Which lifting option fits which kind of sagging?
Sagging is not one problem. A heavy brow, soft jawline, crepey cheek and hollow temple each have a different cause, and lifting options act on different layers. This page sorts the five lifting treatments by sub-concern so you can see which ones are commonly discussed for your situation, and what each does and does not do.
How to choose
Where the looseness sits
Deep structural laxity points toward tools that place energy at depth, while early surface slackness may suit gentler heating. Naming the area first narrows the field.
Skin thickness and fat
Thin skin over bone and thick, heavy tissue respond differently. Some people lose volume rather than tone, and an energy device cannot replace lost volume.
Tolerance for sensation
Focused ultrasound can feel sharp, radiofrequency feels hot, and threads need local anesthesia. Comfort should be part of the comparison.
Recovery and timing
Energy devices generally allow normal activity, while threads can bring swelling or bruising for days. Plan around events if this matters.
How results develop
Energy-based options build over weeks to months, while threads act sooner. Either way, the degree of change varies by person and cannot be promised.
Lifting treatments compared
| Treatment | Often chosen for | Works on | Time | Downtime | Sessions | At Skin Treatment Gangnam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIFU Lifting | Mild to moderate laxity of brow, jawline and neck | Deep: focused points below the surface | about 30-60 minutes | little to none; mild redness or swelling possible | usually 1, repeated every 6-12 months as needed | from ₩950,000 |
| Radiofrequency (RF) Lifting | General looseness and early jowling with some surface texture | Moderate: broad heating of dermis and deeper tissue | about 40-90 minutes depending on area | little to none; mild redness possible | usually 1, repeated every 6-12 months as needed | from ₩2,300,000 |
| Microwave Lifting (ONDA) | Mild laxity combined with a small fat pocket, such as under the chin | Deeper tissue and fat layer, with surface cooling | about 20-60 minutes depending on area | little to none; mild redness or swelling possible | often 1-3 sessions; varies by person | On consultation |
| Laser Lifting (Fotona 4D / Titan) | Mild laxity with texture or pore concerns | Dermal heating, with optional resurfacing steps | about 30-60 minutes | little to none; mild redness or warmth for a few hours | often 2-4 sessions, about 3-6 weeks apart; varies by person | On consultation |
| Thread Lift | Visible descent of cheek or jawline that energy devices may not reach | Mechanical: absorbable threads placed under the skin | about 30-60 minutes | about 3-7 days of swelling or bruising; varies by person | usually 1; may be repeated after the threads dissolve | On consultation |
Times, downtime and sessions are typical ranges and vary by person. Prices are in Korean won and exclude 10% VAT. The final plan and cost are decided after consultation, as many concerns need a combination of treatments. Prices are valid as of October 2026 and may be revised.
When a doctor may advise waiting
- Advanced sagging with loose, hanging skin, which is more often addressed surgically
- Volume loss as the main concern, which tends to call for injectables
- Pregnancy, active infection in the area or implants near the treatment zone, which often change eligibility
Lifting: common questions
Which option is the strongest?
Strength depends on the concern. Threads act mechanically, ultrasound reaches deeper, and RF heats broadly. None is universally stronger.
Can I combine them?
Doctors sometimes combine lifting methods or add injectables, depending on the concern. Whether it fits you is part of an assessment.
How long do results last?
It varies by person, age and lifestyle. Aging continues after treatment, so maintenance is often discussed.
Do any of these replace surgery?
No. They are non-surgical options that may offer milder change.
Book a consultation at Skin Treatment Gangnam
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