Dr. Geonhong Lee said, "Advances in equipment have made ultrasound lifting more precise and safer than before," adding that "treatment plans can vary widely depending on one’s facial shape and skin condition, so patients should decide carefully after a thorough discussion with their physician."
In recent lifting procedures, the key question has shifted from “how strong” to “how precisely” energy is delivered. In particular, the introduction of curved HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) devices designed to follow the natural curves of the face has been credited with improving not only convenience for physicians but also the treatment experience and satisfaction of patients. Health Kyunghyang met with Dr. Geonhong Lee of Hong Skin Clinic to discuss this in detail.
Q. Why is ultrasound lifting drawing so much attention these days?
A. Its biggest advantage is that patients can feel the effects quickly. Radiofrequency and laser devices often show results gradually over time, but with ultrasound lifting, some patients notice a difference immediately after treatment, and most feel the effects within about two weeks. I think this combination of immediate results and predictable outcomes is why ultrasound lifting continues to be chosen so consistently.
Q. Advances in equipment have also played a role. What limitations existed before?
A. The human face isn’t flat — it’s curved. But conventional cartridges (the part that contacts the skin) had a flat structure, so the center of the face made good contact while both sides often lifted away. As a result, heat energy wasn’t delivered evenly across the skin, and some energy was inevitably lost. Physicians also had to press harder to deliver energy to the desired depth, which meant paying closer attention to side effects such as fat atrophy.
Q. What has changed the most since curved devices were introduced?
A. Previously, to match the curves of the face, we had to repeatedly press down, lift off, and press again. With curved cartridges, the device naturally follows the curve of the skin, so there’s no need to force pressure. This has made treatments much smoother and reduced procedure time. For physicians, it has lowered fatigue, and the risk of side effects such as burns or fat atrophy has also decreased — meaning patients can receive treatment more safely and comfortably as well.
Q. What has patient satisfaction actually been like?
A. The change patients mention most often is that it hurts less. Because the curved cartridge makes close contact along the curves of the face, heat energy isn’t concentrated in one spot but delivered relatively evenly. As a result, even under the same energy settings, patients tend to experience relatively less pain, and satisfaction after treatment tends to be high as well.
Q. What type of patient do you mainly recommend ultrasound lifting for?
A. Ultrasound lifting targets the fat layer, so it tends to be highly effective in patients who still have some facial volume but have lost skin elasticity. It can also be a good treatment option for patients simply seeking improved skin elasticity. Because ultrasound allows the treatment depth to be adjusted, we can target a shallower layer for patients wanting improved skin texture, or a deeper layer for those wanting improved elasticity. On the other hand, I don’t recommend ultrasound lifting for patients with very little facial volume or very thin skin, since it can actually worsen hollowing in the cheeks.
Q. A practitioner’s know-how also matters. Do you have a particular approach to lifting procedures?
A. Personally, I perform hairline lifting fairly often. There’s a thick fascial layer near the temples, and if I target that area first and then treat the sides of the cheeks and jawline in sequence, it can produce an upward-pulling effect similar to a thread lift. That said, hairline lifting requires a solid understanding of anatomy, and planning which areas to treat and in what order is what ultimately determines the outcome.
Q. Combination treatments — receiving multiple procedures together — are also a major trend.
A. Because ultrasound allows the treatment depth to be adjusted, performing lifting at the appropriate layer after filler treatment can produce complementary effects between the two. For patients with less facial fat, it can also be a good approach to first restore volume with filler and then, after some time has passed, follow up with ultrasound lifting.
Q. What advice would you give to consumers considering a lifting procedure?
A. The latest equipment matters, but what ultimately determines the outcome is the physician’s experience in designing the right energy settings and treatment plan for each patient. It’s wise to choose a physician who thoroughly analyzes your facial shape and skin condition and then proposes a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
FAQ
Q. How soon can I see results from ultrasound lifting?
A. Some patients notice a difference immediately after the procedure, and most feel the full effect within about two weeks.
Q. What makes curved HIFU cartridges different from conventional flat ones?
A. Curved cartridges follow the natural curve of the face, allowing more even skin contact and heat delivery. This can mean less pain and a lower risk of side effects such as burns or fat atrophy compared to flat cartridges.
Q. Who is a good candidate for ultrasound lifting?
A. Patients who still have some facial volume but reduced skin elasticity tend to see the best results. It is generally not recommended for patients with very little facial fat or very thin skin.
Q. Can ultrasound lifting be combined with other treatments like fillers?
A. Yes. Because treatment depth can be adjusted, ultrasound lifting is often combined with filler treatments, with sequencing and depth tailored to the individual patient.
Q. What should I consider before getting ultrasound lifting?
A. Treatment plans should be based on a thorough evaluation of your facial shape and skin condition by an experienced physician, so it’s advisable to discuss your individual condition carefully before deciding.
