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Explore anti-aging treatment insights and information personally written by the medical team at ODE CLINIC.

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Lifting

Ultherapy vs. ONDA Lifting: Price, Effects, and Pain Compared

"Doctor, my jawline has gone blunt and saggy. Should I have Ultherapy, or ONDA?"I don't think a week goes by without that question.Search it and you mostly get "Ultherapy is stronger," which doesn't help much.What you actually want to know is which one fits your face.The similar pricing doesn't make it easier.In Gangnam, Ultherapy runs KRW 1,200,000–1,500,000 for 300 shots,and ONDA Lifting KRW 1,500,000–2,000,000 for three sessions of 100,000J.Both get recommended for the same areas too — jawline, double chin.But the two devices are doing very different jobs.Ultherapy contracts the SMAS layer with ultrasound.ONDA Lifting (ONDA Coolwaves) breaks down subcutaneous fat with microwaves.Different layers, different goals.Here's what several years of performing both in Gangnam has taught me.Written directly by Dr. Kim Do-hoon, Medical Director of ODE ClinicUltherapy vs ONDA Lifting: The Core DifferencesLet me put the conclusion in a table first.CategoryUltherapyONDA LiftingMechanismHigh-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)MicrowaveTarget layerSubcutaneous fat layer, SMAS layerConcentrated in the subcutaneous fat layerMain purposeContraction of sagging structures, liftingFat reduction, volume reductionRecommended areasJawline, double chinJawline, double chinPain (out of 10)7–8Around 3DowntimeSwelling for 1–2 weeksAlmost noneOnset of effectFrom 2 weeks up to 3 monthsGradually over 1 monthRecommended frequencyOnce every 6–12 months3 sessions at 1-month intervalsPrice300 shots, KRW 1,200,000–1,500,000100,000J × 3, KRW 1,500,000–2,000,000Read on its own, that table can make the two look interchangeable.Look closer, though, and the distinctions that actually decide the choice start to surface.I'll take them one at a time below.Ultherapy: Effects and MechanismDepth is what sets Ultherapy apart from everything else in the category.Through 3.0mm and 4.5mm cartridges, energy travels all the way down to the SMAS layer,which sits between the subcutaneous fat and the muscle.That's the same layer plastic surgeons pull upward during a facelift.The name itself is a compound — ultrasound plus therapy.In other words, a lifting device running on high-intensity focused ultrasound.Focus that energy on a single point and the temperature there climbs to roughly 60–70℃.A microscopic injury forms, known as a thermal coagulation point.Fibroblasts wake up around it, and new collagen follows.Not Lifted Up — Re-AdheredA lot of patients picture Ultherapy pulling tissue upward the way thread lifting does.The mechanism is different.What actually happens is that the sagging SMAS layer and fibrous septa contract,so tissue that had drooped re-adheres to where it originally sat.The limitations are just as real.Since the energy also passes through the subcutaneous fat layer,patients who had little cheek volume to start with can end up with hollowing.Lifted, but gaunt — that's the outcome nobody wants.Which is why deciding what to avoid, during the design stage, matters as much as deciding where to treat.ONDA Lifting: Effects and MechanismONDA goes after fat cells selectively.Microwaves are absorbed more readily by tissue holding few water molecules and plenty of lipids.So heat concentrates in the subcutaneous fat layer, the fat cell membrane takes damage, and cell death follows.The device itself runs microwaves in the 2.45GHz band.DEKA of Italy developed it, and it also goes by the name Coolwaves.One thing worth knowing: the broken-down fat doesn't vanish on the spot.It clears gradually through metabolic processes over roughly a month.That's why a photograph taken a month later shows more change than one taken right after the session.Thermal stimulation reaches the dermis at the same time, so some collagen regeneration comes along with it.Fat down, firmness up — both at once.Where ONDA Lifting Runs Out(1) Area selection isn't precise.The handpiece works in a rubbing motion, so selectively avoiding a spot like the anterior cheek— which can hollow out — is difficult.Narrow areas such as the nasolabial fold need caution too, since the surrounding region can lose volume.(2) One session usually isn't enough.Fat cell death scales with the number of sessions.Which is why three sessions at one-month intervals is the general recommendation.(3) It doesn't fix sagging itself.ONDA was never built to target the SMAS layer.The jawline gets tidied indirectly, as weight comes off.Ultherapy and ONDA Lifting: Pain and DowntimeThis is where the experience diverges most sharply.CategoryUltherapyONDA LiftingType of painDeep, sharp painA sensation of warmingPain intensity7–8 out of 10Around 3AnesthesiaTopical anesthetic, nerve blockMostly performed without anesthesiaSwellingMarked swelling for 1 week, residual swelling up to 2 weeksAlmost noneReturn to daily lifePossible same day, though swelling persistsImmediately after the procedureThe worst of the Ultherapy pain sits along the jawline, where bone lies close to the surface.Most patients still tell me afterward that it was more manageable than they'd braced for.The swelling deserves a heads-up.It starts the day after, and because the jawline puffs up, there's a stretch where the face can look more sagged than it did before treatment.Only once that settles at around two weeks does the jawline improvement show itself.ONDA carries almost none of this.Plenty of patients drop in over a lunch break and head back to work.If a wedding, an interview, or a presentation is close at hand, ONDA is the safer bet.Ultherapy and ONDA Lifting Price ComparisonGangnam pricing below.ProcedurePriceUltherapy 100 shotsApprox. KRW 400,000–500,000Ultherapy 300 shotsApprox. KRW 1,200,000–1,500,000ONDA Lifting 100,000J × 1Approx. KRW 700,000ONDA Lifting 100,000J × 3Approx. KRW 1,500,000–2,000,000Compare single sessions and Ultherapy looks like the expensive one.Factor in the treatment interval, though, and the picture shifts.A single ONDA session is unlikely to move the needle as far as Ultherapy does, so three sessions is the realistic standard.That puts you at KRW 1,500,000–2,000,000.Ultherapy, meanwhile, holds with one session every six months at the shortest, once a year at the longest.Convert it to an annual basis and the gap between the two turns out to be smaller than it first appears.Ultherapy and ONDA Lifting: Who Each One SuitsPatients for whom Ultherapy is recommended Those who need precise shot distribution (marked sagging at the front of the face, pronounced left-right asymmetry, and similar cases) Those who want a definite change and are willing to accept pain and swelling Those who would prefer to reduce the number of visits to roughly once a year Patients for whom ONDA Lifting is recommended Those with a thick fat layer Those who have postponed lifting because of pain and downtime Those with an important event within 2–4 weeks Those undergoing lifting for the first time who would like to begin with something less demanding In practice, the choice often isn't limited to one of the two.Some patients arrive with both a thick fat layer and progressed sagging.For them, the sequence I recommend is ONDA first to take the weight off, then Ultherapy to set the structure.Combining procedures with different mechanisms also tends to stretch the result out longer.Even among lifting devices aimed at the same goal, the underlying mechanisms often differ.Repeating one procedure over and over is rarely the best long-term plan.Actual Ultherapy and ONDA Lifting Before and After PhotosCASE 1. Female in her 30s (Ultherapy 300 shots)Left: January 13, 2025Right: December 29, 2025Cheek hollowing and sagging were both present here.Patients with hollowing often assume Ultherapy is bound to make things worse,but working around the hollowed areas isn't a problem.And since Ultherapy allows more precise work than ONDA,it's actually the option I'd recommend for a case like this.The same goes for pronounced left-right asymmetry.Ultherapy lets shots be distributed exactly as intended, which puts it ahead of ONDA and its rubbing motion.CASE 2. Female in her 20s (ONDA Lifting 100,000J, before and after)Left: January 13, 2025Right: June 20, 2025Ultherapy and ONDA Lifting FAQQ. Can Ultherapy and ONDA Lifting be received together?A. They can, and it's a pairing I recommend.The layers and mechanisms involved are different.Having both on the same day is fine too.Q. Cheek hollowing is a concern — which procedure carries more risk?A. It can occur with either one.That said, it's manageable: identify the hollowed areas during the design stage and work around them.Q. Why are three ONDA Lifting sessions recommended?A. There's a limit to how many fat cells any single session destroys.Change tends to read more clearly when three sessions are done at one-month intervals.Three isn't strictly required for an effect to appear, though — first-time patients can have one session and decide from there.Q. Does swelling always occur with Ultherapy?A. It varies between individuals, but it shows up in a considerable proportion of patients.Starting the following day, marked swelling can last a week, with residual swelling up to two weeks.Cold compresses can suppress the regenerative process, so I generally don't recommend them.Q. Are both procedures effective for nasolabial folds?A. The midface, nasolabial folds included, isn't where either procedure is strongest.If nasolabial folds are your main concern, XERF, EMFACE, or Alltite are worth looking at first.Q. For a first lifting procedure, which is the better starting point?A. If the pain and swelling are acceptable to you, I'd start with Ultherapy.It produces a more dramatic result in a lot of cases.And if that alone brings enough improvement, there's no need to add ONDA at all.In ClosingUltherapy and ONDA are both lifting procedures that sharpen the jawline.Today's column ran through the mechanisms, effects, pain, and price — and a number of real differences sit between them.What matters most, though, is talking it through with the physician who'll be performing the treatment and choosing what matches your own condition. Thank you for reading — Dr. Kim Do-hoon, ODE Clinic.Gangnam Dermatology Clinic, ODE Clinic8th Floor, 340 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea+82–2–569–0222ODE Column : Ultherapy vs. ONDA LiftingAuthor: Dr. Dohoon Kim, Chief Director of ODE ClinicSpecialty: Anti-aging (Lifting, Volumizing, etc.)

2026.08.25

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Lifting

Onda Body Contouring in Korea: Sessions, Joules, and What It Costs

Diet is dialled in, the gym is happening, and the lower abdomen and flanks still haven't moved.I hear that a lot.Onda body contouring is aimed squarely at that kind of stubborn, localized fat.It's non-invasive, and it uses 2.45 GHz microwaves to selectively heat the subcutaneous fat layer — going after localized fat, cellulite, and skin laxity in one go.Cost in the Gangnam district runs roughly KRW 500,000 to 1,200,000 per area per session, excluding VAT.That range moves with the size of the area treated, the joule count applied, and how many sessions you end up needing.ODE Clinic has been doing lifting, tightening, and body contouring since 2022.As of 2026, our returning patient count is past 6,000.Below: how Onda actually works, who it suits, how joule settings get decided, how many sessions you should plan for, and what it costs by area.What Onda Body Contouring Is(1) Microwaves, not radiofrequencyConcentrating heat in the fat layer without burning the skin surface — that's what Onda is built to do.The frequency is what makes it possible.At 2.45 GHz, the electrical conductivity of the skin surface is low enough that energy passes through the epidermis with barely any absorption.Manufacturer data puts roughly 80% of the delivered energy into the subcutaneous fat layer,with the remaining 20% staying in the epidermis and dermis. (Source: DEKA)The device itself came out of DEKA in Florence, Italy.It delivers those 2.45 GHz microwaves under the Coolwaves name.How it generates heat also separates it from conventional radiofrequency.RF passes a current through tissue and works off the resistive heat that follows.Onda uses dielectric heating instead — the energy agitates molecules within the tissue directly, and the friction produces the heat.(2) Three things happen at onceFat reductionHeated adipocytes sustain membrane damage and release their contents.The lymphatic system clears those contents over the following weeks.Cellulite improvementHeat reaches the fibrous septa anchoring the fat lobules.That's what softens the dimpled surface appearance.Skin tighteningCollagen fibres in the dermis contract immediately, and new collagen forms behind them.The point is keeping skin firm where fat volume has just come out.(3) Handpiece depth decides the targetHandpieceDepth of actionPrimary targetDeepDeep (approx. 7 mm)Localized fat (abdomen, thighs, flanks)ShallowSuperficial (approx. 3 mm)Cellulite, skin laxity, submental areaWith fibrotic cellulite, sequence matters.A 2024 international advisory board paper recommends one to two opening sessions on the Shallow handpiece before moving to Deep.Go straight to Deep where there's considerable subcutaneous fibrosis and that fibrotic tissue acts as a shield, cutting energy transfer. (Source: Bioengineering, 2024)Cellulite that far along isn't something we see often, mind you.Who Onda Body Contouring Suits Those with stubborn lower abdominal or flank fat that persists despite diet and exercise Those with laxity and loss of firmness on the inner upper arms Those concerned about dimpled, orange-peel texture on the posterior thighs Those whose skin has loosened following weight loss, leaving the contour undefined Those experiencing reduced abdominal firmness after pregnancy Those who want to maintain their routine without downtime One thing to be clear about up front.Onda body contouring is not a weight loss procedure.The target is circumference, contour, and surface texture — not the number on the scale.It doesn't act on visceral fat, and patients with a higher body mass index tend to find the results less satisfying.Timing is worth setting expectations on too.Straight after the session, most patients notice nothing beyond a sensation of tightness.Measurable circumference change generally starts showing from two to four weeks onward.Released fat content needs time to clear metabolically, and collagen needs time to remodel.The most visible result usually lands around three months after the final session.How Joule Settings Get DecidedPricing in Korea generally runs by joule count.One joule is the standard unit of energy, and 10,000 joules equals 10 kJ.(1) Surface area comes firstThe international advisory board recommendations describe dividing the treatment zoneinto subareas of roughly 15 × 15 cm and working through them in sequence.Bigger area, proportionally higher joule count. Straightforward enough.(2) Fat thickness and tissue density come secondA thicker fat layer needs more energy to reach the thermal threshold.Thin areas work the other way.Deliver the same joule count to somewhere like the upper arm and you get more discomfort without a matching gain in result.Which is why the treating physician should palpate the area beforehand.Fat thickness, dermal elasticity, how firm any cellulite banding feels — all of it needs checking by hand.(3) Recommended joules by areaAreaRecommended joules (per session)Full abdomen100,000–200,000 JFlanks (love handles)100,000 JUpper arms (both)100,000 JThighs (both)100,000–200,000 JSubmental (double chin)50,000–100,000 JPush past these ranges and the result doesn't scale with the energy.Settings within the ranges above are what we advise.Sessions and Treatment Intervals(1) Three to four sessions for body areasA single session rarely gets you to the target level of improvement.Thermal stimulation has to accumulate before adipocyte reduction and collagen remodelling happen to any meaningful degree.International clinical data and the manufacturer protocol both land on three to four sessions for body areas.Korean clinics commonly advise three or more, spaced three to four weeks apart.(2) Three to four weeks between sessionsThe interval exists because of clearance time.Contents released from damaged adipocytes need at least two to three weeks to drain through the lymphatic system.Deliver energy again before that finishes and you add tissue burden without materially improving the outcome.(3) Duration and booster sessionsAfter a three-session course, results tend to hold for roughly six months to a year.That figure swings considerably with weight management, diet, and activity level.Since the adipocyte count itself has come down, fat accumulates more slowly in the treated area.Not a free pass, though.If the remaining adipocytes enlarge, circumference can climb again.For maintenance, a single booster session at six to twelve months is the general recommendation.Onda Body Contouring Price in KoreaGangnam district pricing below. Korean won, excluding VAT.AreaPer sessionThree-session courseFull abdomenKRW 700,000–1,350,000KRW 1,800,000–3,500,000FlanksKRW 700,000KRW 1,800,000Upper arms (both)KRW 700,000KRW 1,800,000Thighs (both)KRW 700,000–1,350,000KRW 1,800,000–3,500,000Onda Body vs Other Body TreatmentsCategoryOnda bodyLipolytic injectionEMSCULPT NEOMechanismMicrowave (2.45 GHz)PharmacologicalRF + muscle stimulation (HIFEM)Fat reductionYesYesYesMuscle gainNoNoYesSkin tighteningYesNoYesCelluliteCan improveLimitedLimitedDiscomfortLowModerateLowDowntimeMinimalSwelling, bruisingMinimalSessions3–45 or more3–4I see a steady stream of patients who reduced circumference with lipolytic injections and then found the overlying skin had loosened.Take fat out with no tightening response behind it and the contour can end up looking less defined, not more.That's where Onda separates itself.Fat reduction and skin tightening arrive together.In my own view, pairing Onda body with EMSCULPT NEO is the most effective approach. Upper arms: Onda body + EMSCULPT NEO Abdomen: Onda body + EMSCULPT NEO Thighs: Onda body + EMSCULPT NEO Buttocks: EMSCULPT NEO aloneSide Effects and LimitationsOnda body contouring is regarded as relatively safe.That isn't the same as having no side effects.(1) Common reactionsTransient erythema at the treated site is the most common by far.One clinical study saw temporary redness in roughly 72 percent of subjects, resolving within hours in most cases.Some patients report a dull soreness for several days afterwards.Think delayed-onset muscle soreness after a hard session at the gym.(2) Uncommon but noteworthy side effectsWhere energy goes in excessively, or the handpiece dwells too long in one position, you can get surface burns, blistering, or localized fat depression.Which makes a consistent handpiece movement rate a matter of technique, not just settings.(3) Limitations of the evidenceOne point deserves a frank statement.The 2024 international advisory board paper itself notes that evaluation of this method's long-term efficacy and safety is still lacking.A one-year follow-up study published in 2023 was retracted in January 2026 over deficiencies in the peer review process.So the accurate way to understand Onda body contouring is this:short- and medium-term data is accumulating, but multi-year evidence isn't there yet.Frequently Asked QuestionsQ. Is one Onda body session enough to see results?A. For real improvement, three or more.That said, one session isn't nothing.Starting with a single session and deciding on more from there is perfectly reasonable.Q. Does Onda body contouring reduce body weight?A. The scale will barely move.This isn't weight loss — circumference and contour improve as adipocyte volume comes down.Onda also doesn't act on visceral fat.Q. Is more energy always better?A. No.Each area has an appropriate range, and past it the results stop scaling.Q. When can exercise or sauna use resume after treatment?A. Normal activity, same day.Vigorous exercise, hot saunas, and heavy drinking are best left alone for at least three days.Drinking plenty of water helps clear the released fat content, too.Q. Is Onda body the same device as facial Onda lifting?A. Same device, yes.The handpieces and parameters used may differ.Q. Can Onda body contouring improve severe cellulite?A. Improvement is possible.Where fibrosis is advanced, though, the sequence matters — one to two initial sessions on the shallow handpiece, then progress to the deep one.Skip that and energy delivery gets compromised.Closing RemarksWhen you're comparing Onda body contouring prices, the headline figure isn't the one that matters.What matters is how many joules go in, across what area.Same region, same price, and actual energy delivery can still differ by a factor of two.Worth repeating as well: this isn't a weight loss procedure.Satisfaction runs highest among patients who come to it for the residual localized fat and loosened skin left over after diet and exercise have done their part.Rather than deciding on your own, consult a treating physicianwho assesses fat thickness and skin quality directly and designs the joule plan around what they find.Thank you for reading — Dr. Kim Do-hoon, ODE Clinic.Gangnam Dermatology Clinic, ODE Clinic8th Floor, 340 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea+82–2–569–0222ODE Column : ONDA Body ContouringAuthor: Dr. Dohoon Kim, Chief Director of ODE ClinicSpecialty: Anti-aging (Lifting, Volumizing, etc.)

2026.08.25

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Lifting

EMFACE Lifting in Seoul: Do the Results and Duration Justify the Price?

Four EMFACE sessions in Gangnam: roughly KRW 2,000,000 to 3,000,000.That's about what a single Ultherapy or Thermage session runs.So the question comes up a lot — is the lifting actually substantial enough to warrant that?I suspect the format feeds the doubt.Nobody stands over you delivering energy by hand. The applicators go on and the treatment runs itself.The effect is there, though, and it's been demonstrated in objective measurements.Today I want to open up a 2025 study in Asian patients and go through it properly.How much lifting actually happens, how long it holds, where EMFACE and Ultherapy part ways, and how it fits alongside other midface work.※ For general information about the treatment, please refer to the column EMFACE lifting results, price and treatment duration.How EMFACE Lifting WorksTwo types of energy, delivered at the same time.(1) HIFES (High Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation)The slackened muscle itself — that's what EMFACE goes after.Devices like Ultherapy and Thermage contract the skin, the retaining ligaments, and the fascial layer. EMFACE drops a layer below all of that.Facial muscle tone declines with age, and lower tone means the muscle sits slack even at rest.But not every facial muscle does the same job.Some pull tissue upward. Others drag it down.EMFACE strengthens only the elevators.The study spells this out too.The device induces contractions in the frontalis, the zygomaticus major and minor, and the risorius— at an intensity you simply cannot produce voluntarily.Applicator positions are laid out to steer clear of depressor muscles like the glabellar muscles and the masseter, which can make wrinkles worse.Hence the nickname, "midface lifting."As the zygomaticus major and minor grow stronger, the midface reads as visually shorter.(2) RF (Radiofrequency)Electromagnetic stimulation isn't all that comes out of the device. Radiofrequency does too.EMFACE runs its RF at 3.2 MHz.That's lower than the 6.78 MHz used by Thermage or Density.Lower frequency, deeper heat.Which is why the aim here is lifting at the level of the retaining ligaments and fascia rather than dermal tightening.The study reports dermal temperature hitting 40°C within the first two minutes.From there it's maintained up to 42.5°C.That heat denatures collagen fibers and stimulates fibroblasts, which leads to new collagen and elastin formation.Human histologic studies have confirmed a 30% increase in collagen and a 102.8% increase in elastin three months out.Source: Goldberg DJ, Lal K. Treatment With Synchronized Radiofrequency and Facial Muscle Stimulation: Histologic Analysis of Human Skin for Changes in Collagen and Elastin Fibers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2024;23:1620-1628.EMFACE Results: The Actual FiguresThe study in question came out of Siriraj Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mahidol University in Thailand.Source: Manuskiatti W, et al. The Efficacy and Safety of Synchronized Radiofrequency and High Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation in Improving Facial Skin Laxity and Quality in Asians. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2025;57:177-186. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23878There's a reason I reach for this one specifically.Every participant was Asian, and the results were tracked with 3D measurement equipment for six months after treatment.Fifteen participants, aged 40 to 65, with mild to moderate laxity.Four weekly sessions on the forehead and both cheeks, twenty minutes each, at 100% power.At ODE Clinic, most treatments run at 100% power as well.(1) Cheek liftingFrom 1.240 mm before treatment to 1.373 mm one month after the fourth session.(2) Forehead and eyebrow liftingForehead lifting climbed from 1.447 mm to 2.140 mm.The biggest mover was the eyebrow.Baseline of 21.56 mm rose to 22.95 mm at three months — an average elevation of 1.39 mm.(3) Skin firmness and textureSkin firmness (R0) had already improved 45.68% before the third session.By six months it reached 81.24%.Here's the interesting part: firmness kept climbing even while the lifting measurements were on their way down.Crow's feet improved 12.39% at three months and 10.70% at six.Forehead pore volume dropped 66.26% at six months.Contrary to a fairly common assumption, then,the lifting effect of EMFACE has been verified in objective measurements.And there are plenty of clinical studies beyond this one.The patient self-assessment is worth a look as well.At six months, 40% of participants rated their facial contour as more than 50% improved.Another 27% put it above 75%.Not one participant reported no visible improvement at all.EMFACE Duration: What the Six-Month Data ShowsThe most candid part of this study is the durability question.Earlier papers described results holding for roughly a year after four to six sessions.These findings tell a somewhat different story.Forehead lifting peaked at 2.140 mm one month after the fourth session.At six months: 0.673 mm.About one third of the peak.Cheek lifting followed the same curve, falling from 1.373 mm to 0.580 mm.So the measured lifting effect drops to roughly a third of its high point across six months.The eyebrow held onto 1.31 mm of elevation at the same time point, though.And skin firmness kept rising right through.Why would one part fade while another holds?Because the two energies behave differently.Muscle tone drifts back toward baseline once the stimulation stops.Collagen built by radiofrequency sticks around far longer.The study makes the point outright.Facial muscles are skeletal muscles like any other — they need consistent workload to hold tone, and they atrophy without it.Which puts EMFACE closer to periodic maintenance than a one-and-done procedure.Measured results peak somewhere between one and three months after the fourth session.If there's an important date on your calendar, work backward from that window.How EMFACE Differs From UltherapyThe most frequently asked question, by some margin.Both have "lifting" in the description. The layers they act on have almost nothing in common.Ultherapy uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to create thermal coagulation points at 3.0 mm or 4.5 mm.Heat concentrates at a single point above 60°C, and the tissue contracts hard.The primary target is the fascial (SMAS) layer.EMFACE goes deeper still, to the muscle layer.It isn't contracting tissue — it's restoring tone to slackened muscle so the upward pulling force comes back.CategoryUltherapyEMFACEEnergyFocused ultrasound (HIFU)Electromagnetic stimulation + RF (3.2 MHz)Target layerFascia (SMAS), subcutaneous fatMuscle layer, fascial layerMechanismTissue contraction via thermal coagulation pointsRestored muscle tone + collagen regenerationStrongest areaJawline, double chinEyebrows, midface, nasolabial foldsPainPresent (anesthesia recommended)MinimalDowntimeSwelling for 1–2 weeksMinimalNumber of sessions14–6 sessions, 7–10 days apartOnset of resultsClear at 2–3 months1–3 months after the fourth sessionCollapsed jawline and a double chin? Ultherapy is closer to the right answer.Heavy-feeling eye area with midface descent deepening the nasolabial folds? EMFACE.Each has its blind spots, too.Ultherapy does little for the nasolabial region, where there's no fascia to work with, or for the jowls, where nerves run.EMFACE lacks the power to lift heavy tissue below the jawline.So they aren't competitors. They cover for each other.I see plenty of patients arrive for EMFACE after Ultherapy, once the midface still feels unresolved.EMFACE PriceAround KRW 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 for four sessions in Gangnam.Prices vary by clinic and promotion.Comparable to 600 shots of Ultherapy or 600 shots of Thermage.The cost comes mostly from consumables.The device is expensive to begin with, and new forehead and cheek applicators go on for every single session.Those are genuine consumables, and they eat a substantial share of the per-session cost.Which is why an unusually low price deserves a question — starting with whether the equipment is genuine.Who EMFACE Suits, and What to Combine It With(1) Recommended candidates People whose upper eyelids have descended, making the double eyelid line look heavy People who want to address nasolabial folds and midface lifting together People who have had Ultherapy or Thermage and want additional improvement People who want a treatment with minimal pain and downtime People preparing for a wedding or similar event who want natural facial expression And the cases where I'd generally point elsewhere: People who prefer a single-session treatment and cannot visit repeatedly People whose goal is the jawline and V-line rather than the eyebrows or midface People with implanted electrical devices such as pacemakers (2) Midface Descent Requires Looking at Three Things TogetherMidface descent never comes from one cause.Volume loss and tissue descent happen side by side.The anterior cheek and tear trough hollow out as volume goes.The tissue below them slides downward and forms the nasolabial folds.So the approach has to be threefold. Fill what's hollow, draw the descended tissue back against the underlying structure, pull the slackened muscle upward.Each procedure covers a different piece of that. Anterior cheek filler: fills the hollowed anterior cheek and tear trough, restoring structural support to the midface. XERF: contracts the fibrous septae using dual 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz frequencies, tightening the nasolabial folds and jowls. EMFACE: restores tone to the zygomatic muscles so that midface tissue is drawn upward. ODE Clinic has extensive experience with all three.Before and After Midface Sagging and Volume Loss Treatment: Emface, Filler, XerfEMFACE Side Effects and PainPain is barely a factor here.In the study, mean pain scores fell from 3.5 at the first session to 1.6 at the fourth, on a ten-point scale.The treatment got more comfortable as sessions went on, in other words.No serious adverse events were reported.Saying there are no side effects at all wouldn't be accurate, though.The most common issue in practice is poor applicator adhesion.If part of an applicator lifts away mid-treatment, radiofrequency energy concentrates on one side.That's where a mild burn or blister comes from.Most of it is preventable.Remove cosmetics and oil from the skin thoroughly beforehand, and check applicator contact during the session.Beyond that, temporary redness is the main finding.There's virtually no downtime that interferes with daily life.Frequently Asked Questions About EMFACEQ. How is this different from doing facial exercises?A. The intensity of contraction, fundamentally.HIFES induces contractions you cannot produce voluntarily, with collagen regeneration from radiofrequency happening alongside.On top of that, tensing your face recruits muscles you didn't want — the glabella, for instance.That's the ceiling on voluntary facial exercise.Q. When are EMFACE results at their best?A. One to three months after the fourth session.In the study, forehead and cheek both hit their highest values one month after the final treatment.Got an important date coming? Count backward from there.Q. Should Ultherapy or EMFACE come first?A. Pronounced laxity with the jawline as the goal — Ultherapy first.Eyebrows and midface as the main concern, or Ultherapy already done — EMFACE may serve you better.They target different layers, so plenty of patients simply do both.Q. Will EMFACE alone fill hollow cheeks?A. No.The volume measurements in the study showed no significant change in the anterior cheek or tear trough.Where volume loss is the main concern, anterior cheek filler or Hilowave belongs in the plan.Q. Can XERF and EMFACE be done together?A. Frequently combined, yes.XERF draws descended tissue back against the underlying structure while EMFACE pulls the muscle upward.For midface improvement, the two dovetail nicely.Q. How often should treatment be repeated?A. Generally 9 to 12 months after a course of four sessions.Muscle tone drifts back to baseline once stimulation stops.Treating EMFACE as periodic maintenance makes more sense than treating it as a one-off.Q. Can it be combined with fillers or botulinum toxin?A. It often is.Sequence and intervals do need adjusting by area, though.Botulinum toxin relaxes muscle, which can work against the purpose of EMFACE in certain regions.Plan it directly with the physician doing the treatment.ClosingEMFACE is a device with clearly verified results.Whether it feels worth the price comes down to what you're expecting from it.Want a change in the impression of your eye area and midface? Satisfaction tends to run high.Want a dramatic jawline correction out of a single session? Ultherapy or something else fits better.And midface descent is rarely settled by one device on its own.It calls for a combination: filling what's hollow, tightening what has descended, lifting what has slackened.Rather than deciding on your own, sit down with an experienced physician and work it out together. Thank you for reading — Dr. Kim Do-hoon, Medical Director of ODE Clinic.Gangnam Dermatology Clinic, ODE Clinic8th Floor, 340 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea+82–2–569–0222ODE Column : EmfaceAuthor: Dr. Dohoon Kim, Chief Director of ODE ClinicSpecialty: Anti-aging (Lifting, Volumizing, etc.)

2026.08.25

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How to Choose a Density RF Clinic in Seoul: 2026 TOP 10 Clinic Selection

ODE Clinic was selected as a TOP 10 clinic by Density treatment volume for the first half of 2026.Density is a 6.78MHz monopolar radiofrequency treatment that induces collagen remodelling in the dermis to improve skin firmness.Most people open the price list first when they're picking a clinic.Two other things deserve a look before that one.Whether the treating physician handles the consultation personally,and how much cumulative treatment experience the clinic actually holds.ODE Clinic is an anti-aging clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, built around lifting, tightening and volume procedures.Thermage, Density, XERF — we run all three monopolar radiofrequency systems side by side.Which means nobody gets steered toward one device by default.The treating physician reviews all three during consultation and recommends whichever fits.What follows are the criteria I've built up from my own case volume.What Density actually does, and what to verify before you book anywhere.Written personally by Dr. Kim Do-hoon, Representative Director, ODE Clinic. Updated: August 29, 2026What the TOP 10 Density Recognition Actually MeansTreatment volume on its own guarantees nothing.Worth saying that up front.With radiofrequency devices, though, volume carries more than a plain number does.A high case count means the physician has personally worked through a wide range of skin conditions.Energy level adjustment and shot distribution by facial zone especially.Neither reduces neatly to a manual.Two patients can both receive 600 shots and walk out with different outcomes,depending on which areas got how many shots and at what energy level.Volume isn't the same as satisfaction, mind you.Larger clinics with many physicians accumulate higher totals as a matter of course,but the person consulting and the person treating aren't always the same.So treatment volume only tells you something when you read it alongsidewhether one treating physician accumulated that experience directly.What Density Does, and HowDon't come to Density expecting a lift.This is a tightening treatment.The distinction is worth spelling out.Lifting means procedures like Ultherapy, which deliver energy to the SMAS layer and physically elevate sagging contours.Tightening delivers heat to the dermis instead, contracting loosened collagen and stimulating new collagen synthesis.Density doesn't raise sagging tissue. It makes skin firmer and smoother.The two serve different purposes and don't substitute for each other,which is exactly why so many patients have Ultherapy and radiofrequency treatments together.The patients who end up least satisfied are usually the ones who missed this distinction.Some switch from Ultherapy to a radiofrequency treatment like Density out of concern about facial volume loss.But Density won't lift sagging tissue directly.Skin texture and firmness improve; the sagging stays.If sagging is your main concern, the outcome is likely to disappoint.What Makes the Density Alpha Tip Different(1) Sequential monopolar and bipolar deliveryThermage and the Density classic tip emit monopolar radiofrequency only.The alpha tip adds something on top of that.Monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency, delivered in sequence.Bipolar distributes energy evenly across relatively superficial layers.That gives you more complete heat delivery, from the lower dermis right through to the upper.Since the superficial layers get treated alongside the deeper ones, visible change tends to be more distinct than with the classic tip.On skin analyser imaging, the degree of fine-line improvement has measurably improved compared with the classic tip.(2) What the literature shows about sequenceAn animal study has compared different sequences of radiofrequency delivery.Related study: Oh S, et al. Combined Treatment of Monopolar and Bipolar Radiofrequency Increases Skin Elasticity by Decreasing the Accumulation of Advanced Glycated End Products in Aged Animal Skin. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(6):2993. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35328415/Collagen and elastin synthesis came out highest when monopolar delivery was followed by bipolar.Monopolar lowers tissue impedance first, and bipolar energy transfers more efficiently after that.Related study: Kumar N, Baek SY. Epidermal and Dermal Regeneration Through Sequential Monopolar and Bipolar Radiofrequency: Evidence From an Aging Mouse Model. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2025;7:ojaf111. https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojaf111This one was conducted on the Density device itself.Collagen density increased more with the combined monopolar and bipolar protocol than with monopolar alone.One caveat, and it's a meaningful one: both are animal studies.Stating that the same magnitude of difference reproduces on human facial skin isn't something the evidence supports yet.(3) Treatment time and discomfortDensity is a high-output device, so discomfort comes with it, much as it does with Thermage.The session moves faster, though.Thermage FLX runs roughly 35 to 40 minutes for 600 shots.The Density alpha tip covers the same count in about 25.Overall discomfort ends up lower as a result.For a closer look at pricing and tip-by-tip differences, see the column onDensity alpha tip results, cost and how it differs from Thermage.What to Check Before Choosing a Density Clinic(1) Whether the treating physician consults directlyA consultation with a coordinator and a consultation with the physician who'll be holding the handpiece are two different things.Skin thickness, fat volume, degree of sagging — all of it has to be assessed in person before anyone can say whether Density is the right call.Plenty of patients arrive having already settled on Density, change course after the consultation, and end up happy with the alternative.Getting the treating physician involved from the selection stage is worth prioritising.(2) Cumulative experience and tip consumptionThe same device produces different results in different hands.Some clinics set the energy level once and run the whole session there.Others adjust continuously according to skin thickness and treatment zone.Tip consumption is a reasonably objective proxy for that experience.Asking about cumulative treatment volume or tip usage during consultation is a fair thing to do.(3) Whether post-treatment change is documented objectivelyRadiofrequency tightening develops gradually.Which makes assessing it by eye alone difficult.Confirm that the clinic records skin analyser images before and after, and actually reviews them with you.(4) Whether other devices are discussed in comparisonA clinic that only operates Density has little choice but to arrive at Density.A clinic running both lifting and tightening devices can do something different.It can clarify whether you need tightening or lifting at this stage, before anything else.If you're weighing device options, the 2026 lifting treatment comparison — Ultherapy, XERF, EMFACE, ONDA and Alltite — may be useful.How ODE Clinic Approaches DensityAt ODE Clinic, the treating physician runs the consultation one-on-one.Whether Density is appropriate, how many shots are needed,whether a lifting treatment should be combined — all of it gets worked out together with the patient.After treatment, come back whenever you like. he treating physician reviews the change directly on skin analyser imaging.Individual results may vary.And Density doesn't get recommended to everyone.Where sagging is the primary concern, a lifting treatment may take priority over radiofrequency tightening.Where volume loss is present too, sequencing the treatments differently is often the better route.Patients new to aesthetic dermatology, unsure how to decide, get supported through that decision as well.Density Frequently Asked QuestionsQ. How many Density shots are needed?A. 600 shots or more.Thermal energy has to accumulate to a certain level before results appear.For patients in their 50s and above, or where sagging is present, 900 shots or more may be advised.Q. Which is better, Density or Thermage?A. Depends on the goal.Want the original device with the longest-established body of evidence? Thermage FLX.Prioritising cost efficiency? The Density alpha tip.Density is also what I'd suggest first for anyone sensitive to discomfort.Q. Is Density painful?A. There's a degree of discomfort.On a scale of one to ten, roughly six to seven.Treatment time is short and the cooling system runs throughout, so it lands lower than Thermage overall.For patients concerned about pain, topical anaesthetic goes on for up to one hour and thirty minutes.Q. When do Density results appear?A. Collagen contraction gives an immediate change you'll feel right after treatment.Change from collagen remodelling appears from two to three months onward, and tends to be most distinct around six months.Come back at around three months and comparative skin analyser images usually show the textural change clearly.Q. How often should Density be repeated?A. Once a year, generally.Patients who prefer a more intensive maintenance schedule sometimes repeat at six-month intervals.Q. Does Density have side effects?A. Temporary redness, swelling and a sensation of heat can occur.Burns or blistering happen rarely.That's precisely why adjusting the energy level throughout the session matters.Q. In Gangnam, is it enough to compare Density clinics on price alone?A. Price is a legitimate criterion.But the same shot count produces different outcomes depending on energy level and distribution.Check whether the treating physician consults directly, and how much cumulative experience the clinic holds, alongside whatever price comparison you're doing.Closing ThoughtsDensity has been performed for enough patients at ODE Clinic to put us among the TOP 10.It suits patients who want to slow the pace of aging naturally,and patients in their 50s and above whose skin firmness has already declined considerably.No device resolves every concern, though.Rather than deciding on your own, talk the options through with an experienced treating physician first.Thank you for reading — Dr. Kim Do-hoon, ODE Clinic.Gangnam Dermatology Clinic, ODE Clinic8th Floor, 340 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea+82–2–569–0222ODE Column : DensityAuthor: Dr. Dohoon Kim, Chief Director of ODE ClinicSpecialty: Anti-aging (Lifting, Volumizing, etc.)

Based on the Gangnam area,the average cost of Ultherapy is around 300,000 to 400,000 KRW per 100 shots, excluding VAT.In most cases, 300 to 600 shots are recommended per session.When patients receive 300 or 600 shots, clinics often apply a slight package discount.Ultherapy is a facial lifting treatment that uses High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, or HIFU, to improve sagging. If you are looking for Ultherapy in Gangnam,ODE Clinic provides direct doctor consultation and customized treatment design.Today, I’ll explain why Ultherapy prices can vary from clinic to clinic.ODE UltherapyWritten by Dr. Dohoon Kim, Chief Director of ODE ClinicWhat Is Ultherapy Lifting?Ultherapy is a lifting treatment that concentrates ultrasound energy into a precise point beneath the skin.This creates thermal coagulation points, which then induce tissue contraction.One of Ultherapy’s key advantages is its FDA-approved DEEPSEE technology,which allows the physician to visualize deeper tissue layers during the procedure.Source: MerzUltherapy is commonly used to improve sagging across the entire face, especially the lower face.In general, one session usually requires around 300 to 600 shots.Average Ultherapy Price in SeoulThe average cost of Ultherapy is approximately 300,000 to 400,000 KRW per 100 shots.For the commonly recommended 300-shot treatment, a slight discount is often applied,bringing the cost to around 1,000,000 KRW, excluding VAT.Number of ShotsPriceUltherapy 100 shots400,000 KRWUltherapy 300 shots1,200,000 KRWUltherapy 600 shots2,400,000 KRWWhy Ultherapy Prices Vary by Clinic1. Regional DifferencesThe cost of most aesthetic procedures is influenced by the region.In areas where competition is high, prices tend to become more competitive overall.Many people assume that cosmetic treatments in Gangnam are more expensive, but in many cases,Gangnam can actually be more affordable than other regions.This is because Gangnam has one of the most competitive aesthetic markets in Korea.2. Differences in Clinic SystemsAesthetic dermatology clinics in Korea are currently highly polarized.Some clinics operate as premium dermatology centers with detailed consultation, imaging, design, and follow-up systems.Others operate as low-cost, high-volume, factory-style network clinics.Even for the same Ultherapy treatment, the process can be completely different depending on the clinic.Clinic A, Premium ClinicClinic B, Factory-Style Network ClinicVisitVisitSkin diagnostic imagingPayment1:1 consultation with the doctorAnesthesiaConsultation with the managerProcedurePaymentReturn homeAnesthesiaDesignProcedureReturn homeFollow-up appointmentBecause the overall system and treatment process are different,the price of the same 100 shots of Ultherapy inevitably varies.3. Other FactorsIn addition to region and clinic system, Ultherapy prices can also vary depending on factorssuch as clinic interior, whether the physician is a board-certified dermatologist,the director’s experience, device management, and follow-up care.How to Choose an Ultherapy ClinicYou do not need to choose an extremely expensive clinic without a clear reason.However, choosing a clinic only because the price is low is also not recommended.Low-cost factory-style clinics may have the following disadvantages when it comes to Ultherapy.1. No Pre-Procedure Doctor ConsultationIf the consultation process is skipped, important details can easily be missed.For example, an experienced physician should personally evaluate whetherUltherapy is truly the right procedure for your face, or whether another treatment may be more suitable.Ultherapy is not a treatment where the doctor simply delivers a fixed number of shots.The physician must evaluate the direction of sagging, facial volume, and areas that should be avoided before deciding the treatment plan.2. The Design Process Is Often SkippedOne of the most well-known side effects of Ultherapy is cheek hollowing.To prevent cheek hollowing and to perform a precise treatment that considers facial asymmetry,a face-to-face design process with the treating doctor is essential.In many factory-style clinics, this design step is skipped.The doctor may see your face for the first time only after you are already lying down.The problem is that when you are lying down, the effects of gravity are reduced.This makes hollow or sagging areas less visible, which can increase the risk of worsening cheek hollowing.NOTEODE Clinic has been performing anti-aging treatments, including Ultherapy, since 2022.As of 2026, we have more than 6,000 returning patients. For most of our patients, we also perform skin diagnostic imaging using devices such as Mark-Vu and EVE, allowing us to objectively evaluate treatment results.Based on my years of experience performing Ultherapy, the risk of side effects was significantly lower when a proper design process was performed before treatment.3. Uncertainty About Who Performs the ProcedureIn factory-style clinics, the procedure is often performed by whichever associate doctor is available at the time.The downside of this system is that a doctor with limited Ultherapy experience may perform your treatment.Another issue is continuity.If a different doctor performs the procedure each time you visit,it becomes difficult to manage your progress consistently or compare results over time.4. Difficulty Comparing Post-Procedure ResultsIf the clinic does not take diagnostic photos or use skin imaging devices,it becomes difficult to objectively compare before-and-after results.Ultherapy is a treatment where results develop gradually over time,so proper imaging and follow-up comparison are important.For this reason, even if the price is slightly higher, I recommend choosing a clinic like ODE Clinic,where the treating doctor personally provides 1:1 consultation, performs the design process,and compares before-and-after results.Final ThoughtsUltherapy pricing is not determined by shot count alone.Region, clinic system, consultation process, treatment design, physician experience,and follow-up care can all influence the cost and value of the treatment.A cheaper clinic is not always a bad choice.However, Ultherapy is a lifting treatment that requires careful evaluation of facial structure and sagging direction. Therefore, instead of comparing prices only, it is important to checkwhether the clinic provides direct doctor consultation, proper design, and objective before-and-after comparison.At ODE Clinic, the treating physician provides direct 1:1 consultation and treatment design,and we use diagnostic imaging to compare results objectively before and after treatment.This has been Dr. Dohoon Kim, Chief Director of ODE Clinic.Gangnam Dermatology Clinic, ODE Clinic8th Floor, 340 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea+82–2–569–0222ODE Column : Ultherapy CostAuthor: Dr. Dohoon Kim, Chief Director of ODE ClinicSpecialty: Anti-aging (Lifting, Volumizing, etc.)

2026.07.02