When HIFU first arrived in the aesthetic sector a few years ago, it completely changed the conversation around facial ageing. For the first time, we had a technology capable of working in the same layer that a plastic surgeon lifts during a surgical facelift — but with no scalpel, no anaesthesia and no recovery. HIFU 7D Ultramage is the most advanced evolution of that technology, and today I want to explain exactly how it works — in English, and just 25 minutes from central Madrid.

What is HIFU and what makes it different?

HIFU stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. It's the same technology used in medicine to treat tumours, but applied at much lower doses and for aesthetic goals.

What makes HIFU unique is its ability to focus energy on an exact point beneath the skin without affecting the upper layers. Think of how a magnifying glass concentrates sunlight on one precise spot: HIFU does the same with ultrasound, but at very specific depths within the tissue.

The SMAS layer: why it matters

The great revolution of HIFU is that it can reach the SMAS layer (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System), located between 3 and 4.5 mm beneath the skin's surface. This is the same layer that a plastic surgeon tightens surgically during a facelift.

Until HIFU arrived, no non-invasive treatment could reach that depth. Creams work in the epidermis. Radiofrequency reaches the dermis. HIFU reaches the SMAS and produces an immediate contraction of the musculo-aponeurotic fibres.

The three working depths of HIFU 7D: 1.5 mm (deep epidermis — texture and pores), 3 mm (reticular dermis — collagen and elastin), 4.5 mm (SMAS — structural lifting effect). The 7D model handles all seven with a single device.

What exactly happens in the tissue?

When ultrasound is focused on a point in the tissue, it generates very localised heat of 60–70°C at that exact point. That heat has two complementary effects:

The result is a treatment with a dual timeline: immediate (contraction of existing collagen) and progressive (production of new collagen), which keeps improving for months after the session.

What a HIFU session looks like

HIFU 7D Ultramage session — 60–90 minutes
1
Consultation and facial mapping
Assessment of the skin's condition, areas with greater laxity and design of the personalised protocol. Baseline photos to compare results.
2
Cleansing and conductive gel
Skin cleansed and cosmetic-free. The gel ensures good contact with the handpiece and proper ultrasound conduction.
3
Work at 4.5 mm (SMAS)
The most important depth for the lifting effect. We work the lower third of the face: jawline, double chin, corners of the mouth and neck.
4
Work at 3 mm (dermis)
Stimulation of fibroblasts in the dermis for collagen production. We work the whole facial oval and forehead.
5
Work at 1.5 mm (surface)
Improves texture, pores and general surface quality of the skin. Finishing and refinement.
6
Calming mask and finish
Skin may be slightly pink and sensitive. Repairing mask and final SPF applied.

Real results: what to expect and when

Immediately: visible tightening effect, especially on the facial oval and neck. The skin looks firmer and more "lifted". There may be some redness.

At 2–4 weeks: the lifting effect becomes clearer as the initial swelling (if any) subsides.

At 2–3 months: the peak of results. Neocollagenesis is in full swing and the skin shows maximum firmness, jawline definition and reduction of the double chin.

How long it lasts: results are maintained for 12–18 months depending on age, lifestyle and subsequent skincare. One maintenance session a year is enough for most clients.

HIFU doesn't stop time, but it visibly slows it down. For many of my clients, it's the moment they first feel they're winning the battle against ageing without losing their natural look.

Who is HIFU ideal for?

Moderate loss of firmness
Especially effective between 35 and 55 years old, when laxity is visible but not extreme. For very severe laxity, it may need to be combined with other treatments.
Double chin and softened oval
One of the most striking and satisfying results is the definition of the jawline angle and the reduction of the double chin.
Neck and décolletage
Areas that surgical facelifts sometimes don't handle well, and where HIFU produces very visible results: "turkey neck" and neck lines.
Alternative or complement to surgery
For those who don't want to go through surgery — or want to postpone it — HIFU is the highest-level non-invasive option.

Important: HIFU produces some discomfort during application, especially over bony areas (jaw, cheekbones). Everyone has a different threshold. At the salon we manage this with the appropriate intensity so it's both tolerable and effective. If you're very sensitive, I'll tell you in advance so you come prepared.

✓ Ideal candidate
  • 35–60 with visible laxity
  • No metal implants in the area
  • Not pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Skin in generally good condition
✗ Contraindications
  • Pacemaker or metal implants
  • Pregnancy
  • Active wounds in the treatment area
  • Active autoimmune conditions
HIFULiftingNo SurgeryCollagenSMASTechnologyAnti-ageing