How Often Should You Get HIFU and How Long Does It Last? | Sycamore Medi Spa Canberra

HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) has become one of the most popular non-surgical treatments for skin tightening and facial lifting in Australia. It’s safe, non-invasive, and effective — but one of the most common questions we hear at Sycamore Medi Spa Canberra is: “How often should I get HIFU?” and “How long do the results last?”

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about HIFU treatment frequency, longevity, and how to make your results last longer — all backed by professional experience and clinical insight.

Understanding How HIFU Works

HIFU uses concentrated ultrasound energy to target the deep structural layers of the skin — particularly the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) layer — the same layer lifted during surgical facelifts. The focused energy heats the tissue to approximately 60–70°C, triggering a natural healing response that stimulates new collagen and elastin production.

This process, known as neocollagenesis, doesn’t create instant results. Instead, it gradually rebuilds firmness and elasticity over the following months. That’s why understanding the treatment frequency and result duration is key to achieving long-term lifting and rejuvenation.

How Often Should You Get HIFU?

At Sycamore Medi Spa Canberra, we usually recommend one full HIFU session every 6 to 12 months, depending on your age, skin condition, and goals.

However, this frequency may vary between individuals:

• For beginners or first-time clients:We recommend an initial full-face treatment, followed by a booster session after 3–4 months. This ensures your collagen production reaches its full potential.

• For clients in their 20s–30s:A single session every 12 months is typically enough for maintenance and prevention, as younger skin naturally produces collagen more efficiently.

• For clients over 40:We may suggest treatments every 6–9 months to sustain firmness and support ongoing collagen renewal as skin laxity increases with age.

• For body treatments (neck, arms, abdomen):Sessions may be repeated every 3–6 months initially to achieve stronger tightening effects.

Every treatment plan at Sycamore is customised. During your consultation, our clinicians assess your skin thickness, elasticity, and collagen activity to design a HIFU schedule that fits your needs — ensuring the right balance between effectiveness and comfort.

How Long Does HIFU Last?

The effects of HIFU are not permanent, but they are long-lasting compared to most non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Most clients enjoy results that last between 9 to 18 months after their initial treatment.

Here’s what you can expect:

Short-Term (1–3 months)

You’ll notice gradual tightening as the skin begins to contract and collagen regeneration starts. Your facial contours may appear firmer, especially around the jawline and cheeks.

Medium-Term (3–6 months)

This is when HIFU results are at their best. New collagen continues to build, creating smoother, more elastic skin and lifting sagging areas.

Long-Term (6–18 months)

Results slowly fade as the natural ageing process resumes, but the skin remains in better condition than before the treatment. Maintenance sessions help prolong these benefits.

Factors That Affect How Long HIFU Lasts

Several factors influence the longevity of your results:

• Age and Skin Condition:Younger clients with better collagen structure tend to maintain results longer, while older clients may need more frequent sessions.

• Lifestyle Habits:Smoking, excessive sun exposure, and dehydration can accelerate collagen breakdown. Adopting healthy habits enhances and extends results.

• Skincare Routine:Using quality skincare products — such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and sunscreen — supports collagen health and prolongs firmness.

• Diet and Hydration:A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and E, and adequate water intake helps the skin remain resilient and nourished post-treatment.

• Technology and Expertise:The quality of the HIFU device and the experience of your clinician make a major difference. At Sycamore Medi Spa, we use TGA-approved HIFU systems and tailor the ultrasound depth for each treatment zone to ensure lasting, visible results.

HIFU vs. Other Non-Surgical Treatments

Compared with other non-invasive procedures like radiofrequency (RF) or microneedling, HIFU penetrates deeper into the skin — reaching the foundational layer of muscle and connective tissue.

While RF works well for surface tightening, HIFU’s deeper energy delivery makes it ideal for lifting and contouring. That’s why the effects of HIFU usually last longer — up to 12–18 months, compared to around 6 months for most RF-based facials.

Clients in Canberra often choose to alternate between HIFU and RF Microneedling every few months to maintain texture, tone, and firmness at all levels of the skin.

How to Maintain HIFU Results for Longer

The key to enjoying long-lasting HIFU results is not only the quality of your treatment but also how you care for your skin afterward. At Sycamore Medi Spa Canberra, we provide each client with a personalised aftercare plan designed to maximise collagen stimulation and keep the skin glowing for months.

Here are our top post-treatment recommendations:

1. Hydrate Deeply and Consistently

Ultrasound energy heats the deep layers of your skin, which can slightly dehydrate the tissue. Drink plenty of water and use hyaluronic acid serums to maintain moisture. Hydrated skin supports collagen growth and keeps your complexion plump and radiant.

2. Protect From UV Exposure

Sun damage is the number one enemy of collagen. Always apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight for at least two weeks after your treatment. Regular use of SPF also slows future sagging and pigmentation.

3. Avoid Harsh Products or Treatments

For the first 7 days, skip strong exfoliants, retinol creams, or chemical peels. These can irritate the skin while it’s still recovering from the HIFU’s heat energy. Stick to gentle, soothing skincare products.

4. Maintain a Collagen-Friendly Lifestyle

Your diet and habits matter. Eat foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and protein, which are essential for collagen production. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol — both accelerate collagen breakdown and make results fade faster.

5. Schedule Regular Maintenance Sessions

HIFU results typically peak between 3–6 months after your first session. To sustain that lift, most clients benefit from follow-up treatments every 9–12 months.At Sycamore, we track your progress with high-resolution imaging, allowing us to fine-tune your future sessions based on visible collagen improvement.

What Does a HIFU Maintenance Plan Look Like?

A proper HIFU plan is never one-size-fits-all. At Sycamore Medi Spa, we customise every program to your age, collagen level, and goals. Here’s an example of what a typical schedule may look like:

• Year 1:

  • Full-face treatment

  • Booster session after 4 months

• Year 2:

  • Maintenance HIFU session at 9–12 months

  • Optional combination with LED therapy or anti-aging facials

• Year 3 and beyond:

  • Annual or biannual sessions depending on collagen health and results

Clients in their 20s and 30s often use HIFU preventively, while those over 40 use it for restorative lifting. Either way, the treatment keeps facial contours defined and skin tone visibly firmer — without surgery or downtime.

How Much Does HIFU Cost in Canberra?

The cost of HIFU varies depending on the treatment area, energy depth, and device quality. At Sycamore Medi Spa, our pricing is transparent and based on clinical-grade results:

Treatment Area	Price Range (AUD)
Full Face	$900 – $1,500
Lower Face + Neck	$700 – $1,200
Eyes or Forehead	$300 – $500
Body Areas (e.g., abdomen, arms)	from $800

Compared with traditional facelifts that can cost several thousand dollars and require recovery time, HIFU offers an affordable, non-invasive solution with zero downtime.You can explore detailed pricing or book a complimentary consultation on our HIFU Canberra page.

Why Choose Sycamore Medi Spa for HIFU in Canberra

At Sycamore Medi Spa, our philosophy is centred on precision, safety, and natural results. Every treatment is delivered by experienced clinicians using TGA-approved ultrasound systems with verified energy calibration.

What Sets Us Apart

• Professional Consultation: Every client undergoes a personalised facial assessment before treatment.

• Advanced Devices: We use medical-grade HIFU equipment designed for deep collagen regeneration.

• Comprehensive Aftercare: Post-treatment guidance ensures smooth recovery and longer-lasting results.

• Trusted Canberra Clinic: Conveniently located and recognised for our high-quality facial rejuvenation services.

Our Canberra clients consistently choose us for visible, natural skin lifting that enhances rather than alters their appearance.

Combining HIFU With Other Sycamore Treatments

To achieve a complete facial rejuvenation effect, HIFU can be complemented with other treatments available at Sycamore Medi Spa, such as:

• LED Light Therapy: Boosts post-HIFU healing and collagen response.

• Hydration Facial Therapy: Keeps skin supple and luminous after ultrasound energy exposure.

• RF Microneedling: Enhances texture and tightens surface layers while HIFU targets deeper tissues.

• Anti-Aging Facials: Maintain radiance and elasticity between sessions.

Explore our facial treatments in Canberra to see how we can customise a complete skin rejuvenation plan for you.

How to Know When It’s Time for Your Next HIFU

You’ll know it’s time for your next HIFU session when you begin to notice subtle signs of sagging or loss of firmness — typically around the 9–12 month mark.Common signs include:

• A softer jawline or chin definition

• Mild drooping around the eyelids

• Finer lines returning on the neck or cheeks

If these signs appear earlier, our specialists can assess whether an early top-up treatment will help maintain your results effectively.

Book Your HIFU Consultation in Canberra Today

Ready to lift, tighten, and rejuvenate your skin naturally?Book your HIFU consultation at Sycamore Medi Spa Canberra today and discover how ultrasound energy can renew your skin from within.

Visit Sycamore Medi Spa Canberra to reserve your appointment.

Our experienced clinicians will guide you through every step — from consultation to aftercare — ensuring a safe, professional, and confidence-boosting experience.