This page is supervised and written by specialist physicians at IC Clinic Ueno, located just 1 minute on foot from JR Ueno Station.
✨ What Is Non-Surgical Sagging & Lifting Treatment? A Complete Guide to Medical HIFU
💡 What You’ll Learn From This Article
✅ Get up to speed on the latest sagging treatments in just 3 minutes!
✅ Learn everything about non-surgical HIFU treatment!
✅ Discover the key points to avoid making the wrong choice when selecting a clinic!
⚠️ If you proceed with treatment without reading this page, you may be recommended high-cost procedures or end up choosing a treatment that is less likely to deliver noticeable results.
😟 Do Any of These Concerns Sound Familiar?
- 😣 Noticeable sagging in the cheeks
- 😰 A less defined facial contour
- 😟 A double chin forming around the neck area
- 😖 Fine lines becoming more visible at the corners of the eyes
- 😥 Deeper nasolabial folds than before
- 😢 Eyes appearing smaller than they used to
✨ For Those With These Concerns
Without surgery, with minimal discomfort, and with little to no downtime, our latest HIFU treatment may help address your concerns!
🔍 Treatment Options and Their Characteristics
🔪 Surgical & Minimally Invasive Treatments
⚕️ Surgical Treatment
This procedure lifts the facial skin to reduce wrinkles. It involves separating the skin over a wide area of the face, elevating the underlying tissue membrane, removing excess sagging skin, and suturing carefully.
| Treatment Duration | Approx. 5–6 hours （varies depending on the surgical method） |
|---|---|
| Treatment Area | Face only |
| Discomfort | Significant (general anesthesia may be required in some cases) |
| Treatment Effect | Strong lifting effect |
| Downtime | Approx. 2 weeks – 1 month |
| Duration of Results | Approx. 3–5 years |
| Treatment Cost | Approx. ¥1,500,000–¥2,500,000 |
✨ Non-Surgical Treatments
🌡️ Radiofrequency (Thermage) Treatment
Radiofrequency (Thermage) treatment delivers radiofrequency energy deep into the dermis, generating heat that acts on collagen and the supporting proteins around it to help rejuvenate the skin.
| Treatment Duration | Approx. 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Treatment Area | Can be used on most areas of the body |
| Discomfort | Relatively strong |
| Treatment Effect | Notable skin-tightening effect |
| Downtime | Minimal |
| Duration of Results | Approx. 6 months – 1 year |
| Treatment Cost | Approx. ¥200,000–¥300,000 |
⭐ HIFU Treatment 👈 Recommended by Our Clinic!
HIFU stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. It is a non-surgical lifting treatment that delivers focused ultrasound energy to targeted points deep within the skin to stimulate collagen regeneration and achieve a tightening effect from within.
| Treatment Duration | ✨ Approx. 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Treatment Area | Primarily the face |
| Discomfort | ✨ Relatively mild |
| Treatment Effect | ✨ Strong lifting effect with a slimming facial contour benefit |
| Downtime | ✨ Minimal |
| Duration of Results | Approx. 6 months – 1 year |
| Treatment Cost | ✨ Approx. ¥50,000–¥100,000 |
💡 A Message from IC Clinic
We recommend HIFU treatment as an option that places less burden on the body and allows patients to notice results with relative ease. Pricing varies depending on the number of sessions and treatment area. Please see the Sagging & Lifting price list for details.
🏆 Why Patients Choose IC Clinic for Sagging & Lifting Treatment
✅ Results-Focused Treatment by Specialist Physicians
Our team includes physicians certified and trained by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. We are committed to delivering treatment focused on meaningful outcomes while minimizing the burden on our patients.
✅ Same-Day Procedures Performed by a Team of Specialists
Our clinic has extensive experience in insurance-covered treatments delivered through team-based medical care by specialist physicians.
✅ Transparent and Honest Pricing
Rooted in insurance-based medical practice, we are committed to pricing that is straightforward and easy to understand.
✅ Precise Treatment Using the Latest HIFU Equipment
With the “Ultraformer III” HIFU device used at our clinic, a wide selection of cartridges allows us to target specific tissue layers with greater precision. This enables more tailored treatment to address each patient’s individual concerns compared to conventional approaches.
✅ A Welcoming Environment for All Ages and Genders
We strive to create a clinic environment where patients of all ages and backgrounds feel comfortable walking in and discussing their concerns.
✅ Convenient Location, Just Minutes from Ueno Station
We are located just a 2-minute walk from JR Ueno Station. Patients can reach us easily by train not only from Tokyo, but also from Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa.
💬 If You’ve Read This Far and Think It Sounds Right for You
✨ Why not consult a specialist at a consultation about your concerns?
📱 Online booking available 24 hours a day
⏰ Appointments are currently available!
⚠️ Important: Choosing the Right Clinic Is Up to You
Since this is an important procedure aimed at addressing your concerns, we encourage you to make a decision you won’t regret by carefully considering multiple clinics and choosing a physician and clinic you truly feel confident in.
🚨 Watch Out for These Warning Signs!
- ❌ The clinic pressures you to undergo treatment or sign a contract on your very first visit.
- ❌ During the consultation, risks such as swelling or discomfort associated with the treatment are not adequately explained.
- ❌ Due to treatment limitations, a multi-session plan (e.g., two sessions) is recommended at a non-standard price instead of a single-session option.
- ❌ You visit expecting affordable pricing, but during the consultation you are presented with various plans and high-cost treatments. What you thought would be a budget of tens of thousands of yen ends up becoming hundreds of thousands.
⚠️ At Our Clinic
✅ We never engage in aggressive sales tactics
✅ We provide thorough explanations of all risks
✅ Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
✅ Treatment proceeds only once you are fully satisfied
💎 About HIFU Treatment
HIFU stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. It is a non-surgical lifting treatment that delivers focused ultrasound energy to targeted points deep within the skin, stimulating collagen regeneration and producing a tightening effect from within.
✨ Conditions Suitable for HIFU Treatment
🔬 Types of HIFU Devices
In addition to the “Ultraformer III” used at our clinic, other HIFU devices on the market include “Ulthera,” “Doublo,” “SonoQueen,” and “Ultracel Q+.” Given our foundation in insurance-based medicine, we have selected the “Ultraformer III” for its attention to patient comfort and its balance of safety and noticeable results.
🇺🇸 Ulthera
An American-made device that has received FDA clearance in the United States. It is the only HIFU medical device with confirmed lifting and safety profiles through this regulatory process.
| Treatment Area | Face |
|---|---|
| Irradiation Method | Point irradiation |
| Irradiation Temperature | 65°C |
| Irradiation Time (Full Face) | 30–60 minutes |
| Advantages | ・Confirmed safety and efficacy profile through FDA clearance |
| Disadvantages | ・May involve notable discomfort |
| Duration of Results | 6 months – 1 year |
🇰🇷 Doublo Gold
A Korean-made device and the latest model in the Doublo series.
| Treatment Area | Face, body |
|---|---|
| Irradiation Method | Linear irradiation |
| Irradiation Temperature | 55–60°C |
| Irradiation Time (Full Face) | 8 minutes |
| Advantages | ・Minimal discomfort・Short treatment time |
| Disadvantages | ・Lower heat temperature means relatively less collagen stimulation |
| Duration of Results | 1–2 months |
🇰🇷 SonoQueen
Developed by Korean manufacturer NewPong, this device is capable of precise irradiation to delicate areas such as around the eyes, below the brows, and around the mouth.
| Treatment Area | Face |
|---|---|
| Irradiation Method | Point irradiation |
| Irradiation Temperature | 60–70°C |
| Irradiation Time (Full Face) | 30 minutes |
| Advantages | ・Can target fine areas such as around the eyes and mouth |
| Disadvantages | ・Shorter duration of results |
| Duration of Results | 1–2 months |
🇰🇷 Ultracel Q+ Linear
The latest model in the Ultracel Q+ series, featuring wider area coverage and a shorter irradiation time.
| Treatment Area | Face, body |
|---|---|
| Irradiation Method | Linear irradiation |
| Irradiation Temperature | 58°C |
| Irradiation Time (Full Face) | 8 minutes |
| Advantages | ・Short irradiation time・Skin-improving effect・Minimal discomfort・Usable on the body |
| Disadvantages | ・Lower heat temperature means relatively less collagen stimulation |
| Duration of Results | 1–2 months |
⭐ Ultraformer III
🏆 Used at Our Clinic 🏆
Developed by Korean manufacturer CLASSYS. It also offers a “HIFU Shower” mode, which uses lower power to deliver rapid, shallow irradiation, providing a safe treatment with minimal discomfort that aims to firm the skin and improve skin quality.
| Treatment Area | Face, body |
|---|---|
| Irradiation Method | Point irradiation |
| Irradiation Temperature | 65–75°C |
| Irradiation Time (Full Face) | 30 minutes |
| Advantages | ・Minimal discomfort with a high safety profile ・Wide range of depth patterns allows treatment of various areas |
| Disadvantages | ・Less widely available |
| Duration of Results | 1–2 months |
⚖️ Comparison with Other Treatments
| Ultraformer III (HIFU) ✨ Recommended by Our Clinic | Face Lift (Surgical Incision) | |
|---|---|---|
| Scarring | None | Incision line behind the ear |
| Discomfort | Minimal | Present |
| Swelling | Minimal | Up to approx. 2 weeks |
| Anesthesia | Not required | Required |
| Treatment Time | Up to 30 minutes | Up to 2 hours |
| Duration of Results | 6–12 months | 5 years |
💡 Ultraformer III May Be Right for You If You:
✅ Prefer to avoid surgery
✅ Cannot take time off for downtime
✅ Are sensitive to discomfort
✅ Would like to notice results in a relatively short time
✅ Are looking to keep costs manageable
🌟 IC Clinic’s Sagging & Lifting Treatment
with the “Ultraformer III”
😊 Minimal Discomfort
The “Ultraformer III” can deliver irradiation across a range of depth patterns, enabling rapid, shallow treatment. This makes it possible to perform a safe procedure with minimal discomfort.
⚡ Lifting Effect You Can Notice Promptly
The HIFU Shower—a signature feature of the “Ultraformer III”—is a menu option designed to firm the skin and help improve skin quality, with effects that many patients notice in a relatively short time.
🎯 Versatile Treatment Across Multiple Areas Thanks to a Wide Range of Depth Patterns
With the “Ultraformer III,” a wide selection of cartridges allows us to target specific tissue layers with precision, enabling us to address a broader range of areas and individual concerns compared to conventional approaches.
📝 Treatment Flow at Our Clinic
| ① 💬 Consultation We take the time to listen carefully to your concerns. |
| ② 👨⚕️ Physician Assessment A specialist physician will recommend a treatment plan suited to your needs. |
| ③ 🧴 Treatment Preparation We prepare your skin for the procedure. |
| ④ ✨ Treatment with Ultraformer III A comfortable procedure lasting approximately 30 minutes. |
| ⑤ 📋 Post-Treatment Explanation We provide thorough aftercare guidance. |
⏰ About Treatment Duration
From consultation to completion of the procedure, the total time is approximately 60–90 minutes.
Feel free to stop by on your way home from work or while out shopping!
💰 Pricing for Sagging Treatment at Our Clinic
Pricing for sagging treatment at our clinic varies depending on the number of sessions and treatment area. Please see the Sagging & Lifting price list for details.
🎉 Now Is a Great Time to Start Sagging Treatment!
✨ Consultations with specialist physicians are available now
🏥 Just a 2-minute walk from Ueno Station
💳 Transparent pricing for peace of mind
⏰ We encourage you to book early!
📞 Phone reservations and enquiries are also welcome.
💬 If you have any questions or concerns, no matter how small, please feel free to get in touch.
