When preparing to undergo lifting treatments in South Korea, many people start by assessing their face shape: those with more fat on their faces opt for Ultherapy, while those with thinner faces choose Thermage. Though this classification is easy to understand, it’s not sufficient for a proper medical evaluation.
Similar issues such as “flaccid skin around the mouth,” “blurred jawline,” or “a face that appears saggy” may be related to skin laxity, fat distribution, muscle structure, facial support, and previous treatments. Doctors need to first determine where and at which depth the problem lies before discussing appropriate treatment options.
NEWYOUNG Clinic Seoul is located in Cheongdam, Seoul, right near Apgujeong Rodeo Station. During one-on-one consultations, the clinic’s director carefully assesses both the patient’s facial condition and their desired outcomes, avoiding the tendency to determine treatment plans based solely on whether the face is considered “plump” or “thin.”
How does Ultherapy work?
Ultherapy utilizes microfocussed ultrasound energy, combined with real-time ultrasound imaging to visualize the skin and subcutaneous tissues. According to the manufacturer’s information, practitioners can use these images to identify different tissue layers and determine the appropriate depth for treatment. In the United States, it is approved for non-invasive lifting of sagging tissues in the brows, under the chin, and neck, as well as for reducing fine lines and wrinkles on the chest.
Real-time imaging is a key feature of the Ultherapy treatment. It helps physicians observe the treatment area and confirm probe contact as well as the depth of treatment. The actual location, depth, energy level, and number of pulses still need to be determined based on each individual’s condition.
Does having extra fat on the face automatically mean it’s suitable for Ultherapy?
What appears as “excess flesh on the face” to the naked eye can stem from various conditions:
- Excess fat on the cheeks or lower face
- The skin and subcutaneous tissue begin to sag.
- The prominent Masseter muscles make the lower half of the face appear wider.
- The proportion of the chin, bone structure, or posture affect the facial contour.
- The affected area has already sunken, while sagging also appears in other areas.
The approaches to improving these conditions vary. Focusing solely on making the face smaller and tighter may overlook the original facial proportions and the structural support that needs to be preserved. During a in-person consultation, it’s important to examine the face from the front, side, and during dynamic expressions, as well as ask about any previous treatments such as facelifts, fat dissolution, fillers, or other energy-based therapies.
Therefore, “excess fat on the face” can serve as a clue during a in-person consultation, but it cannot alone determine that Ultherapy is the right choice.
Do people with thin faces have to choose Thermage?
Thermage FLX uses monopolar radiofrequency energy, and the manufacturer positions it as a non-invasive solution for wrinkle treatment and skin tightening. It employs a different type of energy compared to Ultherapy, resulting in distinct treatment protocols and mechanisms of action.
People with a slimmer face shape may still experience sagging under the chin, along the jawline, or in certain areas. Those with more facial fat might also be concerned about skin firmness. When making a choice, it’s important to consider the actual issues, the treatment area, skin condition, existing indentations, and the acceptable recovery timeline.
Some patients may ultimately be suitable for Ultherapy, while others are better suited for Thermage. There are also those who need their treatment areas adjusted, combined with other methods, or require a delay in the treatment schedule. The appropriate solution can only be determined after a face consultation.
What aspects does the clinic director evaluate during a in-person consultation?
At NEWYOUNG Clinic, lift treatment plans can be developed from the following perspectives:
1. Primary areas of concern
When it comes to “a sagging face,” some people are concerned about the flesh around the mouth, while others are worried about the area under the chin, around the eyes, or the jawline. Clearly stating the areas you’d like to improve first will help make the discussion more specific.
2. Distribution of fat and hollows
The face may experience both fat accumulation and localized sagging at the same time. Before treatment, it’s important to determine which areas you want to tighten and which areas should be carefully preserved.
3. Skin sagging and overall proportion
Age is just one factor to consider. Skin thickness, elasticity, lifestyle habits, weight changes, and facial structure can all influence the treatment plan.
4. Previous cosmetic surgery history
If you’ve previously undergone fillers, thread lifting, lipolysis, lifting procedures, or other injection treatments, be sure to provide details about the products used, the treatment areas, the time it was done, and any side effects that occurred. The more complete the information, the better it will help the doctor make an accurate assessment.
5. Expected Results and Acceptable Range
Non-surgical treatments have their limits. During a in-person consultation, it’s important to discuss the expected results, the time required, how to maintain them, and individual differences, rather than making decisions based solely on before-and-after photos found online.
The more treatments, the better the results?
The number of sessions is an important factor in treatment planning, and it needs to be understood alongside the treatment area, probe depth, energy setting, and application location. Different face shapes and goals may require varying configurations.
When seeking consumer advice, you can ask the clinic:
- Which generation of equipment and original probes are being used?
- Which areas are you planning to treat?
- How should the quotas be distributed?
- Which areas are treated conservatively?
- Which doctor will be performing the procedure?
- What are some normal reactions that may occur after the treatment?
A clear treatment plan should help clients understand the goals and schedule of the treatment, rather than just showing the total number of sessions.
In what situations should you consult a doctor first?
If the treatment area has open wounds, skin lesions, severe acne, or cystic acne, these are listed by Ulthera’s manufacturer as contraindications. Patients with implants, fillers, electronic devices, or metal scaffolds in the face or neck, or those taking anticoagulant medications, should also inform their doctor thoroughly before the treatment, so the doctor can assess based on the product instructions and individual circumstances.
Thermage’s official guidelines state that individuals with pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, or other implanted electronic devices are not suitable for treatment with this system.
Do not stop taking prescribed medications on your own in preparation for the treatment; any adjustments should be made through a joint evaluation by the prescribing doctor and the treating physician.
What should you prepare for when going to Seoul for a lifting treatment?
International travelers can prepare in advance before making a reservation:
- The three facial concerns I care most about
- Medical beauty treatments I’ve had in the past two years
- Names of injectable products, treatment areas, and time of administration
- Current medications and significant medical history
- Acceptable recovery level during the trip
- Return date and contact information thereafter
It’s recommended to schedule the lifting treatment earlier or around the middle of your itinerary to leave time for observation and any necessary follow-ups. The actual arrangement should still be adjusted according to the specifics of the treatment and the doctor’s advice.
NEWYOUNG Clinic Seoul: Understand Your Face First, Then Plan Your Treatment Plan
NEWYOUNG Clinic Seoul is located in the Rodéo business district of Cheongdam/Apgujeong, Seoul. The clinic’s director conducts personalized consultations with each patient. By focusing on facial structure, skin condition, previous treatment history, and individual goals, they aim to create tailored non-surgical lifting and natural anti-aging solutions through open communication with every client.
If you’re comparing Ultherapy, Thermage, or other lifting treatments available in South Korea, start by clarifying your goals for improvement and gathering any prior treatment records, then schedule a in-person consultation through the official channels.
Treatment outcomes and recovery times vary from person to person. This article is intended for general informational purposes only and cannot replace a face-to-face consultation with a doctor, diagnosis, or personalized medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
If you have excess fat on your face, is Ultherapy really necessary?
Not necessarily. Facial appearance can be influenced by fat, skin laxity, muscles, bones, and existing indentations, so a diagnosis requires an in-person consultation with a doctor.
Can Ultherapy and Thermage be done together?
The two utilize different energy technologies, and some treatment plans may combine both. Whether they can be performed in the same session or at similar times should be determined by a doctor based on individual skin conditions, the treatment area, previous treatments, and safety considerations.
Is more Ultherapy sessions more effective?
The total number of pulses cannot alone determine the quality of treatment. The treatment area, probe depth, energy level, pulse distribution, and the practitioner’s expertise are equally important.
What do I need to prepare for my first lift procedure in South Korea?
It’s recommended to prepare information on past treatments, injected products, medications, and medical history, along with a description of the issues you most want to improve and the acceptable recovery time.