Non-surgical facelifts have never been more advanced — or more accessible. And at Body Catalyst, two of our most popular technologies for lifting and tightening the face are RF Skin Tightening and HIFU Non-Surgical Facelift.

Both are powerful. Both stimulate collagen. Both help restore firmness.
But they work in very different ways — and choosing the right one depends on whether your main concern is skin laxity, loss of facial volume, softening jawline definition, or deep structural sagging.

This guide breaks everything down clearly so you can make a confident choice about your skin.

Sneak Peek

Here’s what you’ll learn in the next few minutes:

• RF heats the superficial dermal layers to tighten loose, crepey skin.

• HIFU works much deeper, targeting the SMAS — the same layer treated in surgical facelifts.

• RF = gradual tightening and glow.

• HIFU = lifting, contouring and more dramatic definition.

• One is not “better” than the other — they address different layers of ageing.

• We’ll show you exactly how to match the right treatment to your goals.

What Causes Facial Skin to Sag?

As natural collagen and elastin decline, two things happen:

1. The Skin Surface Loosens

Fine lines, crepiness and mild laxity appear — especially around the eyes, cheeks and jawline.

2. Deeper Structural Support Weakens

The SMAS layer (the foundational support structure of the face, aka the muscle layer) begins to drop, creating jowls, heaviness, and loss of contour.

This is why some people benefit more from surface tightening (RF), while others need deeper lifting (HIFU).

RF Skin Tightening: What It Does Best

RF Skin Tightening uses radio frequency heat, warming the dermis to approximately 40–45°C — a temperature scientifically shown to stimulate collagen and elastin production without damaging the skin’s surface.

How RF Works

• Delivers gentle heat into the superficial and mid-dermis

• Stimulates collagen remodelling

• Tightens mild to moderate laxity

• Improves overall skin texture

Best For

• Early signs of laxity

• Crepey skin

• Fine lines

• Dullness or lack of plumpness

• Clients wanting a comfortable, zero-downtime treatment

What It Feels Like

A warm, relaxing sensation — many clients describe it as a “hot stone massage for the face.”

Results Timeline

• Immediate feeling of tightness

• Full results build over 6–12 weeks

• Usually recommended in a series of sessions for best results

HIFU Non-Surgical Facelift: What It Does Best

HIFU doesn’t just heat the surface. It delivers precise ultrasound energy to deeper layers — including the SMAS layer, the layer surgeons target during a surgical-facelift.

How HIFU Works

• Targets the different layers of the dermis + SMAS layer at 1.5mm, 3mm, and 4.5mm depths

• Encourages collagen regeneration through controlled thermal coagulations

• Tightens & lifts from within

• Triggers collagen remodelling for up to 12 weeks

Best For

• Moderate laxity

• Loss of jawline definition

• Heavy cheeks

• Jowls

• Under-chin heaviness

• Non-surgical facelift results

What It Feels Like

Mild tingling or heat beneath the skin. Completely tolerable for most clients.

Results Timeline

• Initial tightening from immediate tissue contraction

• Full results build at 8–12 weeks

• Usually requires 1–3 sessions depending on severity

The Clickable Comparison: RF vs HIFU

A quick, clear snapshot to help you decide:

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Here’s how we typically guide clients:

Choose RF Skin Tightening if you want:

• Softer, smoother skin

• A tighter under-eye area

• A plumper, fresher texture

• A relaxing treatment with no downtime

• Support during early signs of ageing

Choose HIFU if you want:

• A sculpted jawline

• Lifted cheeks

• Reduction in jowls

• A more defined, contoured facial shape

• A deeper, more structural result

Best of all? They can work together.

Many clients see the strongest results when RF supports the surface and HIFU lifts from underneath.

Clients’ Words: Real Results, Real Confidence

HIFU — Chloe Linton-Smith

“I recently came in and had HIFU treatment … The team was so professional and made me feel comfortable. I’m already seeing changes and can’t wait to see the final results.”

 — Chloe Linton-Smith

RF + HIFU — Kaitlin Murphy

“The Body Catalyst has been such a great experience for me these past few months. My skin feels and looks so dewy when I leave. I’ve had HIFU twice and I’m really impressed with the lift and shape it’s given my face. The Radio Frequency treatment smoothes everything out — I was so impressed after just my second treatment.”

— Kaitlin Murphy

Common Questions We Hear Every Day

Will RF or HIFU make my face look “different”?

No — both treatments enhance your natural features. The result is refreshed, not artificial.

Is there downtime?

Both have zero downtime. Some mild redness is normal with both. HIFU may cause slight tenderness for a day or two.

How soon will I see results?

RF gives instant plumpness with results improving over 5 or more sessions. HIFU gives immediate results with gradual, transformative lift over 8–12 weeks.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Lift?

Choosing between RF and HIFU depends on your skin, your goals, and the depth of tightening needed. During your complimentary consultation, our Body Catalyst therapists assess your facial structure, skin quality, and ageing pattern to design a personalised plan that fits your goals.

Your most confident, lifted skin is absolutely achievable — without surgery.