Ultherapy — Non-Surgical HIFU Lifting

Ultherapy at Dermatologikum Hamburg uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to lift and tighten the face, brow, neck, and décolletage without surgery or incisions. A single 60–90 minute session with no downtime or anaesthesia is typical. Results develop gradually and may last up to 2 years. Indicated for mild-to-moderate skin laxity.

Ultherapy is the only non-invasive lifting treatment cleared for targeting the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) — the structural foundation that plastic surgeons address surgically in a facelift — using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). At Dermatologikum Hamburg's Aesthetic, Laser and Plastic Surgery division, Ultherapy is offered as a non-surgical alternative for patients with mild-to-moderate laxity of the face, brow, neck, and décolletage who are not yet candidates for surgical intervention or prefer a no-downtime approach. The device uses a real-time ultrasound imaging function to visualise the tissue layers before and during treatment, confirming accurate depth targeting and identifying critical structures to avoid. Focused ultrasound energy is then delivered in precise thermal coagulation points at three treatment depths: 4.5 mm to reach the SMAS, 3.0 mm to reach the deep reticular dermis, and 1.5 mm for the upper dermis. Each focal point generates a tiny zone of thermal injury at 60–70°C, which denatures collagen at that depth and triggers the body's natural wound-healing cascade: fibroblast recruitment, new collagen synthesis, and gradual tissue contraction over the months that follow. The overlying tissue — including the epidermis — remains unaffected because the energy passes through it unfocused before converging at the target depth. Clinical results include brow lifting, reduction of jowling and lower face laxity, neck firming, and improved décolletage texture. A standard treatment session at Dermatologikum Hamburg runs 60–90 minutes depending on the areas treated. No anaesthesia is required, and there is no meaningful downtime — the procedure can typically be resumed from immediately post-treatment. Results develop progressively from 2–3 months as the new collagen matures, with peak effect at approximately 6 months. Duration of results is associated with lasting up to 2 years. Located in central Hamburg, Dermatologikum Hamburg provides German-quality HIFU lifting within a fully accredited specialist medical environment.