HIFU Lifting in Apgujeong,
Gangnam, Seoul
Board-Certified Dermatologist Top 2% in Korea 13+ Years
HIFU Lifting · quick answer
What HIFU lifting does, in one paragraph
HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) lifting focuses ultrasound energy into tiny heated points at set depths beneath the skin, including the SMAS layer that surgeons tighten in a facelift. The heat contracts tissue and triggers new collagen, so the jawline, cheeks and neck can look gradually firmer and lifted over about 2 to 3 months. It is an energy-based device, not a laser. At Ever Skin Clinic in Apgujeong, a board-certified dermatologist chooses the device, depths and number of lines for your face.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Jieun Kim, M.D.
Founder & Director, Ever Skin Clinic · Board-certified dermatologist
- Adjunct Professor, Hanyang University College of Medicine
- Dermatology residency, Hanyang University Hospital
- Master’s degree in Dermatology, Hanyang University
- Regular Member, Korean Dermatological Association
- Regular Member, Korean Laser Medicine Association
- Member, World Congress of Dermatology
- Published in JAAD and Annals of Dermatology
- English-speaking consultations
Meet our dermatologists → Last reviewed October 2026
- Technology
- High-intensity focused ultrasound (e.g. Shurink Universe, Ulthera)
- Best for
- Mild to moderate sagging, soft jawline, early jowls, neck laxity
- Treatment time
- About 30 to 60 minutes for the face
- Downtime
- Mild redness, swelling or tenderness for a few days
- Results
- Develop over 2 to 3 months; often maintained every 6 to 12 months
The technology
How HIFU differs from lasers
Lasers mostly act near the surface. HIFU passes through the skin without affecting it and converges at a focal point, typically 1.5, 3.0 or 4.5 mm deep, heating it to about 60 to 70 °C. Each shot creates a small thermal point; rows of these points tighten the tissue and start collagen remodelling. The 4.5 mm depth reaches the SMAS, which is why HIFU can lift as well as tighten.
Several devices use this principle. We use systems such as Shurink Universe and image-guided Ultherapy. Our HIFU skin-tightening guide covers treatment areas in more detail.
HIFU devices compared
- Ultherapy — real-time ultrasound imaging lets the doctor see layers before each line
- Shurink Universe — Korean HIFU with fast shots and multiple cartridges, good for maintenance
- Depth options — 1.5 mm for skin, 3.0 mm for dermis, 4.5 mm for SMAS
- Combinations — often paired with RF devices such as Thermage
- Not a laser — no surface wound, so no peeling
Is it right for you?
Who is a good candidate?
HIFU suits adults, often from their 30s onward, with mild to moderate laxity: a softening jawline, early jowls, flattening cheeks or loose skin under the chin. Patients with very thin faces may lose volume if treated too aggressively, so energy and depth are adjusted.
Marked sagging usually responds better to surgery or thread lifting, and volume loss to fillers or collagen stimulators. HIFU also does not treat surface pigment or texture.
HIFU may suit you if you
- Notice early jowls or a less defined jawline
- Have mild sagging in the cheeks or neck
- Want lifting without needles or surgery
- Need to return to work or sightseeing quickly
- Want yearly maintenance of firmness
Your visit
What happens during treatment
A full-face session usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, plus numbing time.
- Assessment A board-certified dermatologist assesses laxity, fat and skin thickness and plans the device, depths and lines.
- Preparation Numbing cream may be applied, the face is cleansed and ultrasound gel applied.
- Ultrasound lines The transducer is placed along planned lines and delivers shots; you feel deep heat or prickling, strongest over bone.
- Aftercare The gel is removed, skin soothed and we explain when results appear and when to review.
Real patient · before & after
A cleaner, lifted contour with HIFU
This patient first had old filler dissolved with hyaluronidase, then Shurink HIFU lifting. The firmer lower face reflects both steps, not HIFU alone.
We share it because removing excess filler and then lifting is a common plan. Your dermatologist will explain which part of a plan addresses which concern.
Photos are shared with the patient's consent and are not retouched apart from privacy blurring. Results differ from person to person and are not guaranteed.
See more before & after photosRecovery & safety
Recovery, side effects and aftercare
Mild redness and swelling usually fade within hours to a few days. Tenderness when chewing or touching the jaw can last one to two weeks. Less common effects include bruising, temporary numbness, small welts along treatment lines and, rarely, nerve irritation causing temporary weakness of the smile, burns or fat loss.
Tell your dermatologist if you have recently had fillers or threads, have open wounds or severe acne in the area, metal implants or a pacemaker, a bleeding disorder, or are pregnant.
Aftercare tips
- Use gentle skincare and daily sunscreen
- Avoid saunas and very hot baths for a few days
- Skip facial massage and strong pressure for a week
- Take simple pain relief if the jaw feels tender
- Plan maintenance after about 6 to 12 months
Questions we hear every day
HIFU Lifting FAQ
Does HIFU hurt?
Most patients feel deep heat and brief sharp prickles, especially over the jawbone and near the ears. Numbing cream, adjusted energy and pauses help. Discomfort stops when each shot ends, and tenderness afterwards is usually mild.
How long does HIFU last?
Results typically build over 2 to 3 months and often last around 6 to 12 months, depending on age, skin quality and the device. Many patients repeat it once or twice a year to maintain firmness.
Is HIFU the same as Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is one brand of HIFU, with real-time imaging to visualise layers. Other HIFU devices, such as Shurink Universe, use the same principle with different handpieces and speeds. Your dermatologist chooses based on your face and goals.
Can I combine HIFU with fillers or Botox?
Yes, and combinations are common. HIFU is usually done before fillers on the same day, or fillers are placed a couple of weeks beforehand, to avoid affecting the product. Your dermatologist will set the order.
Can I have HIFU during a short stay in Seoul?
Yes. Downtime is usually limited to mild redness and tenderness, so most people return to normal plans the same day. Results appear after you return home, so a review can be done on a later visit or by photos.
Talk to a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong
Send us your skin concern and photos on WhatsApp.
An English-speaking team member will reply and arrange your consultation.
Mon & Thu 10:00–19:00 · Tue & Fri 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–16:00 · Closed Wed, Sun & holidays
