Ultherapy-Style Lifting Treatments in Korea
Ultherapy-style lifting refers to non-surgical, energy-based lifting treatments that use focused ultrasound or similar technologies to tighten and lift skin by stimulating collagen deep within tissue—particularly targeting layers beneath the skin’s surface including the SMAS layer. Korea offers both genuine Ultherapy and a range of comparable or alternative ultrasound lifting treatments widely used in dermatology and medical aesthetic clinics.
What “Ultherapy-Style” Means
Ultherapy is a non-invasive lifting treatment that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to heat deeper facial layers, including the SMAS layer (the same layer targeted during surgical facelifts), to stimulate collagen remodeling and gradual skin lifting.
In Korea, many clinics offer Ultherapy itself as well as similar or adapted devices that achieve comparable lifting results, often with adjustments for comfort, cost, or targeting specific areas.
Primary Ultherapy-Style & HIFU Lifting Options in Korea
1. Ultherapy (Original or Ultherapy Prime)
- Uses focused ultrasound energy to lift and firm skin
- Deep targeting, including SMAS layer
- Effective for jawline, brows, neck, under-chin tightening, and midface lift
- Often considered one of the stronger non-surgical lift treatments available
Why it’s sought after: Real-time imaging helps providers place energy precisely, offering reliable collagen stimulation and gradual lifting.
2. Shurink HIFU (Korean HIFU Variant)
- Korea’s most popular HIFU alternative to Ultherapy
- Uses high-intensity focused ultrasound to heat multiple skin depths (e.g., 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 4.5 mm)
- Stimulates collagen and elastin for skin tightening and midface lift
- Less expensive and often less painful than Ultherapy
Good for: General facial lift, jawline contour, and neck tightening.
3. Liftera Lifting
- Another HIFU-based system gaining attention in Korea
- Uses a “pen-type” focused ultrasound applicator for precision contouring
- May offer less discomfort and better control on small areas such as nasolabial folds and jawline areas
Best for: Targeted midface or jawline refinement and patients who want a gentler experience.
4. Sofwave (Ultrasound Energy with Different Delivery)
- Uses synchronous ultrasound parallel beam technology
- Targets more superficial dermal layers while still encouraging collagen production
- May be less intense than Ultherapy but helpful for texture, fine lines, and mild tightening
Good choice for: Early laxity, fine lines, or those sensitive to stronger ultrasound treatments.
How These Treatments Work
All these technologies share a common principle:
- Deliver energy into specific skin depths
- Stimulate collagen production
- Encourage tissue contraction and gradual lift
Ultherapy and HIFU variants target deeper structural layers for lift and contour, while devices like Sofwave often focus on more superficial layers with less discomfort.
Typical Targets & Effects
These treatments are commonly used for:
- Facial lifting (cheeks, midface)
- Jawline contouring and jowl reduction
- Brow and under-eye lifting
- Neck and sub-chin tightening
- Smoother texture and improved elasticity
Results typically develop over weeks to months as new collagen forms and tissues reorganize.
How Korea Uses These Treatments
Korean clinics often tailor these systems to individual needs:
- Ultherapy is used when the deepest, most robust lift is desired
- Shurink / Liftera are used for midface or full-face lift with more comfort and cost-efficiency
- Sofwave is used for texture, superficial tightening, and preventive anti-aging
- Combination treatments (e.g., HIFU + RF) are common for balanced results
Cost Range in Korea (General)
Approximate ranges vary by device, provider, and treatment area:
- Ultherapy: ₩1,100,000 – ₩5,500,000+ (higher when many shots or larger areas are treated)
- Shurink HIFU: Often ₩500,000 – ₩2,000,000 per session depending on device generation and area treated
- Liftera: Similar range to other HIFU options, though pricing depends on depth and clinic
- Sofwave: Mid-range pricing, often slightly below deep HIFU systems
(Prices are approximate and vary by hours, clinic reputation, and whether combination protocols are offered.)
Who Should Consider These Treatments
Good candidates typically include people with:
- Mild to moderate facial or neck sagging
- Early to medium skin laxity
- Desire for non-surgical lifting
- Preference for minimal downtime
For advanced sagging or excess skin, thread lifts or surgical options may be recommended instead of or alongside these treatments.











