Last month, when I was in Busan, I did something I had been hesitating over for a long time — I underwent the American version of the second-generation HIFU treatment at LinoBo Plastic Surgery Hospital. To be honest, I’m not the kind of person who acts on impulse easily, but my friend’s comment, “Your face seems to have started sagging recently,” completely broke down my resistance. I’ve documented the entire process, my experiences during the procedure, the costs, and the post-treatment care details in this article. I’m going to save it so my sister can read it before she goes for the treatment herself.
What is the background of Busan LinoBo Plastic Surgery Hospital? Why choose this place for HIFU treatment?
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LinoBo Plastic Surgery has been established in Busan for over 12 years. It is a comprehensive medical institution that specializes in plastic surgery while also offering dermatological services. Unlike Seoul, where there are numerous Dermatology clinics available everywhere, there are relatively few high-end clinics in Busan that offer HIFU treatments. Due to its excellent reputation and state-of-the-art equipment, LinoBo is often mentioned by local and international patients.
There were several reasons that attracted me: First, they use the American version of the second-generation ultrasound device, which comes with a real-time screen showing the exact location where the energy is being applied. This is far different from the opaque, black-box approach where you just rely on feeling heat to determine if the treatment is effective. Second, throughout the entire process, a nurse is present to assist patients with tasks such as applying anesthesia and cleaning the area, so there’s no need to figure things out on your own. Third, the clinic is located near a major road in Haeundae District, Busan, making it very convenient to find.
The environment and consultation process at Lino Bo Plastic Surgery Hospital
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Upon entering LinoBo, you are immediately struck by its clean and minimalist white interior design—nothing about the overly pink and Instagram-like decor that one might expect from such a place. Instead, it exudes the atmosphere of a “serious medical facility where surgeries are performed.” Each treatment room is designed as a private space, so you don’t have to worry about your private conversations, such as asking about contraindications, being overheard by anyone next door.
The consultation process is as follows: First, you need to register upon arrival at the clinic → then go to the consultation room for a face-to-face meeting with the doctor (they will directly ask you which areas you would like to improve) → take photos as needed for documentation → after that, the nurses will take over the rest of the procedures (from applying anesthesia to cleaning and making all the pre-treatment preparations; the director is only responsible for the actual treatment itself). At first, I was a bit unaccustomed to this “division of labor,” but later I realized that since the director focuses entirely on the treatment itself, the efficiency and quality are actually better ensured this way.
A true record of the experience during HIFU treatment at Busan LinoBo Plastic Surgery Hospital
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Okay, let’s move on to the part that most people are interested in: whether it hurts. The answer is: it does hurt, but it’s tolerable. The numbing effect lasts for about 30 minutes, and during this time, the nurse will check whether the anesthetic has taken effect and whether more needs to be applied. Once the anesthetic takes effect, my skin feels a bit less sensitive; it’s not completely numb, but rather in a state where I can still feel things, just not as sharply.
Once the treatment officially begins, applying the energy to areas where the bones are more prominent—such as the temples and jawlines—releases the most noticeable sensations of soreness and swelling. When the energy reaches the 3rd to 4th layers (the SMAS fascial layer), there is a distinct feeling of something being “deeply stretched open.” The cheeks, which contain more fat, experience relatively less discomfort; overall, the pain is about 30% and the soreness is about 70%. I performed the treatment on one side for approximately 25 minutes, and on both sides together, including the neck, it took nearly an hour in total. After finishing the treatment and walking out of the clinic, the director told me that my skin would be slightly red and swollen, but these symptoms would subside within a few days. He also advised me to drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous exercise for the time being.
Time line of the effects of HIFU at Busan LinoBo Plastic Surgery Hospital
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The day after the procedure: My face was slightly red and swollen, and some areas felt tight. When I looked in the mirror, I noticed that the contours of my face seemed to have shifted upwards a bit, but the changes were minimal on that day, which is quite normal. On the third day after the surgery: The redness had subsided, and I could already notice that the contours of my jawline were becoming clearer and no longer so “drooping”.
On the 7th day after the procedure: I could clearly notice that the corners of my eyes had lifted slightly, and my face looked more defined when viewed from above. On the 30th day after the procedure: The results were most noticeable—my friends even asked, “Have you lost weight? Your face looks smaller!” I didn’t say anything special, but I was secretly delighted. According to LinoBo, the effects of the American version of the second-generation ultrasonic treatment last for 12 to 18 months, and regular sun protection and moisturization can help extend this duration. In my opinion, the results just one month after the procedure were definitely worth it. It was that kind of satisfaction where you don’t feel like boasting to others about what you’ve done, but when you look in the mirror, you know it’s effective.
Reference prices for HIFU at Busan Lino Bo Plastic Surgery Hospital
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The overall pricing of LinoBo is higher than that of ordinary Dermatology clinics in Busan, and there are mainly two reasons for this: first, their facilities are larger in scale (with separate treatment rooms); second, nurses are involved in the entire service process. Their approach is not to attract customers with low prices, but rather to stand out through the comprehensiveness and safety of their services.
- The American version of the second-generation HIFU: For specific prices, please visit BeautsGO. The cost varies depending on the number of treatments and the area being treated.
- Filler injections (for delicate areas such as the angular shoulders, elf ears, or eyelids): Please visit BeautsGO for more information.
- inMode FX lipolysis (replacing the ONDA device): Please visit BeautsGO for more information.
- All fees can be inquired about in advance through BeautsGO for the latest quotes. Customer service staff who speak Mandarin will be available to assist you.
Since the round-trip cost to Busan, including airfare and accommodation, is already included in my budget, my advice is this: if you decide to undergo HIFU, don’t choose an unlicensed clinic just to save a thousand or two thousand Taiwan dollars. Although the cost of LinoBo is higher than that of ordinary Dermatology clinics, I believe the three additional features—“visualization equipment, nurse-assisted treatment throughout the process, and direct operation by the clinic director”—are definitely worth the extra expense.
Key Points for Post-HIFU Care at Busan LinoBo Plastic Surgery Hospital
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Whether proper postoperative care is taken directly affects how long the results will last. Below are the postoperative instructions I received from LinoBona, as well as my own personal experiences.
- Within 72 hours after the procedure, avoid washing your face with hot water. Using water at a cooler or room temperature is the safest option, as it prevents excessive blood circulation from affecting the tissues that have just begun to heal.
- It is recommended to avoid saunas, steam baths, and high-temperature environments for at least 2 weeks. I’ve experienced this firsthand; when going to a jimjilbang, you really have to wait your turn.
- Sun protection is essential. After the procedure, the skin becomes more sensitive to ultraviolet rays, so it is necessary to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 50 every morning – even if you don’t plan to go outside.
- I double my usual efforts in moisturizing and hydrating my skin. I use Filler essence combined with a moisturizing lotion, and the tightness on my face fades much more quickly thanks to this routine.
- In the first two weeks, avoid massaging your face or using rollers to prevent any interference with the collagen regeneration process that occurs after the energy alignment has taken place.
- If the swelling or discomfort persists for more than 7 days, please contact the hospital immediately (LinoBo provides post-operative follow-up services).
Who is suitable for HIFU at Busan Lino Bo Plastic Surgery Hospital?
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Based on my understanding and what the hospital director said during the in-person consultation, the following types of people are more suitable for undergoing HIFU at LinoBo:
- People aged 28 to 45 who begin to experience mild facial relaxation, sagging, and an increased depth of the Nasolabial Fold Correction.
- Those who do not want to undergo surgical procedures but still desire noticeable lifting effects (since HIFU is a non-invasive treatment method)
- Those who have doubts about “how far the treatment can go and how much energy is involved” and who hope that visualization devices can ensure safety.
- Those with a budget of over NT$20,000 who are willing to pay for higher quality services
- For those with extra time during their trip to Korea, it’s possible to stay for 1-2 days after the procedure to monitor the recovery before flying back home.
Situations that are not recommended include: those with acute skin inflammation, those taking anticoagulant medications, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those who have facial fillers whose exact locations are unknown. It is essential to inform the doctor about these conditions during the initial consultation. The nurses at LinoBo will carefully verify these details during the pre-operative examination, so there is no need to worry about them being overlooked.
Frequently Asked Questions | HIFU at Busan LinoBo Plastic Surgery Hospital
Q: What makes LinoBo HIFU different from other clinics?
A: The biggest difference lies in the equipment they use. They employ the second-generation US version of ultrasonic technology, equipped with visual displays that allow doctors to instantly see which layer of skin the energy is reaching. Compared to some models that do not have such display facilities, the safety and accuracy of this system are significantly improved. Additionally, the fact that nurses provide service throughout the entire process also helps to reduce patients’ anxiety during the treatment.
Q: Can foreign customers undergo HIFU? Are there any language barriers involved?
A: Definitely. LinoBo has considerable experience in receiving overseas guests. When making a reservation through BeautsGO, you can choose Chinese-language services, and all pre-treatment communications and explanations can be conducted in Traditional Chinese. If you, like me, don’t speak Korean very well, booking through the platform is much more convenient than making direct phone calls.
Q: Is HIFU painful? Is using an anesthetic effective?
A: There is definitely some discomfort. For me, the areas where the bones protrude—such as the temples and the corners of the jaw—felt particularly sore and swollen, while the cheeks, which have more fat, were relatively less affected. At the Linuo Beauty Clinic, they apply sufficient anesthesia before the procedure, and if you feel it’s not enough, you can ask the nurse to apply more. Overall, the pain was within an acceptable range; I consider myself to have a moderate pain tolerance and didn’t need to stop the procedure at any point.
Q: How long does it take to see the results after undergoing HIFU?
A: Effects begin to be noticeable 7 to 14 days after the procedure and become most apparent after 30 days. This is because HIFU does not involve “injection filling” but rather stimulates the regeneration of Collagen, so it takes time for the tissues to rebuild. The effects last for approximately 12 to 18 months, and proper post-procedure care (such as sun protection and hydration) can help extend this duration.
Q: How can I make an appointment at Busan Lino Bo Plastic Surgery Hospital?
A: Making an appointment through the BeautsGO platform is the most convenient way. It offers a Traditional Chinese interface that allows you to easily check basic information about hospitals, select treatment options, and fill out your appointment details. You can also click the button below to directly navigate to the consultation page.
For further reading
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- When it comes to plastic surgery in Busan, you really don’t have to necessarily go to Seoul! My personal experience at LinoBo Plastic Surgery Hospital.
- Comprehensive Guide to Breast Plastic Surgery at Busan LinoBo Plastic Surgery Hospital: Case Volume, Implant Brands, and Postoperative Stay
- This is my first time undergoing medical beauty treatments in Busan. What is the service experience like at LinoBo Plastic Surgery Hospital in Busan for foreigners?
- Top Dermatology Practices in Busan in 2026 | A comprehensive list of popular clinics in Seomyeon and Haeundae, along with tips for making appointments in Chinese