Ultraformer MPT in Singapore
The CLASSYS Ultraformer MPT is the focused-ultrasound (HIFU) device used at IN Eternity Clinic. It places heat at set depths under the skin, including the SMAS layer, without incisions and with little downtime for most people. Depths and lines are mapped to your face by Medical Director Dr Sin Yong. For an overview of all HIFU options, see HIFU in Singapore.
- Doctor-performed
- CLASSYS Ultraformer MPT
- Little downtime for most
- DEKA Centre of Excellence
Assessment with Dr Sin Yong · Mon–Sat 11am–8pm · Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road
The short answer
What does HIFU actually do, and is it right for me?
HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) converges ultrasound energy into tiny heated points at set depths under the skin — typically 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm on the face — while the surface stays intact. The 4.5 mm depth reaches the SMAS, the supportive layer tightened in a surgical facelift. The heat contracts tissue and starts a collagen-remodelling response that builds over two to three months. It suits mild to moderate laxity along the jawline, jowls, cheeks and under the chin. It does not remove fat in large amounts, change bone structure or replace surgery for heavy sagging, which is why Dr Sin Yong assesses the cause first.
What HIFU treats
Where HIFU helps most
In published studies of Asian patients, the jawline, cheeks and the area around the mouth showed the clearest change. These are also the concerns people most often bring to IN Eternity Clinic.
Jowls and a softening jawline
Tightening the SMAS and deep dermis along the jaw can sharpen the jawline contour in early to moderate laxity.
Cheek descent and smile lines
Lifting support in the midface can soften the deepening of nasolabial folds that comes with tissue descent.
Submental laxity
Loose skin under the chin can tighten; where the fullness is mainly fat or a short jaw, other tools are discussed.
Brow and upper-eye heaviness
Superficial depths can tighten skin around the brow and eyes, with lines placed to protect sensitive structures.
Crepey neck skin
Shallower cartridges tighten the thinner skin of the neck, often as part of a full lower-face plan.
Prevention and upkeep
Periodic sessions are used to maintain firmness in people with early laxity who want to delay more involved treatment.
Key facts
Eight things worth knowing before HIFU
- Energy focused below the surfaceHIFU brings ultrasound to a focal point, creating small thermal coagulation zones beneath the skin while leaving the surface undisturbed.
- Depth decides the targetOn the face, 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm cartridges work in the dermis, while 4.5 mm reaches the SMAS — the layer repositioned in a surgical facelift.
- Results build graduallyThe initial contraction is followed by collagen remodelling over roughly two to three months, so the full effect is seen later rather than on the day.
- Moderate, not surgical, changeA meta-analysis of 17 studies (477 participants) found HIFU safe in the short term with a moderate effect on face and neck rejuvenation.
- Most measurable in the lower faceA 2025 systematic review of 45 studies reported measurable skin-laxity improvement, most notably in the lower face, neck and around the eyes.
- Evidence in Asian skinIn Korean patients treated across seven facial areas, the jawline, cheeks and perioral area showed the most improvement, with mild and transient side effects.
- It is not a fat or bone treatmentHIFU tightens tissue. Heavy fat, a retruded chin or bony jaw shape need different approaches, so the cause of a soft jawline is diagnosed first.
- Side effects are usually briefRedness, swelling and tenderness are common and settle quickly; nerve irritation, bruising and burns are uncommon and relate closely to technique and settings.
HIFU is a tightening treatment — not a fat treatment and not a bone treatment. When a jawline is soft because of structure, more lines will not fix it, and I would rather say so at the consultation than after the session.
IN Eternity Clinic was designated a DEKA Centre of Excellence by DEKA and NeoAsia in July 2026.
Who treats you
Assessed and treated by Medical Director Dr Sin Yong
Dr Sin Yong assesses what is causing the laxity, decides whether HIFU is the right tool, and maps the depths and number of lines for your face. He is an International Key Opinion Leader for CLASSYS, the maker of Ultraformer, and is regularly invited to share his clinical expertise on non-surgical lifting with physicians in the region.
- MBBS, National University of Singapore
- MRCS, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
- MSc Aesthetic Medicine, University of London
- MSc Practical Dermatology, Cardiff University
International Key Opinion Leader · CLASSYS · HIRONIC · DEKA · ALMA · FOTONA · LUTRONIC
How it works at IN Eternity
From first message to a firmer jawline
WhatsApp us
Tell us what you would like to improve. Our team arranges an assessment at Pacific Plaza, Orchard Road.
Laxity assessment
Dr Sin Yong examines skin quality, fat, bone support and the degree of sagging to confirm HIFU is suitable.
Depth mapping
Cartridges and line counts are planned per zone. The plan and cost are explained before treatment.
Treatment and review
A full face takes about 30–60 minutes. Results are reviewed as collagen builds over the following months.
HIFU vs other lifting options
HIFU compared with radiofrequency and surgical facelift
HIFU is one of several ways to address laxity. The right choice depends on how much sagging there is, where it sits and how much downtime is acceptable.
| HIFU (Ultraformer MPT) | Monopolar radiofrequency (e.g. VF Lift – Vertical Facelift) | Surgical facelift | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy / method | Focused ultrasound at fixed depths | Radiofrequency heating of a broader tissue volume | Surgical repositioning of SMAS and skin |
| Depth reached | Dermis to SMAS (1.5–4.5 mm on the face) | Dermis and fibrous septae | Deep structural layers |
| Downtime | Minimal for most | Minimal for most | Weeks |
| Suited to | Mild–moderate laxity, jawline and jowls | Skin tightening and overall firmness | Advanced sagging and excess skin |
| Degree of change | Moderate, gradual | Moderate, gradual | Largest, most durable |
General comparison. IN Eternity Clinic’s VF Lift – Vertical Facelift is a separate protocol that runs on Volnewmer radiofrequency; it does not use HIFU.
The technology
Why the platform and the depth plan matter
Ultraformer MPT
A focused-ultrasound platform with interchangeable cartridges for different depths. MPT (micro-pulsed technology) divides energy into finer pulses, which is designed to improve comfort and allow denser coverage.
Depth by zone, not one setting
Deeper cartridges are used where there is enough tissue over bone; superficial cartridges are used for thinner skin around the eyes and neck. Line counts follow the anatomy of each area.
What to expect
Sessions, comfort and results
| Session length | About 30–60 minutes for the full face and neck; shorter for single areas |
| Comfort | Brief deep warmth or tingling along bony areas; numbing cream can be applied. In studies, average pain was around 4 out of 10 |
| Downtime | Most people return to work the same day. Mild redness, swelling or tenderness can last hours to a few days |
| Number of sessions | Often one session, with periodic maintenance; some plans use a series |
| When results show | Some tightening early on, with gradual improvement over 2–3 months as collagen remodels |
| How long it lasts | Varies with age, skin and lifestyle; maintenance is typically discussed at around the one-year mark |
| Aftercare | Gentle skin care and sun protection; avoid heavy facial massage for a few days |
Typical ranges only. Your own plan, number of sessions and cost are set at consultation after assessment.
Suitability & safety
Who HIFU suits — and when we wait
Usually a good fit
- Mild to moderate laxity of the jawline, jowls or cheeks
- Early loosening under the chin or on the neck
- Adults wanting gradual change without surgery or downtime
- Maintenance after previous lifting treatments
Treated with caution or deferred
- Pregnancy
- Active skin infection, open wounds or severe acne in the area
- Metal implants or recent filler in the treatment zone (reviewed individually)
- Advanced sagging with significant excess skin — surgical opinion discussed
- Very low facial fat, where deep cartridges may hollow the face
Possible effects include redness, swelling, tenderness, temporary numbness or bruising, and rarely nerve irritation or superficial burns. These are discussed at your assessment.
MPT mode or classic cartridges: what is the difference?
The Ultraformer MPT has two ways of delivering energy along a line. In normal (classic) mode, the cartridge lays down discrete thermal coagulation points in a dot pattern, as earlier Ultraformer generations did. In MP (micro-pulsed) mode, energy is split into many finer pulses that heat the target zone more broadly and evenly along the line. CLASSYS states that MP mode delivers energy about 2.5 times faster than normal mode.
In practice the two are complementary. Dot mode concentrates energy at specific points, which suits the deeper structural layer along the jaw and lower cheek. MP mode spreads heat more evenly and tends to feel gentler, which suits the dermis and more sensitive areas. Dr Sin Yong selects the mode cartridge by cartridge and zone by zone, rather than using one setting for the whole face.
Which cartridge depth is used where?
| Depth | Layer reached | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 mm | Superficial dermis | Around the eyes, forehead, fine crepiness |
| 2.0 mm | Mid dermis | Thin skin of the neck and around the mouth |
| 3.0 mm | Deep dermis | Cheeks, under the chin, neck |
| 4.5 mm | SMAS | Jawline, jowls, lower cheeks |
| 6.0, 9.0, 13 mm | Fat layers of the body | Abdomen, flanks, thighs, where tissue is thick enough |
Deeper cartridges are only used where there is enough tissue between skin and bone; over thin areas a shallower cartridge is chosen even if the aim is lifting. CLASSYS also makes booster cartridges designed for ultrasound-assisted delivery of topical products, which are separate from lifting treatment.
Does Ultraformer MPT hurt? Comfort and numbing
Most people feel brief, deep warmth or a prickle with each pulse, strongest over bone at the jawline, chin and temples and with the 4.5 mm cartridge. Numbing cream is applied for 30 to 45 minutes beforehand, and MP mode is used where it helps comfort. Energy is adjusted as the session goes on according to how each area feels, and you can ask for a pause at any time.
Afterwards the skin may be pink and slightly swollen for a few hours, and the jaw can feel tender to touch, like a mild bruise, for a few days. Make-up can usually be worn the next day.
How many Ultraformer sessions, and how far apart?
There are two common approaches. One is a single fuller session, reviewed at two to three months, with maintenance at around six to twelve months. The other uses two or three lighter sessions about four to six weeks apart, which some people find more comfortable and which suits thinner faces. Both rely on the same collagen-remodelling response.
Deep 4.5 mm treatment is not repeated before the previous session has had time to remodel. Your age, skin thickness, degree of laxity and how you responded before decide the plan. See the HIFU cost guide for how sessions affect cost.
More questions answered
What is the difference between Ultraformer III and Ultraformer MPT?
Both are CLASSYS focused-ultrasound platforms. Ultraformer MPT adds the micro-pulsed (MP) mode alongside the classic dot mode, supports a wider range of face and body cartridges, and uses lighter handpieces. The principle of heating small points at set depths to tighten tissue is the same.
Is MP mode less effective because it is faster?
Not necessarily. MP mode distributes energy differently, as many finer pulses heating the target zone more evenly, rather than as fewer concentrated points. Each mode suits different layers and areas. What matters is that depth, energy and line count are matched to the anatomy, which is why both modes are often used in one session.
Can Ultraformer be used around the eyes?
Yes, with the shallow 1.5 mm cartridge and lines placed on the bony rim, away from the eyeball and eyelid margin. It can tighten crepey skin and lift the outer brow a little. It does not remove fat bags under the eyes, which need a different approach.
Can I have HIFU after fillers?
Usually, with timing planned. Many doctors prefer to place HIFU before filler or leave a gap of a few weeks after filler in the same area, and to avoid deep energy directly over fresh product. Dr Sin Yong checks what you have had and where before mapping the lines.
References
- Laubach HJ, Makin IRS, Barthe PG, Slayton MH, Manstein D. Intense focused ultrasound: evaluation of a new treatment modality for precise microcoagulation within the skin. Dermatol Surg 2008;34(5):727-734. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2008.34196.x
- Fabi SG. Noninvasive skin tightening: focus on new ultrasound techniques. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2015;8:47-52. doi:10.2147/CCID.S69118
These sources describe mechanisms and general evidence. They are not a promise of any individual result; suitability is decided at an in-person assessment.
Questions patients ask
HIFU treatment FAQ
How long do HIFU results last?
Results develop over two to three months as collagen remodels and commonly last around a year, depending on age, skin quality and lifestyle. Maintenance sessions are used to sustain the effect.
Is there downtime after HIFU?
Most people return to normal activities the same day. Mild redness, swelling or tenderness can last from a few hours to a few days.
Does HIFU hurt?
It feels like brief deep warmth or tingling, most noticeable over bony areas. Numbing cream can be used. In pooled studies the average pain score was around 4 out of 10.
How many HIFU sessions do I need?
Many people need one session, followed by maintenance. The plan depends on the degree of laxity and the areas treated, and is set at assessment.
What is the difference between HIFU and Ultherapy?
Both focus ultrasound energy under the skin. Ultherapy is a specific branded system with on-screen ultrasound imaging; HIFU is the broader category, which includes platforms such as the CLASSYS Ultraformer MPT used at IN Eternity Clinic.
Can HIFU get rid of a double chin?
HIFU can tighten loose skin under the chin, but it is not primarily a fat-removal treatment and cannot change jaw or chin structure. The cause of the fullness is assessed first.
Is HIFU safe for Asian skin?
Because the energy is focused beneath the surface, pigment complications are uncommon. Studies in Asian patients report mainly mild, temporary redness, swelling and bruising.
How much does HIFU cost in Singapore?
Cost depends on the areas treated, the number of lines and whether HIFU is combined with other treatments. IN Eternity Clinic confirms the plan and cost at consultation.
Who performs HIFU at IN Eternity Clinic?
Assessment and treatment planning are carried out by Medical Director Dr Sin Yong, who maps the depths and lines for your face.
Book your assessment
Find out if HIFU is the right lift for you
A short assessment with Dr Sin Yong tells you what is causing the laxity, whether HIFU will help, and what change is realistic. WhatsApp us to arrange a time.
WhatsApp +65 8815 3008IN Eternity Clinic · 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210 · Mon–Sat 11am–8pm · [email protected]
Related at IN Eternity
References
- Ayatollahi A, et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis of safety and efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for face and neck rejuvenation. Lasers Med Sci. 2020. PubMed 32026164
- Haykal D, et al. A systematic review of high-intensity focused ultrasound in skin tightening and body contouring. Aesthet Surg J. 2025. PubMed 40184185
- Kumar V, et al. Effectiveness of HIFU therapy for nonsurgical facial and body contouring: a systematic review of prospective and experimental studies. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2023. PubMed 36730550
- Park H, et al. High-intensity focused ultrasound for the treatment of wrinkles and skin laxity in seven different facial areas. Ann Dermatol. 2015. PubMed 26719637
- Welc N, et al. High-intensity focused ultrasound: application, effects and complications. Australas J Dermatol. 2025. PubMed 40095285
Medically reviewed by Dr Sin Yong, MBBS (NUS), MRCS (Edinburgh), MSc Aesthetic Medicine (London), MSc Practical Dermatology (Cardiff) · Last reviewed 27 September 2026. This page is general information and not a substitute for an individual medical assessment. Results vary between individuals.