Radiofrequency microneedling and HIFU with reLift: skin rejuvenation and tightening without surgery
Want firmer, more even skin without surgery? Or treatment for scars? RF microneedling with reLift does both, with little downtime.
reLift combines two methods in one device: radiofrequency microneedling and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Microneedling works in the upper and middle layers of the skin, HIFU in the deep layers. Together they achieve more than either method on its own.
Below we explain how both methods work, who they are suitable for and what the treatment costs.
What is radiofrequency microneedling?
What is HIFU?
How does HIFU work?
What is different about reLift?
Who is RF microneedling and HIFU suitable for?
Frequently asked questions about RF microneedling and HIFU with reLift
What is radiofrequency microneedling?
Radiofrequency microneedling is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatment. Fine needles enter the skin and release heat into the deeper layers, while the top layer (epidermis) is spared. This makes it suitable for people prone to pigmentation problems and for darker skin types that can't have laser treatment.
The heat stimulates collagen and elastin. Skin becomes firmer, texture improves, and wrinkles and scars fade. We mainly use the treatment for:
- wrinkles and loss of elasticity
- enlarged pores
- acne and surgical scars
- mildly sagging skin
- pigmentation and uneven skin tone
Standard microneedling works purely mechanically. RF microneedling adds heat in the deeper layers, which stimulates regeneration more strongly.
What is HIFU?
HIFU stands for high-intensity focused ultrasound. The ultrasound heats deep layers of the skin and stimulates collagen production there.
Most cosmetic treatments only reach the upper layers of the skin. HIFU reaches the SMAS layer (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system), about 4.5 mm below the surface. This is the same layer a surgeon tightens during a facelift.
How does HIFU work?
The device focuses ultrasound energy in the deep layers of the skin. At these points the tissue reaches 65 to 80 °C, which triggers new collagen and elastin. The skin keeps tightening over several months, and the effect lasts. There are no incisions, no needles and no downtime.
What is different about reLift?
reLift has radiofrequency microneedling and HIFU in a single device. A few details:
- Treatment depth can be set in 0.1 mm steps, so we can treat fine lines differently from deep scars.
- Unlike many RF microneedling devices, reLift has a built-in vacuum that gently holds the skin in place. This makes the treatment less painful and more precise.
- Standard microneedling devices reach about 2 mm. With HIFU, reLift reaches the SMAS layer at 4.5 mm.
- Microneedling stimulates collagen in the upper and middle layers, HIFU in the deep layers, so the tightening lasts longer.
- Because the energy is dosed precisely and delivered at a set depth, skin heals faster than with comparable treatments.
Who is RF microneedling and HIFU suitable for?
RF microneedling is suitable for:
- sagging skin or wrinkles
- acne scars or surgical scars
- enlarged pores or uneven skin
The combination with HIFU suits anyone looking for a non-surgical alternative to a facelift. It also works for stretch marks and loose skin on the body.
HIFU alone suits people who want tighter skin without surgery and with no downtime.
Frequently asked questions about RF microneedling and HIFU with reLift
Is the treatment painful?
Thanks to the vacuum, most patients only feel a slight tingling or warmth. Numbing cream or cold-air cooling makes it more comfortable.
How long does a session take?
Between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the area. We allow 60 minutes for the face.
How is HIFU different from RF microneedling?
RF microneedling uses fine needles in the middle layer of the skin. It stimulates collagen there and is also used to treat scars. HIFU uses ultrasound instead of needles and goes deeper, into the SMAS layer, so the lifting effect is stronger.
After RF microneedling the skin is slightly red for one to two days. HIFU alone has no downtime. Both methods can be combined in one treatment plan.
When will I see results?
Many patients see an improvement right after RF microneedling. The full effect shows four to six weeks after the last session, once new collagen has formed. With HIFU it takes two to three months. Both work gradually, so the results look natural.
How many sessions are needed?
We usually recommend four sessions, three to four weeks apart. Some patients need more.
What does the treatment cost?
It depends on the area. RF microneedling for the face costs EUR 550 per session, or EUR 715 with HIFU. We recommend four sessions. The package costs EUR 1,870 for RF microneedling and EUR 2,430 with HIFU.
We can also treat single areas, such as the eyes, neck, the area around the mouth or the décolleté.
What happens during the treatment?
Please arrive 30 minutes early. We photograph your face with a special aesthetic camera so we can compare the results over time. Then we apply a numbing cream, which needs some time to work.
Next we disinfect the area and remove the cream. If you have booked HIFU, we do that first, followed by RF microneedling. To finish, we apply antioxidants, vitamins, a soothing mask and sunscreen.
How long do the results last?
About 6 to 12 months. Regular top-up treatments make them last longer.
Can reLift be combined with other aesthetic treatments?
Yes. reLift works well with biostimulators and laser treatments. The order matters: reLift first, then fillers or other injectables. We will work out a plan that suits you. You can find more on combination treatments here.
What should I do after the treatment?
No sunbathing for 2 weeks
Gentle skincare and plenty of moisture
No make-up for 24 hours
No sauna or intense exercise for 48 hours
I would like to have the treatment. How do I go about it?
Email our reception or book directly in our booking tool.
Why reLift at Medizin am Hauptbahnhof in Vienna?
Collagen stimulation at two depths with RF and HIFU
Works deeper than standard microneedling
Little downtime
A non-surgical alternative to a facelift
Less pain thanks to the vacuum
Introductory offer: radiofrequency microneedling with or without HIFU
Your first treatment is half price. After that, you decide whether to continue. You don't have to book any further sessions.
For good, long-lasting results we usually recommend four treatments, three to four weeks apart. The regular package price is EUR 1,870 without HIFU and EUR 2,430 with HIFU.
Try it first, then decide
Four sessions take time and money. Many patients want to know first how the treatment feels, how well they tolerate it and whether the discomfort is manageable for them. That's why the first session is half price:
Radiofrequency microneedling without HIFU: EUR 275 instead of EUR 550
Radiofrequency microneedling with HIFU: EUR 357.50 instead of EUR 715
After your first appointment, take your time deciding whether you want more sessions.
What if you go for the full course?
You keep the discount on your first session. For the three remaining treatments, we also apply our regular 15% package discount for a course of four. That makes EUR 1,677.50 in total for all four treatments without HIFU, or EUR 2,180.75 with HIFU.
Book your appointment