HIFU in Bursa
What is HIFU?
HIFU is based on focusing ultrasound waves at a specific depth, much like sunlight gathered by a magnifying glass. At the focal point, the tissue warms briefly and very small heat points form; the skin surface is not affected meanwhile. As the body repairs these points, it produces new collagen and the tissue firms up over time.
The device cartridges are set to different depths: the superficial skin (about 1.5 mm), the deep skin (about 3 mm) and the muscle-fascia layer that is also addressed in facelift surgery (SMAS, about 4.5 mm). At which depth and how many shots will be applied is planned according to the structure of the face.
Which areas is it applied to?
- Forehead and eyebrows: mild drooping at eyebrow level,
- Cheeks and jawline: mild sagging of the cheeks and along the jaw,
- Under the chin and neck: laxity and loss of firmness,
- Décolletage: fine lines and laxity.
In marked excess skin and advanced sagging, the effect of HIFU is limited. In these cases, expectations are discussed openly at the examination, and it is explained that surgery may be needed.
Who is it suitable for, and who is it not performed on?
It is usually considered from the late 30s onwards for people who have mild to moderate loss of firmness, are in good general health and accept a gradual change. It is not performed, or is postponed, in the following situations:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding,
- Open wound, active infection, inflamed acne or a cold sore (herpes) in the treatment area,
- A pacemaker or an electronic device implanted in the body,
- A metal implant, a recently placed filler or threads in the treatment area (waiting for some time may be required),
- Bleeding disorder, uncontrolled diabetes, tendency to keloids, active cancer treatment.
In people with a very thin face and little fat tissue, treatment of the deep layers may lead to unwanted thinning; for this reason, the depth is chosen individually.
How is it done?
First the face and neck are examined, and the degree of sagging and expectations are discussed. The skin is cleaned, treatment lines are marked and a thin ultrasound gel is applied. The cartridge is placed on the skin and shots are made row by row.
- Depending on the area, the procedure usually takes 30–90 minutes.
- During the shots, deep stinging, warmth and an ache in areas close to bone may be felt; sensitivity varies by person and area. If the physician considers it necessary, a painkiller may be recommended before the procedure.
- Usually a single session is applied; need and response are evaluated at follow-ups.
When does the effect begin and how long does it last?
A slight tightness may be felt right after the procedure; however, the main change appears gradually as new collagen forms. The change usually becomes visible in 2–3 months and may continue until the 6th month. The effect is temporary; because the aging process continues, studies usually report durations ranging from 12 to 18 months. Whether a new session is needed is evaluated at a follow-up, usually once a year. Not everyone responds the same way; in some people the change remains limited.
Possible side effects
The most common are redness, mild swelling and tenderness to touch; these usually resolve within a few hours to a few days. Others include:
- Bruising and numbness to touch; mostly resolves within a few weeks,
- Line-shaped redness or welts on the skin,
- Rarely, superficial burns, blisters and scarring,
- Numbness or an asymmetric smile due to temporary involvement of branches of the facial nerve (rare; usually resolves within weeks),
- Unwanted reduction of fat tissue and thinning of the face (especially in thin faces).
Things to watch for after the procedure
- You can return to daily life the same day; makeup can be applied the next day.
- For a few days, avoid facial massage, harsh exfoliation and intense heat such as a sauna.
- Use sunscreen.
- If you notice numbness, blisters or marked asymmetry, call the practice.
HIFU in Bursa
At our practice in Nilüfer, HIFU is planned after the degree of sagging and the structure of the face have been evaluated. You can see the Endolift laser page for laxity under the chin and along the jawline, the liquid facelift and jawline filler pages for a sagging appearance due to volume loss, and the lifting injections page for skin quality.
Treatments are performed by a physician holding a medical aesthetics certificate approved by the Turkish Ministry of Health. Op. Dr. Hakan Sağer is an Obstetrician & Gynecologist.
This content is for information purposes only; a physician's examination is required for diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What does HIFU do?
HIFU creates small heat points in the deep layers of the skin with focused ultrasound energy and stimulates collagen production. The aim is to support firmness in mild to moderate sagging of the face and neck. Its effect is limited in marked excess skin, and it does not replace a surgical facelift.
When is the effect of HIFU seen?
A slight tightness may be felt right after the procedure; the main change appears gradually as new collagen forms. It usually becomes visible in 2–3 months and may continue until the 6th month. The response differs from person to person.
How long does the effect of HIFU last?
The effect is temporary; studies usually report durations ranging from 12 to 18 months. Because aging continues, whether a new session is needed is evaluated at a follow-up, usually once a year.
Does HIFU hurt?
During the shots, deep stinging, warmth and an ache, especially in areas close to bone, may be felt. Sensitivity varies by area, depth and person. If the physician considers it necessary, a painkiller may be recommended before the procedure; the procedure is planned to reduce this sensation.
Does HIFU make the face thinner?
Treatment of the deep layers may lead to unwanted thinning, especially in thin faces with little fat tissue. For this reason, cartridge depth and the number of shots are chosen according to the structure of the face; it is not performed on people for whom it is not suitable.
Is HIFU done during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. HIFU is not performed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Suitability is reassessed after these periods end.
What is the fee for HIFU?
The fee depends on the area to be treated, the number of shots and the plan determined at the examination. For this reason, no figures are given on the website; the fee is determined after the examination. For information, you can call 0 (539) 463 09 72 or send a message on WhatsApp.
Where in Bursa is HIFU performed?
HIFU evaluation and application take place in the procedure room of Op. Dr. Hakan Sağer's private practice in the İhsaniye neighborhood of Nilüfer (Bulvar 224). Consultation hours are Monday–Saturday 08:00–19:30; to book an appointment, you can call 0 (539) 463 09 72.
Op. Dr. Hakan Sağer is an Obstetrician & Gynecologist. He completed his specialty training at the University of Health Sciences (SBÜ) Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital; since 2024 he has been seeing patients for pregnancy follow-up, gynecological conditions and aesthetic gynecology at his private practice in Nilüfer, Bursa. The articles on this website are for informational purposes.
This website is for information only and is not advertising. Its content does not replace an examination by a physician. The information on this page is not personal medical advice; the decision on any procedure is made together with the doctor after an examination.