As ultrasound devices are now being effectively used in dermatological and aesthetic procedures that draw strong public interest, competition in the ultrasound medical device market has intensified further.
Against this backdrop, NewPong plans to scientifically demonstrate the safety and efficacy of its new product, thereby further strengthening its position in the ultrasound medical device market.
On the 13th, NewPong appointed Professor Huh Chang-Hun of the Department of Dermatology at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital as an advisory board member and signed an agreement for a joint research project to verify the effectiveness of its curved HIFU device, LINCURVE PRO. Professor Huh has made significant contributions to the field, not only through his clinical work in areas such as hair loss and skin cancer, but also by leading numerous medical device studies and regulatory clinical trials that have advanced the industry.
LINCURVE PRO is the world’s first curved high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) device, recently launched by NewPong. The technology has been granted a domestic patent and received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in June. Building on Professor Huh Chang-Hun’s extensive research experience, NewPong aims to scientifically validate the safety and efficacy of the curved HIFU device and ensure its stable supply to clinical practice.
Ultrasound lifting using HIFU devices delivers energy deep into the skin to stimulate collagen regeneration—the key driver of skin elasticity—and provide a lifting effect. However, conventional HIFU devices are equipped with flat cartridges that do not conform closely to the curved contours of the face, often leaving gaps. As a result, practitioners are compelled to apply unavoidable pressure during treatment, and the devices face limitations in delivering energy precisely to the targeted areas.
LINCURVE PRO is the result of NewPong’s efforts to overcome these limitations. Recognizing that conventional devices, which press flat cartridges against the skin, often struggle with precise targeting and may cause pain or side effects, the company developed the world’s first HIFU device equipped with a curved cartridge.
According to NewPong, LINCURVE PRO forms uniform thermal coagulation points at a consistent depth along the skin’s curvature, allowing optimal energy to be delivered precisely without the need for excessive pressure as with conventional devices.
Professor Huh Chang-Hun will prioritize verifying the effectiveness of the curved cartridge applied to LINCURVE PRO through his research. He also plans to present the study results at academic conferences in the field of aesthetic dermatology, thereby playing a key role in sharing the latest insights on ultrasound lifting with the broader academic community.
Professor Huh Chang-Hun stated, “I will spare no effort in providing both scientific and practical guidance to ensure that the effectiveness of curved HIFU is scientifically validated, so that more precise and safer treatments can be offered in various clinical settings.”
Lee Jae-Yong, CEO of NewPong, remarked, “LINCURVE PRO is an innovative product that embodies our commitment to overcoming the limitations of conventional HIFU devices and ensuring safe and effective treatments. We will continue to solidify our position in the market by setting a new standard for ultrasound medical devices.”
[Mini Interview] Professor Huh Chang-Hun, Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital
“The human face is not flat.”
Although I have no personal experience with the procedure, Professor Heo’s one remark made me realize why differentiated product design is so important in ultrasound lifting. After the signing ceremony, I had a more in-depth conversation with him.
－LINCURVE PRO is a product that NewPong has staked its reputation on.
And for good reason. While existing HIFU devices feature flat contact surfaces, LINCURVE PRO is designed with a curved interface. More importantly, it is not only the surface that is curved—the device’s technology enables focal points to be formed at a consistent depth from the contact surface, allowing for far more precise targeting of treatment areas.
－Why is a curved design important in ultrasound lifting?
Because our faces are not flat. Although there are individual differences, most faces are convex in shape. Conventional devices, however, are designed with flat surfaces. As a result, the distance from the skin to each focal point varies—while the center may make proper contact and maintain the correct depth, the ends inevitably generate focal points at shallower layers due to the curvature of the face. When energy is concentrated at a shallower depth than intended, not only does it cause greater pain, but it also increases the risk of side effects.”
－Ultimately, what benefits can patients expect?
It helps reduce not only the inconsistent pain that patients often feel in different areas but also the risk of burns. In addition, because the depth from the skin is maintained more consistently compared to flat cartridges, the procedure can be performed with greater precision and accuracy. This is especially beneficial for patients with less soft tissue in the treatment area or for protruding regions such as the cheekbones.
－Laser treatments often cause visible redness or flare-ups, making it difficult for patients to immediately return to daily life. How does ultrasound lifting compare?
Laser treatments can largely be divided into two types: ablative lasers, which work by significantly damaging the epidermis, and non-ablative lasers, which treat the skin without causing surface damage. Depending on the condition, the outcomes vary, but in general, ablative lasers leave scabs and oozing after treatment, so it takes time before patients can return to their daily activities. The benefit, however, is that the effects are immediate and clearly visible. In contrast, non-ablative lasers allow patients to resume their daily lives right after the procedure, but the effects are less dramatic, which is why they are more commonly used for improving skin elasticity or in anti-aging treatments.
HIFU devices are highly anticipated because, like non-ablative lasers, they preserve the skin’s surface while delivering effects comparable to ablative lasers. However, since energy is generated only at the focal points, the area that can be treated at one time is relatively limited, which makes the procedure time-consuming. That said, as the technology continues to advance, I believe these limitations will be sufficiently overcome, allowing HIFU to be more effectively and widely used in clinical practice.
- Looking ahead to broad collaboration with NewPong, could you leave us with a brief commitment on how you plan to drive this partnership forward?
HIFU devices are being used not only for skin treatments but also for fat reduction. I will continue to provide full guidance to help improve the shortcomings of existing devices and ensure that they can be used seamlessly in real clinical settings.
