Hello, this is Uri Plastic Surgery.
These days, there are so many different lifting procedures. Even though the names may sound similar—Ulthera, InMode, ONDA, thread lifting, mini facelift, and facelift—the methods and effects are completely different. Today, I’ll organize everything clearly, from laser lifting to the different stages of lifting.
Laser Lifting
Representative laser lifting treatments include Ulthera, Thermage, ONDA, and InMode. Laser lifting works by applying thermal energy to the skin layer, fat layer, and fascia layer to contract them. Laser lifting creates an effect of tightening the skin from within.
🌟 Advantage: You can return to daily life immediately without incisions
🌟 Disadvantage: The duration of results may be short
Because the target layer differs by device depending on skin condition and elasticity, the key is to choose the laser lifting device that suits your skin through consultation with a specialist.
Thread Lifting
Thread lifting is a method that directly pulls up sagging skin with threads. Barbed Mint threads are commonly used, and because the threads are inserted under the skin to lift it, the effect is visible immediately after the procedure.
🌟 Advantage: Immediate lifting, almost no scarring
🌟 Disadvantage: Results last about 6 months to 1 year
Although it does not directly affect the SMAS layer, it remains popular for early sagging improvement or maintenance.
Mini Facelift
From the mini facelift stage onward, the procedure involves a surgical incision. Usually, a 2–3 cm incision is made near the ear or inside the hairline, the SMAS layer is pulled up, and the loose skin is partially removed.
🌟 Advantage: Improves elasticity + long-lasting results
🌟 Disadvantage: Since it is surgery, suture removal and recovery are needed
For people whose thread lifting results faded quickly or whose sagging has progressed further, satisfaction is often higher when moving to a mini facelift.
Facelift
A facelift refers to surgery that lifts not only the skin but also the SMAS layer underneath by removing and tightening it. In terms of effect and duration, it is by far the best. However, because the incision area can extend to the front and back of the ear, the recovery period is a little longer and scar management is necessary.
🌟 Advantage: The most definite and longest-lasting lifting
🌟 Disadvantage: Longer recovery period and relatively higher cost
However, if skin sagging has progressed significantly, there is no method as definitive as a facelift.
When choosing a lifting procedure, what ultimately matters is selecting the one that matches your current skin condition. If the sagging is not severe, laser lifting or thread lifting may be enough, but if elasticity has already declined significantly, it is better to consider a mini facelift or a lifting surgery. Lifting is not simply about pulling the skin; you need to understand the skin structure and precisely target the necessary layers for natural, long-lasting results. Please make sure to receive 충분한 consultation through a specialized lifting clinic before making your choice.
