Natural Results, Greater Safety: How Curved HIFU Is Reshaping Ultrasound Lifting

As safety and precision become the new standard in aesthetic medicine, ultrasound lifting technology continues to evolve rapidly. Among the latest advances, the curved HIFU device that reflects the natural curvature of the face — LINCURVE PRO — has raised satisfaction among both physicians and patients, driving a new trend in ultrasound lifting. Health Kyunghyang met with Dr. Park Shin-hye of MIHO Clinic, who has extensive clinical experience in the field, to discuss how next-generation HIFU devices are changing clinical practice.

Q. Ultrasound lifting has been drawing a lot of attention lately. Are you seeing that shift in your clinic as well?
Absolutely. In the past, patients seeking a strong lifting effect often chose thread lifting or surgical facelifts. Recently, far more patients are choosing ultrasound lifting because of its quick recovery and minimal disruption to daily life. As preventive skin care before visible aging begins has become a trend, it is now common to see patients in their 20s getting ultrasound lifting treatments.

Q. What do you see as the biggest advantage of ultrasound lifting?
It delivers thermal energy deep into the skin while requiring very little recovery time. Patients can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure, which suits busy modern lifestyles. Because it combines both efficacy and convenience, I believe it has become a central pillar of lifting treatments.

Q. Curved HIFU devices are said to overcome a longstanding structural limitation. Could you explain?
The human face isn't flat — it has curves in every area. Conventional HIFU devices use a flat cartridge that doesn't fully contact the skin, leaving gaps in certain areas. This forced practitioners to press the device harder against the skin. The problem is that doing so can push energy deeper than intended, which can increase pain and raise the risk of side effects such as burns or facial volume loss.

Q. What's the biggest change you've noticed since using the curved HIFU device?
Because the cartridge naturally follows the curves of the face, the procedure has become much smoother and energy can be delivered evenly to the targeted areas. Treatment can proceed exactly as planned, and the results are more predictable, making the procedure more stable. Since there's less pain, it can often be performed without anesthesia — another major benefit.

Q. What has patient satisfaction been like?
Patients are most satisfied with how little pain they experience. Pain is one of the biggest concerns patients have about aesthetic procedures. Many patients who had hesitated because of painful past experiences now say, "It didn't hurt as much as I expected."

Q. Which patients benefit most from ultrasound lifting?
Patients who are starting to see sagging in the lower face or who have a double chin. It's especially effective for patients who still have some cheek volume — so facial fullness is preserved — but whose skin elasticity has declined. For patients with very little cheek volume, ultrasound lifting alone may not be enough; combining it with fillers or other treatments can produce more natural, satisfying results.

Q. What do you consider most important when performing an ultrasound lifting procedure?
Accurately analyzing each patient's facial structure and pattern of sagging. I examine the face from the front, at a 45-degree angle, and in profile to determine where energy should be concentrated. Since every patient's facial shape and aging pattern differ, a personalized treatment plan is essential for a safer, more natural result.

Q. There's a growing preference for natural-looking changes these days. Do you think this fits that trend?
Many patients tell me they want to "look better without it being obvious." The advantage of ultrasound lifting is that patients can return to daily life immediately, while elasticity gradually improves over time. I think it aligns well with the recent trend of managing aging naturally while preserving one's original features, rather than pursuing artificial-looking change.

Q. What advice would you give someone considering ultrasound lifting for the first time?
Most importantly, get an accurate assessment of whether ultrasound lifting is right for your face. For example, if you have very little cheek volume, other treatments such as fillers may be more suitable, and if you have age spots, laser treatment should be done first. Also, a stronger treatment intensity doesn't necessarily mean better results — delivering the right intensity precisely to the areas that need it matters far more. Results don't appear overnight either; they typically emerge gradually over about a month, so it's best to take enough time to consult with your physician and build a long-term aging management plan.

Q. What lifestyle habits help maintain the results longer?
Sun protection and adequate hydration are the basics. It's also important to avoid drastic weight fluctuations, since the procedure targets the fat layer — significant weight changes can affect the lifting results.