"I first went to see Dr Nina for Bruxism. Having already faced fillings from the grinding, and wearing a mouth guard every night, I was still regularly getting migraines and ice pick headaches, exacerbated from the daily tension in my jaw. My temples were always tender, and I’d wake up every morning tense and sore. This has been such a life-changing procedure, and now I start the day from a place of much greater relaxation, I’m able to deal with the stress of work and every day life with far more ease, I’m sleeping better, and if I wake in the night, I’m still amazed and grateful to find that my jaw is relaxed. I’m looking forward to trusting Dr. Nina with further treatments! Thanks Dr Nina!"
Treatments · Advanced Laser & Radiofrequency
HIFU
A non-invasive treatment that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound to reach the deeper structural layers of the skin and stimulate collagen — performed at Facial Sculpting in South Kensington to gently lift, firm and tighten the brow, jawline and neck, with little to no downtime.
- Treatment
- Non-invasive · focused ultrasound
- Best for
- Mild-to-moderate laxity — brow, jaw, neck
- Downtime
- Little to none
- Results build
- Over 2–3 months · up to ~6 months
- From
- £700 per area
- Course
- A course of three sessions is recommended
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google
Save Face Platinum accredited
As seen in
Treatment summary
HIFU at a glance
HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) is a non-surgical treatment that delivers focused ultrasound energy to the deeper structural layers of the skin — including the SMAS — to stimulate collagen and gradually lift and tighten. It is best suited to mild-to-moderate laxity of the brow, lower face, jawline and neck, and is not a replacement for a surgical facelift.
- What it treats
- Mild-to-moderate laxity of the brow, lower face, jawline & neck
- How it works
- Focused ultrasound energy heats deep layers to stimulate collagen
- Areas
- Upper face/brow, lower face & jawline, neck
- Anaesthetic
- None usually required — topical numbing if needed
- Downtime
- Little to none; mild redness or tenderness may occur
- Results & longevity
- Build over 2–3 months, developing up to ~6 months
- Performed by
- Dr Nina Bal & the Facial Sculpting team
- Price
- From £700 per area · a course of three is recommended
- Consultation
- Required to confirm suitability & plan
The treatment
What is HIFU?
HIFU is an advanced, non-invasive treatment designed to tighten and lift the skin without surgery. Using focused ultrasound energy, it works deep beneath the skin’s surface to stimulate the body’s natural regenerative response while leaving the outer skin untouched.
The energy targets the foundational layers where collagen is produced. This gentle thermal stimulation encourages fibroblast cells to generate fresh collagen and elastin, gradually improving firmness, structure and skin quality. Results develop naturally over time, making HIFU a considered choice for those seeking subtle, progressive lifting without downtime.
HIFU is one of several energy-based options for the face and neck — see our advanced laser & radiofrequency treatments for how it compares, and the honest limitations below for where another route may suit you better.
Concerns it can help
What does HIFU address?
HIFU is designed for mild-to-moderate laxity and firmness concerns of the face and neck.
Honest suitability
Is HIFU right for you?
HIFU is not for everyone — and we will tell you if it is not the best option for you. Final suitability is always confirmed at consultation.
Often well suited
- Mild-to-moderate skin laxity of the lower face
- A softening jawline or mandibular border
- A heavy or gently lowered brow
- Early neck laxity and static neck lines
- Wanting non-invasive tightening with little to no downtime
- Realistic expectations of a subtle, gradual result
May not be suitable
- Significant excess skin or advanced sagging needing surgery
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (subject to clinic policy)
- Active infection or skin condition in the treatment area
- Implants, fillers or metallic devices in the area (assessed individually)
- Certain medical conditions identified at consultation
- Expecting a dramatic, surgery-level lift
The process
How HIFU works, step by step
- Consultation & assessmentDr Nina or the team assess your skin, facial anatomy, medical history and goals, and confirm whether HIFU is suitable or whether another option is safer or more effective.
- Mapping & preparationThe area is cleansed and the treatment zones are mapped. A topical numbing cream can be applied for comfort if needed.
- Focused ultrasound deliveryA handpiece delivers focused ultrasound energy to set depths beneath the skin, gently heating the deeper layers to stimulate collagen while leaving the surface untouched.
- Collagen response beginsThe thermal stimulation activates fibroblasts, and your skin’s natural collagen and elastin building gets underway over the following weeks and months.
- Aftercare & reviewYou receive tailored aftercare advice. As a course of three sessions is often recommended, your next steps and reviews are planned with you.
“A less-is-more philosophy: HIFU only when it’s genuinely right for you — for results that look like you, refined.”
The Facial Sculpting approach · Dr Nina BalBefore treatment
What happens at your consultation
A consultation is required before HIFU. During your initial consultation with Dr Nina and her team you will have a clinical assessment and your eligibility for treatment reviewed. You will be talked through the procedure in detail — what to expect during and after — and given the opportunity to ask questions.
The consultation covers your medical history, a facial-anatomy assessment, your suitability and any contraindications, realistic expected outcomes, alternatives if HIFU is not ideal, consent, aftercare, and confirmation of your individual plan, the number of sessions and your price.
Results & recovery
What to expect afterwards
HIFU involves little to no downtime, and most patients return to their usual routine straight away. Mild redness, slight swelling or tenderness in the treated area may occur and usually settles quickly. Your team provides aftercare guidance tailored to your treatment.
Longevity: results are not permanent. Because HIFU works by stimulating your own collagen, the effect builds gradually and can be supported with a recommended course and occasional maintenance. Duration varies with anatomy, lifestyle and skin quality.
Typical results timeline
First days
Any mild redness, swelling or tenderness settles; the skin may feel a little firmer.
Weeks 2–6
New collagen and elastin formation gets underway in the deeper layers.
2–3 months
Lifting and firming become more visible as collagen remodelling continues.
~6 months
Results can continue to develop up to around six months for many patients.
Beyond
A recommended course and periodic maintenance help support the result over time.
Safety
Possible risks & side effects
As with any medical aesthetic procedure, HIFU carries some risks. Possible side effects may include temporary redness, mild swelling, tingling or tenderness in the treated area, and these usually resolve quickly. Less common risks are discussed individually at consultation.
Careful patient selection, an accurate treatment plan and an experienced practitioner are important for reducing avoidable risks. If anything is unexpected after treatment, you can contact the clinic for advice.
Honest limitations
What HIFU cannot do
- It cannot remove significant excess skin or replace a surgical facelift.
- It cannot correct advanced sagging or marked jowling on its own.
- It does not deliver instant, dramatic change — results build gradually.
- A single session is often not enough; a course is usually recommended.
Compare your options
HIFU vs other approaches
A simple, honest comparison to help you and Dr Nina choose the right route.
| Approach | Best for | Invasiveness | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIFU | Mild-to-moderate laxity — non-invasive lift & firming | Non-invasive focused ultrasound | Little to none |
| Endolift® | Early–moderate laxity, jawline & under-chin definition | Minimally invasive laser, local anaesthetic | Minimal (~1 day) |
| EMFACE® | Tone, muscle & subtle lift (needle-free) | Non-invasive RF + electromagnetic | None |
| InMode Contoura | RF tightening & contouring of face/neck | Non-invasive RF | Minimal |
| Profhilo® | Skin quality, hydration & firmness (skin booster) | Non-surgical injectable | Minimal |
| Surgical facelift | Significant excess skin / advanced sagging | Surgical, general anaesthetic | Several weeks |
HIFU is often planned alongside Profhilo® for skin quality, or considered next to Endolift® and EMFACE® — sequenced honestly at consultation, with surgery discussed where it is the better option.
Transparent pricing
How much does HIFU cost?
Transparent pricing — the consultation comes first, then your chosen plan and number of sessions are confirmed.
HIFU — Upper Face
From£700
Focused ultrasound for the upper face and brow area. A course of three sessions is recommended for best results.
Book this planHIFU — Lower Face
From£700
Lower face and jawline lifting and firming. A course of three sessions is recommended for best results.
Book this planHIFU — Neck
From£700
Tightening and firming of the neck, including static neck lines. A course of three sessions is recommended.
Book this planThe exact price depends on your individual plan, which is confirmed after your consultation. View the full price list.
Why Facial Sculpting
HIFU at the Facial Sculpting Clinic
Doctor-led & honest
Assessment first. If HIFU isn’t right for you, we’ll say so and recommend a safer or better option.
Tailored to you
A bespoke plan for your anatomy, your concern and your goals — never one-size-fits-all.
Award-winning
Best Facial Transformation Clinic London 2025 and recognised across non-surgical aesthetics.
Dr Nina Bal
Cosmetic Doctor & Founder · South Kensington, London
Patients choose Facial Sculpting for HIFU because the focus is on careful assessment, natural-looking results and honest advice — not a one-size-fits-all outcome. Dr Nina performs HIFU consultations and treatment with her clinical team, and refers cases that need surgical assessment rather than over-treating. Her practice combines HIFU thoughtfully with treatments such as Profhilo®, Endolift® and EMFACE® where appropriate.
GDC registeredBCAM memberSave Face PlatinumJCCP
GHP Best Facial Transformation Clinic London 2025Endolift UK Achievement Award 2025Safety in Beauty Best Aesthetic DoctorSafety in Beauty Best Non-Surgical TransformationGHP Best Non-Surgical Aesthetics Studio 2024Aesthetics Awards Finalist 2024Save Face Platinum
Accreditations & recognition
Save Face Platinum accredited
Registered with the General Dental Council
British College of Aesthetic Medicine member
Save Face COVID-19 Operational Protocol Certified
ICO — Information Commissioner's Office
JCCP — Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners
Featured in the Tatler Address Book
Hello! Aesthetics Guide
Safety in Beauty memberTrusted by patients
What our patients say about Facial Sculpting Clinic
Real reviews from patients who chose Dr Nina Bal and the Facial Sculpting team.
5.0
★★★★★
Rated 5.0 by patients on Google
via Google
M
Martina M.Patient review
★★★★★
I went to Dr. Nina Bal for a lip filler. I had a wonderful experience! Very gentle, professional, and expert! I got the result I wanted, combined with simplicity and naturalness! Excellent!
Verified patient
E
Ella T.Patient review
★★★★★
Dr. Nina is the best! She has helped me so much with my jaw pain and I truly appreciate how knowledgeable and informative she treats every meeting with a patient. She also has the most wonderful staff and beautiful office!
Verified patient
H
Henad A.Patient review
★★★★★
Dr Nina, Grace and Olivia are all lovely, trust their work and knowledge
Verified patient
G
Gina C.Patient review
★★★★★
Dr Nina and all of her staff are brilliant. Very professional, polite and fantastic results too. Would highly recommend her services for non-surgical procedures. Dr Nina listened to all of my concerns and took great care in helping me achieve better facial symmetry and a better side profile.
Verified patient
R
Rebecca C.Patient review
★★★★★
Fabulous consultation with such a lovely and knowledgeable lady. So happy with my pharmaceutical grade products that Dr Nina prescribed after a lengthly and completely bespoke consultation. My skin has never felt so good! X
Verified patient
Your questions
HIFU FAQs
What is HIFU?
HIFU stands for high-intensity focused ultrasound. It is a non-invasive treatment that delivers focused ultrasound energy to the deeper structural layers of the skin to stimulate collagen and gently lift and tighten, while leaving the surface of the skin untouched. At Facial Sculpting it is used for mild-to-moderate laxity of the face and neck.
How does HIFU work?
HIFU focuses ultrasound energy at set depths beneath the skin, including the deeper supportive layers (the SMAS). This gentle thermal stimulation encourages fibroblast cells to produce fresh collagen and elastin, gradually improving firmness, structure and skin quality over the weeks and months that follow.
Who is a good candidate for HIFU?
HIFU may suit adults with mild-to-moderate skin laxity of the brow, lower face, jawline or neck who want non-invasive tightening without surgery or significant downtime, and who have realistic expectations of a subtle, gradual result. The Facial Sculpting team assesses your suitability during consultation.
Who is HIFU not suitable for?
HIFU is generally not appropriate where there is significant excess skin or advanced sagging that needs surgical assessment, and may not be suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active infection or a skin condition in the treatment area, with certain implants or devices in the area, with certain medical conditions, or where expectations are not realistic. Suitability is always confirmed at consultation.
What areas can HIFU treat?
Common areas are the upper face and brow, the lower face and jawline, and the neck, including static neck lines. Your treatment plan is tailored to your anatomy and goals, and the most appropriate areas are confirmed at consultation.
Is HIFU painful?
Most patients tolerate HIFU well and describe a warming or tingling sensation as the energy is delivered. A topical numbing cream can be applied for comfort if needed. Any tenderness afterwards is usually mild and short-lived, and your practitioner will explain exactly what to expect.
Is there much downtime after HIFU?
HIFU involves little to no downtime, and most patients return to their usual routine straight away. Mild redness, slight swelling or tenderness may occur in the treated area and typically settles quickly. You receive aftercare guidance tailored to your treatment.
How many HIFU sessions will I need?
A course of three sessions is recommended for best results. The exact number and spacing of sessions depend on your concern, your anatomy and your goals, and are confirmed as part of your individual plan at consultation.
When will I see results from HIFU?
Because HIFU works by stimulating your own collagen, results develop gradually rather than instantly. Many patients notice lifting and firming building over two to three months, with results continuing to develop up to around six months. Individual results vary.
How long do HIFU results last?
HIFU results are not permanent. The improvement is supported by a recommended course of sessions and can be maintained with periodic treatments over time. How long results last varies with anatomy, lifestyle and skin quality, and is discussed honestly at consultation.
Can HIFU replace a surgical facelift?
No. HIFU is non-invasive and works best for mild-to-moderate laxity; it cannot remove significant excess skin or correct advanced sagging. A surgical facelift may be the better option where there is meaningful skin excess or advanced descent. The right choice for you is discussed honestly at consultation.
How much does HIFU cost in London?
HIFU at Facial Sculpting starts from £700 per area, with a course of three sessions recommended for best results. The exact price depends on the areas treated and your individual plan, which is confirmed at consultation.
Is a consultation required before HIFU?
Yes. A consultation is required to assess your skin, facial anatomy, medical history and goals, confirm whether HIFU is suitable (or whether another option is safer or more effective), and confirm your exact plan, number of sessions and price.
Take the next step
Book your HIFU consultation
If you are considering HIFU, a consultation is the safest way to confirm whether it is right for your skin, anatomy and goals — and to receive an honest recommendation and exact pricing.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information about a non-surgical aesthetic treatment and is not medical advice. Suitability, benefits, risks and results vary from patient to patient. Dr Nina Bal and her team will assess whether HIFU is appropriate for you during a consultation. Before-and-after photographs are of individual patients for illustration only and are not a guarantee of any specific outcome.
