HIFU in Tokyo: What to Expect, Downtime and Pricing (English Guide)

Introduction

This page is for those who are concerned about nasolabial folds or sagging along the facial contour but are not considering surgical treatment, as well as those looking to receive HIFU at an English-friendly clinic in Tokyo. Here we explain how HIFU works, what to expect on the day of treatment, downtime, and pricing.

HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a treatment that tightens the inner layers of the skin using ultrasound energy, without cutting or injuring the skin surface. As this is a private-pay treatment, it is not covered by public health insurance. At IC Clinic Tokyo, treatments using the Ultraformer III start from ¥16,500 (tax included, first treatment) for the face. The clinic is a short walk from Tokyo Station’s Yaesu Exit, and patients who do not speak Japanese are welcome to receive consultations and treatments with the assistance of a translation app.

What Is HIFU?

HIFU stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. It is a treatment that delivers concentrated ultrasound energy to a targeted depth within the skin. By applying heat to the subcutaneous tissue and the fascial layer that supports the skin (the SMAS layer), the treatment aims to contract the tissue and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, with the goal of improving sagging and achieving a lifting effect. A key feature of this treatment is its ability to deliver heat precisely to the intended layer without burning the surface skin or surrounding tissue.

The Ultraformer III used at our clinic is a medical-grade HIFU device, operated with output adjustments under the supervision of a physician.

What to Expect / Who May Benefit

Please note that results vary among individuals. HIFU is a treatment that may offer improvement for the following concerns:

• Nasolabial folds, marionette lines, wrinkles and sagging around the eyes or forehead
• Loss of definition along the jawline and cheeks, or sagging under the chin (double chin)
• Neck sagging

Treatment areas beyond the face (such as the abdomen or upper arms) may also be available. The appropriate treatment area and output level will be determined by the physician during your consultation.

Treatment Process and What to Expect on the Day

1. Consultation: We will listen to your concerns and goals, and explain the proposed treatment plan and associated costs. Visits for consultation only are also welcome.
2. Treatment: Ultrasound energy is delivered to the areas you wish to improve. Treatment for the full face typically takes around 40 minutes. Output is adjusted starting from a lower level, so please let your physician know in advance if you are concerned about discomfort.
3. Aftercare: Makeup may be applied from the day of treatment. Please avoid rubbing the treated area vigorously.

Showering and bathing are generally possible from the day of treatment; however, if redness is present, we recommend waiting until the following day or later to take a bath. After treatment, the skin tends to become dry and more sensitive to UV exposure, so please take care to moisturize adequately and apply sun protection. While you are experiencing any aching similar to muscle soreness, please avoid applying strong pressure or massaging the treated area.

Downtime, Side Effects, and Contraindications

Swelling may occur from the day after treatment, typically lasting approximately 2 to 7 days. Other potential effects include redness, raised welts on the skin surface, scabbing, bruising, and an aching sensation similar to muscle soreness. These are generally temporary and tend to resolve over time; however, if symptoms are severe or persistent, please contact our clinic. Our English booking page lists the estimated downtime for HIFU and HIFU Shower as 3 to 7 days.

The following individuals are not eligible for this treatment: those who are pregnant or breastfeeding; those with implanted electronic medical devices such as a pacemaker; and those who have undergone other cosmetic treatments recently. Treatment may also need to be deferred for those with malignant conditions or infections in the treatment area, or those with photosensitivity. Please check whether any of these conditions apply to you before booking.

Pricing (Tax Included)

Prices vary depending on the treatment area and number of sessions. Standard pricing for representative menu options is as follows.

Course packages for 3 or 5 sessions are also available. As this is a private-pay treatment, it is not covered by public health insurance. Payment by credit card is accepted.

How Results Develop and Recommended Treatment Intervals

Lifting effects develop gradually over time. While some patients notice changes immediately after treatment, results are often felt within the first month, after which collagen is understood to continue forming within the skin over approximately three months. Even after tissue has been tightened, sagging may progress with age, so we recommend considering your next treatment after approximately 3 to 6 months. The appropriate frequency and number of sessions varies among individuals; please discuss a specific plan during your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much discomfort should I expect during treatment?

A. Output is adjusted starting from a lower level; however, you may experience a sensation of heat or an aching similar to muscle soreness. How this feels varies from person to person, so please speak with your physician in advance if you have any concerns.

Q. How many sessions will I need?

A. Many patients notice a change after a single session, though the extent and duration of results vary among individuals. Some patients choose to continue with sessions approximately every 3 to 6 months. We will suggest an approach tailored to your goals during your consultation.

Q. Can I have a consultation even if I do not speak Japanese?

A. Yes. We use a translation app to communicate in English, and we have English-language medical questionnaires and consent forms available.

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Supervising physician: Kota Takakuwa, M.D., IC Clinic Tokyo