Hello.
I am Director Hyuk-chan Cho of Cleor Clinic Uijeongbu.
"Rather than sagging, I'm more concerned about my skin surface becoming dry and dull."
"My pores seem to be getting elongated, and fine lines are becoming more noticeable."
"Rather than a lift, I need a feeling of my skin itself becoming firmer."
Sagging is not just one thing.
Deep sagging, changes in surface texture, accumulation of fine lines, and enlarged pores.
Each has a different cause and requires a different suitable procedure.
Procedures that lift from deep within and
procedures that restructure surface collagen have different characteristics.
Today, for those looking into Uijeongbu RF Lifting,
focusing on Thermage and InMode,
I will honestly explain the differences from other lifting categories.
Those recommended for Uijeongbu RF Lifting
First, let me point out who should consider this category.
Those concerned more with fine lines, pores, and texture changes than sagging
Those who feel their skin has become thin and dull
Those who prefer gentle, cumulative care over a single intense stimulation
Those who need precision care for narrow areas like the eyes and mouth
Those who want to refine surface tone and texture simultaneously through non-surgical methods
Those who want to start serious elasticity care from their early to mid-30s
Those who have tried ultrasound lifting but want to address surface changes separately
If two or three of the items above apply to you,
it is time to look into the RF Lifting category.
What is Uijeongbu RF Lifting?
Uijeongbu RF Lifting is
a non-surgical lifting procedure that utilizes
RF (Radio Frequency) energy.
When RF energy is delivered to the dermal layer of the skin,
collagen fibers immediately contract, causing a slight tightening reaction.
Simultaneously, inside the skin,
new collagen and elastin begin to be produced.
To use a simple analogy,
it is similar to how cotton fabric shrinks slightly when dipped in hot water.
After an initial contraction occurs on the spot,
it is a type of procedure where new collagen grows over time.
Key Depth of Action — Entire Dermal Layer
While ultrasound lifting focuses on a single point in the SMAS layer,
RF lifting spreads heat evenly throughout the entire dermal layer.
Using a mattress analogy,
if ultrasound acts on the support springs inside the mattress,
RF can be seen as a method of
retightening the mattress fabric (from the skin surface to the entire dermis).
Representative Devices for Uijeongbu RF Lifting
1) InMode
Device from InMode, Israel
Combination of RF + Vacuum Suction + Various Handpieces
Precision approach possible for each area
Strengths of InMode
With various handpieces,
it can delicately approach narrow areas like the eyes and mouth.
Since it delivers RF while lifting the skin using vacuum suction,
it is known for its strength in refining lines for each area.
Lifting Categories at a Glance
Even if the same word "lifting" is used,
the depth of reach and mechanism of action vary depending on the energy used.
Uijeongbu RF Lifting: Differences from Other Categories
1) Difference from Ultrasound Lifting (Ulthera, Shurink)
Ultrasound creates thermal coagulation points at a single point in the SMAS layer.
It is strong in addressing deep sagging, but
refining surface tone and texture is secondary.
RF, on the other hand,
spreads heat evenly throughout the entire dermal layer,
making it strong in addressing surface fine lines, pores, tone, and texture, but
it has limitations in addressing deep SMAS sagging itself.
Many people receive both categories together.
It is a combination approach where deep areas are treated with ultrasound and the surface with RF.
2) Difference from Microwave Lifting (Onda)
Onda uses 2.45GHz microwaves
to act simultaneously down to the subcutaneous fat layer.
Since it combines fat reduction and lifting,
it is suitable for those who need contour refinement, such as for a double chin or jawline.
RF lifting focuses more on
refining dermal collagen rather than stimulating the fat layer.
3) Difference from Laser Lifting (Titanium)
Titanium uses a diode laser (multi-wavelength light energy)
to irradiate multiple layers from the epidermis to the dermis and supporting ligaments.
It is a category with the least pain and a fast return to daily life immediately after the procedure, but
its intensity in acting on deep sagging is relatively weaker than other categories.
RF lifting can be seen as a category that balances stimulation intensity and surface tone/texture refinement.
Which Category is Right for You?
InMode
As vacuum suction operates simultaneously,
RF is delivered while the skin is lifted, so
the heat sensation itself is relatively gentle.
Because it handles narrow areas with area-specific handpieces,
the total procedure time varies from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the area.
There may be slight redness and a mild heat sensation immediately after the procedure.
Most subside within a few hours to a day.
RF lifting is not an instantaneous procedure.
While there is a slightly refined appearance immediately after the procedure,
the real change becomes most apparent at 2–3 months when new collagen is formed.
It is a type of procedure that gradually fills in up to 6 months.
Post-Procedure Care (Specific to RF Procedures)
RF lifting has different recovery points compared to other procedures.
Immediately after to 3 days
This is the period when heat remains inside the skin.
A warm sensation may remain for a few days,
and mild swelling may occur.
Please avoid saunas, jjimjilbangs, and strenuous exercise.
Up to one week
Please refrain from strong massages or using massage devices.
This is the period when dermal collagen is rearranging,
so external pressure can affect the pattern of change.
1 week to 1 month
This is the period when collagen production becomes active inside the skin.
Sufficient hydration and protein intake are helpful.
Pay more attention to UV protection than usual.
This is because UV rays are the biggest cause of accelerated collagen breakdown.
2 to 6 months
This is the period when the extent of change gradually becomes clear.
Rapid weight changes or excessive dieting
can affect the newly formed collagen environment, so please refrain from them.
Cases Requiring an Immediate Clinic Visit
Pain that does not subside
When asymmetry becomes noticeable
When severe swelling lasts for more than a few days
When changes in color are observed at the procedure site
Advantages of Uijeongbu RF Lifting
Simultaneous approach to fine lines, pores, tone, and texture through uniform thermal stimulation across the entire dermal layer
Low recovery burden due to the non-surgical method
Immediate return to daily life possible after the procedure
Natural results by inducing self-collagen production
Options for precision approach by area (InMode)
High utility in combination with other categories (Ultrasound, Microwave)
A suitable category to start from the early to mid-30s
Points to Note in Advance
RF lifting is not a procedure for immediate change.
Since it is a change through collagen regeneration,
it takes about 2–3 months for the full extent of the change to become visible.
As all textures may not be refined in a single session,
regular procedures about once a year are recommended depending on skin condition.
For those with deep SMAS sagging,
RF lifting alone has limitations, so a combination with ultrasound lifting may be considered.
For those with very little facial fat or very thin skin,
these are areas requiring more intensity adjustment, which we will check during the pre-consultation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which is better, Thermage or InMode?
The two devices have different characteristics.
Thermage has a strength in delivering uniform thermal stimulation to the entire face, while
InMode has a strength in precision approach by area.
The choice varies depending on the type of concern and the area.
Q. Can I see changes after one session?
While there may be a slightly refined appearance immediately after the procedure,
the full change becomes most apparent at 2–3 months.
Q. How long do the effects last?
It varies depending on individual skin condition, UV management, and lifestyle habits.
It is known to last an average of 6 months to 1 year, and regular cumulative procedures are recommended.
Q. Can I receive it together with ultrasound lifting?
Rather than on the same day, it is often received sequentially with an interval of a few days to weeks.
A combination approach, treating deep areas with ultrasound and surface tone/texture with RF, is frequently utilized.
Q. How much pain is there during the procedure?
Although it is a procedure where a strong warm sensation is felt, we proceed by reducing the burden with the application of anesthetic cream.
It is at a level that most people can sufficiently tolerate.
Q. Will it interfere with going to work the next day?
You can return to daily life immediately after the procedure.
Slight redness often subsides within a few hours, and
makeup can be applied naturally the next day.
Q. What are the possible side effects?
Temporary redness, swelling, warmth, and mild tenderness may occur.
Rarely, burns, pigmentation, and temporary nerve numbness have been reported,
so pre-consultation and post-procedure observation are important.
Cases to be Checked During Pre-consultation
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you have active inflammation or a history of herpes in the treatment area
If you are using a pacemaker or electronic medical device
If there are metal implants in the treatment area
If you have a keloid-prone constitution
If you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease
If you are regularly taking anticoagulants
Depending on skin condition and medication history,
the procedure may not be suitable, which we will check directly during the pre-consultation.
Lifting is not just one category.
The depth of reach and the direction of suitable results vary depending on the energy used.
Uijeongbu RF Lifting
belongs to a category that refines
fine lines, pores, tone, and texture while delivering uniform thermal stimulation to the entire dermal layer.
There are two lines, Thermage and InMode,
and for those with deep sagging, a combination with ultrasound lifting can also be considered.
We will check this directly during the consultation.
If you are concerned about surface tone, fine lines, or pores,
please feel free to contact Cleor Clinic Uijeongbu.
※ This content is for general informational purposes, and results may vary by individual.
Please decide on an accurate diagnosis and whether to proceed with the procedure through a consultation with a specialist.