Seongsu Lifting: Ultherapy and Thermage
How Do They Differ?
Hello. This is Sio Clinic.
When you look in the mirror and notice your jawline appears less defined than before,
or your cheeks seem to have lost elasticity,
you might be considering lifting procedures.
Dr. Kim Dong-hyun, Representative Director of Sio Clinic
You might hear about how good different devices are,
but it can be difficult to choose what's right for your skin.
It's important to choose a lifting treatment not just by the device name,
but by first considering which layer of the skin needs improvement,
and what specific areas you want to address.
1. Lifting: The Key is Approaching the Right Skin Layer
The skin and underlying tissues
are composed of multiple layers, including
the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous fat, fascia, and muscles.
Even if sagging appears similar on the surface,
the approach differs depending on whether the issue is decreased skin elasticity
or changes in fat distribution.
If you are considering Seongsu lifting,
it's necessary to assess skin thickness, the degree of sagging,
and facial volume together.
Rather than simply performing a deeper or stronger treatment,
it is crucial to determine the energy level and treatment area
based on the specific tissue that needs improvement.
2. How Do the Dermis, Fascia, and Fat Layers Differ?
The dermis contains structures like collagen that support the skin,
and it is related to skin elasticity.
If you are concerned about fine wrinkles and skin texture,
the condition of the dermis should also be considered.
The fascia layer, also known as SMAS,
is related to the structure that supports the soft tissues of the face
beneath the skin.
The fat layer affects the volume and contour of the face.
It is important to distinguish between areas that appear to have excess fat
and areas that are already sunken.
A Seongsu lifting consultation should assess not only sagging in one area,
but also the surrounding volume and the overall facial balance.
Stimulating all layers equally
or focusing on fat reduction is not always the appropriate approach.
3. How Do Ultherapy and Thermage Differ?
Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound energy
to deliver thermal stimulation
at precise depths in small points.
It allows for real-time visualization of tissues,
enabling the selection of appropriate depths for each area.
After assessing the sagging of the underlying tissues,
the treatment area and plan are determined.
Thermage is a device that uses radiofrequency energy,
utilizing two different frequencies
to deliver thermal energy to the tissues.
Unlike Ultherapy's focused ultrasound,
its energy delivery mechanism is different,
making appropriate settings based on skin condition crucial.
When choosing Seongsu lifting,
it's better to consider which device is definitively superior,
rather than focusing on whether sagging or loss of elasticity is the main concern,
and assessing facial thickness and volume.
Even with the same device, the treatment plan can vary
depending on the treatment areas and energy settings.
Rather than deciding based solely on images,
it is best to have an in-person examination.
During your consultation, please clearly state the areas of most concern
and the degree of change you expect.
Even when considering combining both procedures,
the combination itself does not guarantee optimal results.
The necessity and limitations of each procedure
must be assessed first.
4. Before the Procedure: Please Inform Us About These Details
Pregnancy or breastfeeding status,
internal medical devices such as pacemakers,
and the presence of metal implants in the treatment area
should be disclosed to the medical staff in advance.
Please also share information about recent procedures such as fillers or thread lifts,
any skin conditions, and medications you are currently taking.
Confirming this information during a Seongsu lifting consultation
helps in determining the feasibility of the procedure and any necessary precautions.
If you are generally sensitive to pain or concerned about hollowness in specific areas,
it is also advisable to discuss these concerns thoroughly before the procedure.
5. Consider Post-Procedure Care as Well
After the procedure, temporary symptoms such as
redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth may occur,
and these can vary by individual.
There can be differences in the recovery process and results.
It cannot be assumed that it feels only warm and comfortable,
so please inform the medical staff immediately if you experience any discomfort during the procedure.
After the procedure, avoid saunas or excessive heat exposure
for the period recommended by the clinic,
and maintain hydration and sun protection.
If pain or swelling worsens,
or if blisters or persistent sensory disturbances occur,
contact the clinic to have your condition checked.
Lifting is a process of understanding the skin layers and facial structure
and choosing an approach tailored to the individual's needs.
If you are considering Seongsu lifting,
prioritize understanding your current skin condition and desired outcomes
over just the device names.
