HIFU procedures are known to be relatively safe, but all procedures can have potential side effects. Below, we will summarize more detailed side effects and precautions.

1. Pain, stiffness, and fever immediately after the procedure
– During the procedure, high-intensity ultrasound energy is transmitted deep into the skin, so pain, stiffness, and heat can be felt during or immediately after the procedure.
– Most of them are mild, but for those who are sensitive to pain, it is recommended to consult with the medical staff in advance to apply the appropriate pain method.

2. Temporary swelling, erythema (redness), bruising
– Because HIFU instantly concentrates high-temperature energy, the area around the stimulated tissue can become swollen or red.
– If you press the treatment area, it may hurt or bruise a little, but it usually sinks within a few days.

3. Sensory abnormalities, muscle stiffness
– Ultrasound energy can stimulate the nerves or muscles, which can cause temporary numbness (a tingling sensation), loss of sensation, and stiffness of muscles.
– It usually recovers slowly in a week or two, but if the discomfort persists or worsens, you should visit the hospital immediately.

4. Asymmetry in the treatment area
– Individual skin elasticity, difference in amount of fat, and depth of energy delivery may vary slightly, which can cause slight differences in both faces.
– If a specialist performs the procedure with accurate depth and strength, it is mostly balanced without any problems, but the weeks after the procedure may appear temporarily asymmetric depending on the degree of swelling or contraction, so you have to wait and see the progress.

5. Nerve damage that can be rare
– As ultrasound is transmitted to the deep layer, excessive stimulation of the area with facial nerve distribution can cause temporary paralysis or nerve damage.
– It’s a very rare case, but if you feel paralyzed, change your facial expression, or don’t return your senses, you should see a specialist quickly.

– Most commonly damaged nerve is marginal mandibular nerve which exists around the chin.

6. Pigmentation, burns, scarring
– Generally, HIFUs are designed not to cause direct heat damage to the skin surface, but poor skin conditions or excessive energy transfer can rarely cause surface burns or pigmentation.
– In particular, those with underlying diseases or sensitive skin need sufficient counseling before the procedure.

7. Difference in equipment and procedural proficiency
– HIFU lifting results and side effects vary greatly depending on the operator’s experience and equipment setting (depth, strength, number of shots, etc.).
– It’s most important to get it from a skilled specialist who knows how to properly control your energy on a personalized basis.

– You shoud find appropriate aesthetic clinic in Korea

8. Post management
– Avoid direct sunlight after the procedure and apply sunscreen carefully to prevent pigmentation changes.
– Excessive drinking or smoking can affect blood circulation and recovery, so it’s better to avoid it as much as possible.
– Be careful not to rub or massage the treatment area too much while swelling or bruising subsides.

Overall, HIFU lifting is a relatively safe procedure without skin incision, but the side effects may vary depending on the individual’s skin condition and physical characteristics. Therefore, it is most important to consult a specialist before the procedure and follow the precautions after the procedure.