Hongik Univ. Station Exit 1 · 8F · 1:1 Personalized Aesthetic Dermatology
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10THERA
10THERA HIFU lifting in Seoul: dual-line focused ultrasound that tightens the jawline and cheeks with no downtime, performed by Dr. Chae-ho Lee in Hongdae.
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10THERA in Seoul
Medically reviewed by Dr. Chae-ho Lee, Medical Director, Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae; Member, Korean Society of Aesthetic Plastic Laser Medicine
Doctor profile · Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae, Seoul
10THERA (also written 10-THERA) is a high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment that fires two lines of energy at once into the dermis and the SMAS layer, tightening facial structures and regenerating collagen without cutting the skin. For HIFU lifting in Korea, Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae in Seoul offers 10THERA in sessions of about 15 to 30 minutes, with no downtime afterward.
What Is 10THERA?
10THERA is a non-invasive HIFU lifting treatment that uses dual-line irradiation to place focused thermal energy in the deep dermis and the SMAS, the supportive layer beneath facial fat, so that tissue contracts and new collagen forms over the following weeks.
- Two lines per pass. Cartridges deliver two parallel lines of energy simultaneously, which the clinic says cuts treatment time roughly in half compared with single-line delivery.
- Two working depths. Cartridges operate at 3.0 mm, aimed at the dermis, and 4.5 mm, aimed at the SMAS.
- Heat without surface damage. Ultrasound converges below the skin, creating small heated zones while the surface stays intact, so there are no scars.
- Collagen remodeling. The heated tissue tightens and then rebuilds over time, which is why results keep developing after the visit.
- Shorter time under the handpiece. Faster coverage also means less cumulative sensation per pass.
Focused ultrasound for facial tightening has been studied fairly widely. A 2025 systematic review covering 45 HIFU trials and cohort studies reported skin laxity improvements of around 18% to 30% in the lower face, neck, and eye area, with transient redness, swelling, or mild discomfort in fewer than 5% of patients (Haykal et al., Aesthetic Surgery Journal). In an earlier study of 20 Korean patients treated with HIFU across seven facial areas, the jawline, cheeks, and area around the mouth showed the most improvement (Park et al., Annals of Dermatology). Neither study tested 10THERA itself, so they describe what HIFU can do as a category.
Why the dual-line design matters
Most HIFU devices lay down one line of heated points per pass. Delivering two at once covers the same area in fewer passes. For you, that mainly means a shorter session and fewer moments of the deep, prickling heat that HIFU is known for. It does not by itself make the result stronger; depth selection and how evenly energy is spread still decide the outcome.
Who Performs 10THERA at Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae
Dr. Chae-ho Lee
Medical Director at Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae
10THERA at Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae is performed by Dr. Chae-ho Lee, the Medical Director, who is also the clinic's only doctor. 10-THERA is among the lifting techniques listed as his subspecialties. His consultation includes a direct skin analysis of facial structure, tissue depth, and elasticity, and he uses it to choose between the 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm cartridges for each zone. He has previously held director roles at Lienjang Clinic Hongdae and Doctorpetit Clinic Gangnam. His approach favors natural-looking results planned for the individual face.
Who Is a Good Candidate for 10THERA?
10THERA may suit you if you have:
- Mild to moderate facial skin laxity.
- A softening jawline or early sagging along the jaw.
- Sagging cheeks.
- A double chin that you would like to look more refined.
- Fine lines, or a general wish for natural-looking anti-aging care without surgery.
10THERA may not be suitable, or should be postponed, if you have:
- Severe laxity that needs open surgery.
- An active skin infection, inflammatory skin condition, or open facial wound.
- Metallic implants near the treatment area.
- A current pregnancy.
Your doctor confirms suitability only after assessing your skin in person.
What U.S. patients usually want from it
People traveling from the United States often choose 10THERA because the two-line delivery shortens the session, discomfort is limited, and there is no downtime to plan around. The benefits the clinic describes are a sharper jawline, lifted cheeks, a more refined double chin, restored elasticity, and a naturally rejuvenated look without surface scars. Changes are gradual and moderate.
Where HIFU reaches its limits
Ultrasound tightening works with your existing tissue. It cannot remove surplus skin, and heavy jowls or a deeply folded neck usually need surgery for a meaningful change. HIFU also does not replace lost facial volume. If Dr. Lee thinks your goals are beyond what 10THERA can deliver, he will say so at consultation and discuss other routes.
What to Expect: Procedure, Recovery, and Results Timeline
The consultation
Treatment starts with a 1:1 consultation in which Dr. Lee examines your skin directly. He looks at the shape of your face, how deep the soft tissue is in each zone, and how much elasticity your skin has kept. From that he decides where the 3.0 mm cartridge is enough and where the 4.5 mm cartridge is needed to reach the SMAS, and how the energy should be spread across the face. It is also the moment to raise anything that worries you, from discomfort to travel timing; English interpretation is available.
Preparing for your visit
Keep your skin well hydrated. Avoid harsh chemical or physical exfoliants, deep chemical peels, and aggressive retinoid use before the appointment. Stay out of strong sun and avoid tanning. Skip alcohol immediately before the procedure. Let the doctor know about any recent aesthetic treatments.
Your session, step by step
- Consultation. Dr. Lee assesses your skin and lifting needs and plans depths for each zone.
- Preparation. The skin is cleansed, and non-sleep topical numbing cream is applied.
- 10THERA treatment. Dual-line focused ultrasound is delivered to the planned layers.
- Skin tightening. Heated tissue contracts and begins producing collagen.
- Finishing. The treated area is gently soothed.
- Aftercare. You receive simple instructions for the next few days.
A full-face session takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the areas treated and how the energy is allocated. No intravenous sedation is used.
Recovery and results timeline
| When | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Right after | Subtle tightening may be felt. Skincare, sunscreen, and makeup can be applied, and you can return to your day. |
| Hours to a few days | Light redness, mild swelling, tingling, warmth, or slight tenderness usually resolves on its own. |
| First few days | Keep skin hydrated, wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, and avoid hot saunas, strenuous exercise, and heavy drinking. |
| 2–4 weeks | Firming becomes clearer as collagen remodeling gets under way. |
| 1–2 months | Collagen remodeling reaches its optimal point. |
| Up to about 6 months | Visible lifting effects are maintained for up to about 6 months. |
A stay of 1 to 2 days in Seoul is enough for a single 10THERA session. Flying home shortly afterward is usually possible because there is no recovery period, but check timing with the doctor if your flight is the same day.
Once you are home
Continue daily sunscreen and moisturizer while collagen keeps remodeling. If you notice anything unexpected after returning to the U.S., contact the clinic by website or phone, and seek local medical attention for any severe or worsening symptom.
Combining 10THERA with Other Treatments
HIFU tightens, but it does not hydrate the skin or replace lost volume. After assessment, 10THERA is frequently combined with:
- Skin Boosters & Biostimulators — booster injections for hydration.
- Dermal Fillers — to restore facial volume where it has thinned.
- Botox Treatments — neuromodulator injections for expression lines.
Dr. Lee sequences any combination according to your skin and schedule.
Safety, Precision, and Clinic Standards
Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae holds Ministry of Health and Welfare registration for treating foreign patients, granted in January 2023. A 1:1 consultation with the Medical Director comes before every treatment plan. Cartridge depth is chosen from the tissue depth and elasticity measured during that consultation. English consultation and interpretation are available.
Possible side effects and risks
Common, temporary effects include mild redness, local warmth, slight swelling, or a muscle-like tenderness that resolves within a few hours to days. Although rare, transient numbness, superficial skin dimpling, or localized tenderness can occur if energy is distributed unevenly. Less common adverse effects can depend on the device, its settings, and individual factors. Contact the clinic if symptoms are severe, persistent, or unusual.
The Bottom Line
- 10THERA is a HIFU treatment that delivers two lines of energy at once to the dermis (3.0 mm) and SMAS (4.5 mm).
- Sessions take about 15 to 30 minutes with topical numbing cream.
- There is virtually no downtime, and makeup can go on straight away.
- Collagen remodeling peaks at about 1 to 2 months.
- Visible lifting is maintained for up to about 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 10THERA treat?
It is aimed at mild to moderate laxity, a softening jawline, sagging cheeks, a double chin, and fine lines. It suits people who want firmer contours without surgery.
What makes 10THERA different from other HIFU devices?
Its cartridges deliver two lines of focused energy at the same time. That shortens the session and reduces the sensation per pass, while the 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm depths target the dermis and SMAS.
Does 10THERA hurt?
Discomfort is usually minimal and well controlled. Topical numbing cream is applied beforehand, and the faster delivery means fewer passes over each area.
How long do 10THERA results last?
Visible lifting effects are maintained for up to about six months. Results vary between individuals, and maintenance sessions can be planned after review.
When will I see results?
Some tightening can be felt right away. Firming becomes clearer over two to four weeks, and collagen remodeling reaches its best point at around one to two months.
How long should I stay in Korea for 10THERA?
One to two days is enough for a single session, since there is no downtime. That leaves room for the consultation, the treatment, and normal travel plans.
Who should not have 10THERA?
It is not advised during pregnancy, with an active skin infection, inflammation, or open wound in the area, or with metallic implants nearby. Severe laxity that needs surgery is also outside its scope.
Can I wear makeup after 10THERA?
Yes. Recovery is immediate, so you can wash your face, apply sunscreen, and wear makeup right after the session. For a few days, skip hot saunas and strenuous workouts.
Book a Consultation at Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae
If 10THERA in Seoul sounds like a fit for your jawline or cheeks, start with an assessment by Dr. Chae-ho Lee. The clinic sits up on the 8th floor of the Wookdo Building, 151 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu; take Exit 1 at Hongik University Station and it is right there. Reach out to schedule, and see before-and-after results or reviews from past patients.
Disclaimer
Treatment suitability, expected results, recovery time, risks, and potential side effects vary by individual. The information provided is for general informational purposes and does not replace an in-person medical consultation. Patients should discuss their medical history, treatment goals, and individual circumstances with a qualified medical professional before undergoing treatment.
Sources & Further Reading
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