Kwon Mina suffered second-degree burns after a HIFU procedure—can the popular lifting treatment cause serious injuries?

Former K-pop idol-turned-actress Kwon Mina, who first rose to fame as a member of girl group AOA, suffered second-degree burns after undergoing a Shurink lifting procedure. The non-invasive high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment was intended to tone and define her face, but instead left her with severe facial burns. Since the incident, the actress has been undergoing regular hospital treatments and is reportedly considering a skin graft surgery.

We spoke to dermatologist Dr Rachel Ho to find out more about the aesthetic procedure, its benefits, potential side effects, and what consumers should know before opting for a treatment.

How common are HIFU burns?

“According to a 2025 ‘Systemic Review of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound in Skin Tightening and Body Contouring’ published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, the risk of adverse events beyond expected transient erythema and swelling is less than five per cent for patients who undergo HIFU treatments.

Burns from HIFU occur when thermal energy is delivered in excess or to unintended tissue layers. Factors that can result in these outcomes include technical issues that lead to incorrect depth and treatment parameters, inappropriate energy settings, and overlapping treatment passes in the same region. Poor operator technique, such as an incorrect angle of the handpiece and poor coupling, can also result in facial burns.

If the HIFU device is faulty, poorly maintained or counterfeit, the transmission of HIFU energy can also be affected.”

What is Shurink and how does HIFU work?

“Shurink is one of the brands of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), a non-invasive aesthetic procedure that uses focused ultrasound energy to heat tissue at specific depths beneath the skin surface to trigger lifting and tightening of the skin and, in some instances, contouring.

HIFU generates temperatures of 60-70°C at the focal point, which denatures existing collagen and triggers a wound-healing response that produces new collagen over the following two to three months.

Different depths and tissue layers can be targeted using different HIFU transducers. Transducers that reach 1.5mm address the superficial dermis, 3.0mm targets the deeper dermis, while 4.5mm can reach the superficial musculoaponeurotic system.

Typically, after assessment and evaluation by the doctor, the treatment regions on the face and/or neck are mapped. Ultrasound gel is first applied to the skin, and the calibrated HIFU transducer is passed over the face and/or neck. Patients usually feel warmth and aches, especially over bony areas.”

Who is a suitable candidate for HIFU?

“Ideal candidates for HIFU include patients with mild to moderate skin laxity or sagging in the face and/or neck.

Patients with severe skin laxity, very thin skin, or those seeking more dramatic results may require combination treatments or surgical interventions.

Results from HIFU treatments typically develop gradually over two to three months as new collagen forms, with progressive firming and tightening.”

What should you look out for before undergoing HIFU?

“Look for device authenticity and ensure treatment is performed in a clinic by a doctor with accreditation for these procedures. You definitely don’t want to be getting this done at a spa or beauty salon by a therapist or practitioner who is not equipped to handle a medical device.

Ensure that you discuss the risks of the procedure with your doctor. This is especially relevant because patients with darker skin have a higher risk of complications.

The intensity of pain and discomfort is bearable for most patients, but if the pain is persistent or very intense, please check with your doctor to confirm that it is not due to a burn. Patients can also request a longer treatment duration to allow heat in the skin and soft tissues to dissipate before additional energy is released.”

What are the warning signs of a HIFU burn?

“Immediate warning signs during treatment include intense pain — HIFU discomfort is usually bearable for most patients — that progressively worsens over the same region. Other early signs of burns include blistering or vesiculation (fluid-filled bumps), or colour changes such as whitening.

I would recommend seeking medical attention as soon as possible if they experience these or any symptoms of burns. Besides improving wound outcomes, early medical attention can also reduce the risk of secondary complications and infections.”

Dr Rachel Ho is a dermatologist and founder of The Skin Longevity Clinic.