How to Choose the Right HIFU Cartridge

The core selection rules are based on device compatibility, penetration depth (treatment layer), target body area, clinical goal, shot count, and HIFU generation type (2D/4D/7D/12D).

Common HIFU Cartridge Depths

Skin Layer Target Diagram

1. First Check: Device Compatibility (Most Critical)

Confirm your HIFU machine model (2D/4D/7D/12D/Ultraformer) + connector port + firmware lock: many devices only support original/designated brand cartridges; mismatched probes cause no energy output, burn risks or machine damage.
Match the cartridge interface shape, cable pin definition, and system software recognition.
Never use cross-brand uncertified cartridges if your device has firmware encryption.

2. Select by Penetration Depth (Core Standard)

Each depth targets a specific skin tissue layer for different effects:

Facial & Neck Cartridges (1.5mm / 3.0mm / 4.5mm)

Depth	Target Tissue	Main Uses	Treatment Areas
1.5mm	Superficial Dermis	Fine line smoothing, pore refinement, superficial collagen regeneration, delicate anti-aging	Around eyes, mouth, forehead, crow’s feet, thin sensitive facial skin
3.0mm	Deep Dermis	Overall skin tightening, improve nasolabial folds, mild facial sagging, neck laxity	Cheeks, neck, décolletage, jawline mild looseness
4.5mm	SMAS Layer (facial lifting layer)	Structural facial lifting, improve jowls, heavy sagging, brow lift	Full face, jawline, double chin, lower face severe laxity

Body Contouring Cartridges (6.0mm / 8.0mm / 13.0mm)

For fat reduction + deep skin tightening on thick adipose areas:

6.0mm: Subcutaneous shallow fat → double chin, upper arms, small loose body areas
8.0mm: Medium subcutaneous fat → abdomen, love handles, inner thighs
13.0mm: Deep fat layer → lower abdomen, outer thighs, buttocks, large body contouring areas

3. Choose by Treatment Area & Skin Thickness

Thin delicate skin (eye, lip, forehead): Only use 1.5mm cartridge with low energy to avoid nerve/burn injury
Medium facial skin (cheek, neck): 3.0mm for tightening; combine with 4.5mm for lifting
Thick sagging facial tissue (jaw, jowl): Must use 4.5mm SMAS cartridge for fundamental lifting
Body areas with thick fat: Start from shallow (6mm) to deep (13mm) cartridges, never use facial 1.5/3/4.5mm probes on body parts

4. Select by Clinical Treatment Goal

Anti-aging, brightening, fine wrinkle removal: 1.5mm
Skin texture improvement, mild tightening: 3.0mm
Face lifting, anti-sagging, contour shaping: 4.5mm
Local fat melting + body tightening: 6/8/13mm body cartridges

5. Key Secondary Selection Factors

(1) Total Shot Count (Service Lifespan)

Common shot specs: 8,000 shots / 10,000 shots / 20,000 shots / 30,000 shots

Home use / small salon: choose 8,000–20,000 shots per cartridge
High-volume professional clinic: pick 30,000-shot cartridges to reduce frequent replacement cost ⚠️ Once total shots are exhausted, the transducer fails to deliver stable energy—must replace to avoid ineffective treatment or skin burns.

(2) HIFU Generation Type (2D/4D/7D/12D/22D)

2D HIFU: Single-row fixed-point shots; economical, basic facial tightening
4D/7D HIFU: Multi-line simultaneous shots, faster treatment, uniform energy, most popular for clinics
12D/22D HIFU: More focal points, wider coverage, less pain, suitable for large facial/body areas

Must buy cartridges matching your machine’s dimensional version (cannot mix 2D & 7D cartridges).

(3) Frequency Parameter

Facial cartridges usually use 4–7MHz (high frequency, shallow precise penetration);

Body cartridges adopt 2MHz low frequency (deep penetration for thick fat tissue).

6. Standard Matching Combination Reference

Basic Facial Package: 1.5mm + 3.0mm + 4.5mm (covers all facial anti-aging & lifting demands)
Face + Small Body: 1.5/3.0/4.5/6.0mm
Full Salon Face & Body Set: 1.5/3.0/4.5/6.0/8.0/13.0mm

Safety Selection Taboos

Never use deep body cartridges (8/13mm) on the face: will damage facial nerves, muscles and cause permanent indentation
Do not use shallow 1.5mm cartridge for severe sagging: no lifting effect, only superficial tightening
Replace expired/shot-exhausted cartridges strictly; do not reset shot counts forcibly
Avoid third-party incompatible cartridges to prevent safety accidents and machine warranty void