Written & reviewed by Dr Tan Ying Zhou (Dr YZ Tan) | Last reviewed: Junw 2026
Ultrasound energy-based treatments have been around for many years. In today’s market, there are a plethora of devices and establishments offering similar services at varying prices with the same touted benefits as a HIFU treatment. This leaves many unclear of the differences and how to choose the right treatment.
To help you understand the differences better, here are five essential things you should know:
There are many different brands of machines for HIFU treatments in the market. In Singapore, only medical clinics offer HSA-approved medical-grade ultrasound procedures performed by a doctor. Mizu carries both Ulthera and Ultraformer HIFU, popular medical-grade HIFU devices that are safe and effective with established clinical research and backing.
Mizu carries both Ulthera and Ultraformer III, popular High Intensity Focused Ultrasound devices registered with HSA Singapore as medical devices
The Ultraformer III, also known as “Shurink”, is the most popular HIFU machine from South Korea. Other than the usual 1.5mm, 3mm and 4.5mm handpieces like with Ulthera, the Ultraformer III also comes with additional handpieces to target more areas. The 2mm handpiece is designed for the eye and brow, while the 6mm handpiece targets double chin, arms and bra areas. We use the 9mm and 13mm handpieces for body treatments around the tummy, flanks and inner thigh.
Both Ulthera and Ultraformer III deliver similarly good results when done properly. While Ulthera remains the pioneer brand with a global following, the Ultraformer III is a slightly faster procedure and is more comfortable, although it utilises more shots than Ulthera which is considered slightly stronger in power.
The amount of power delivered however, ultimately depends on the energy settings and number of shots used. During your consultation, your doctor will be able to advise on the best course of treatment for you.
There is no one-size-fits-all regime for HIFU treatments. Your doctor should conduct a thorough assessment of your face and concerns before customising a treatment plan for you according to your face shape and desired outcomes. Different parts of your face will require different power settings, treatment depths and number of shots to be administered for optimum results. There should never be a fixed number of shots for everyone. An individual’s treatment plan can differ greatly from another.
Watch the video to see how our doctors customise a HIFU treatment!
The treatment area and concerns in these target regions will determine the number of shots required. It is essential that your doctor uses sufficient shots to achieve the best results. Areas with heavier volume or more fats will require more shots as compared to areas with less volume.
As a rule of thumb, a full face treatment requires an average of 800 to 900 shots. Every face is different and HIFU should not be a fixed protocol for everyone.
A proper procedure at power settings that deliver good results will inevitably be uncomfortable to some degree. A painless or low-powered HIFU treatment does not generate enough energy to deliver efficient results. Simply put – no pain, no gain.
When in doubt, always consult your doctor on your concerns and find out how you can optimise your treatment with minimal discomfort.
Dr YZ Tan, Medical Director of Mizu Aesthetic, notes:
“The nerve block is one of the most important parts of how we perform HIFU at Mizu, and it is only possible because the procedure is done by a doctor. What it allows us to do is deliver energy at the levels that actually produce results, without asking the patient to simply tolerate the discomfort. I have seen patients who had HIFU elsewhere described as painless and noticed very little change afterwards. That is usually a sign the energy was reduced to manage comfort rather than for clinical reasons. With a proper nerve block, we do not have to make that compromise.”
With countless advertisements for HIFU across medical establishments and even beauty salons, how do you know if you are doing the right HIFU treatment? Our doctors give the lowdown on common misconceptions and claims surrounding HIFU.
The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist before starting any new skincare routine or treatment, especially if you have existing skin conditions or concerns. Results may vary from person to person, and individual needs may require different approaches.
Dr Tan Ying Zhou, known as Dr YZ Tan, is the founder and Medical Director of Mizu Aesthetic Clinic.
His journey into aesthetics began with a medical degree from St. George’s, University of London, followed by an internship in Dermatology at the National Taiwan University Hospital.
Some of his favourite aesthetic procedures include nose augmentation and anti-ageing solutions, and he also serves as a trainer for emerging aesthetic doctors.
His philosophy revolves around personalised treatments tailored to each individual’s ageing concerns, aiming to transform the ageing process gracefully into a pleasant journey towards confidence and wellness.
