An ultrasound transducer includes an acoustic layer having a front side and an opposite back side. The acoustic layer is configured to convert electrical signals into ultrasound waves to be transmitted from the front side toward a target. The acoustic layer is configured to convert received ultrasound waves into electrical signals. A lens is connected to the front side of the acoustic layer. A heat sink is connected to the back side of the acoustic layer. A flex circuit is disposed between the acoustic layer and the heat sink. The flex circuit includes a backside matching layer incorporated into a body of the flex circuit. The backside matching layer is connected in thermal communication with the acoustic layer and the heat sink such that the backside matching layer is configured to conduct heat from the acoustic layer to the heat sink.