Many patients write in asking me about the difference between our Ultraformer 3 HIFU and fat freezing treatments (cryolipolysis).

How They Work
HIFU or High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound disrupts fat cells and destroys them completely. It uses focused energy targeted deep into the skin, without damaging the surface of the skin . Because the energy is “focused, it heats at a precise depth, meaning the treatment is comfortable and has little downtime. It literally is a lunch time treatment.

Fat freezing treatments, on the other hand, use cold air to bring the temperature of the fat tissue down to freezing, which destroys fat cells.

Both types of treatments are quick and easy to perform, involve minimal downtime and results can be seen with each between 1 and 3 months after. Clinical studies show a similar outcome in terms of fat reduction.

Where they mostly differ is in the precision in targeting small areas. Ultraformer is a precise treatment, and does not require a hand piece to fit “around” a treatment area - as such smaller areas can be treated. Hence HIFU is more suited to little pockets fat on the body such as under chin, the anterior armpit or the posterior bra roll. HIFU is also particularly useful for contouring, as it not only targets and destroys fat cells, it can also tighten lax skin.

This is very useful for the lower face, where we want to contour a “V” shaped face and improve the jawline contour.

HIFU and other treatments such as Biostimulants can also be used to improve skin laxity e.g. post partum on the abdomen, or the arms and knees. I have also used HIFU to improve the teture of skin post liposuction, where small pockets of fat, or lax skin may persist.

HIFU treatments are also much quicker to perform-for small fatty area, the treatment takes 10- 15 minutes and is easy to add on to other treatments.

From what I have read, and from talking to medical colleagues, fat freezing devices are better for larger areas of fat. However, fat freezing does have a rare side effect where skin cells hypertrophy - so make sure you discuss all the risks and benefits with a medical practitioner first so you can make an informed decision about your treatment options.

As a medical doctor interested in helping my patients to not only look good, but also their long term health, I’m a fan of only treating small areas that need fat reduction with devices. I think it’s important for doctors to address lifestyle and weight loss options before any expensive treatment because at the end of the day, having excess body fat, especially visceral and abdominal fat, can lead to inflammation and metabolic dysfunction leading to long term health risks.