Premium Lifting Guide

Lifting selection guide explained by a dermatologist

We guide the lifting direction by distinguishing whether the deep support layer such as the jaw line and sagging cheeks is the problem, whether the skin is loose and fine wrinkles are increased, or whether the amount of fat in the double chin and cheek volume loss should be looked at together.

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Premium Lifting Selection Guide

Lifting is not a procedure determined by strong pulling alone. Problems may start in different places, such as sagging jawline, skin elasticity, double chin, skin texture, and fine lines around the eyes.

Rather than choosing a lifting device based solely on the name of the equipment, it is better to look at where sagging, skin thickness, fat, fine wrinkles, complexion, and volume loss are considered.

Seoul N Dermatology Clinic differentiates the roles of verified devices—Thermage, Ultherapy Prime, V-RO Advance, Oligio, Exilis, AirJet 2, G-Wave, Ollaom, and Ollaum—and consults while taking your recovery schedule into account.

Lifting starts with seeing where things have changed

Even if it is the same lifting, the viewing position is different.

Lifting equipment may have different names, but in the end, “what depth to look at” is important. The approach may be different when looking at superficially visible fine wrinkles and when looking at sagging jawline.

Ultrasound Liftingis mainly discussed when looking at the deep support layer of the skin. You may seek consultation if your jaw line is blurred or your cheeks feel sunken.

Radiofrequency TighteningThis is a method that transfers heat energy to the elastic layer within the skin to check for looseness, fine wrinkles, and decreased skin density.

If you have concerns about skin tone, pores, and texture, you can look at laser lift toning together. For double chins or dull facial lines, it is recommended to check the fat layer and elasticity together.

When it comes to lifting, rather than just increasing strength, the process of checking which part of your face has changed first is more important.
Approach by skin layer
outer layer of skinVisible changes such as skin texture, pores, and fine wrinkles
elastic layer in the skinSkin feels loose and weak
deep support baseJaw line, sagging cheeks, sagging lower face
Fat layer under the chin and facial lineDouble chin, dull-looking face line
Deep Layer

HIFU/ultrasound

Consider this when looking at deep-seated feelings, such as a blurred jawline or sagging cheeks.

Dermis

RF/radiofrequency

When the overall skin feels loose and fine wrinkles increase, the elastic layer within the skin is examined.

Tone & Texture

Laser Lift Toning

You can consult us if you are concerned about dull complexion, pores, skin texture, and shallow elasticity.

Contour

Fat removal/contouring equipment

Check when fat and sagging appear together, such as a double chin, heaviness in the lower face, or a dull jawline.

Layering

composite equipment

When dividing large areas into narrow areas such as around the eyes and mouth, various equipment can be considered together.

Concern Guide

Lifting selection guide for each concern

Rather than choosing the name of the equipment first, think about the facial change you are most concerned about. The information below is a guide to help you understand, and the actual procedure will be decided after a medical consultation.

My jaw line has become blurred.

What to check first
Deep sagging and lower facial elasticity
Direction for consultation
Evaluates the jawline and curved areas primarily using Ultherapy Prime and V-RO Advance

I feel like my face is down.

What to check first
Sagging of deep support layer
Direction for consultation
Consults primarily around ultrasound lifting such as Ultherapy Prime

My skin is loose and fine wrinkles have increased.

What to check first
Elasticity and fine wrinkles in the skin
Direction for consultation
Considers Thermage, Oligio, Exilis, and Ollaom

I'm worried about the pain

What to check first
Hot flashes, sensitivity, recovery schedule
Direction for consultation
We discuss radiofrequency management directions to reduce the burden.

I'm worried about my double chin.

What to check first
Sensation of fat, sagging skin, jawline structure
Direction for consultation
We consider Olaum, Exilis and Olaom.

The face looks dull and big

What to check first
Sensation of fat and loss of elasticity
Direction for consultation
We discuss the combination of fat layer equipment and tightening.

My complexion is dull and my elasticity has decreased.

What to check first
Skin tone, texture, shallow elasticity
Direction for consultation
Consider combining radiofrequency equipment and skin booster.

I have concerns about both pores and skin texture.

What to check first
Skin surface and shallow elasticity
Direction for consultation
Evaluates radiofrequency devices such as Thermage and Oligio together with AirJet 2 and skin boosters

Fine wrinkles remain around the eyes and mouth

What to check first
Curved areas and thin skin
Direction for consultation
We consult on VRO Advance, G-Wave, and Semil radiofrequency series.

My cheeks are hollow, but my jawline is sagging.

What to check first
Is there both volume loss and sagging?
Direction for consultation
Let's share lifting equipment and collagen boosters

Even if the concerns seem to be the same, the plan may vary depending on skin thickness, degree of volume loss, direction of sagging, amount of fat, recovery, and previous treatment history. This guide is for ease of understanding, and the actual procedure will be decided after a medical consultation.

Principles

Seoul N Dermatology Lifting Consultation Principles

Designed in an Upright Seated Posture

Because lying down shifts gravitational pull and alters how sagging and cheek hollows appear, facial asymmetry and no-heat protection zones are mapped while seated upright before treatment.

Real-Time Ultrasound Layer Verification

Using Ultherapy Prime real-time ultrasound imaging, we verify individual skin thickness, SMAS fascia depth, and fat compartments to plan energy distribution that reduces cheek-hollowing risk.

Authentic Devices & Genuine Tips Only

To ensure consistent thermal delivery and help prevent burns or blistering, we strictly use authentic devices and genuine tips, guiding patients through pre-procedure verification.

Distinguish between volume loss and sagging

If facial hollowing is prominent, aggressive lifting alone may create a gaunt look, so we also assess whether collagen booster volume support should be paired.

Explains the reasons for the equipment combination

Combining devices is not about doing more treatments—it is about addressing deep fascia, dermal elasticity, and curved contours separately according to each layer.

Review Prior Procedures & Recovery Timeline

Prior dermal fillers, thread lifts, dental or surgical history, skin sensitivity, and upcoming schedules are reviewed beforehand to tailor intensity and intervals.

Clinical FAQ

Frequently Asked Lifting Consultation Questions

Why are upright seated mapping and real-time ultrasound imaging important for Ulthera (Ultherapy Prime) and Thermage FLX?
When lying flat, gravity shifts so jowl laxity, jawline asymmetry, and lateral cheek hollows appear different than in daily life. Mapping sagging vectors and hollow protection zones while seated upright—and verifying individual SMAS depth and fat thickness via real-time ultrasound imaging—helps reduce cheek-hollowing risk and enables precise, layer-specific lifting.
How do ultrasound lifting (HIFU) and radiofrequency tightening (RF) differ?
Focused ultrasound (HIFU, such as Ultherapy Prime and V-RO Advance) creates thermal coagulation points in deep support structures (SMAS and fibrous septa) to address downward sagging and contour laxity, whereas radiofrequency (RF, such as Thermage FLX, Oligio, Exilis, and Olaom) delivers thermal energy into dermal and subdermal elastic layers to improve skin looseness, fine lines, and reduced dermal density.
How can patients verify genuine tips and authentic devices before Ulthera or Thermage treatment?
Using genuine tips on ultrasound and radiofrequency lifting devices is fundamental for uniform thermal energy delivery and preventing burns or blisters. Seoul N Dermatologic Clinic uses only authentic devices and genuine tips, guiding patients through tip verification before treatment.
Can someone with hollow cheeks but a sagging jawline still receive ultrasound lifting?
Delivering excessive deep energy into already hollow lateral cheeks can make the face look overly gaunt. We avoid or protect hollow zones with conservative settings while targeting lower-face laxity with lifting devices and planning separate collagen booster support (such as Juvelook Volume, EverWrinkle V, or CG Reallo) where volume is depleted.
When is each combined lifting program—Ulthermage, Oligio Prime, and The-Ollryeo 4L—considered during consultation?
Ulthermage (Ultherapy Prime + Thermage FLX) is discussed when addressing deep SMAS sagging and pan-dermal laxity together; Oligio Prime (Ultherapy Prime + Oligio) when seeking ultrasound–RF synergy with lower discomfort and cost burden; and The-Ollryeo 4L when sequentially managing four anatomical planes—epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous fat, and SMAS—based on individual skin assessment.
Consultation

The lifting you need for your face isn't determined by the name of the equipment alone.

Seoul N Dermatology Clinic checks skin thickness, depth of sagging, fat amount, volume loss, complexion, and recovery time. The important thing is not to perform a lot of procedures, but to plan the necessary equipment in an order appropriate for the area needed.

References & Academic Evidence

  1. [L01] American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Many ways to firm sagging skin — General principles and limitations of non-surgical ultrasound, radiofrequency, and laser skin tightening.
  2. [L02] Alhaddad M, Wu DC, Bolton J, et al. A Randomized, Split-Face, Evaluator-Blind Clinical Trial Comparing Monopolar Radiofrequency Versus Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization for Lifting and Tightening of the Face and Upper Neck. Dermatol Surg. 2019;45(1):131-139. (PMID: 30531187)
  3. [L03] U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Potential Risks with Certain Uses of Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling — FDA Safety Communication.

※ This page is a general guide to easily understand lifting equipment and procedures, and whether and how to actually perform the procedure will be determined after a medical consultation.

※ The treatment effect and maintenance period may vary depending on the individual's skin condition, degree of aging, amount of fat, lifestyle habits, and number of treatments.

※ After the procedure, there is a possibility of side effects such as redness, heat, swelling, pain, bruising, temporary changes in sensation, and pigmentation, so it is carried out after consultation with a medical staff.

※ If you have any previous filler, thread lifting, surgery history, dermatitis, pregnancy or lactation status, specific disease or medication history, please be sure to inform us at the time of treatment.

Lifting Device Combinations

Complex procedure design between lifting equipment Ultrasonic X high frequency X multi-layer equipment synergy

No single device can satisfy all layers of the facial anatomy. It organically combines the deep vertical support traction of ultrasound (HIFU), the three-dimensional volumetric tightening of the dermis by radiofrequency (RF), and the detailed care of special equipment.

Gold Standard Lifting Compound

Ulthermage & Oligio Prime series

Three-dimensional integration of SMAS vertical traction (HIFU) and volumetric dermal tightening (RF)

Recommended for: Complex aging with a collapsed jawline, sagging cheeks, dull facial lines, and fine wrinkles and pores on the skin surface.

Input equipment lineup & key roles

Ultherapy Prime
SMAS fascial layer (4.5mm) focused ultrasound vertical lifting
Thermage FLX
Unipolar high-frequency volumetric tightening of the entire dermis (0~3mm)
oligio
Pores, fine wrinkles and superficial dermis elasticity layering
VRO Advance
Ultrasound + high frequency pen type precise care for curved contours

Seoul N Dermatology Specialized Combination Protocol

Ulthera + Thermage FLX

Deep sagging of the fascia is tightened with Ultherapy Prime, and looseness and fine wrinkles on the outer skin are tightened with Thermage FLX, remodeling both the inside and the outside at the same time.

Oligio Prime (Oligio + Ulthera)

It is an ideal facial contouring solution that reduces pain burden by combining Ultherapy Prime's strong jawline support and Oligio's soft and dense high-frequency tightening.

Ulthera Prime V (Ulthera + V-RO Advance)

The wide jawline and cheek line are centered with Ultherapy Prime, and curved areas such as around the eyes, mouth, and marionette are lifted thoroughly with the VRO Advanced Pen Type.

Anatomical Synergy Mechanism

Microfocused ultrasound (MFU-V) creates thermal coagulation points at the 4.5 mm SMAS layer without disrupting the epidermis to lift gravity-sagged tissue vertically, whereas radiofrequency (RF) delivers volumetric 3D thermal energy throughout the dermis to contract collagen fibers and support gradual density remodeling. Because their target depths and energy mechanisms complement each other, patients can expect multi-layer tightening and contour synergy beyond single-modality care.

Dermatologist 1:1 customized strength designBook a consultation
Seoul’s unique multi-layer lifting

The Ollieo Series (Theolyo 4L, Theolyo S, Theolyo ST, Theolyo Jet)

Epidermis-dermis-subcutaneous fat-SMAS full-thickness target + thread lifting, skin botox & air jet subcision fusion

Recommended for: Severe sagging skin, dull facial contours, and weakened hairline support that cannot be resolved with just one device.

Input equipment lineup & key roles

Trinity & Oligio
Improvement of shallow elasticity and texture in the upper to middle dermis
Exilis Ultra (unipolar radiofrequency)
Subcutaneous fat layer heat transfer and deep contour tightening
VRO Advance
SMAS fascia and facial retaining ligament contraction traction
Air Jet 2 / Thread lifting / Botox
Scalp adhesion peeling, physical thread anchoring & jaw line trimming

Seoul N Dermatology Specialized Combination Protocol

The Up 4L (1st to 3rd week multi-level crossover program)

After remodeling the elasticity and skin texture of the entire dermal layer with Oligio and Trinity in the first week, the quadruple lifting is completed by cross-targeting the fascia and deep fat layer with VRO Advance and Exilis Ultra in the third week.

The Up S (Oligio + Vro Advance + Exilis)

By combining the three premium equipment of unipolar high-frequency Oligio, complex focused ultrasound VRO Advance, and deep unipolar high-frequency Exilis Ultra, we achieve thorough triple tightening from the superficial skin layer to the subcutaneous fat and fascia layers.

The Up ST (The Up S + Thread Lifting + Chin Line Skin Botox)

The combination of the three major equipment of The Ollie S (Oligio, Vro Advance, and Exilis) with thread lifting, which provides physical support, and chin line skin botox, which smoothes the contour of the lower face, creates an immediate and powerful lifting vector.

The Ollie Jet (Air Jet 2 anchoring combination)

The fibrous adhesion bands on the hairline and scalp are peeled off with Air Jet 2 air pressure to establish a physical support vector from the top, and then combined with face lifting to maximize the pulling strength.

Anatomical Synergy Mechanism

Sagging of the face does not occur only in a single layer. By sequentially heating the four layers from the skin surface to the SMAS fascia with equipment of different wavelengths and erecting a support, it overcomes the awkwardness or limitations that arise when pulling only one layer and forms a natural yet powerful lifting vector.

Dermatologist 1:1 customized strength designBook a consultation
Lower facial contour & fat trimming combination

Olaum X Exilis Ultra X ExoWave Lower Face Contouring

Negative pressure high frequency + unipolar deep RF + 2.45GHz microwave triple contour fat removal

Recommended for: Those with a thick double chin, those with a dull jawline and neck border, and those with deep cheek fat and decreased elasticity

Input equipment lineup & key roles

Olaum (Vacuum RF)
Pulls the double chin fat with negative pressure and targets the fat layer intensively with bipolar RF.
Exilis Ultra (Monopolar RF)
Heat transfer to subcutaneous fat layer and tightening of deep contour with unipolar deep high frequency.
Exowave (2.45GHz Microwave)
Selective coagulation and tightening of deep fat layer with 2.45GHz microwave without damaging the skin surface.

Seoul N Dermatology Specialized Combination Protocol

Double chin & lower face triple contour reset

Olaum's negative pressure high frequency targets the captured fat, Exowave (2.45 GHz microwave) selectively breaks down deep fat, and Exilis unipolar high frequency tightens the line under the chin to sharpen the dull jaw line angle.

Anatomical Synergy Mechanism

Submental fat, which cannot be reduced by simply pulling, is selectively broken down using the triple energy of negative pressure radiofrequency, 2.45GHz microwave, and unipolar deep radiofrequency, and the loose submental support ligament is tightened to clearly separate the boundary between the jawline and neck.

Dermatologist 1:1 customized strength designBook a consultation
Complex specialized for detailed areas

V-RO Advance X G-Wave Curved Contour Detail

Detailed periorbital, perioral, and marionette-line care using pen-type HIFU+RF and glove-type RF

Recommended for: If you are unhappy with fine wrinkles around the eyes, puffiness around the mouth, or wrinkles above the nasolabial fold even after a full face lifting.

Input equipment lineup & key roles

VRO Advanced SD (Pen Type)
Adheres to curved surfaces in curved areas with a circular pen-type cartridge
Gwave (Glove-type RF)
High-frequency deep heat is delivered to the fingertips in detail around the eyes, philtrum, and lips through a special conductive glove.

Seoul N Dermatology Specialized Combination Protocol

Wrinkle lifting around eyes and mouth

The tip delicately delivers heat energy to narrow and curved areas that are difficult to reach, smoothing out fine wrinkles and shallow sagging of thin skin.

Anatomical Synergy Mechanism

Applies pen-type ultrasound and conductive glove-type RF across curved orbital rims and nasolabial contours where flat large cartridges cannot maintain full contact, managing fine lines and subtle laxity while minimizing surrounding tissue strain.

Dermatologist 1:1 customized strength designBook a consultation
Clinical Standard

Why is ‘cross-design of interaction layers between equipment’ more important than listing the number of shots?

Delivering a uniformly high shot count without customization can cause unnecessary thermal burden or hollowing of the lateral cheeks. Seoul N Dermatologic Clinic measures SMAS depth and fat thickness via real-time ultrasound visualization (DeepSEE), scientifically dividing the depths for ultrasound traction and the zones for radiofrequency tightening.

View full lifting guide

SEOUL N DERMATOLOGY · OFFICIAL NAVER BLOG ARCHIVE

Dr. Park Se-young's Ultrasound, Radiofrequency & Triple-Wavelength Lifting Clinical Column Archive (64 columns)

Visit Official Naver Blog (blog.naver.com/csderma)

Complete topic-indexed archive of clinical columns, peer-reviewed paper reviews, and treatment principles written directly by Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Park Se-young on the official Naver Blog (blog.naver.com/csderma).

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