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. Estrogen levels also decrease after menopause, leaving 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 wearing big floppy hat on the beach, applying sunscreen to their shoulder
March 11, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
How Sunscreen Affects Tanning

You can still get a tan (a sign of skin damage) while wearing sunscreen

Metal bowl of icecubes on wooden block on table
March 6, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Never Use Ice on Burns — Here’s Why

Ice and ice-cold water can damage tissue, restrict blood flow and delay the healing process

Ozempic face, before and after, with wrinkles, sunken eyes, thinner lips and sagging skin
March 5, 2025/Weight Loss
‘Ozempic Face’: What It Is and How To Avoid It

Rapid weight loss can change the way your face looks, bringing wrinkles, sagging skin and a gaunt appearance

Person in bathroom looking in mirror washing face with fingers
March 5, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Easy Steps for a Simple Skin Care Routine

Your skin care routine doesn’t need to be overly involved — or expensive

Hand being wrapped in gauze by healthcare provider wearing disposable medical gloves
March 4, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
First Aid for First-, Second- and Third-Degree Burns

First-degree burns can benefit from cool water, moisturizer and nonstick bandages, but worse burns require medical intervention

Man putting on a red ball cap hat
March 3, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Can Wearing a Hat Cause Hair Loss?

Studies are mixed, but frequently wearing very tight, warm hats could stress your follicles and lead to hair loss

Man in shower rinsing off his face
February 28, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
How Often Should You Wash Your Face?

Most people should do it twice a day: once in the morning and once again at night

Person looking in the mirror washing their face
February 26, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
A Guide on How to Wash Your Face

Start with a gentle cleanser, opt for lukewarm water and carefully pat your face dry

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad