Non-Surgical Lifting

Non-Surgical Lifting 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

Non-surgical lifting in Seoul is a group of energy-based treatments that heat targeted layers beneath the skin to tighten mild to moderate sagging on the face and neck without incisions. Depending on the device, that energy is delivered as focused ultrasound (HIFU), microwave, laser light, or radiofrequency (RF), and the body's own collagen remodeling builds firmness over the following weeks. At Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae, eight lifting devices are available, and the choice between them is made at a one-on-one consultation with the Medical Director.

What Is Non-Surgical Lifting?

Non-surgical lifting is a non-invasive aesthetic treatment that uses controlled heat, delivered through the skin by a medical device, to tighten, lift, and firm lax tissue on the face and neck without cutting or removing skin.

• Heat at a chosen depth contracts existing collagen and starts a repair response that produces new collagen, which is why firmness keeps improving for weeks after a session.
• HIFU converts ultrasound energy into heat at precise focal points in the dermis and deeper tissue; these devices can target depths such as 1.5, 3, and 4.5 mm, reaching the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), according to a bibliometric review of HIFU studies in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum.
• RF heats the dermis to cause collagen contraction and new collagen formation; monopolar RF reaches deeper (up to 20 mm), while bipolar RF stays shallower (1–4 mm) and more localized, as a systematic review of radiofrequency skin rejuvenation describes.
• Microwave and laser devices take different routes to the same goal: microwave energy heats fat and connective tissue, and multi-wavelength laser light heats several skin depths at once.
• Treatment is performed awake, with topical numbing cream or built-in skin cooling depending on the device.

Non-surgical lifting does not reposition tissue the way a surgical facelift does. Severe sagging that needs skin excision is a reason to consider surgery instead, and that distinction is part of every assessment.

Who Performs Non-Surgical Lifting at Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae

Dr. Chae-ho Lee, Medical Director

Dr. Chae-ho Lee, the Medical Director, is the only physician at the clinic, so the doctor who examines your skin laxity is also the one who selects the device, sets the depth, and reviews the outcome. Non-surgical facial lifting is one of his stated core specializations. His listed subspecialty techniques in this area are Ultherapy PRIME, ONDA, Titanium, DENSITY, Shurink Universe, 10-THERA, and InMode lifting. He is a member of the Korean Society of Aesthetic Plastic Laser Medicine and the Korean Society of Laser Dermatology & Hair, and previously served as a director at Lienjang Clinic Hongdae and Doctorpetit Clinic Gangnam. His approach favors natural-looking change planned around each patient's face rather than a fixed package. The clinic also sees international patients who were unhappy with uneven or overdone energy-based treatment elsewhere; each of those cases is assessed in person before anything is recommended.

Non-Surgical Lifting Options Available

The clinic offers eight lifting devices across four energy types. Times and durations below are the clinic's stated figures; individual results vary.

In practice, the energy type decides the depth and the main job. HIFU reaches furthest, down to the SMAS, and is chosen for structural lifting along the jaw and cheeks. Microwave acts on fat as well as collagen, which suits a fuller lower face. Laser combines tightening with tone, and RF concentrates on dermal firmness and texture.

Device	Energy type	Main target	Session time	Typical maintenance
Ultherapy PRIME	HIFU (micro-focused ultrasound with real-time imaging)	SMAS and deep dermis	About 30–60 min	Up to 12 months or longer
ONDA Face Lifting	Microwave	Deep fat and dermal collagen	About 10–20 min	About 6–12 months
Titanium Lifting	Laser (755, 810, 1064 nm together)	Multiple skin depths; tone	About 20–30 min	About 6–12 months
DENSITY Lifting	RF (monopolar and bipolar)	Dermis and underlying tissue	Varies by area	Varies by individual
Shurink Universe	HIFU	Deep dermis and SMAS	About 15–30 min	About 6–12 months
10-THERA	HIFU (dual-line)	Dermis and SMAS at 3.0 and 4.5 mm	About 15–30 min	Around 6 months
Oligio X	RF (monopolar, 6.78 MHz)	Dermal collagen	About 20–40 min	About 6–12 months
InMode FX & Forma	RF (FX adds high-voltage pulses)	Lower-face fat (FX); dermal collagen (Forma)	About 15–40 min	About 6–12 months

Ultherapy PRIME

Ultherapy PRIME delivers micro-focused ultrasound to deep structural layers, including the SMAS, using 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm, and 4.5 mm transducers. Its DeepSEE imaging lets the doctor see the tissue layers in real time while treating. The Ulthera System (Ulthera, Inc.) holds U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance as a non-invasive treatment to lift the eyebrow, lift lax tissue beneath the chin and on the neck, and improve lines on the décolleté (FDA 510(k) K180623). Numbing cream is applied beforehand, and the clinic notes that the newer system delivers energy faster, which reduces discomfort. Saunas and strenuous exercise are avoided for 24–48 hours, and collagen remodeling builds over 2–3 months.

ONDA Face Lifting

ONDA uses Coolwaves microwave technology to heat deep fat and stimulate dermal collagen while a contact cooling system protects the surface. In a 10-patient study of the ONDA system (DEKA M.E.L.A.) at 2.45 GHz, submental skin laxity scores improved from 3.6 to 2.3 twelve weeks after two sessions, with no adverse effects reported; the authors note the small sample (Zappia et al., Lasers in Medical Science). The clinic recommends at least three sessions at 3–4 week intervals.

Titanium Lifting

Titanium Lifting is a laser treatment, not RF. A high-power diode laser system emits 755 nm, 810 nm, and 1064 nm wavelengths simultaneously to heat several depths, tightening tissue and brightening skin tone in one session. Sapphire contact cooling keeps the surface comfortable, so numbing cream is usually unnecessary. A contraction effect is often visible straight away, and collagen remodeling continues for about 2–4 weeks. The clinic recommends an average of three sessions at 1–2 month intervals.

DENSITY Lifting

DENSITY delivers monopolar and bipolar RF energy to different skin layers, with impedance feedback and five-level cooling to control delivery and protect the skin. It suits early or mild laxity, reduced firmness, and fine lines. Warmth or brief heat is felt during treatment, and anesthesia is generally not needed. Temporary redness or sensitivity can last several hours to a few days, depending on intensity. Firming develops gradually over weeks to months, and RF tightening does not reposition tissue the way surgery does.

Shurink Universe HIFU Lifting

Shurink Universe is a second-generation HIFU device with Micro Pulsed Technology, offering Normal Dot Mode and Line MP Mode across seven cartridges. Its Ultra Booster pen-type applicator reaches curved zones such as the cheekbones, jawline, and eye area. The clinic reports roughly 2.5-times faster delivery than the previous Shurink, and numbing cream is applied for 20–30 minutes beforehand. The clinic recommends at least three sessions at roughly 1–3 month intervals, and saunas and intense exercise are avoided for a week afterward.

10-THERA

10-THERA is a HIFU device that fires two lines at once, with cartridges at 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm targeting the dermis and SMAS. Dual-line delivery roughly halves treatment time. Numbing cream is used, and collagen remodeling peaks at about 1–2 months. The clinic lists softening jawlines, sagging cheeks, and a double chin among the concerns it addresses.

Oligio X

Oligio X is a monopolar RF device operating at 6.78 MHz with dual-mode heating of the dermis. Real-time impedance tracking, vibration, and gas cooling keep it comfortable without routine anesthesia. The clinic names people in their 30s to 50s with mild to moderate laxity, fine lines, or enlarged pores as typical candidates. Flushing or warmth usually fades within a day or two, and collagen peaks over 1–3 months.

InMode FX & Forma

InMode combines two RF modes. FX pairs RF with high-voltage pulses to reduce stubborn lower-face fat, and Forma delivers dermal heat for collagen tightening. Temperature sensors check skin heat up to 1,000 times per second. FX's vacuum handpiece can leave suction marks or light bruising for 2–7 days. Fat cells damaged in FX mode are cleared by the body over 2–4 weeks, and firming becomes visible within 1–2 weeks.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Non-Surgical Lifting?

Suitability is confirmed at consultation, where the doctor analyzes facial structure, skin thickness, elasticity, and fat distribution.

People who may be suitable include:

• Adults with mild to moderate skin laxity or loss of elasticity on the face or neck.
• People with a softening jawline, early jowls, sagging cheeks, or deepening smile lines.
• Those with fullness under the chin who also want tightening (ONDA or InMode FX).
• People with dull or uneven tone alongside early laxity (Titanium).
• Anyone who prefers subtle, natural-looking change over surgery and a long recovery.
• International visitors who need a treatment with little or no downtime.

Treatment may be unsuitable, or should be postponed, for:

• Severe sagging that requires surgical skin excision.
• Active skin infection, inflammation, or open wounds in the treatment area.
• Pregnancy.
• Metallic implants in the treatment zone (ultrasound and RF devices).
• Pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices (RF devices).

What to Expect: Procedure, Recovery, and Results Timeline

Before treatment

Avoid strong chemical exfoliants, retinoids, and heavy sun exposure before your visit. Tell the doctor about recent aesthetic treatments, injections, implants, medications, and supplements. Do not stop prescribed medication on your own; discuss it with the treating doctor first.

The session

1. Consultation: Dr. Lee assesses laxity, contour, and goals, and selects the device and depth.
2. Preparation: the skin is cleansed and, for some devices, marked.
3. Comfort: numbing cream is applied for HIFU devices; cooling-based devices usually need none.
4. Treatment: energy is delivered across the planned areas.
5. Finishing: the skin is soothed and checked.
6. Aftercare: brief written instructions are given.

Sessions take about 10 to 60 minutes depending on the device and area.

Timeline

Time after treatment	What usually happens
Same day	Most patients return to normal activity; makeup and skincare can usually resume. Mild redness or warmth is common.
First hours to days	Redness, light swelling, or tenderness usually settles; InMode FX suction marks can last 2–7 days.
24 hours to 1 week	Avoid saunas, steam rooms, heavy drinking, and intense exercise; the period depends on the device.
2–4 weeks	Firming becomes clearer; Titanium remodeling peaks in this window.
1–3 months	Collagen remodeling peaks for most devices; HIFU results are typically assessed at 2–3 months.
2–12+ months	Results fade gradually; maintenance is planned according to device and response.

Aftercare

Keep skin hydrated and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. Cleanse gently with lukewarm water. Contact the clinic by website or phone if anything concerns you after returning home, and seek local medical care for severe or worsening symptoms.

Combining Non-Surgical Lifting with Other Treatments

Energy devices tighten tissue but do not add volume or relax muscles, so the clinic often pairs them with injectables after assessment.

• Dermal Fillers — when volume loss, not laxity alone, is softening the contour.
• Skin Boosters & Biostimulators — to support hydration and texture alongside tightening.
• Botox Treatments — for expression lines or muscle-driven contour, including Skin Botox with InMode.
• Fat Dissolving & Body Contouring — fat-dissolving injections can be added to InMode for lower-face slimming.

Two lifting devices can also be combined, for example Oligio X for dermal tightening with Shurink Universe for deeper lifting. When devices are stacked, the plan accounts for treatment depth and cumulative heating.

Safety, Precision, and Clinic Standards

• Since January 2023, Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae has held Ministry of Health and Welfare registration as a foreign-patient-attracting medical institution, under the Medical Overseas Expansion and Foreign Patients Attraction Act.
• Its business registration number is 250-54-00398.
• The clinic states that its lifting devices, including Titanium, Ultherapy, Oligio, ONDA, and DENSITY, are authentic equipment.
• Every lifting plan starts with a 1:1 consultation with the Medical Director.
• Ultherapy PRIME treatment is mapped with real-time ultrasound imaging of tissue depth.
• Cooling is built into several devices: sapphire contact cooling (Titanium), contact cooling (ONDA), gas cooling (Oligio X), and continuous temperature monitoring (InMode).
• English consultation and interpretation are available throughout the visit.

Known risks

Common effects are temporary redness, warmth, light swelling, tightness, or tenderness that usually settle within hours to days. Less common effects include bruising, tingling, temporary numbness, or superficial dimpling with HIFU. Heat-based devices can cause burns, blistering, or pigment changes if settings or technique are inappropriate. Titanium may activate pigment in existing melasma and can reduce fine vellus hair in treated areas.

The evidence base is real but still maturing. A review of 27 HIFU studies found short-term efficacy and safety appear favorable, while long-term outcomes and standardized treatment parameters remain under-studied (HIFU bibliometric review). RF devices carry a high safety profile but still have potential complications, which is why the radiofrequency review stresses individualized treatment by experienced practitioners.

The Bottom Line

• Non-surgical lifting uses heat from HIFU, microwave, laser, or RF devices to tighten mild to moderate laxity without incisions.
• Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae offers eight devices, from Ultherapy PRIME to InMode FX & Forma, all used by Dr. Chae-ho Lee.
• Most patients return to daily activity the same day; firming builds over 1–3 months as collagen remodels.
• Maintenance ranges from about 6 months to 12 months or longer, depending on device and individual.
• Severe sagging is better addressed surgically, and the consultation is where that is decided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which lifting device is right for me?
It depends on what is causing the sagging. Deep laxity along the jaw often suits HIFU, fullness under the chin may suit ONDA or InMode FX, and dull tone with early laxity may suit Titanium. Dr. Lee recommends a device after examining your skin in person.

What is the difference between Ultherapy PRIME and Shurink Universe?
Both are HIFU devices that heat the dermis and SMAS. Ultherapy PRIME adds real-time DeepSEE imaging so the doctor sees the tissue layers while treating. Shurink Universe uses micro-pulsed delivery with a pen-type applicator for curved areas, and the clinic usually plans it as a series.

Is Titanium Lifting a radiofrequency treatment?
No. Titanium Lifting is a laser treatment that emits three wavelengths, 755, 810, and 1064 nm, at the same time. It tightens and brightens in one session, with sapphire contact cooling for comfort.

Does non-surgical lifting hurt?
Most patients describe warmth or a deep heat sensation rather than sharp pain. HIFU devices are performed after numbing cream, while ONDA, Titanium, Oligio X, and InMode rely mainly on built-in cooling, with numbing cream available if you are sensitive; DENSITY generally does not require anesthesia.

How long should I stay in Seoul, and when can I fly?
A single session is usually completed in one visit, so a short stay of a few days generally covers consultation, treatment, and a check. Many patients can fly within 24 to 48 hours, but confirm timing with the doctor, especially if a series is planned.

When will I see results?
Some tightening is often felt right after treatment. Visible firming develops over several weeks, and most devices reach their peak at about 1 to 3 months.

How long do the results last?
Maintenance varies by device: around 6 months for 10-THERA, about 6–12 months for ONDA, Shurink Universe, Titanium, Oligio X, and InMode, and up to 12 months or longer for Ultherapy PRIME. Ageing continues, so maintenance sessions are planned individually.

Book a Consultation at Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae

Planning non-surgical lifting in Seoul starts with a face-to-face assessment by Dr. Chae-ho Lee, who will match your laxity, contour, and schedule to one device or a combination. English interpretation is available, and the clinic is directly outside Exit 1 of Hongik University Station, on the 8th floor of the Wookdo Building at 151 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu. You can request an appointment online, browse before-and-after results, or read what other patients have said.

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

• FDA — Ulthera System 510(k) K180623
• PMC — HIFU for Facial Rejuvenation and Body Contouring: A Bibliometric Analysis
• PMC — The Landscape of Radiofrequency Technology for Skin Rejuvenation
• PMC — Microwave Technology for Submental Skin Laxity