2026-07-03
Ultrasound Lifting Devices (Ultherapy, LinearZ)
Learn about ultrasound lifting devices like Ultherapy and LinearZ, how HIFU technology targets the SMAS layer, its effects, duration, and post-care.
What is Ultrasound Lifting (HIFU)?
If you are interested in skin lifting,
you have probably heard of ultrasound lifting at least once.
Ultrasound lifting is a procedure
that uses High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) energy,
delivering it precisely into the deep layers of the skin to pull up and lift a sagging face.
The most representative original device is Ultherapy,
and devices developed based on this technology include
Shurink, Doublo, TenThera, LinearFirm, and LinearZ.
How Ultrasound Lifting Works
It is similar to the principle of using a magnifying glass to burn black paper in childhood science classes.
By focusing ultrasound energy into a single point,
it creates a ‘thermal coagulation point’ at a specific depth within the skin,
and as this thermal point causes the tissue to contract, it produces a lifting effect.
The biggest features of this method are:
✔️ No damage to the skin surface
✔️ Selective energy delivery only to the desired depth
The Target Depth of Ultrasound Lifting – The SMAS Layer
Ultrasound lifting is
virtually the only non-surgical device capable of delivering energy
to the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System), the deepest layer of the skin.
The SMAS layer is
✔️ Thread lifting
✔️ Facelift surgery
the exact same structural layer targeted by the procedures above.
True lifting effects only appear when this layer is contracted and pulled tight.
Ultrasound energy simultaneously induces:
SMAS Layer → Lifting and improvement of sagging
Dermis Layer → Collagen regeneration and elasticity improvement
Effects of Ultrasound Lifting
The effects appear gradually over time.
✔️ Immediate Effects
Contraction of sagging tissues
Refinement of the jawline and facial contours
An overall feeling of facial lifting
✔️ Long-term Effects (2 to 4 months)
Promotion of collagen regeneration
Increased skin elasticity
Maximization of the lifting effect
Most patients feel that the results are best around the 2 to 4-month mark.
Duration and Treatment Interval
The duration of ultrasound lifting results
varies depending on skin condition, degree of sagging, and the number of shots,
but it typically lasts about 7 to 9 months.
In your 20s, with minimal sagging → 300 shots or more
In your 30s and older, with noticeable sagging → 400 to 600 shots or more as a standard.
As the treatment is repeated, the duration of the effects gradually increases.
Therefore, we generally recommend one session per year.
Post-Treatment Reactions and Precautions
After the procedure:
✔️ Swelling is relatively minimal, affecting less than 5 to 10% of patients.
✔️ If swelling does occur, the square jaw area may temporarily look more pronounced.
In such cases, it naturally resolves within 2 to 3 weeks.
Additionally, due to the thermal point reaction caused by the ultrasound, you may feel a slight throbbing or discomfort when touching your face during cleansing for about 2 to 4 weeks. This is a normal part of the recovery process.
Post-treatment care:
Apply plenty of moisturizer and regenerating cream.
Sunscreen is essential.
We recommend avoiding alcohol and smoking for about a week.
Difference Between Ultrasound Lifting and Radiofrequency Lifting
While ultrasound lifting
👉 is a lifting procedure that ‘pulls’ the face upward,
radiofrequency lifting
👉 is a tightening procedure that ‘firms and tightens’ the skin.
Therefore, in actual clinical practice,
it is most common to combine ultrasound lifting and radiofrequency lifting
to manage all layers of the skin simultaneously.
✔️ Highly Recommended For:
Those who are starting to notice facial sagging.
Those with a loss of definition in the jawline or mid-to-lower face.
Those who want a definitive lifting effect without the burden of surgery.