Ultrasound is one of the most popular skin-tightening treatments out there. This tweakment category can get a little confusing though, because there’s ultrasound and then there’s HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound), and they work in slightly different ways.
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Both ultrasound and HIFU devices are intended to stimulate the production of collagen, the protein that gives our skin its structure and firmness and that forms the scaffolding of our skin, but the technologies differ in how they actually deliver that ultrasound energy to achieve this goal. You can find out more about the differences between ultrasound and HIFU here.
In an ultrasound or HIFU treatment the usual target is the collagen around the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS). This is the layer of muscular tissue in the face that surgeons manipulate in a surgical facelift, so while you can’t really compare the results of ultrasound to a facelift, there’s some truth in ‘non-surgical facelift’ nickname. A word of caution though, just so you’re prepared – these treatments are known for being pretty uncomfortable. Of course, it depends on your pain threshold, but most (the makers of Ultraformer III say pain prevention isn’t needed) require topical anaesthetic or/ as well as oral painkillers.
Here’s our pick of the ultrasound devices on the market and what they do best.
Sofwave is a skin-tightening ultrasound energy device with a difference. Unlike HIFU or micro-focused ultrasound, this uses a different technology that means the ultrasound energy is aimed solely at the collagen within the skin – it only goes 1.5mm deep. It helps improve some of the most common concerns associated with ageing; laxity, lines and wrinkles and overall tone and texture by stimulating the production of new collagen.
It’s ideal for someone in their forties or fifties who wants to work on their collagen levels, improve signs of ageing and rejuvenate the skin overall. A small initial lift can be seen from the immediate ‘thermal response’, and full results are visible after around three months. The results from just one treatment last for up to a year.
Alice tried it, and three months on the tightening and lifting effects were clear. She said her cheeks lifted, her nose-to-mouth lines became less pronounced, and she was impressed at how much tauter the skin on her jawline had become. To top it off, her eyebrows looked to be lifted slightly, too.
Price: Around £3,000 for a full face and neck treatment
USPs: Sofwave’s Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Technology is FDA Cleared for improving facial lines and wrinkles, lifting the eyebrow, and lifting lax submental (beneath the chin) and neck tissue.
Lasts for: Up to 1 year
Ultherapy works by using precise micro-focused ultrasound with visualisation energy to target the deep structural layers of the skin without disrupting the skin’s surface, and the machine has a ‘visualiser’ panel to show the therapist exactly at what depth each shot of energy is landing within the skin. After treatment, the body’s tissue repair process stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, creating a gradual lifting effect. Ultherapy doesn’t give a sudden change in appearance, instead, results develop gradually over six months.
An Ultherapy brow lift is a good entry-level energy-based tweakment. It only takes 15-20 minutes and can improve lid laxity on the top eyelids, making the eyes look fresher and more open.
Price: From £500 for a brow lift
USPs: Quick treatment time
Lasts for: Around 18 months
Ultraformer III is a HIFU device that uses energy for non-invasive skin tightening and lifting. The treatment can be done on both the face and body to provide rapid, long-term tightening of the skin.
Ultraformer III targets the deep foundation below the skin with a special, focused ultrasound technology that produces super-fast shots of energy. This is what makes the treatment more comfortable – patients say it’s more like a small amount of discomfort as opposed to being painful. So, if you want to avoid anaesthesia or painkillers, Ultraformer III could be the option for you.
Price: Around £800 for a full face and neck treatment
USPs: Doesn’t require anaesthesia
Lasts for: 6-12 months
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ULTRAcel Q+ is a non-surgical skin-tightening treatment that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to treat concerns including a sagging brow, forehead wrinkles and nasolabial folds. But where it really comes into its own is when used to contour the jawline and reduce a double chin.
Unlike some other HIFU devices, ULTRAcel Q+ can also be used to define the structure of the jawline by deliberately targeting fat tissue as well as lax skin. The device has two action modes which can be used separately or simultaneously, meaning you can choose skin tightening, fat reduction effect, or both.
Price: Around £380 for double chin/ jawlineUSPs: Can also be used for targeted fat reductionLasts for: Around 6 months
One ultrasound treatment can sound very like another - but there are definite differences between them. While Sofwave reaches a depth of 1.5mm to tighten just the skin, other brands of ultrasound like Ultherapy aim their energy up to 4.5mm below the surface of the skin, to target the collagen around the 'SMAS' layer for deep tightening. Ultracel Q+ and Ultraformer III do this too, and can also be used to break up fat beneath the skin.
Top IPL Devices of
Rank Model Manufacturer Review Score (1-5) Major Strengths Major Weaknesses List Price 1 Lumenis M22 Lumenis 4.8 Versatile, multiple handpieces, treats various skin conditions High cost, requires skilled operator $80,000 – $120,000 2 Alma Harmony XL Pro Alma Lasers 4.6 Multifunctional, wide range of indications, integrated cooling Expensive maintenance, bulky $90,000 – $130,000 3 Cynosure Icon Cynosure 4.5 High versatility, can treat stretch marks, good safety profile Limited handpieces included, learning curve for operators $70,000 – $100,000 4 Cutera Xeo Cutera 4.4 Customizable, ergonomic handpiece, good for vascular lesions Lower fluence, requires multiple treatments $60,000 – $90,000 5 Sciton BBL Hero Sciton 4.3 Advanced motion technology, fast treatments, durable device High initial investment, not ideal for darker skin tones $75,000 – $105,000 6 Rohrer Spectrum Rohrer Aesthetics 4.2 Multi-platform (4 lasers + IPL), cost-effective, portable Delicate handpieces, limited power compared to standalone devices $60,000 – $80,000 7 Venus Versa Venus Concept 4.1 Compact, multipolar radiofrequency, effective for skin rejuvenation Limited customization options, high consumable costs $50,000 – $80,000 8 Syneron EMax Syneron Candela 4.0 Dual technology (IPL + RF), safe for various skin types Higher discomfort, outdated software in older models $60,000 – $85,000 9 InMode Lumecca InMode 3.9 High peak power, excellent for pigmentation and vascular lesions Limited to aesthetic practices, fewer handpieces available $50,000 – $75,000 10 Quanta System Youlaser Quanta System 3.8 Multifunctional, good for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation High maintenance cost, not widely available $55,000 – $85,000With a review score of 4.8, the Lumenis M22 is hailed as one of the most versatile and powerful IPL systems on the market. Its modular design supports multiple handpieces, making it suitable for a wide range of treatments, from hair removal to vascular and pigmented lesions. The device’s only downside is its high cost and the need for experienced operators to unlock its full potential.
The Alma Harmony XL Pro is a close second with a score of 4.6. Known for its multifunctionality, it can handle numerous skin concerns thanks to its variety of handpieces and technologies, including integrated cooling for enhanced safety. However, its bulky size and maintenance costs can be a drawback for smaller clinics.
Scoring 4.5, the Cynosure Icon is celebrated for its ability to treat a wide range of skin conditions, including stretch marks and scars. While its learning curve can be steep for beginners, experienced practitioners find it a reliable choice for delivering consistent results across a variety of applications.
To provide a transparent overview, here’s a breakdown of how we derived the scores for each criterion:
When selecting an IPL device, it’s crucial to align the capabilities of the device with the specific needs of your practice. For instance, if you’re focusing on hair removal and skin rejuvenation, devices like the Lumenis M22 or the Alma Harmony XL Pro offer excellent versatility. If budget constraints are a concern, a device like the Rohrer Spectrum is an excellent choice and provides good performance at a more accessible price point.
It’s also important to consider the learning curve and support resources provided by the manufacturer. Comprehensive training and robust after-sales support can significantly impact your practice’s ability to leverage the full potential of your IPL investment.
Choosing the right IPL device is a significant investment that can have a profound impact on your practice’s success. By focusing on key factors like efficacy, safety, versatility, and cost, you can ensure that your choice aligns with both your clinical and financial goals. Whether you’re upgrading your current equipment or starting fresh, our guide to the top IPL devices of provides a solid foundation for making an informed decision.
If you have any questions or would like a more personalized recommendation based on your practice’s specific needs, feel free to reach out!
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