Hongdae Lifting: Serep vs. Ultherapy vs. Thermage — Which Lifting Is Right for Me?

If you have searched for Hongdae lifting, you may be having these kinds of concerns.

"Ultherapy, Thermage, Serep... Why are there so many types?"

"I'm getting older, but I don't know which lifting procedure I should get."

The lifting market in 2025 has certainly expanded its range of options. From Ultherapy, which has been proven over more than 10 years, to the latest Serep released in 2024, each has clear advantages.

But with more choices, you may feel even more confused.

"Isn't Ultherapy, which has been around for 10 years, more proven?"

"Isn't Serep, the latest technology, better?"

Today, I will clearly compare the features of each lifting treatment to help you make a smart choice.

Hello, I’m Dr. Jo Wonjin, director of Chai Clinic.

For nine years in Hongdae, I have performed a variety of lifting procedures and personally experienced the changes in every device, from Ultherapy to the latest Serep.

In particular, since Chai Clinic was the first in Mapo-gu to introduce Serep equipment, I believe I can explain the differences between existing devices and the latest devices more accurately than anyone else.

First, I’ll explain the characteristics of each lifting treatment and what they mean in 2025.

The first is Ultherapy, a long-loved lifting treatment.

Ultherapy also recently launched the 'Ultherapy Prime' model, and it remains one of the lifting devices chosen by many people.

Ultherapy is a high-intensity focused ultrasound device that has been loved for more than 10 years since 2015. It is a thermal coagulation device that targets the SMAS layer, the fascial layer.

Simply put, this principle focuses ultrasound on a specific point, raising the temperature to 60–70 degrees Celsius, and using that thermal energy to contract the SMAS layer.

Its biggest strength is that it is specialized in sharpening facial contours. You can feel the satisfaction of a more defined jawline and a formed V-line. That is why it is usually recommended for people concerned about submental fat or facial contour.

It also allows treatment while viewing the inside of the skin in real time with DeepSee technology, enabling precise and even energy delivery.

The data accumulated over 10 years and proven safety are Ultherapy’s greatest assets.

The second is Thermage, a veteran in lifting and known for its excellent satisfaction.

Thermage is a device that improves collagen in the subdermal layer using radiofrequency.

Because it targets a different layer from Ultherapy, it creates a complementary synergy.

Thermage’s key advantage lies in improving overall skin condition. By increasing collagen, it can improve skin texture and smooth fine wrinkles.

It can also be applied evenly to delicate areas that are difficult to treat with Ultherapy, such as around the eyes and around the mouth. It is also excellent for firmness improvement, making the skin feel taut and elastic.

This is why many people choose the combination of Ultherapy and Thermage, known as 'Ullthermage.' It is a treatment often chosen by those who want to achieve both facial contour and skin condition.

The third is Serep, the innovative technology of 2024.

Serep is the latest lifting device released in May 2024, and it was designed to dramatically improve the shortcomings of existing lifting treatments.

The most innovative part is the improvement related to pain. It addressed pain, which had been the biggest obstacle in existing lifting treatments, with a differentiated cooling system. A cooling pulse operates every time a shot enters the skin tissue, making the procedure possible without anesthesia.

Not needing anesthesia also means a significant reduction in time. Compared with Thermage, the procedure time itself is similar at around 40 minutes, but the key point is that the anesthesia process is unnecessary. Considering that Thermage anesthesia takes 40 to 50 minutes, this can truly be seen as one of the major strengths for busy modern people.

It is also optimized for individual customization. Using two frequencies, it can adjust depth in three stages—Shallow, Middle, and Deep—and with four different tips, it can be applied to all areas.

To explain Serep’s remarkable efficiency in numbers, it may be even clearer.

The EFFECTOR 60 tip of Serep has an area 1.5 times larger than Thermage Total Tip. A larger area means a greater amount of energy delivery.

Specifically, if you receive 600 shots with the Serep EFFECTOR 60 tip, you can feel the same level of satisfaction as 840 shots with the Thermage Total Tip.

Reducing pain while delivering even greater satisfaction, and saving time as well—these are Serep’s key advantages.

For those who have been hesitant because of pain or time constraints while looking into Hongdae lifting, Serep can be a good alternative.

So, as of 2025, which option is better?

If you want changes in facial contour, I recommend Ultherapy.

Its 10-year-proven reliability and strong satisfaction with contour improvement remain Ultherapy’s unmatched advantages. It is suitable for those who can invest enough time and want clear changes. Also, with the recently released 'Ultherapy Prime,' treatment time has been reduced, so it becomes an even more ideal option for those seeking facial contour improvement.

If you want comprehensive improvement and the stability of accumulated data, Thermage or Ullthermage (Ultherapy + Thermage) would be good choices.

With stable and proven technology, you can improve both skin quality and contour at the same time, so it is recommended for those seeking overall anti-aging.

If you want something comfortable, efficient, and highly satisfying at the same time, I recommend looking into Serep.

With the latest technology, it minimizes pain and time burden while still delivering excellent satisfaction, making it especially suitable for those with busy lifestyles.

Today, I talked about the various options for Hongdae lifting in 2025.

From long-proven reliability to the latest lifting technology, each has its own clear strengths. What matters is not trends or brands, but making a smart choice that fits your individual skin condition and lifestyle.

Of course, whichever lifting treatment you choose, the most important thing is an accurate diagnosis through a sufficient consultation process. Please have your skin condition carefully analyzed and receive a treatment design suited to your individual goals.

I hope this information helps those looking into Hongdae lifting make a smart choice.

This has been Chai Clinic, customizing your natural beauty. Thank you.

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