Facial bone-cutting procedures such as double jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery), cheekbone reduction, and facial contouring surgery are popular due to their ability to create dramatic transformations.

However, after these surgeries, titanium pins or plates may remain in the bone.

 

So, is it safe to undergo HIFU treatments (such as Ultherapy, Shurink, and LinearZ) or radiofrequency (RF) procedures (like Thermage, Oligio, and Volumer) while having metal implants in the face?

 

Additionally, what treatments require special precautions?

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Do All Plastic Surgery Procedures Involve Metal Pins?

 

Most metals used in orthopedic and plastic surgery are titanium or titanium alloys.

 

Titanium is chosen for the following reasons:

 

 

✅ Corrosion-resistant (Does not rust easily)
✅ High biocompatibility (Less likely to cause foreign body reactions or immune rejection)
✅ Non-magnetic (Does not attract magnets, allowing safe MRI scans)

 

Recently, "Osteotrans (OSTEOTRANS)" plates have also become more commonly used as an alternative to titanium.

This material is a polymeric compound made with components similar to bone, and it has the unique property of naturally dissolving over time, leaving no residue in the body.

 

As a result, some patients may not have metal pins remaining after plastic surgery.

 

▶ Important Tip:

Before undergoing any dermatological procedures, check with your surgical clinic to confirm what type of plates or implants were used.

 

If metal pins remain in your body, be sure to inform your dermatologist beforehand to ensure a safe treatment plan.

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Ultherapy and Thermage After Plastic Surgery

If titanium pins remain in the face, HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) and monopolar radiofrequency treatments require caution.

 

Treatment Name	Representative Devices
HIFU	Ultherapy, Shurink, LinearZ
Monopolar RF	Thermage, Oligio, Volumer

 

⚠️ Why is caution needed with HIFU and monopolar RF?
HIFU and monopolar RF can reach depths of 4mm or more, with energy sometimes reaching the bone. Metal pins and plates tend to absorb heat more easily than skin tissue, which could potentially cause burns or damage to the plates.

 

▶ HIFU and RF treatments are not completely prohibited, but it is essential to avoid areas with metal plates during the procedure.

 

Therefore, when undergoing dermatological treatments, be sure to inform your doctor about your plastic surgery history.

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Is Bipolar (Dual-Pole) Radiofrequency Safe?

Treatment Type	Representative Devices	Precautions
Needle RF	Potenza, Secret, Virtual RF	Relatively safe due to shallow depth
Bipolar RF	InMode, Potenza DDR/DIA	No issues if the plate is deep

 

Bipolar RF (dual-pole radiofrequency) transmits energy to relatively shallow layers, so it is less likely to affect deep metal plates. Therefore, it is generally safe for normal treatments.

 

However, InMode can retain heat in the fat layer for an extended period, which may heat the metal plates, so caution is needed.

 

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Other Treatments Requiring Caution

Treatment Name	Representative Devices	Precautions
Softwave	Softwave	Radiofrequency energy reaches deeper layers
Accent Prime	Tune Face, Tune Body, Tune Liner	Retains heat in the fat layer for an extended period

 

Recently introduced, Softwave is also a type of radiofrequency treatment, and because its energy reaches deeper layers, caution is necessary if metal pins are present.

 

Additionally, Accent Prime (Tune Face, Tune Body, Tune Liner) retains heat in the fat layer for an extended period, similar to InMode, so it is recommended to consult with your doctor before undergoing the treatment.

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Are Laser Treatments Safe?

Laser Type	Precautions
Nd:YAG Laser (Long Pulse)	Can reach depths of 4mm or more, potentially heating metal pins
Titanium Laser	Transfers heat to deeper layers, so caution is needed if metal pins are present

 

Especially with Nd:YAG Laser (Long Pulse), the energy may reach deeper layers, which increases the risk of heating the metal pins.

 

Additionally, Titanium Laser also transfers heat to deeper layers, so treatment should be avoided in areas with metal plates.

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Summary

• After plastic surgery, if metal pins remain, it is crucial to inform your dermatologist in advance.
• HIFU (Ultherapy, Shurink) and monopolar radiofrequency (Thermage) carry a risk of heating metal plates, so caution is needed.
• Bipolar (dual-pole) radiofrequency and needle RF are relatively safe, but treatments like InMode, which retain heat for extended periods, should be approached with caution.
• Nd:YAG Laser and Titanium Laser transfer heat to deeper layers, so treatments should be avoided in areas with metal pins.

 

If you are considering cosmetic treatments after plastic surgery, it is important to check if metal pins remain in your body and consult with your doctor to ensure you receive a safe treatment.