Better Ageing Review – ULTRAcel – The ‘Lunchtime Facelift’ – at the Dr Rita Rakus Clinic, London

Overview

ULTRAcel is a sophisticated, non-surgical skin-tightening treatment that combines High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) with radiofrequency to target multiple layers beneath the skin’s surface. By delivering precise thermal energy deep into the dermis and SMAS layer — the same structural layer addressed in surgical facelifts — it kickstarts collagen and elastin production, gradually improving firmness, elasticity and overall skin quality.

A full face and neck treatment takes around an hour, with no downtime — a rarity in the world of high-performance aesthetics. It’s this efficiency, paired with cumulative, natural-looking results, that has cemented its ‘lunchtime facelift’ status. A course of three sessions over 9–12 months is typically advised for optimal outcomes.

The Treatment

The experience begins with a thorough skin analysis and consultation, ensuring a tailored approach. Once comfortably positioned, skin is cleansed and prepped with a conductive gel before the device is applied.

What follows is a methodical, layered treatment: ultrasound energy is delivered deep into the skin in controlled pulses, while radiofrequency works more superficially to refine texture. Each area is treated with careful lifting motions, with particular attention paid to zones prone to laxity — the jawline, cheeks and lower face.

I underwent three sessions, spaced two months apart. Notably, there was no downtime whatsoever — no redness, no irritation — allowing for an immediate return to daily life.

The Pain Factor

Discomfort is subjective, but ULTRAcel remains firmly on the tolerable end of the spectrum. My first session brought mild, fleeting twinges, most noticeable along the jawline and cheekbones. As intensity increased in subsequent treatments, so too did the sensation — a little sharper, but still entirely manageable. It’s worth noting that this deeper sensation is indicative of the treatment reaching the structural layers where collagen remodelling occurs. If you’re particularly sensitive you may want to take a mild painkiller beforehand, though I found it unnecessary.

The Results

The appeal of ULTRAcel lies in its subtlety. While there is an immediate sense of firmness post-treatment, the real transformation unfolds over the following weeks and months as collagen production accelerates. By my second session, the difference was undeniable: smoother skin, a more defined jawline, and a noticeable lift through the mid-face. The effect is not dramatic in a surgical sense — rather, it’s a polished, well-rested version of yourself.

For my final session, I opted to incorporate Baby Botox — a strategic addition that enhanced the overall refinement without compromising natural movement. The result? My skin appears fresher, firmer and quietly rejuvenated. And, as collagen continues to rebuild, the improvements only deepen with time.

The Details

Pricing reflects the clinic’s premium positioning: from £2,500 for the eye and forehead area, £3,500 for the lower face, and £4,500 for the full face, eyes and neck. Bespoke add-ons, including radiofrequency microneedling (from £1,500) and Baby Botox (from £275), allow for further tailoring.

For those seeking a non-invasive yet results-driven approach to skin tightening, ULTRAcel offers a compelling alternative — one that favours refinement over radical change, and longevity over instant gratification.

Rakus Clinic, 34 Hans Rd, London SW3 1RW