l Written by Dr. Suh Jun-bin at Cleartone Clinic
l Edited by Sia, The Pylon Square
Ulthera, Thermage, Alltite… With so many skin lifting devices offered in Korea, how do you choose the right one?
HIFU (ultrasound) and radiofrequency (RF) devices deliver energy at different depths, so the best choice depends on whether your skin is thick, thin, or sagging. The right match means better results and fewer side effects, like hollow cheeks.
Use this guide to find your direction, then make the final decision after consulting your doctor.
How Lifting Works
As we age, the collagen and elastin in our skin decrease. This weakens the skin’s support structure, and the skin gradually begins to sag.
At this point, many people find themselves deciding between a facelift and a non-surgical lifting treatment.
Think of your skin as a tent: a facelift cuts away the stretched fabric and pulls it taut again. A lifting treatment keeps the fabric as it is, smoothing out the creases and reinforcing the frame underneath.
Which Method Is Right for You
The basic principle behind lifting devices is delivering heat to a specific depth beneath the skin.
In response, the skin produces new collagen as it repairs itself, while existing collagen contracts from the heat.
Through this process, the skin regains its firmness from within.
Lifting devices fall into two main categories based on how they deliver energy: ultrasound and radiofrequency (RF).
More recently, devices that combine the strengths of both have also come into use. Here’s a quick guide by skin type:
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Ultrasound devices – Ultherapy PRIME, Shurink, Doublo, Tensera, Linearz
- Thick skin, significantly sagging skin, faces with a double chin or jowls
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Radiofrequency devices – Thermage FLX, Volnewmer, Density, Oligio
- Thin skin, sensitive skin, faces with hollow cheeks
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Devices targeting both the dermis and SMAS – Alltite
- People sensitive to pain, those considering ongoing anti-aging care
Lifting Sagging Contours: Ulthera · Shurink
Both are high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) devices. They concentrate ultrasound energy deep in the dermis and the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer to lift sagging tissue.
They are effective at redefining contours that have dropped, such as a sagging jawline, drooping cheeks, or a double chin.
However, cheek hollowing is known as a typical side effect. For those whose cheeks are already hollow or whose skin is thin, we take a different approach with other devices depending on their condition.
- Ultrasound devices: Ultherapy PRIME, Shurink, Doublo, Tensera, Linearz
- Recommended for: Thick skin, sagging skin, those concerned about a double chin or jowls
- Not recommended for: Thin skin, those with little cheek volume or hollow cheeks
Ulthera has long been loved around the world as the leading ultrasound lifting device. In 2024, its next-generation version, Ultherapy PRIME, was launched, and since its introduction in Korea in 2025, it has become a popular choice.
Shurink, often called “the Korean Ulthera,” is a Korean-made device that tends to be less painful.
Ulthera: Precise Treatment
- Strong output, with heat energy delivered evenly with every shot.
- Real-time ultrasound imaging lets the doctor see beneath the skin during treatment, allowing for relatively precise results.
- Duration: Results are distinct and tend to last longer. The manufacturer states that results on the face can last a year or more.
Shurink: Reasonably Priced
- Less pain, quick treatment, and a reasonable price.
- Duration: Results last a relatively shorter time, so more frequent treatments are needed to maintain them.
Building Firmness From Within: Thermage · Volnewmer
Radiofrequency devices deliver heat to the dermis. Because they heat the skin gradually, starting from the epidermis, there may be limits to how deep the energy can reach.
Instead, RF tightening is the treatment that most often earns comments like “I can’t tell what changed, but your face looks so much better.”
As the skin regains elasticity, pores shrink, and fine lines and skin texture improve along with it.
- Radiofrequency devices: Thermage FLX, Volnewmer, Density, Oligio
- Recommended for: Thin skin, sensitive skin, those with hollow cheeks
- Not recommended for: Thick skin, significantly sagging skin
Thermage: High Safety
- Sufficient output, with energy delivered evenly.
- A well-designed cooling system keeps the risk of burns low.
- Duration: Results are clear and tend to last a long time. According to the manufacturer, results appear gradually over 2–6 months after treatment and can last 1–2 years depending on your skin condition.
Volnewmer: No Numbing Cream Needed
- A Korean-made device using the same monopolar radiofrequency method as Thermage.
- With minimal pain, it’s performed without numbing cream, which keeps treatment time short.
- Results tend to appear faster than with other lifting treatments.
- Duration: Well suited to regular, spaced-out sessions for ongoing care.
Firmness and Contouring in One: Alltite
Alltite heats the skin from within using energy in the radiofrequency range. Its key feature is that it stimulates the dermis like an RF device while delivering energy to the SMAS layer like an ultrasound device.
It stimulates everything from the dermis to the SMAS in a single session, and its built-in cooling reduces discomfort. Treatment is also quick, taking about 15 minutes.
You can expect improvement in contours such as the jawline, along with tightening and better skin elasticity at the same time. However, in terms of results, it sits between Ulthera and Thermage. Its effects may be limited depending on your skin type, so be sure to check whether it’s right for you.
- Recommended for: Those with hollow cheeks, those who want both firmness and contouring, those who want to maintain youthful skin for longer (prejuvenation)
- Not recommended for: Those with already significant sagging, thick skin, or a specific goal such as jawline improvement
- Duration: Results can be felt immediately after a single session and last about 3 months. Three sessions per year are recommended.
To Get the Most From Your Lifting Treatment, Know Your Skin First
The recommended device depends on your skin type.
But if your skin is dry and its barrier is damaged, any treatment may be relatively less effective. In such cases, we may recommend combining your lifting treatment with skin boosters such as Rejuran, Juvelook, Rituo, or Hilowave.
That’s why we recommend getting a proper diagnosis of your skin and building a plan that suits it before starting any treatment.
In our next issue, we’ll show you how to find the skin booster that’s right for you.
> Book at Cleartone Clinic and find the lifting treatment that’s right for you
[FAQ]
Q. What is the difference between Ulthera and Thermage?
Ulthera is a HIFU (ultrasound) device that reaches the deep SMAS layer to lift sagging contours like the jawline. Thermage is a radiofrequency device that heats the dermis to firm the skin and refine pores and fine lines.
Ulthera generally suits thicker, sagging skin, while Thermage suits thinner skin and hollow cheeks.
Q. Are lifting treatments painful?
It depends on the device. Volnewmer and Alltite cause so little discomfort that they’re performed without numbing cream. Ultrasound devices such as Ulthera and Shurink are used after applying numbing cream. If you’re sensitive to pain, we can adjust the intensity.
Q. How long do Ulthera and Thermage results last?
According to the manufacturers, Ultherapy PRIME results on the face can last a year or more. Thermage FLX results appear gradually over 2–6 months and can last up to 1–2 years.
Duration varies by skin condition, and regular maintenance helps results last longer.
Q. Can ultrasound lifting cause hollow cheeks?
Cheek hollowing is known as a typical side effect of ultrasound (HIFU) lifting such as Ulthera and Shurink. If your cheeks are already hollow or your skin is thin, an RF device like Thermage or Volnewmer, or Alltite, may be a better fit. Your doctor will recommend a device after examining your skin.
Q. How much does Ulthera or Thermage cost in Korea?
The cost depends on the device, the number of shots, and whether you combine lifting with a skin booster. Premium devices like Ultherapy PRIME and Thermage FLX cost more than options like Shurink. For a personalized quote, contact The Pylon Square concierge team, and we’ll help you find the right option for your skin and budget.
