What is non-invasive lifting and how does it work?
Every lifting device works on the same principle: controlled heat. When collagen fibres are heated to the right temperature they contract immediately and, over the following weeks, the body lays down fresh collagen. The difference between devices is depth — which layer of the face the energy reaches.
Ultherapy Prime reaches the SMAS, the same layer a surgeon tightens during a facelift. Thermage FLX heats the dermis for firmer, smoother skin. EMFACE adds muscle stimulation for tone, and DoubleTite combines HIFU-type and RF energy. Many patients benefit from two devices at different depths in one visit.
Who is a good candidate for non-invasive lifting?
- Early jowls or a softening jaw line usually from the early 30s onward.
- Mild cheek descent with good skin thickness.
- Loose skin under the chin that is not yet hanging.
- Patients who cannot take time off or want treatment during a short trip to Seoul.
- Facelift patients maintaining their result a year or more after surgery.
Very thin faces with little fat can look hollow after aggressive ultrasound, so the energy is adjusted. Marked sagging responds better to surgery, such as a jowl lift.
Ultherapy Prime vs Thermage FLX vs EMFACE
| Ultherapy Prime | Thermage FLX | EMFACE | |
| Energy | Micro-focused ultrasound | Monopolar radiofrequency | RF + muscle stimulation |
| Depth | Deep (SMAS) | Dermis | Skin and facial muscles |
| Best for | Jowls, jaw line, brow | Crepey skin, texture, eyes | Tone and subtle lift, no pain |
| Comfort | Deep aches on pulses | Warm, brief heat | Very comfortable |
| Sessions | Usually 1 per year | Usually 1 per year | A short course of sessions |
What happens during a non-invasive lifting session?
Before & after
Before
After
You can browse more cases in our before & after gallery.
How long do non-invasive lifting results take and last?
| Same day | Light redness or swelling; make-up can usually be worn the next morning. |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Some tenderness along the jaw is normal after ultrasound. |
| Month 1–3 | New collagen forms and the lift becomes gradually more visible. |
| Month 12 | Results start to fade; a maintenance session keeps them steady. |
“Devices do their best work when they are used early and repeated sensibly — not when they are asked to replace surgery.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorAre there side effects?
Most people have only temporary redness, swelling or tenderness. Less commonly, bruising, small welts, temporary numbness or, rarely, a superficial burn can occur. Over-treatment in a thin face can cause temporary volume loss. The lift is real but modest: it will not match the result of a facelift, and we will say so if surgery would serve you better.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ultherapy or Thermage?
They do different jobs. Ultherapy lifts the deeper layer; Thermage tightens the skin. Many patients do both.
Does non-invasive lifting hurt?
Ultrasound can cause short deep aches along bone; radiofrequency feels like warm pulses. EMFACE is very comfortable.
When will I see results?
There is a small immediate tightening, but the main lift appears gradually over two to three months.
How long do results last?
Usually around a year, depending on age, skin and lifestyle.
How much does it cost?
See our Ultherapy, Thermage, EMFACE and DoubleTite price pages.
Can I fly straight after treatment?
Yes. There is no wound to care for, so you can travel the same or next day.