Lifting in Seoul Korea: Complete Guide · Cheongdam & Apgujeong

What "lifting" actually treats

Facial sagging is not one problem. With age, bone and deep fat support decrease, the retaining ligaments that anchor soft tissue loosen, the SMAS layer and fat pads descend, and the skin itself loses collagen and elasticity. The visible results — sagging cheeks, deeper nasolabial folds, jowls, a softened jawline — appear in different combinations in different faces.

Good lifting starts by identifying which layer is responsible. Repositioning descended tissue calls for a mechanical lift; tightening lax skin calls for heat at the right depth; heaviness from fat may call for fat reduction; hollowing may need support rather than lifting. Using the wrong tool can make a face look heavier, flatter or over-tight.

The main lifting options in Seoul

Thread lifting (실리프팅)

Dissolvable threads with cogs or barbs are placed under the skin to reposition tissue and stimulate collagen around them. Doje designs thread lifts to face shape and sagging pattern, aiming for a natural, immediate lift while working meticulously to avoid lumpiness. Options are tailored by area: mid-face, lower face and upper face. See the full thread lift page.

Ultrasound lifting

Ultherapy Prime delivers focused ultrasound to deeper layers including the SMAS level, with real-time imaging to guide placement. Softwave uses ultrasound energy at a more superficial, dermal level, and is often chosen for skin firmness and fine laxity, including around the eyes.

Radiofrequency and microwave

Thermage uses monopolar radiofrequency to heat the dermis broadly for skin tightening; Eye Thermage treats the delicate eye area. ONDA uses microwave energy and is chosen where fat contributes to heaviness alongside laxity.

Comparing the options

All figures are typical and vary between people. For head-to-head detail see thread lift vs Ultherapy, Ultherapy vs Thermage, Ultherapy vs Softwave and thread lift vs facelift.

How Doje Clinic builds a lifting plan

Dr. Byun Jeik, a Seoul National University–trained surgery specialist, won the Merz Golden Record Award 2024 in the Ultherapy Transducers category and sits on the Merz Advisory Board. His plans follow a clear principle: combine only as far as needed. Energy devices are chosen by depth, sagging, fat and elasticity — not stacked as a package — and threads or filler are added where structure, not skin, is the problem. Learn why in energy device depths.

Lifting programs by area

• Mid-Face Program — signature mid-face thread lift with retaining-ligament and nasolabial filler; options include Radiesse, Ultherapy Prime, Softwave and GOURI/Re2O.
• Marionette Program — lower-face thread lift with marionette soft filler.
• Jawline Program — lower-face thread lift and double-chin liposuction; options include Radiesse, Ultherapy Prime and ONDA.
• Eye Program — upper-face thread lift, soft filler and eye-skin care.
• One-Day Program — signature thread lift with Doje autologous exosome and oxygen therapy for visitors short on time.
• Signature Program — a whole-face plan.

Planning a lifting trip to Seoul

1. Send photos and dates via WhatsApp, KakaoTalk or LINE for a preliminary view.
2. Book the 1:1 consultation early in your stay.
3. Allow recovery time for threads before flights and events — see thread lift aftercare and flying after treatment.
4. Agree a maintenance rhythm; read how long results last.

Cost

Lifting plans are quoted after the 1:1 consultation because method, area and combination vary. Korean non-covered (비급여) aesthetic fees are set per plan; ask for a written quote.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a thread lift and Ultherapy?

A thread lift repositions tissue mechanically with an immediate effect, while Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound to tighten deeper layers gradually over months.

Which lifting treatment is right for me?

It depends on whether sagging, skin laxity, fat or volume loss is driving your concern; Dr. Byun Jeik decides this in a 1:1 assessment.

How long does a thread lift last?

It varies by person; Doje Clinic states thread lift results can last up to two years or more.

Is there downtime after lifting?

Energy devices usually have minimal downtime, while thread lifts commonly involve swelling and tightness for around one to two weeks.

Does Doje Clinic combine several lifting devices?

Only as far as needed; devices are chosen by depth, sagging, fat and elasticity rather than applied as a package.

Can I have a lifting treatment during a short trip to Seoul?

Often yes, with planning; the One-Day Program and early-trip scheduling help visitors fit treatment and recovery around flights.

Is non-surgical lifting the same as a facelift?

No. Non-surgical lifting suits mild to moderate sagging; a surgical facelift is a different, more extensive procedure.

Related at Doje Clinic

• First-time lifting
• Lifting for men
• Thread lift vs Thermage
• Ultherapy vs ONDA
• Radiesse
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Undefined jawline
• Filler in Seoul: complete guide

Medical information on this page is general education, not a diagnosis. Suitability, risks and the final plan are confirmed in a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Byun Jeik. Last updated 17 October 2026.