Best Ultrasound for Aesthetics: Clarius L20 HD3 vs. TodoPocus™ L20– Pros, Cons & Verdict

Over the past few months, I’ve had the chance to work with two handheld aesthetics ultrasound devices: the TodoPocus™ L20 (a new player in the market) and the well-established Clarius L20 HD3.

While the Clarius is widely known, its premium price tag always makes me wonder—could a more specialized and cost-effective alternative, like the TodoPocus™ L20, be a better fit for aesthetic practitioners?

Let’s break down how each device performs in real-world use and see which one comes out on top as the best ultrasound for aesthetics.

The Basics – Clarius L20 HD3 vs. TodoPocus™ L20 

As aesthetic professionals, we need ultrasound devices that deliver high-resolution superficial imaging for procedures like dermal filler injections, thread lifts, and vascular mapping. But let’s be honest—the ideal aesthetics ultrasound should also have:

• An ergonomic design that’s lightweight and easy to maneuver—especially for delicate facial procedures.
• User-friendly operation to streamline workflow without unnecessary complexity.

Both the Clarius L20 HD3 and TodoPocus™ L20 aim to meet these needs, but they differ in ways that can impact your daily practice. Here’s a quick spec comparison:

Feature	Clarius L20 HD3	TodoPocus™ L20
Frequency	8–20 MHz	16–20 MHz
Max Depth	4 cm	4 cm
Elements / Channels	192 elements	192 elements
Field of View	25 mm	25 mm
Dimensions	147 x 76 x 32 mm	156 x 60 x 18 mm
Weight	290 g	147 g
Doppler & Vascular Imaging	B/M, Color, Power, PW (with membership)	B/M, Color, Power, PW
Skin Imaging Presets	Yes (Available in separate “Advance aesthetics package” at $2500)	Yes (Standard)
Battery life	~60 minutes	~90 minutes
Puncture Guidance	Not available	Yes, with in-plane/out-plane guidance

1- Image Quality – The Most Important Win?

Both devices have 192 elements, ensuring excellent image resolution. However, the Clarius L20 HD3 has a broader 8–20 MHz frequency range, making it more versatile for imaging both superficial and slightly deeper structures. That said, deeper penetration isn’t the top priority in aesthetic applications.

The TodoPocus™ L20, on the other hand, is more specialized for aesthetics, focusing on a 16–20 MHz range, which is optimal for visualizing the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. This is crucial for:

• Identifying vascular structures before filler injections.
• Assessing filler placement and detecting complications.
• Improving precision in procedures like thread lifts.

2- Presets and Measurements

Presets automatically fine-tune depth, gain, and other imaging settings to optimize visualization at different tissue depths, making both examinations and procedures more efficient.

• Clarius offers an Advanced Aesthetics Package with customized presets specifically designed for plastic surgery and other aesthetic applications, along with their patented mapping technology. 

However, accessing these features requires an additional $2,500 membership, and even then, the AI-powered “T-Mode”—which overlays colors, patterns, and labels on anatomical structures in real time—is not available on the L20 HD3 model.

• TodoPocus™ L20 includes a built-in ‘skin’ preset right on its menu. The depth optimization also results in better needle guidance and improved Doppler performance at shallow depths.

Both devices come with auto-measurement tools for accurately determining length, width, and circumference during scans.

3- Probe Design & Handling

Both devices are wireless and well-designed, but my experience with their usability was quite different:

• The Clarius L20 HD3 comes with two programmable buttons, while the TodoPocus™ L20 has one. These are incredibly convenient for freezing the screen or capturing still images without needing to touch the display.
  However, at 290g, the Clarius feels noticeably heavier, which can lead to hand fatigue, especially during back-to-back procedures.
• TodoPocus™ L20 is lighter (147g)—lighter than an iPhone 16 (170g)—making it easier to hold for extended periods.
  It also has a slimmer profile (156 x 60 x 18 mm, with the handle part width only 45mm), which provides better maneuverability, especially in confined anatomical areas like the periorbital and perioral regions. 

4- Doppler & Vascular Imaging

Both the Clarius L20 HD3 and TodoPocus™ L20 come equipped with Color, Power, and Pulsed Wave (PW) Doppler modes, and both perform exceptionally well. However, there are a few key differences:

• On the Clarius L20 HD3, the PW Doppler is locked behind a membership paywall. 
• Both devices offer vascular measurement presets and needle enhancement, but TodoPocus™ L20 takes the lead with advanced puncture auxiliary functions. 

You might not think much about puncture guidance at first, but in my experience, this tool is incredibly intuitive and makes a noticeable difference in practice. Once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

It adds an extra layer of safety, reducing complication risks significantly. Moreover, the in-plane and out-of-plane guidance is invaluable for procedures that require extreme precision, such as:

• Complex hyaluronidase injections
• Thread lifts in areas with challenging vascular anatomy

5- Battery Life Comparison

A device running out of battery mid-procedure is the last thing you want in a clinic. Here’s how the two compare:

• Clarius L20 HD3 offers around 60 minutes of continuous scanning (though the manufacturer recommends limiting continuous use to 20 minutes).
  Some colleagues have reported that the device can heat up during prolonged use, which is something to keep in mind.
• TodoPocus™ L20 lasts up to 90 minutes (though continuous scanning for that long isn’t advised either). It also supports both wired and wireless charging, making it more adaptable in a busy clinic setting.

6- Software & Storage

Both devices are app-based, meaning they rely on a mobile or tablet interface rather than an integrated screen.

• Clarius App: Compatible with iOS (14+) and Android (11+).
• TodoPocus™ App: Compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows.

• Clarius stores images temporarily on the app, with unlimited cloud storage available via a paid membership. This is great for:
  • Telemedicine and remote consultations
  • DICOM compatibility (also locked behind the paywall)
  • Procedure recording mode & local export
• TodoPocus™ stores all data directly on your device (phone/tablet), so there’s no limit on storage size, and you can instantly share images via iMessage, WhatsApp, email, or other apps. 

It also features a standard cine loop with manual and automatic capture and playback, which is incredibly useful for reviewing procedures in real-time or during post-procedure analysis.

7- Extras and More!

Here are a few bonus features that might just tip the scales for you:

• TodoPocus™ L20 comes with a sleek aluminum case that not only protects the device but also adds a touch of professionalism to your toolkit.
• Clarius offers a robust education and training program, which is fantastic for newer users or those looking to expand their skills—though it is also available publically.
• Both devices have an IPx7 ratings, meaning they can withstand temporary immersion in water (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes), handy for quick cleanups or accidental spills. 

8-Pricing – What’s the Best Deal?

Now that we’ve compared their features, let’s talk numbers.

Clarius L20 HD3 is priced at $5,395, with a $595/year subscription for access to premium features like cloud storage, Power Doppler, and DICOM compatibility.

Total Cost Over 3 Years:

• With Only Membership ($595/yr): $5,395 + ($595 × 3) = $7,180
• With Calrius Warranty ($265/yr): $7,180 + $795 = $7,975
• With Advanced Aesthetics Package ($2,500): $7,975 + $2,500 = $10,475

TodoPocus™ L20 is priced at $3,200 (or less with a deal), with all features included right out of the box—no hidden fees or memberships.

For me, the TodoPocus™ L20 is an exceptional value. It’s essentially a one-time investment that pays for itself within 2-3 months, even if you’re a solo practitioner or have a smaller clientele.

Clarius L20 HD3	TodoPocus™ L20
$5,395	$3,200
$2500 for Aesthetic presets	Free Skin Preset
$595/year for premium features (cloud, Power Doppler, DICOM)	Free App & Software, No additional cost
Additional $265 for 1-year Warrenty Coverage	Come with 3 years Warranty
Needs up to 16 – 24 months of extensive use to cover the cost and recurring subscription	Can pay for itself in 2-3 months, even in small practices

Final Verdict: Which one is the Best Ultrasound for aesthetics?

Choosing between the Clarius L20 HD3 and the TodoPocus™ L20 ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget. Both devices deliver exceptional image quality and are well-suited for aesthetic applications.

However, the TodoPocus™ L20 stands out as a purpose-built ultrasound machine for face application with high-frequency imaging, superior handling, and a much lower total cost of ownership. Still, if you prefer a widely recognized brand and don’t mind paying extra for subscriptions, the Clarius L20 HD3 remains a solid choice.

What’s your take? 

Have you used either of these aesthetics ultrasounds in your practice? Share your experiences in the comments or check out the TodoPocus™ website for more insights and comparisons.

Got questions? Feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help you choose the best ultrasound for your practice!

References

1. Clarius. (n.d.). Advanced aesthetics package. Retrieved March 6, 2025, from https://store.clarius.com/products/software-advanced-plastic-surgery?srsltid=AfmBOopijq4W08LsovazySOPlNNcPJbwgbCy7qnk9vU5xujTwBPY3FSu
2. Clarius. (n.d.). Ultra-high frequency linear L20 HD3 – Clarius portable handheld ultrasound scanner. Retrieved March 6, 2025, from https://store.clarius.com/products/l20-hd3-handheld-ultrasound-scannner?srsltid=AfmBOoomomuPtsNYb-ssFnZUz0-vRqKuKliFrD3cUsxJYkB4pg2NLuyK
3. TodoPocus. (n.d.). L20 high-frequency 16/20 MHz linear wireless ultrasound for MSK skin and facial plastic surgery injections. Retrieved March 6, 2025, from https://todopocus.com/linear-probe-handheld-ultrasound/l20/
4. TodoPocus Handheld Ultrasound Machines. (2025, June 12). Forehead ultrasound imaging with TodoPocus™ L20 & Clarius L20 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_2-esnuaog