Energy-based lifting & firming

How it works

Ultrasound (HIFU) devices focus energy on one point to create small heat-coagulation points at the depth of the dermis or the SMAS (fascia layer). Ultherapy uses 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mm tips to target different depths, and Sofwave heats a wide area of the dermis at 1–2 mm. Radiofrequency (RF) devices such as Thermage, VOLNEWMER and InMode heat a wide area of the dermis with RF current, and ONDA, a microwave device, is designed so that energy is absorbed in the fat layer under the skin.

The device is chosen based on skin thickness, the degree of sagging, the amount of facial fat, the areas you want treated and how much time you have for recovery. For example, ultrasound may be considered for sagging in deeper layers and radiofrequency for skin texture and fine lines, and the two are sometimes combined. For faces with little fat, we adjust the tip, energy and area so the cheeks do not look hollow.

What happens on the day

1. 1

   At the treatment, the doctor chooses the device after looking at the degree of sagging, skin thickness and the amount of facial fat, then plans the tips and the number of shots (lines) for each area, such as the jawline, cheeks and around the eyes.

2. 2

   Before treatment, we clean the area and apply numbing cream, then you usually wait about 20–30 minutes. People sensitive to pain sometimes also get local anesthesia. Please tell us before this step if you have an implanted electronic device or metal implant, or have had other recent treatments such as filler.

3. 3

   Following the plan for each area, the device is placed on the skin to deliver energy. Ultherapy is done while viewing inside the skin on a real-time ultrasound image, and Sofwave and Thermage are done with cooling of the skin surface. If it feels too hot or achy, tell us right away and we will adjust the energy.

4. 4

   Most people can return to daily life right after treatment, though swelling, warmth and redness may occur. We give you written aftercare instructions, and after ultrasound lifting we advise avoiding cold-water face washing and cold packs for about 1 week.

Safety

Who should not have it

• If you have an implanted electronic device such as a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator, you cannot have radiofrequency treatment. If there is a metal or electronic implant in the treatment area, depending on its location we may not treat it or will decide carefully. We advise postponing treatment during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so please tell us if you may be pregnant.
• If the treatment area has a wound, inflammation, severe acne or dermatitis, it is better to wait until it settles. We also advise postponing when you are unwell, such as with a cold or fever. If you have recently had other treatments such as filler, let us know and we will adjust the timing. For any questions, contact the clinic and we will explain in detail.

Side effects and cautions

• Common reactions include swelling, warmth, redness and tenderness, and most settle over time. Red lines may remain where Ultherapy's shallow 1.5 mm tip passed, bruising may last 3–5 days after InMode, and redness may last about 1 week after VOLNEWMER or Thermage.
• Rarely, burns, blisters, temporary nerve symptoms (numbness, altered sensation) or hollow cheeks may occur, so we adjust the energy and area during treatment. If a blister forms, early care is important to help prevent scarring, so contact us right away. Please also contact us right away if severe pain or altered sensation lasts a long time.

Aftercare and your flight home

• After ultrasound lifting, by our clinic's guideline, avoid washing with very cold water or using cold packs for about 1 week, and wash with lukewarm water. Gentle cleansing, moisturizer and sunscreen are the basics, and swelling or redness usually settles within a day to a few days.
• Most people can go to work or other plans right away, but by our clinic's guideline we advise avoiding saunas, alcohol and intense exercise for about 1 week. Changes start to show around 4–6 weeks after ultrasound lifting and around 4 weeks after radiofrequency, so we check progress at that point and schedule the next session according to each device's suggested interval.
• Swelling may occur after ultrasound lifting, but flying is not off-limits. If possible, having treatment early in your trip lets you check your progress while you are still in Korea.

Cost

Fees for non-insured treatments are published on the Tones Clinic official website. Listed prices exclude VAT (10%), and the final amount is confirmed at consultation.

How prices work

Questions about this treatment

Related treatments and guides