Different Types of Facial Lifting Treatments Explained!
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When we think of our face looking old and aged, the first thing that comes to mind are our wrinkles and facial skin sagging. The sagging of our facial skin happens very naturally due to gravity, the loss of collagen and the loss of facial fat as we age. However, we need not wait till our wrinkles show up and we grow old before we start fighting the signs of aging. Here are some treatments to consider when deciding which face lift treatment is best suited for you!
Follow us on our 3-part series as we understand more about the types of face lifting treatments:
1. Non-invasive Face Lift Treatments
2. Semi-invasive Face Lift Treatments (Threadlift)
3. Full Face Lift Treatments (SMAS Face Lift)
For the first part of this series, we will be focusing on non-surgical, non-invasive face lifting treatments:
Non-Invasive Face Lift Treatments: H.I.F.U Ulthera, Shurink and Thermage (FLX)
When we say ‘Face Lift’, most people have the impression of a complex surgery that is suited for older women with a face full of wrinkles and sagging skin. However, due to various reasons, our skin can start sagging and aging as soon as women enter their late 20s and early 30s. Diet, exposure to sunlight, genetic reasons etc are just some of the many reasons that the skin loses its elasticity and collagen. For such ladies, early non-invasive treatment can provide the solution. In the market, there are currently 4 top treatments available and widely done in South Korea, Seoul.
1. H.I.F.U Ultherapy® (Ulthera)
2. H.I.F.U SHURINK
3. R.F Thermage FLX (upgraded version)
Firstly all 3 treatments are non-invasive and done via High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (H.I.F.U) or Radio Frequency (R.F). A common misconception is the labelling of these treatments as ‘laser treatments’. Ultrasound actually penetrates much deeper into the skin than laser, and radio frequencies are able to heat up the skin’s dermis layer during the Thermage treatment.
1. H.I.F.U Ulthera
What is H.I.F.U Ulthera?
Ultherapy® is developed in the USA and uses microfocused ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin naturally over time. The procedure, called Ulthera, by the brand Ultheraphy®, is Korea and US FDA-approved procedure that stimulates collagen production by delivering focused ultrasound energy to the skin’s foundational layer without cutting the skin’s surface. The ultrasound energy is able to bypass the skin layers to reach the right depths, and triggers a natural response under the skin that produces new and fresh collagen. This is different from other laser treatments as it is able to go deeper than just the skin’s surface and encourages regeneration of the skin’s collagen from deep within.
How is Ultherapy® (Ulthera) treatment done?
First, the face is cleaned and prepped with topical anesthetic (numbing cream). After 15-20 minutes when the numbing effect has taken place, ultrasound gel is applied. The doctor, using ultrasound imaging, is able to see deep into the skin’s layers to identify the areas to focus the treatment energy on for the best results. The doctor then delivers the focused ultrasound energy to the specific areas of the face. The actual process usually takes less than 45 minutes and there is no downtime after treatment.
Ulthera Before & After Results
Image from: https://ultherapy.com/how-ultrasound-skin-lifting-tightening-works/
What are the side effects and when can I see the results?
There are no side effects, however some people may experience redness which will subside on its own after a few hours. Some may also experience slight swelling and a tingling sensation at the treatment area, which will also naturally subside after 1-2 weeks. As collagen regeneration will take time, results are best 2-3 months after treatment when new collagen is formed and works to lift and tighten the skin in the face and neck.
2. SHURINK
Similar to Ulthera, SHURINK is a locally (South Korea) developed technology that uses ultrasound energy to boost collagen renewal in the skin. The effects are similar and with precision per shot pulse, SHURINK works to remodel collagen to remove facial wrinkles and sagging skin, and tighten body tissues for a more youthful looking skin.
The main difference between SHURINK and Ulthera lies in the process. For the Ulthera treatment, ultrasound image processing is done to identify the specific areas to direct the ultrasound energy. With SHURINK, no image processing is done. Instead, multiple cartridges emitting different wavelengths, target different depths in the skin to deliver the ultrasound energy:
Image from: https://dralicialiw.com/2017/11/07/hifu-the-art-of-aging-gorgeously/
How is SHURINK treatment done?
First, the face is cleaned and prepped with topical anesthetic (numbing cream). After 15-20 minutes when the numbing effect has taken place, ultrasound gel is applied. The doctor then delivers the focused ultrasound energy to the specific areas of the face. The actual process usually takes less than 30 minutes and there is no downtime after treatment.
SHURINK Before & After Results
Image by View Plastic Surgery
What are the side effects and when can I see the results?
There are no side effects, however some people may experience redness which will subside on its own after a few hours. Some may also experience slight swelling and a tingling sensation at the treatment area, which will also naturally subside after 1-2 weeks. As collagen regeneration will take time, results are best 2-3 months after treatment. For shallow level
3. Thermage FLX
What is Thermage FLX?
Thermage FLX is the 4th generation of the Thermage device, popularly known for its skin lifting effects using radio frequency waves. The radio frequency waves reach the dermis layer of the skin, heating it up to 40 ~ 55°C. The heat causes the collagen to contract, tightening the skin in the process. It improves fine wrinkles and fine lines, while also stimulating the skin to generate new and fresh collagen that gives the skin elasticity and firmness.
How is Thermage FLX (4th Gen) better than the previous Thermage
- Faster treatment process (up to 25% faster than 3rd Gen Thermage)
- Enhanced user experience with smoother vibrations
- Machine tip of Thermage FLX is larger, thus is able to send waves deeper into the skin
- New automatic algorithm technology that adjusts the energy for the right suitability
- Multi-directional (compared to one direction in previous Thermage)
Image from: http://dermatology.hus-hu.com/thermage-flx/
How is Thermage FLX treatment done?
First, the face is cleaned and prepped with topical anesthetic (numbing cream). After 15-20 minutes when the numbing effect has taken place, treatment grid is placed on the face, before the cooling gel is applied. The doctor then delivers the radio frequency waves to the treatment. The actual process usually takes less than 45 minutes and there is no downtime after treatment.
| Type of Energy | Main Technology | Process | Target Audience | |
| Ulthera |
- H.I.F.U - Ultrasound - 60~70°C |
- Boosts Collagen renewal - Developed in USA |
- Topical anesthetics - Uses ultrasound imaging to identify area for energy delivery - Targets specific areas in the SMAS |
- Wants a more well-known and well-established brand - Moderately more fat on the face & neck - Has slightly deeper wrinkles & skin surface issues |
| SHURINK |
- H.I.F.U - Ultrasound - 60~70°C |
- Boosts Collagen renewal - Developed in South Korea |
- Topical anesthetics - Uses different cartridges to target multiple depths in the skin layers - Targets specific areas |
- Wants good results at a competitive price - Moderately more fat on face & neck - Has slightly deeper wrinkles & skin surface issues |
| Thermage FLX |
- Radio Frequency - 40~55°C |
- Tightens the skin via collagen contraction & triggering collagen regeneration |
- Topical anesthetics - Uses R.F to heat up the dermis - Targets a larger area |
- Moderately less fat on the face & neck - Has moderate sagging and shallow wrinkles/ fine lines - Can be done for body cellulite and skin tightening |
Where can I get such treatments done in Seoul?
While the above 3 procedures can be found in many clinics, it is important to get the treatment done with a trusted doctor that understands your skin concerns. To find out more and to receive a personalized quote, simply use MISOODA’s chat to speak directly with the clinics for a quick quotation.
