Types of Lifting Treatments: Understanding the Principles and Differences of HIFU, Radiofrequency, and Microwave Beomgye, Pyeongchon, Beomgye Station, Pyeongchon Station, Hogye-dong, Bisan-dong, Gwanyang-dong, Dongan-gu, Indeogwon, Geumjeong, Anyang

The most common feeling for those new to searching for types of lifting procedures is confusion.

Ultherapy, Shurink, Thermage, Onda, Oligio, Volnewmer — just by their names, it's impossible to tell what makes them different.

Understanding their operating principles will allow you to much more clearly determine which procedure is right for your concerns.

In this article, we categorize and explain lifting procedures based on their operating principles, dividing them into three types.

HIFU Series — Directly Targeting the SMAS Layer with Ultrasound

HIFU stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, a method that concentrates ultrasound energy on a single point in the skin to apply heat to deep layers without causing surface damage.

The target layer is the SMAS layer. The SMAS layer is a structure that forms the facial fascia, which gradually sags downwards under the influence of gravity as we age.

Managing only the skin surface is not enough; heating and contracting this layer itself and inducing collagen regeneration is necessary to improve nasolabial folds and sagging cheeks.

Representative devices are Ultherapy and Shurink. Ultherapy's strength lies in its ability to target the SMAS layer at precise locations by checking real-time ultrasound images during the procedure.

Shurink uses the same HIFU method as Ultherapy, and its accessibility makes it advantageous for accumulating cumulative effects through repeated treatments.

Among the types of lifting procedures, the HIFU series is recommended for those with noticeable sagging and whose goal is the fundamental improvement of the SMAS layer.

Radiofrequency (RF) Series — Uniformly Heating the Entire Dermis

The radiofrequency series uses electrical energy to uniformly heat the dermal layer.

While HIFU concentrates energy on a single point, radiofrequency evenly delivers heat across a broader skin layer.

As collagen denatures due to heat and then regenerates, skin elasticity improves and wrinkles are reduced.

Representative devices include Thermage, Oligio, Volnewmer, and InMode Forma.

Thermage uses a monopolar RF method to deliver energy deep into the skin, and many people experience noticeable effects after just one session.

Oligio and Volnewmer use a multipolar RF method, characterized by relatively less pain and a comfortable treatment experience.

Among the types of lifting procedures, the radiofrequency series is widely used for improving skin elasticity and texture.

It is well-suited for those who wish to increase overall skin density rather than just address sagging, and for those who want to improve both wrinkle reduction and skin texture.

Microwave Series — Simultaneous Fat Reduction and Lifting

The representative device for the microwave series is Onda.

It uses 2.45GHz microwaves to simultaneously stimulate deep fat cells and the dermal layer.

While HIFU and radiofrequency primarily focus on collagen regeneration, Onda differs in that it can simultaneously offer fat layer reduction and lifting effects.

This is why it shows prominent effects in areas where fat contributes to sagging, such as cheek fat or a double chin.

Comparison by Method at a Glance

HIFU (Ultherapy·Shurink): Ultrasound energy → Focused heating of SMAS layer → Fundamental improvement of sagging, strong for deep sagging

Radiofrequency (Thermage·Oligio·Volnewmer): RF energy → Uniform heating of dermal layer → Collagen regeneration, improved elasticity·skin texture

Microwave (Onda): Microwaves → Simultaneous stimulation of fat+dermis → Combined effect of fat reduction+lifting

Since the principles of these lifting procedures differ, even if you desire the same lifting effect, the choice varies depending on which layer or area is your concern.

If your skin concerns are complex, considering a combination procedure that merges two methods is also an option.

Precise Lifting Possible at Kkeut Oriental Medical Clinic

At Kkeut Oriental Medical Clinic, for Ultherapy procedures, in addition to the 4.5mm main tip, 3.0mm, 2.0mm, and 1.5mm tips are used, interchanged for different areas.

Since skin thickness and layer structure vary across different facial areas, performing the entire procedure uniformly with a single tip leads to reduced accuracy.

At Kkeut Oriental Medical Clinic, the procedure is performed by adjusting the tip angle to accurately target the SMAS layer, while confirming with real-time ultrasound imaging.

Kkeut Oriental Medical Clinic's principle is to always conduct the design phase in a sitting position before the procedure.

If designed while lying down, cheek fat spreads laterally, making it difficult to accurately identify the actual sagging areas. Designing while seated reduces the risk of cheek hollowing and allows energy to be focused only where needed.

Kkeut Oriental Medical Clinic creates and shares a lifting card after the lifting procedure.

Since the treatment history is recorded, consistent management can be provided based on the same standards during subsequent visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. There are many types of lifting procedures; how do I choose the right one?

A. Lifting procedures are categorized by principle: HIFU, high-frequency, and microwave. If severe sagging is your concern, consider HIFU-based treatments targeting the SMAS layer. If your goal is to improve skin elasticity and texture, opt for high-frequency treatments. If you want both fat reduction and lifting, Onda is a good primary consideration. We recommend consulting with Ggeut Oriental Medicine Clinic to assess your individual skin condition before making a decision.

Q. What's the difference between Ultherapy and Shurink among lifting procedures?

A. Both devices use the HIFU method, so their principles are the same. Ultherapy's strength lies in its ability to target the SMAS layer more precisely with real-time ultrasound imaging guidance. Shurink is more accessible, making it advantageous for building cumulative lifting effects through repeated treatments.

Q. Between high-frequency lifting and HIFU, which type of lifting procedure is more effective?

A. Rather than one being 'better,' different lifting procedures target different concerns and skin layers. If addressing the root cause of sagging is your goal, HIFU is a rational choice. If improving skin elasticity and texture is your aim, high-frequency treatments are suitable. Combination procedures merging both types are also possible.

Q. Which category of lifting procedures does Onda Lifting belong to?

A. Onda uses a microwave (2.45GHz) method, which differs in principle from HIFU or high-frequency treatments. It simultaneously stimulates fat cells and the dermis, providing both fat reduction and lifting effects, making it suitable for those concerned with chubby cheeks or a double chin.

The Sincerity of Ggeut Oriental Medicine Clinic

At Ggeut Oriental Medicine Clinic, during Ultherapy procedures, we use customized tips ranging from 4.5mm to 1.5mm, changing them according to the area to deliver precise energy to each skin layer.

Ggeut Oriental Medicine Clinic adheres to the principle of designing the treatment while the patient is in a seated position before the procedure, ensuring focused treatment only on necessary areas without causing hollowing.

Ggeut Oriental Medicine Clinic operates a system where a lifting card is created and shared after each procedure, enabling continuous management regardless of which branch you visit.

A Subtle Difference, Remarkable Results — Experience it at Ggeut Oriental Medicine Clinic.