01 — Hi-Tech Treatments · SMAS Ultrasound Lifting

HIFU Ultraformer III™ — non-invasive lifting without surgery

Focused ultrasound waves travel all the way down to the SMAS musculo-aponeurotic layer — the same one a surgeon tightens during a face lift — and contract the collagen fibres, delivering an immediate facial lifting effect with no incisions and no downtime.

Book online — Mokotów Book online — City Centre Book a consultation →

SMAS layerultrasound works deep, leaving the epidermis intact

Results up to a yearafter just one treatment, deepening with time

No downtimeback to your routine the same day

2 clinicsCity Centre · Mokotów

02 — About the treatment

HIFU Ultraformer III — SMAS lifting with focused ultrasound

HIFU Ultraformer III™ is an innovative solution for non-invasive skin rejuvenation and lifting. The treatment is based on HIFU focused ultrasound technology: acting selectively on the skin, the waves heat the collagen fibres and then contract and tighten them, delivering an immediate skin-lifting effect.

HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a technology of high-frequency focused ultrasound waves that generates fine coagulation points at different levels of the skin, in the subcutaneous tissue and in the SMAS musculo-aponeurotic layer — leaving the epidermis fully intact in its continuity. The treatment is designed for those who want to improve the density, firmness and elasticity of the skin on the face, neck and body, smooth fine lines, reduce a double chin and tighten lax skin on the body.

See the details

HIFU vs laser and radiofrequency — how it differs

HIFU works with ultrasound and reaches deepest — down to the SMAS layer — which is why it can be an alternative to thread lifts and surgery, delivering a visible lift after a single treatment. When the lift should work with laser energy, on multiple levels, Fotona 4D laser lifting is the right fit. Gentle, series-based tightening with heat is NIR infrared thermolifting. When scars, pores and skin texture matter alongside firmness — Vivace microneedle radiofrequency; for body contouring — Maximus TriLipo, Onda Coolwaves or Cooltech cryolipolysis. The method is selected by a specialist.

03 — HIFU in numbersHIFU at Velvet Skin Clinic

417HIFU treatments performed (since 2019)

302clients have chosen HIFU

1 year+average duration of results after a single treatment

2clinics in central Warsaw

HIFU is a treatment whose results last a year or longer, so it is performed less often than series-based treatments — a low rate of repeat visits is natural here, not a sign of low effectiveness.

Source: Versum and Booksy reports, as of 30.06.2026 (exact matching). In total, we have performed 66 839 treatment procedures across the clinic.

04 — How HIFU works

What happens during SMAS lifting with focused ultrasound

Focused ultrasound

The HIFU beam concentrates energy into coagulation points at a precisely selected depth, leaving the epidermis intact.

The SMAS layer

The energy reaches the SMAS musculo-aponeurotic layer — the same one a surgeon tightens — and contracts stretched collagen fibres.

Lifting and neocollagenesis

The tightening effect is visible straight away, and over the following months it deepens as new collagen is produced.

The treatment involves applying the handpiece repeatedly, line by line, to create a grid of coagulation points; the tissue is heated at different depths depending on the area and the intended result. A burning or prickling sensation may be felt during the session — with no need for anaesthesia.

05 — Indications

Indications for HIFU Ultraformer III

facial skin laxity, lifting of the lower faceloss of facial contour, face contouring brow and forehead liftinglower eyelid laxitysmoker's linesdouble chin signs of ageing on the neck and décolletagedrooping eyelids after surgery skin laxity on the arms, abdomen, buttocks and thighsloss of elasticity after weight loss and pregnancy

What we help with

What we treat with HIFU Ultraformer III

We use this treatment for 5 indications. It works a little differently in each of them — below we describe exactly what it does in each case.

Laxity and loss of facial contour

The only method in this line-up that reaches the SMAS layer — the same one a surgeon tightens during a face lift. Coagulation points form beneath the skin while the epidermis remains intact. With a visibly sagging contour it is usually the first choice; with only slight softening of the outline it can be more than is needed.

Learn more → 02

Neck and décolletage laxity

The neck is where HIFU shows its advantage most clearly — the energy goes beneath the skin, into the layer responsible for firmness, while the thin epidermis of the neck stays untouched. We choose the application depth more cautiously here than on the cheeks.

Learn more → 03

Double chin

HIFU does not reduce fat in this area — it tightens the skin and sharpens the jawline. It makes sense when the double chin is the result of laxity, or as a second step after lipolysis, so the skin contracts along with the reduced volume.

Learn more → 04

Skin after weight-loss medication

HIFU tightens the skin where, after weight reduction, there is visibly „too much of it left” — on the face, neck and arms. It will not replace surgery when the excess is very large, but with moderate excess it delivers a real improvement in contour.

Learn more → 05

Body skin laxity

On the body, HIFU works deeper than any surface method and delivers the most visible tightening in the smallest number of sessions. In return, it asks you to accept some discomfort during the session.

Learn more →

Unsure which indication describes your situation? See all the indications or ask during a consultation.

07 — An invitation

Ready to firm up your facial contour without surgery? Book a consultation and find out whether HIFU is right for you.

Book a consultation

08 — Scientific research

What research says about focused ultrasound (HIFU/MFU)

The publications below concern microfocused ultrasound (MFU) in skin lifting and tightening — the mechanism used in the HIFU Ultraformer III treatment.

Microfocused ultrasound

HIFU efficacy in rejuvenation and skin tightening

A systematic review confirmed the efficacy of microfocused ultrasound in lifting and improving skin firmness on the face and neck.

Systematic review, 2022. PubMed →

MFU-V

Skin physiology and the safety of MFU-V

The paper describes skin physiology and the safety profile of microfocused ultrasound with visualisation (MFU-V) in improving skin laxity.

Skin physiology & safety, 2019. PubMed →

Ultrasound

Non-invasive ultrasound skin tightening

A review of emerging ultrasound techniques for non-invasive skin tightening — the mechanism of thermal collagen stimulation.

Noninvasive skin tightening, 2015. PubMed →

The cited studies concern focused ultrasound technology (HIFU/MFU), not a specific device brand. The number and scope of treatments is determined by a specialist; results vary from person to person.

09 — The procedure

Step by step — the HIFU Ultraformer III treatment

The treatment begins with a consultation and an assessment of your skin. A special ultrasound gel is then applied to the skin. The treatment itself takes from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the area, and involves applying the handpiece repeatedly, line by line, to create a grid of coagulation points. A burning or prickling sensation may be felt during the session, though anaesthesia is not required. Immediately after the treatment the skin may be red, slightly swollen and sensitive to the touch — these symptoms subside within a few hours.

Consultation and skin assessment

Ruling out contraindications and selecting the treatment area.

Ultrasound gel

Preparing the skin and selecting the depth and handpiece parameters.

HIFU lifting

Creating a grid of coagulation points in the skin and the SMAS layer.

Back to your routine

Redness subsides within a few hours — no downtime.

10 — Aftercare

Aftercare guidelines — HIFU Ultraformer III

The treatment lets you return to your routine straight away, though it is worth going easy on your skin for a few days. Immediately afterwards, redness and temporary sensitivity may occur.

Protect your skin from the sun

Avoid direct sunlight for a few days and use SPF protection.

Keep the skin moisturised

Regular moisturising supports comfort and skin recovery after the treatment.

Skip anti-inflammatory medication

Anti-inflammatory medication is best avoided before and after the treatment — it weakens the collagen-stimulating response.

Give your skin time

The lifting effect deepens over the following weeks and months — it is a process of collagen rebuilding.

A maintenance plan

If needed, the treatment can be repeated after about 3 months — the timing is set by a specialist.

Educational information. Detailed guidance is provided by your specialist; results and the course of treatment vary from person to person.

11 — Gallery · Clinic and treatment

See the treatment room and the procedure — HIFU Ultraformer III

Authentic photographs from our Velvet Skin Clinic locations in Warsaw (Świętokrzyska — City Centre, Niepodległości — Mokotów).

A treatment room at our clinic.

SMAS lifting with focused ultrasound.

Working on the facial contour and skin firmness.

The Velvet Skin Clinic reception.

HIFU Ultraformer III — treatment room at Velvet Skin Clinic Warsaw — See the treatment room and the procedure — HIFU Ultraformer III

HIFU Ultraformer III — ultrasound handpiece during a facial lifting treatment — See the treatment room and the procedure — HIFU Ultraformer III

12 — Prices and parameters

HIFU Ultraformer III — price in Warsaw

The price depends on the area and its size. With HIFU, a single treatment is usually recommended, with results lasting a year or longer; if needed, it can be repeated after about 3 months. We agree the plan during a consultation.

Key parameters

Performed by

Doctor or cosmetologist

Duration

60–120 minutes

Number of sessions

1 treatment

Price

from 1000 zł

Full price list or book a consultation →

13 — Related therapies and alternatives

Contraindications for the HIFU Ultraformer III treatment

Every case is assessed individually by a specialist during a medical history interview. The main contraindications:

pregnancy and breastfeeding

cardiac pacemaker

metal implants in the treatment area

uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune diseases

cardiovascular and venous diseases

kidney or liver failure

cancer

inflammation or wounds in the treatment area

active herpes

16 — Questions and answers

Frequently asked questions — HIFU Ultraformer III

What is the HIFU Ultraformer III treatment?

HIFU Ultraformer III is a non-invasive lift performed with focused ultrasound waves. The energy travels all the way down to the SMAS musculo-aponeurotic layer and contracts the collagen fibres, delivering an immediate tightening effect on the skin of the face, neck and body — with no incisions and no damage to the epidermis.

Is HIFU a face lift without surgery?

Yes. HIFU works on the same SMAS layer a surgeon tightens during a face lift, but with no incisions or stitches. It can be an alternative to thread lifts and a complement to botulinum toxin, fillers or laser treatments. The result looks natural, and the skin needs no recovery time.

Does the HIFU treatment hurt and does it require downtime?

A burning or prickling sensation may be felt during the treatment, but anaesthesia is usually unnecessary. Afterwards the skin may be red, slightly swollen and sensitive — the symptoms subside within a few hours. You can return to your daily activities straight away.

How many HIFU treatments are needed and how long do the results last?

A single treatment is usually recommended, with results lasting a year or longer. The tightening is visible straight away and deepens over the following months as collagen rebuilds. If needed, the treatment can be repeated after about 3 months.

How does HIFU differ from radiofrequency and laser?

HIFU uses ultrasound and reaches deepest — down to the SMAS layer — delivering a visible lift after a single treatment. Radiofrequency (e.g. Vivace, Maximus, Indiba) and NIR thermolifting work more superficially and in a series, while Fotona lasers rely on a different mechanism. A specialist matches the method to the needs of your skin.

How much does HIFU Ultraformer III cost in Warsaw?

Prices start from 1000 zł and depend on the area and its size. An exact quote is agreed during a consultation. You will find the full price list on our pricing page, and you can book a consultation online or by phone.

17 — Who performs the treatments

Treatments are performed by our cosmetologists

Treatments at Velvet Skin Clinic are performed by certified cosmetologists with many years of experience in laser therapy, hi-tech devices and skin care treatments. After a consultation, we match the method and the specialist to your skin and your goal.