Treatments

Korean Lifting Treatments Explained: HIFU, RF and Laser

Quick answer: Korean non-surgical lifting uses two main technologies. HIFU (Ulthera Prime, Shurink Universe) focuses ultrasound into the deep support layer to lift; RF (Thermage FLX, Oligio X, Volnewmer) heats the dermis to tighten and build collagen. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, lifting starts from ₩149,000 for 300 shots of Shurink Universe (KRW, excluding VAT), with little or no downtime.

Reviewed by the Dernia Clinic Myeongdong medical team · Updated October 2026
A doctor performing a non-surgical lifting treatment along a woman's jawline
  • HIFU: Focused ultrasound to the SMAS and deep layers; Ulthera Prime, Shurink Universe
  • RF: Radiofrequency heat in the dermis; Thermage FLX, Oligio X, Volnewmer, InMode
  • Other energies: Microwave (Onda) and laser-based Titanium Lifting
  • Downtime: None to mild swelling for energy devices; 3–7 days for threads
  • Results: Build over 1–3 months as collagen forms
  • Prices from: ₩149,000 (Shurink Universe, 300 shots)

How non-surgical lifting works

Every energy-based lifting treatment does the same basic thing: it delivers controlled heat below the skin surface. Heat makes existing collagen contract, which gives a subtle immediate firming, then triggers the skin to build new collagen over the following months. What differs is the type of energy, how deep it reaches and how it is measured. Korean clinics offer an unusually wide range of devices, including several developed in Korea, which is why prices and names can be confusing.

The main lifting technologies at a glance

Treatment Energy Main target Downtime From
Ulthera Prime(Merz) Micro-focused ultrasound with imaging SMAS and deep dermis None to mild swelling ₩390,000 (100 lines)
Shurink Universe(Classys) HIFU SMAS and fat layer None ₩149,000 (300 shots)
Thermage FLX(Solta Medical) Monopolar RF Deep dermis Minimal ₩990,000 (300 shots)
Oligio X(Wontech) Monopolar RF Dermis Minimal ₩390,000 (300 shots)
Volnewmer(Classys) Monopolar RF with water cooling Dermis Minimal ₩390,000 (300 shots)
InMode Forma and Mini FX Bipolar RF Skin and small fat pockets None ₩129,000 (one area)
Onda Lifting(DEKA) Microwave Fat layer and laxity None to mild swelling ₩199,000
Titanium Lifting Laser-based heating Skin firmness and glow None ₩450,000 (full face)
Thread lift Dissolvable threads Mechanical repositioning 3–7 days ₩690,000 (per area)

Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation.

HIFU: lifting from the deep layer

High-intensity focused ultrasound converges energy into tiny heating points at set depths of a few millimeters, including the SMAS, the fibrous layer that surgeons tighten during a facelift. That makes HIFU well suited to a softening jawline, early jowls and a heavier lower face. Ulthera Prime adds real-time ultrasound imaging so the doctor can see the layers being treated; Shurink Universe is a Korean HIFU device that is often repeated every few months at a lower cost. Doses are counted in lines or shots. Read is Shurink the same as Ulthera?

RF: tightening the skin itself

Radiofrequency heats a broader volume of the dermis rather than focused points. It suits thin, crepey or loose skin on the cheeks, eyelids, jawline and neck. Thermage FLX is the original monopolar RF system with the longest track record; Oligio X and Volnewmer are Korean devices on a similar principle at a lower price. InMode Forma uses bipolar RF for gentler, repeatable heating.

Microwave, laser and threads

Onda uses microwave energy aimed at the fat layer, helpful where heaviness rather than laxity is the issue. Titanium Lifting is a laser-based treatment often chosen for a quick refresh before an event. Threads physically reposition tissue and suit more pronounced sagging, with a few days of swelling.

Shots, lines and joules

Lifting is priced by dose. HIFU is counted in lines (Ulthera Prime) or shots (Shurink Universe), RF in shots (Thermage FLX, Oligio X, Volnewmer) and Onda in joules. More shots usually mean more coverage or more passes, not a stronger single pulse. When comparing quotes, check the device name, the dose and whether the tip or cartridge is genuine and new. Our guide to shots, lines and cc explains how to compare prices fairly.

What a session is like

  1. Consultation and skin assessment with your doctor
  2. Cleansing and numbing cream for about 30–40 minutes
  3. Treatment, usually 20–90 minutes depending on the device and dose
  4. Soothing; after most energy devices you can wear makeup and go out the same day

How doctors choose

  • Heavy lower face or jowls: HIFU first
  • Thin, crepey or hooded skin: RF first
  • Both laxity and skin quality: HIFU plus RF, as in combining Thermage and Ulthera
  • Very slim face: lower HIFU energy over fat pads, or RF instead, to avoid a hollow look
  • Budget maintenance: Korean devices repeated more often
  • Advanced sagging: threads, or an honest referral for a surgical opinion

Compare the two main technologies in HIFU vs RF lifting and Thermage vs Ulthera.

How long results last

Thermage FLX typically lasts about 12–18 months and Ulthera Prime about 12 months or longer. Shurink Universe lasts about 3–6 months, and Oligio X and Volnewmer about 6–12 months. Age, skin quality, sun exposure and weight changes all matter. See how long Korean lifting results last and when to start lifting treatments.

Safety

RF is not suitable with a pacemaker or implanted electronic device, and lifting is usually postponed during pregnancy or with active skin infection. Tell your doctor about recent fillers, threads or metal implants. Treatments at Dernia are performed by licensed medical doctors. To find the right device for your face, book a consultation or browse all treatments.

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Tell us your concerns and your travel dates. A doctor examines your skin in person, explains your options in English, and confirms the plan and price before anything is done.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from our medical team. Still unsure? Ask a doctor or browse all patient questions .

What is the difference between HIFU and RF lifting?

HIFU focuses ultrasound into precise points in the deep support layer to lift, while RF spreads heat through the dermis to tighten the skin. HIFU is often chosen for jowls and contour, RF for thin or crepey skin. Many plans combine both.

Are Korean lifting devices as good as Ulthera and Thermage?

Korean devices such as Shurink Universe, Oligio X and Volnewmer work on similar principles and cost less, but results usually last for a shorter time, so they are repeated more often. The right choice depends on your skin, budget and how often you can return.

Does lifting hurt?

You feel deep heat or brief zaps, strongest over bony areas such as the jawline. Numbing cream and energy adjustments keep it manageable. See does Thermage FLX hurt?

How soon will I see results?

Some firming is visible on the day, but the main change builds over one to three months as new collagen forms. That makes lifting a good treatment to have in Seoul and enjoy at home.

Can lifting make my face look thinner?

In very slim faces, aggressive HIFU over fat pads can make the face look hollower. Doctors adjust depth and energy, or choose RF instead, to avoid this.

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Plan your visit to Dernia Clinic Myeongdong

English consultations, clear prices in Korean won and treatment plans built around your time in Seoul. Tell us your dates and we will suggest a schedule that fits.

Individual results vary. Suitability, dosage and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor at your consultation. Prices are in Korean won (KRW) and exclude 10% VAT. Medical disclaimer