Loss of Skin Elasticity in Cheongdam & Apgujeong, Seoul

What skin elasticity really is

Elasticity is the skin's ability to stretch and spring back. It depends on the dermis, the layer beneath the surface, where cells called fibroblasts build a scaffold of collagen for strength and elastin for recoil, held in a water-binding gel. When this scaffold is dense and well organised, skin looks firm and smooth. When it thins and fragments, skin loses its 탄력 (elasticity), and you notice it first as slower recovery after sleep creases, a softer jawline or finer texture.

Several forces erode that scaffold:

• Intrinsic ageing. Fibroblasts gradually produce less collagen and elastin, and existing fibres become stiffer and more disorganised.
• Sun exposure. Ultraviolet light breaks down collagen and causes abnormal elastic tissue to accumulate. It is the largest preventable cause.
• Hormonal change. The decline in oestrogen around menopause is associated with a noticeable drop in skin thickness and firmness.
• Lifestyle. Smoking, poor sleep, high sugar intake and repeated weight change all add to the damage.

It is important to separate skin laxity from structural sagging. Loose skin is a problem of the dermis; sagging also involves the deeper SMAS layer, ligaments and fat. Many faces have both, but they respond to different treatments.

How Doje Clinic assesses elasticity

In a 1:1 consultation, Dr. Byun Jeik combines visual examination with simple tests — how quickly a gentle pinch of skin recoils, how the skin drapes at the jawline and neck, and how it creases with expression. Mark-View 3D skin analysis adds objective data on texture and skin condition, which can also be used to track change over time.

• Which layer is the main problem: superficial dermis, deep dermis or deeper support?
• How thick is the skin, and how much subcutaneous fat lies beneath?
• Is there structural descent that energy devices alone will not lift?
• What are your downtime limits and timeline?

The answers determine which tools reach the right depth.

Options from mild to advanced

Superficial dermis: quality and resilience

For early loss of firmness and fine texture, skin boosters such as Rejuran, Doje autologous exosome or exosome, and collagen boosters such as GOURI or Re2O, support the dermal environment over a series of sessions. Potenza RF microneedling stimulates remodelling while creating channels that can be combined with boosters.

Deep dermis: tightening

Thermage uses monopolar radiofrequency to heat the deeper dermis, causing immediate collagen contraction and gradual remodelling. Softwave delivers ultrasound energy in a broader pattern. Both suit skin laxity without major descent, with results typically building over months.

Deeper support layer

When loss of firmness extends to the deeper structures, Ultherapy Prime targets the SMAS level with focused ultrasound. Dr. Byun received the Merz Golden Record Award 2024 for Ultherapy transducers, reflecting his experience in planning depth and energy.

When tissue has descended

Energy devices tighten; they do not reposition tissue that has clearly dropped. In that case the Doje signature thread lift may be combined, so the devices maintain skin quality while threads provide lift.

Which Doje program fits

The Signature Program assesses facial structure and ageing pattern, then combines thread lifting, filler, collagen boosters and energy devices only as needed. Doje explicitly avoids applying every device as a package; each is chosen by depth, sagging, fat and elasticity. For skin-only concerns, the Skin & Energy lifting menu may be used on its own.

When a surgical opinion is more appropriate

When loose skin hangs in folds — for example along the jaw and neck — tightening devices can only partly help, and surgical skin removal assessed by a qualified surgeon is more effective. Dr. Byun will explain where non-surgical treatment reaches its limit.

Cost

Fees depend on the devices, boosters and number of sessions, and are quoted after the 1:1 consultation. Ask for a written quote; Korean non-covered (비급여) aesthetic fees are set per plan.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if I am losing skin elasticity?

Skin that is slow to recover from a gentle pinch or from pillow creases, a softer jawline and finer crinkling are common early signs.

Can lost elasticity be restored?

It can be improved. Treatments that stimulate collagen remodelling can increase firmness gradually, though ageing continues and maintenance is needed.

Thermage or Ultherapy?

Thermage mainly targets the dermis for skin tightening; Ultherapy Prime reaches deeper support layers. The choice depends on which layer is the main problem.

How many sessions will I need?

Energy devices are often single sessions repeated periodically; boosters and RF microneedling usually work as a course. The plan is set after assessment.

Does skincare help?

Daily sun protection is essential, and products such as retinoids can support the skin, but in-clinic treatment is usually needed for noticeable firming.

What is the downtime?

Usually little for energy devices; boosters and RF microneedling may cause redness or small bumps for a few days.

Related at Doje Clinic

• Thermage FLX
• Ultherapy Prime
• Collagen Boosters
• Potenza
• Ultherapy vs Thermage
• Energy Devices and Treatment Depth
• Collagen Stimulation Explained

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.