your Chronic Hives

Lifestyle adjustments like stress reduction, wearing softer clothing and staying out of the sun can help manage flares

Cold water handle in tub with water cascading over it
August 8, 2024/Allergies
How To Manage Frustrating Chronic Hives Flare-Ups

Your provider can develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescription medications, antihistamines and corticosteroids

Person reaching hand over shoulder to their back, which is covered in hives
August 6, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
The Usual Suspects: Looking Out for the Top Chronic Hives Triggers

Infections, autoimmune conditions, major life changes, extreme temps and even sunlight can cause this itchy condition

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad