Does HIFU Really Work for Fat Loss?

Stubborn fat pockets in our bodies can be a concern for many, especially if you are on your weight loss journey. While liposuction stands out as a leading procedure for fat reduction, the invasive nature of the treatment means that not everyone is comfortable undergoing it.

This is where noninvasive fat reduction treatments like HIFU, or High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, have gained a lot of traction in recent times. Due to its nonsurgical nature, minimal downtime, and targeted results, HIFU has become the center of attraction.

But does HIFU work for fat loss? Is it an effective alternative to liposuction or other fat reduction treatments? This AAYNA Clinic guide will take a closer look into all the details.

What is the Science Behind HIFU?

When introduced to any new cosmetic treatment, the most common question is, “How does it work?” This is one of the common questions most of our clients have at AKARA by AAYNA.

As the name suggests, HIFU delivers focused ultrasound energy deep into the skin, targeting fat cells and stimulating collagen production. When applied to areas with stubborn fat, the high-energy waves penetrate the fat layers without damaging the skin’s surface.

According to reports, the focused ultrasound energy heats the fat cells to around 56°C to 65°C, leading to their breakdown. The disrupted fat cells are gradually removed from the body through the lymphatic system over the following weeks.

Who is a Good Candidate for HIFU Fat Loss?

Before we examine whether HIFU is a good choice for fat loss, it is essential to understand who is an ideal candidate for the procedure.

HIFU is great for individuals who:

Are close to their ideal body weight but have fat pockets that aren’t reducing even after diet and exercise.
Prefer a non-surgical approach to fat reduction.
Have realistic expectations about the results.
Are in good overall health.
Have mild to moderate skin laxity.

You should consider avoiding HIFU if:

You are obese or seeking significant weight loss
Have severe skin laxity that requires surgical intervention
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding
Have metal implants or pacemakers in the treatment area
Suffer from autoimmune disorders

Also, much like most fat loss reduction procedures, it is essential to remember that HIFU is not a weight loss procedure. So, individuals who are overweight or obese might not be ideal candidates for the procedure.

However, it is highly recommended that you get a thorough consultation with one of our specialists at AKARA by AAYNA to determine whether you are an ideal candidate.

Is HIFU Effective for Fat Reduction?

HIFU is undoubtedly an excellent option for fat reduction, provided that you first get the initial consultation, assess your candidature and then proceed.

There are ongoing research and studies that further highlight the effectiveness of the procedure.

A study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal found that patients who underwent HIFU for abdominal fat reduction experienced an average fat thickness reduction of 2–4 cm in a single session.
Another study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy showed that HIFU led to noticeable fat loss in areas like the thighs and flanks, with sustained results for up to 12 weeks post-treatment.

In short, if you wonder whether or not HIFU effectively reduces localised fat from your body, the answer is yes. However, a single session of HIFU might reduce 2-4 cm of fat, but you’d need multiple sessions to witness targeted results.

HIFU vs. Other Fat Reduction Treatments

Many people have A fairly common question regarding HIFU: comparing it with other fat reduction treatments like CoolSculpting, Radiofrequency, etc.

If you are in a similar boat, curious about how these individual treatments compare, the following are the details you need to consider:

Treatment	Mechanism	Downtime	Effectiveness	Skin tightening	Sessions required
HIFU	Ultrasound waves heat and destroy fat cells	None	Moderate to high	Yes	1-3 sessions
CoolSculpting	Freezes fat cells, causing them to break down	Minimal	Moderate	No	1-3 sessions
Radiofrequency (RF)	Uses heat to shrink fat cells and tighten skin	None	Moderate to mild	Yes	4-6 sessions
Laser lipolysis	Laser energy melts fat, which is eliminated naturally	None	Moderate	Minimal	1-2 sessions

While CoolSculpting and laser lipolysis can be effective, they do not provide skin-tightening benefits like HIFU. This explains why HIFU is often considered a more practical option than other fat-reduction treatments.

What Happens During and After A HIFU Session?

HIFU treatment starts with an initial consultation, which you must schedule with a specialist at AKARA. Depending on the assessment, the next steps in the treatment process are personalised.

Before the treatment, the area is cleansed, and a cooling gel is applied.
The HIFU device is gently pressed on the skin, following which it delivers focused ultrasound waves.
You might feel a warm or tingling sensation, but discomfort is minimal.
Every HIFU session spans between 30-90 minutes, depending on the area treated.

The best part about undergoing a HIFU session is that there is no downtime. So, once the session is over and the cooling gel is removed from your body, you are good to return to your normal tasks. You might notice some redness and mild tenderness on the treated site, but it usually resolves by itself within a few hours.

Note: The results from your HIFU session aren’t usually instant. Instead, the results develop gradually over 6-12 weeks as fat cells break down and exit the body.

How Many HIFU Sessions Are Needed for Fat Loss?

We have briefly mentioned in the beginning that one session of HIFU is usually insufficient to experience the targeted results you have been aiming for.

Instead, you need to undergo multiple sessions, usually 2-3 sessions, to notice the results. The number of sessions depends on individual fat volume and treatment goals.

For example:

Mild fat reduction: 1 session
Moderate fat loss: 2-3 sessions
Significant body contouring: 3+ sessions

Furthermore, every session is spaced 4-6 weeks apart, giving the body enough time to metabolise the fat naturally.