Patient Selection for Lifting Treatments

The Right Patient for HIFU

Ultherapy Prime produces the best results for patients with mild-to-moderate SMAS-level sagging who have reasonable skin quality. Starting earlier produces better results — preventative HIFU in the mid-30s outperforms corrective HIFU in the late 50s.

The Right Patient for RF

Thermage FLX is best for patients whose primary concern is skin quality — firmness, texture, crepiness — rather than structural lifting. Often combined with HIFU for patients with both concerns.

When to Recommend Surgery

Honest patient selection means telling some patients that their degree of sagging exceeds what non-surgical treatment can adequately address. For patients with significant skin excess, deep jowling, or neck laxity that HIFU cannot correct meaningfully, a surgical consultation is the honest recommendation — even if it means directing the patient elsewhere.

K-Dermatology's Approach

Dr. Kang performs a comprehensive facial anatomy assessment before recommending any lifting treatment — considering sagging degree, skin quality, volume status, and age. The recommendation is always what is genuinely best for the patient.