GLASS LAB · Medical Aesthetics Evidence Index 303 cells · 19,226 papers · 5,969 top-tier evidence

Lifting / Laxity · Body skin laxity

HIFU lifting evidence for Body skin laxity

B 60.2 / 100 Supported 28 RCT/meta · 14 clinical/observational · 22 case · 152 total
Good evidence · positive conclusion

There is a relatively good level of clinical evidence, and a majority of papers support its effectiveness.

Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.

Includes meta-analysis/SR Median year 2021 Last 5 years 52% Positive results 48% Negative results 2 Korea/Asia 15

Known in Korea as

울핏슈링크울쎄라리프테라리프테라2바디 울쎄라울쎄라 프라임초음파 리프팅슈링크 유니버스울쎄라피 프라임

Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.

Key papers

tier1 A Single-Center, Blinded, Split-Body, Randomized Clinical Trial of High-Intensity, Parallel Ultrasound Beams Versus Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization for the Treatment of Upper Inner Arm Skin Laxity. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2025 · PMID 41025649

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Skin laxity and crepiness of the arms is a cosmetic concern that before the advent of noninvasive skin tightening technologies could only be treated with surgery. Ultrasound-based technologies deliver energy to the dermis which causes neocollagenesis and neoelastogenesis to rejuvenate the skin. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates and compares the efficacy of a high-intensity, parallel beam ultrasound-based...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study

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tier1 Combined Novel Microfocused Ultrasound and Microneedle Fractional Radiofrequency System for Multilayered Facial Rejuvenation: A Prospective, Randomized, and Split-Face Study. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025 · PMID 40980871

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: With the aging population, the demand for skin anti-aging treatments has been steadily rising, prompting the development of advanced non-invasive therapies. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of microfocused ultrasound (MFU) combined with microneedle fractional radiofrequency (MFR) for facial rejuvenation. METHODS: This study involved 26 patients experiencing facial laxity.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 A Systematic Review of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound in Skin Tightening and Body Contouring. Aesthetic surgery journal · 2025 · PMID 40184185

Abstract summary (English) High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has emerged as a noninvasive technology for aesthetic applications, offering skin tightening, facial rejuvenation, and body contouring. This systematic review assesses its clinical efficacy, safety profile, patient satisfaction, and future advancements. A comprehensive search of studies published between January 2010 and October 2024 identified 45 clinical trials and cohort...

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization (MFU-V) Effectiveness and Safety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Aesthetic surgery journal · 2025 · PMID 39540440

Abstract summary (English) Microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) is an advanced, noninvasive cosmetic procedure widely performed for skin lifting and tightening. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the aesthetic effectiveness, patient satisfaction, skin quality, and safety profile of MFU-V treatment. A comprehensive search of 5 bibliographic databases up to 2023 was conducted.

Journal Article, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

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tier1 A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness and Safety of Combining Biostimulators with Botulinum Toxin, Dermal Fillers, and Energy-Based Devices. Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2024 · PMID 39719485

Abstract summary (English) INTRODUCTION: Aesthetic medicine has evolved towards minimally invasive procedures, with biostimulators like Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA), Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA), and Polycaprolactone (PCL) gaining attention for their role in collagen induction, improving skin texture, elasticity, and volume. Combining these agents with other treatments-such as botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, and energy-based devices (e.g....

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 Ultrasound rejuvenation for upper facial skin: A randomized blinded prospective study. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2024 · PMID 39034504

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Growing demand for facial rejuvenation drives advancements in these therapies, including laser, radiofrequency, and focused ultrasound, alongside thermal stimulation adjuncts. These methods, known for stimulating collagen regeneration, skin tightening, and lifting, have gained popularity due to their minimal side effects, low trauma, and high safety, demonstrating favorable outcomes in clinical practice....

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 New Ultherapy method: Utilizing novel surgical and anatomical concepts yields outstanding results. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2024 · PMID 38773827

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Micro-focused ultrasound (MFU) is a technique for skin rejuvenation and lifting, targeting the facial SMAS-a fibrous network encompassing the platysma muscle and parotid fascia. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to propose a novel and cost-effective method (suggested by Fatemi) for Ultherapy, comparing its effectiveness with the conventional approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective double-blind clinical...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Combined microfocused ultrasound and delicate pulsed light for facial rejuvenation: A prospective, randomized, and split-face study. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2024 · PMID 38462706

Abstract summary (English) OBJECTIVES: Public's interest in noninvasive skin rejuvenation treatments continues to grow. The advantage of combination therapy lies in that it can target different aspects of skin rejuvenation. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of microfocused ultrasound (MFU) combined with delicate pulsed light (DPL) for facial rejuvenation.

Randomized Controlled Trial, Journal Article

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tier1 A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Clinical Efficacy and Patients' Satisfaction of Micro-focused Ultrasound (MFU) Treatment for Facial Rejuvenation and Tightening. Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2023 · PMID 37198297

Abstract summary (English) PURPOSE: Micro-focused ultrasound (MFU) is commonly used to improve facial relaxation and wrinkles. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of MFU for facial rejuvenation and patients' satisfaction with the treatment. METHOD: Articles published before December 2022 were retrieved using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases.

Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article

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tier1 A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Microfocused Ultrasound for Facial Skin Tightening. International journal of environmental research and public health · 2023 · PMID 36674277

Abstract summary (English) Objective: to systematically review the efficacy of microfocused ultrasound (MFU) for facial skin tightening. Methods: A systematic search was performed (Pubmed, Embase) to assess the efficacy of single MFU treatments for facial skin tightening. Eligible studies included randomised controlled trials, controlled trials, cohort studies and case series (n ≥ 10).

Systematic Review, Journal Article

View on PubMed

Suggested interpretation

Strong evidence base

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