HIFU Machines

HIFU focuses ultrasound energy to a precise depth below the skin, where it creates tiny points of heat (thermal coagulation points) without affecting the surface. At 1.5 to 4.5 mm the energy reaches the dermis and the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), the connective layer that surgeons tighten during a face lift. The heated tissue contracts immediately and then rebuilds collagen over three to six months, which is where the lifting result comes from. Deeper cartridges (6 to 16 mm) target subcutaneous fat for body contouring.

What 3D, 4D, 5D, 7D and 12D mean

The "D" labels are marketing shorthand from the manufacturers, not a measurement. In practice they describe how many lines the handle emits per shot and how the cartridges are configured. Single-line HIFU (the original Ultherapy-style approach) places one line of points per shot and needs manual repositioning. The Winkonlaser 3D and 4D systems emit 11 lines at once (the 4D mode adds higher shot capacity per cartridge), 5D adds a third handle for body and intimate-area work, and 12D refers to a gentler multi-line handle with 360-degree annular cartridges. A 7D label on a consumer-grade unit means the same thing a 4D does on another brand. Compare lines per shot, cartridge depths and shots per cartridge instead of the number.

HIFU plus ice

Several Winkonlaser systems pair HIFU with a cooling step to reduce discomfort and swelling and speed recovery, which the manufacturer markets as HIFU + Ice. Clients still feel heat and pressure during a session, so a topical anesthetic is common for full-face work.

• Shape Tactics 7D HIFU ($1,788): focused ultrasound with multiple cartridge depths for face and body, 2-year warranty. The entry price; ask us for the spec sheet before comparing it on output.
• Winkonlaser 12D-H ($2,610): three handles, 360-degree annular cartridges at 1.5, 3.5 and 4.5 mm and 12D MPT cartridges from 1.5 to 13 mm; gentler energy for clients with lower tolerance; stationary console.
• Winkonlaser CS20+ 3D ($2,900): portable 11-line HIFU with eight cartridge depths from 1.5 to 16 mm, 25,000 shots per cartridge, water cooling, probe-rubbing operation. Standard (3 cartridges) or Pro (8 cartridges).
• Winkonlaser CS60 3D ($3,400): the console version of the 11-line platform, same depths and cartridge life, rated for about 1,200 full-face treatments per cartridge.
• Winkonlaser CS90 4D ($3,600): portable dual-handle (3D and 4D) system, up to 11 cartridges, 25,000 shots in 3D and 100,000 in 4D mode, fine lines cartridge for eyes and lips. Standard (6) or Pro (11 cartridges).
• Winkonlaser HU700 5D ($3,800): portable three-handle platform covering face, body and vaginal tightening, eight depths from 1.5 to 16 mm, 11 lines per shot. Standard (8) or Pro (13 cartridges).
• Winkonlaser HU800 5D ($4,000 to $5,100): 5D transducer system that treats superficial dermis, deep dermis and SMAS in one pass, depths 1.5 to 9 mm, 30 to 90 minute treatments.
• Winkonlaser V Max CS100 4D ($4,100): the flagship console: 11 lines per shot, 25,000 shots in 3D and 100,000 in 4D mode, fine lines cartridge, water cooling, SMAS-depth cartridges. Standard (6) or Pro (11 cartridges).

Specs to compare

Lines per shot (11 on the Winkonlaser systems vs 1 on classic machines), cartridge depths available, shots per cartridge and the replacement price, handle count (face only, or face plus body and intimate), cooling, and portable vs console. Standard vs Pro variants differ only in how many cartridges ship in the box.

• Face lifting is the service: any 11-line system with 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mm cartridges covers brow, cheek, jawline and neck. The CS20+ at $2,900 is the value pick; the CS100 is the high-volume console.
• Face and body from one machine: the HU700 (face, body, intimate handles) or the CS90 with its 4D handle and deep cartridges for abdomen, arms and thighs.
• Sensitive or older clients: the 12D-H's gentler energy and annular cartridges.
• Mobile practitioner: the portable CS20+, CS90 or HU700.
• Clinic replacing a single-line machine: the CS60 or CS100 console, where 11-line emission cuts a 60-minute face to about 30.

Candidates and results

HIFU suits clients with mild to moderate laxity who want lifting without surgery: brow, jawline, neck, under-chin and, with deep cartridges, body areas. One session produces an immediate tightening and the main result develops over three to six months as collagen rebuilds; many clinics recommend a session every 12 to 18 months. Side effects are temporary redness, swelling and tenderness. Contraindications include pregnancy, open wounds, severe acne, metal implants in the area and certain conditions; follow the manual and keep energy within the protocol.

Purchase price

$1,788 to $5,100 in this collection. The Winkonlaser consoles are $2,610 to $4,100, with Pro variants adding cartridges rather than output. Ultherapy and other branded platforms list at several times these prices with proprietary transducers.

Running costs

Cartridges are the consumable. A 25,000-shot cartridge covers roughly 1,200 full-face sessions on the 11-line systems, which puts the cartridge cost per session well under a dollar; a 100,000-shot 4D cartridge lasts longer still. Add ultrasound gel, topical anesthetic if used, and water for the cooling system. Ask us for cartridge prices and depths before you buy.

Payback

HIFU face sessions are commonly priced at $500 to $1,500 and neck or body areas at several hundred dollars, with results that last long enough to keep clients returning yearly. A $3,000 system pays back within a handful of full-face treatments. Our B2B team can run the numbers for your market.

Is this Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is a trademark of Merz, and we are not affiliated with Merz. HIFU is the technology category, and the systems here are sold under their own model names with their own specifications, warranties and documentation.

FDA status

"FDA cleared" means a specific model has completed 510(k) review for a stated indication such as brow lift or submental lift. Clearance belongs to a model, not to HIFU as a category. We are collecting documentation for each system; ask our team before you advertise a claim.

Who can operate a HIFU machine

Rules vary by state. Some treat HIFU as a medical aesthetic procedure that needs supervision; others allow trained estheticians. Check your state board before you buy. These are professional systems and are not sold for self-treatment.

Training, warranty, returns and shipping

Every machine ships with a manual and protocols; Winkonlaser includes video instructions and offers optional online training. Winkonlaser systems carry a 3-year warranty, Shape Tactics 2 years, with us as your US point of contact for cartridges and handles. Most eligible products can be returned within 30 days of delivery in original condition. Free shipping on domestic USA orders in the lower 48 states; Alaska, Hawaii and international with a quote.