
"I want to get a lifting procedure, but there are so many kinds that it’s confusing. What is good?"
"Ultherapy, Thermage, XERF... aren’t they all similar? Which one is right for my skin?"
"I want a lifting treatment, but I heard it hurts a lot. Is there anything that hurts less but still gives high satisfaction?"
As we move into the change of seasons, many people are likely considering lifting procedures because their skin condition has declined. In particular, with larger temperature differences between day and night, along with fine dust and spring yellow dust, this is a season when reduced skin elasticity becomes more noticeable.
Those who search for Hongdae lifting may be confused by the many treatment names. You may be wondering which lifting treatment suits your skin and what the differences are. Today, I’ll give you a complete overview of the types and features of lifting procedures.
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Hello, I’m Director Jo Wonjin of Chai Clinic.
Over the past 9 years, while providing skin aesthetic treatments in Hongdae, one of the questions I’ve consistently received is, "Which lifting treatment is good these days?"

The answer is that it depends on the person, because there is no such thing as two identical skins in the world.
I have performed various lifting procedures such as Thermage and Ultherapy, and I also introduced the XERF device to Mapo District for the first time. Based on that experience, today I’d like to briefly and clearly explain the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each lifting device.
Because each lifting device uses different energy and targets different layers, it is most important to choose a procedure that matches your skin concerns and condition. I hope today’s discussion helps you find the lifting treatment that suits you.
Hongdae Lifting: 4 Types
First, let’s briefly look at the principles and features of the four major lifting procedures.
The first is XERF.

This is the latest radiofrequency lifting device, released in May 2024, and it addresses many of the shortcomings of existing lifting devices.
XERF uses two wavelengths and can perform treatment in three modes: Shallow, Middle, and Deep. It has improved the issue of energy delivery to deeper layers, which was a limitation of conventional radiofrequency lifting.

It also has four tips (EFFECTOR 05, 10, 40, and 60), allowing customized treatment for various areas of the face. In particular, the EFFECTOR 60 tip has an area 1.5 times larger than Thermage Total Tip, so 600 XERF shots deliver a level of satisfaction comparable to 840 Thermage shots.

One especially notable advantage among lifting devices is its differentiated cooling system. Each time a shot is delivered to the skin tissue, a cooling pulse works simultaneously, reducing discomfort and making the procedure possible without anesthesia.
With 600 shots, the procedure finishes in 30 to 40 minutes, so even those with limited time can receive it comfortably.
If you are looking into Hongdae lifting and the above features match what you need, it may be worth considering XERF first.

The second is Thermage.

This is a radiofrequency energy lifting procedure that has been loved for a long time, with more than 10 years of accumulated data. It delivers energy deep into the dermis beneath the skin tissue, causing collagen denaturation. In this process, collagen regenerates and skin texture improves.

A key feature is that satisfaction gradually increases as skin texture settles over 1 to 3 months after the procedure. However, because it can be painful, anesthesia is needed, and the anesthesia process alone takes about 40 to 50 minutes, which is a drawback because the total procedure time is long.
The third is Shurink.

This is a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) lifting treatment that delivers energy deep into the SMAS layer within the skin tissue. With various cartridge configurations (4 Ultra F types and 3 Ultra Booster types), customized treatment is possible.
Because it is almost painless, anesthesia is not necessary, and the procedure can be completed in about 15 minutes for 1,000 shots. It can be said to be suitable for busy modern people.

The fourth is Ultherapy.

This is a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) lifting treatment that has been loved for more than 10 years. Its advantage is that, through DeepSEE technology, the inside of the skin can be viewed in real time during the procedure.

It targets the SMAS layer (the fascial layer) and is specialized for sharpening facial contours and improving the jawline. It can be applied at various depths (1.5 mm, 3.0 mm, and 4.5 mm), but because it can be painful, anesthesia is required.
If you are considering Hongdae lifting procedures, I will briefly explain which treatment may be suitable depending on your skin concerns.

First, if you are sensitive to pain, XERF or Shurink would be suitable.
Both procedures are so low in pain that they can be performed without anesthesia. In particular, XERF is equipped with a newer cooling system, allowing for a more comfortable procedure.
Second, if you are short on time, consider XERF or Shurink.
Because anesthesia is not needed, the overall treatment time is shorter. XERF takes 30 to 40 minutes for 600 shots, and Shurink takes about 15 to 20 minutes for 1,000 shots.
Third, if your goal is to improve the jawline or facial contour, Ultherapy is suitable.
Ultherapy, which is specialized for SMAS-layer lifting, is highly satisfying for improving sagging under the chin or a double chin.
Fourth, if you want both skin texture improvement and elasticity, Thermage or XERF is a good choice.
Both procedures help improve skin texture and elasticity by promoting collagen regeneration.
Hongdae Lifting: Conclusion

Today, we went through a complete overview of lifting procedures. Above all, the most important thing is detailed consultation and a personalized treatment design.
No matter how good a device is, if it is not applied according to an individual’s skin condition and concerns, it is difficult to achieve the desired level of satisfaction. Through one-on-one consultation, designing the most suitable lifting procedure for each person is the best approach, right?
Also, as important as lifting procedures is daily care. Adequate hydration and consistent sunscreen use are essential, and during seasonal changes, skin care needs to be more thorough than usual.
I hope this information was helpful for those looking into Hongdae lifting.
If you choose a procedure that matches your skin condition, lifestyle, and priorities, I believe there is no skin concern that cannot be addressed.
This has been Chai Clinic, customizing your beauty. Thank you.

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