In the search for a non-surgical facelift, there’s no shortage of contenders. Skin tightening for a softening jawline or sagging jowls is having a moment, and two technologies lead the pack: radiofrequency (RF) microneedling and ultrasound. Morpheus8 got everyone talking, and newer machines such as Xerf (Kim Kardashian’s hyped new favourite) and Sofwave have followed.

But it turns out there’s another machine worth knowing about: the Focus Dual, which combines RF microneedling and high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in one platform. It isn’t brand new, having been on clinic menus for a few years, but it’s quietly gaining fans — one of whom is veteran TV presenter Anthea Turner, 66.

 

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“Focus Dual is relatively low-key,” say Alice Hart-Davis, founder of The Tweakments Guide. “It doesn’t have a catchy name like Xerf, let alone the marketing spend that Xerf has behind it. But a course of treatment can give remarkably good results in smoothing and tightening the skin.”

Indeed, after six sessions over six months at the Bodyvie clinic in Richmond, the before-and -after photos speak are striking. Turner’s jawline looks more defined, the hollows under her eyes are softer and her skin looks brighter, with a healthy glow. The skin on her neck looks smoother, too.

She’d previously embraced Botox and fillers, but it was the loose skin on her neck and jawline that still bothered her. “You get to an age where you suddenly stand in front of the mirror and start pulling your skin tighter around your face,” she says. She wanted something that was safe and effective with little downtime and a natural finish: “I really didn’t want to come out of this looking like I’d had work done on my face.”

Image: Anthea Turner’s before and after photos

How does Focus Dual tighten your skin or lift your jaw?

Launched in 2021, Focus Dual combines two of the latest clinical technologies for non-surgical skin lifting, firming, and tightening of the face and body: radiofrequency microneedling and high intensity focused ultrasound.

As Alice Hart-Davis explains, “In RF microneedling, RF energy is fired into the skin through the holes created by microneedles that punch in and out of your face, to stimulate collagen production as the faces scrambles to repair the tiny wounds created by the needles, and the controlled damage created by the heat of the radiofrequency energy.”

“HIFU uses a different kind of energy – ultrasound – for kickstarting that collagen boost a bit deeper within the skin”.

“You have the treatments one after another, perhaps targeting different areas of the face, depending on the results your practitioner is trying to achieve. They need to be careful with that HIFU; if the heat it generates can melt fat. That may be exactly what you want under the chin, but not in the mid-face”.

In the case of Turner’s treatment plan, she didn’t have the HIFU part because the clinic decided she wasn’t a suitable candidate, due to this risk of fat loss. “I don’t want to lose the plumpness that I already have in my face,” says Turner. “I want to primarily look after my skin. If you look after your skin, everything glows.”

Who is Dual Focus good for?

Dr Raj Arora, founder of Face Bible, recommends Focus Dual for those with mild to moderate laxity, such as early jowls, a softening jawline, neck crepiness, slight brow heaviness, plus texture, pores and acne scarring. “It’s also suitable for all skin colours, which is a real advantage over many lasers”, she adds.

“But for those with significant skin excess or heavy jowls, surgery will do more.” It’s also not for anyone who is pregnant, has active acne or infection in the area, keloid scarring, a pacemaker or implanted device, or has taken isotretinoin (Roaccutane) recently.

“Most people benefit from their mid-thirties to fifties, while there’s still good collagen to stimulate. As laxity becomes more advanced, the results become more modest,” she says.

Image: Anthea Turner during her Focus Dual treatment at the Bodyvie clinic in Richmond

What can you expect in a treatment?

The treatment involves a course of six one-hour sessions on the face and neck, each a month apart.

According to Dr Raj, a session will begin with a consultation and photos, followed by cleansing and applying a numbing cream. If you’re having HIFU along the jawline, cheeks and neck, it is applied in lines through gel. Then RF microneedling is passed over the face and neck, finishing with a soothing serum and SPF.

“Many do both in one visit, with HIFU first while the skin is still intact. Others alternate across the course, for example HIFU once and RF microneedling monthly”, she explains.

In terms of pain levels, Anthea puts it at “maybe a three, if that” out of ten. You can expect some redness and pinpoint marks for up to 72 hours, and the jaw might feel tender after HIFU, says Dr Raj, but the downtime is minimal.

The results build gradually, and keep improving after the course ends. For maintenance Turner plans a top-up every 3-4 months. Dr Raj explains, “There’s an immediate glow and a slight tightening, plus some swelling that flattens the result for a few days. The real change builds over 2–3 months, with continued improvement for up to 6 months and effects lasting over a year.”

How much does it cost?

At Bodyvie, Anthea paid £500 per session so £3,000 for her course of six. Several clinics in the UK offer a series of six treatments for less than £2,500. You should also budget for maintenance sessions every 3-4 months.

Images: TV presenter Anthea Turner after and during her Focus Dual treatment

Anthea’s verdict

“It’s exactly what I wanted,” says Turner, who feels the results have far exceeded her expectations. “Not only do you get a much tighter jaw, you get a better quality of skin on your neck.”

There has been one unexpected bonus: “There have been quite a few occasions when I try to use my Freedom Pass on the bus and I have to persuade the driver that I am indeed 66!”

She recommends it to her friends, but one caveat is commitment. Results aren’t instant, so don’t expect an immediate miracle: “Don’t waste your money having three and then go, ‘Oh no, I’m not going to have any more.’ You do the course.”

And as with any tweakment, the number one rule is finding a highly credentialled, trustworthy practitioner.

Focus Dual costs from £500 per session at Bodyvie, Richmond. To find a clinic near you, visit Lynton. To find other trusted practitioners, browse The Gloss Book.