HIFU Lifting in Myeongdong Seoul
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is the only non-invasive technology FDA-cleared for lifting. RE:BERRY Myeongdong uses Ultherapy Prime to reach the deep SMAS layer at 4.5mm and Sofwave SUPERB to stimulate mid-dermal collagen at 1.5mm — the same tissue layers surgeons target during a facelift, without a single incision.
What Is HIFU Lifting?
HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) lifting uses focused ultrasound energy to create precise thermal coagulation points at specific tissue depths — from 1.5mm in the mid-dermis to 4.5mm at the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system). This controlled thermal injury triggers collagen contraction and neocollagenesis, producing a lifting and tightening effect equivalent to what surgical facelifts achieve at the SMAS layer.
HIFU is the only non-invasive modality FDA-cleared specifically for ‘lifting’ (not just tightening). The technology works by focusing ultrasound waves into a small focal point, similar to how a magnifying glass focuses sunlight. At the focal point, tissue temperature reaches 60-70 degrees Celsius, causing immediate collagen denaturation and contraction. Over the following 3-6 months, the body replaces damaged collagen with new, organized fibers, producing progressive lifting. At RE:BERRY Myeongdong, two complementary HIFU platforms are used: Ultherapy Prime (micro-focused ultrasound targeting 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm) and Sofwave (synchronous ultrasound parallel beam technology targeting 1.5mm). Combined, they provide comprehensive lifting from the SMAS to the superficial dermis.
HIFU Lifting Before & After
Actual patient results from RE:BERRY Myeongdong showing HIFU lifting outcomes.
How HIFU Lifting Works at RE:BERRY Myeongdong
A structured protocol for optimal ultrasound-based lifting results.
Ultrasound Imaging & Assessment
Dr. Baek or Dr. Son uses the Ultherapy system’s built-in ultrasound imaging to visualize your tissue layers in real-time. This allows precise identification of the SMAS depth and optimal treatment planes for each facial zone.
Numbing & Preparation
Topical anesthetic cream is applied for 20-30 minutes to maximize comfort. Treatment zones are mapped on the face based on the ultrasound assessment. Ultrasound coupling gel is applied.
HIFU Energy Delivery
Ultherapy Prime delivers micro-focused ultrasound at 4.5mm (SMAS), 3.0mm (deep dermis), and 1.5mm (superficial dermis). Sofwave follows with SUPERB technology targeting 1.5mm for additional collagen stimulation. Total treatment: 60-90 minutes.
Immediate Recovery
Soothing serum applied. No downtime — mild redness or tenderness may last a few hours. Results develop progressively as new collagen forms over 3-6 months.
What to Expect from HIFU Lifting
- Deep SMAS Targeting: Ultherapy is the only non-invasive device that reaches the SMAS at 4.5mm — the same layer surgeons lift during a facelift.
- FDA-Cleared for Lifting: Ultherapy is the only non-invasive device with FDA clearance specifically for lifting the brow, chin, neck, and decolletage.
- Real-Time Visualization: Built-in ultrasound imaging allows the doctor to see tissue layers during treatment, ensuring energy is delivered to the correct depth.
- Single Session: One treatment delivers progressive lifting over 3-6 months. No series of sessions required.
- Zero Downtime: Return to all activities immediately. No incisions, bandages, or recovery period.
- Natural-Looking Results: Progressive collagen remodeling produces a gradual, natural lift that avoids the ‘just had work done’ appearance.
| Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Mild immediate tightening from collagen contraction. Possible tenderness or slight swelling that resolves quickly. |
| Week 1-2 | Tenderness resolves. Skin starts to feel firmer as the initial healing response begins. |
| Month 1-2 | New collagen fibers begin forming around the thermal coagulation points. Early lifting becomes visible. |
| Month 3-4 | Significant lifting visible in the jawline, midface, and brow. Skin firmness markedly improved. |
| Month 6 | Peak collagen remodeling. Maximum lifting effect achieved. Organized collagen bundles have replaced the damaged tissue. |
| Month 12-18 | Results maintained. Annual HIFU session recommended for sustained lifting against ongoing aging. |
Ultherapy vs. Sofwave vs. Other HIFU Devices
| Feature | Ultherapy Prime | Sofwave | Shurink | Generic HIFU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Micro-Focused Ultrasound | SUPERB Ultrasound | Focused Ultrasound | Focused Ultrasound |
| Target Depth | 1.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.5mm | 1.5mm | 1.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.5mm | Varies |
| FDA Status | FDA Cleared (Lifting) | FDA Cleared | KFDA Approved | Often uncleared |
| Visualization | Real-time ultrasound imaging | None | None | None |
| Primary Effect | SMAS Lifting + Tightening | Collagen Stimulation | Tightening | Tightening |
| Comfort | Moderate (improved FLX) | Mild | Mild | Variable |
| Results Duration | 12-18 months | 12 months | 6-12 months | Variable |
| Clinical Evidence | Extensive (1000+ studies) | Strong | Moderate | Limited |
HIFU Lifting Pricing at RE:BERRY Myeongdong
All prices exclude VAT. Non-covered medical service. April 2026 promotion pricing.
Ultherapy Prime + Sofwave + InMode
- Ultherapy Prime 200 shots (1.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.5mm)
- Sofwave 100 shots (1.5mm SUPERB)
- InMode FX or FORMA full face
- Real-time ultrasound visualization
- Doctor consultation and treatment plan
- Post-treatment soothing care
InMode Forma + FX + Shurink
- InMode Forma full face (bipolar RF)
- InMode FX 1 area
- Shurink 300 shots (focused ultrasound)
- Doctor consultation included
Meet Our HIFU Lifting Specialists
Aesthetic Medicine Specialists with extensive experience in ultrasound-based lifting at RE:BERRY Myeongdong.
Dr. Baek Seung-Jae
- Head Director, RE:BERRY Clinic Myeongdong
- Juvelook Certified Meister & Speaker
- Member, Korean Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
- Member, Korean Filler Education and Research Academy
Dr. Son Hoon-Sung
- Doctor, RE:BERRY Clinic Myeongdong
- Member, Korean Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
- Member, Korean Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
- Specialist in ultrasound-based lifting treatments
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baek Seung-Jae, Head Director, Myeongdong Branch, RE:BERRY
The Science Behind HIFU Lifting
Peer-reviewed evidence supporting high-intensity focused ultrasound for non-surgical facial lifting.
Micro-Focused Ultrasound and the SMAS
HIFU works by focusing ultrasound waves into a tiny focal point (approximately 1mm cubed) where acoustic energy converts to thermal energy, raising tissue temperature to 60-70 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, collagen triple-helix structures denature and contract immediately, while the surrounding tissue remains unaffected. Ultherapy’s transducers create these thermal coagulation points (TCPs) at precisely controlled depths of 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm, allowing treatment of the superficial dermis, deep dermis, and SMAS respectively.
SUPERB Technology (Sofwave)
Sofwave’s Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB) technology uses a cylindrical array of ultrasound elements to create a continuous linear zone of thermal injury at 1.5mm depth in the mid-dermis. Unlike Ultherapy’s discrete focal points, Sofwave produces a broader, more uniform heating pattern at a single depth. Integrated cooling protects the epidermis. This makes Sofwave an ideal complement to Ultherapy — providing broad collagen stimulation in the mid-dermis while Ultherapy handles the deeper SMAS lifting.
Clinical Evidence
Suh et al. (2015) demonstrated an average brow lift of 1.7mm and measurable submental improvement at 90 days post-Ultherapy. Fabi et al. (2019) showed that 93.5% of patients had clinically significant improvement in skin laxity at 12 weeks after Sofwave treatment. The combination approach builds on research by Oni et al. (2014) showing that multi-depth ultrasound treatment produces greater collagen remodeling than single-depth protocols.
References: Alam M et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010;63(3):461-468. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.08.039 | Fabi SG. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:47-52. doi:10.2147/CCID.S69118 | Suh DH et al. Dermatol Surg. 2011;37(11):1595-1602. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.02094.x
What Our Patients Say About HIFU Lifting
“The Ultherapy + Sofwave combination was a game changer. At 5 months, my friends keep commenting on how refreshed I look. The gradual improvement means no one suspects I had any treatment.”
“I was nervous about the discomfort but Dr. Son was very attentive. The numbing cream helped a lot. Now at 3 months I can already see my jawline is tighter. Worth every won.”
“Came to Myeongdong specifically for HIFU. RE:BERRY had both Ultherapy and Sofwave which most clinics don’t offer together. The results speak for themselves.”
Frequently Asked Questions About HIFU Lifting
Expert answers about HIFU lifting at RE:BERRY Myeongdong Seoul.
RE:BERRY offers the Ultherapy Prime + Sofwave + InMode package at ₩1,950,000 and the InMode Forma + FX + Shurink at ₩399,000. All prices exclude VAT.
HIFU stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. It uses focused sound waves to create thermal coagulation points at precise tissue depths, triggering collagen contraction and new collagen production for non-surgical lifting.
Ultherapy involves moderate discomfort (3-5 out of 10) during energy delivery, especially along the jawline. Sofwave is milder (1-2 out of 10). Numbing cream is applied 20-30 minutes before treatment to maximize comfort.
Ultherapy takes 45-60 minutes for full face. Sofwave adds approximately 20-30 minutes. Combined protocols including InMode take 90-120 minutes total.
HIFU delivers results from a single session. Most patients do one session annually for maintenance. Those with significant laxity may benefit from a second session at 6-12 months.
Mild immediate tightening is visible from collagen contraction. Primary results develop over 2-4 months with peak lifting at 6 months as new collagen matures.
Ultherapy results typically last 12-18 months. Sofwave results last approximately 12 months. Annual maintenance sessions are recommended.
Ultherapy reaches the deep SMAS at 4.5mm using discrete micro-focused ultrasound points for structural lifting. Sofwave uses SUPERB technology to create broad mid-dermal heating at 1.5mm for collagen stimulation. They target different depths.
HIFU and Thermage address different tissue layers. HIFU targets the SMAS and deep dermis for lifting. Thermage uses monopolar RF for volumetric dermal tightening. They are complementary treatments and can be combined.
For mild to moderate laxity, HIFU can produce results approaching a mini-facelift without surgery or downtime. For severe ptosis, surgical intervention remains the gold standard.
Yes. Ultherapy has over 1,000 published clinical studies and millions of treatments performed worldwide. It is FDA-cleared and has an excellent safety profile. Sofwave is also FDA-cleared with robust clinical evidence.
Yes. At RE:BERRY, HIFU is commonly combined with RF treatments (InMode, Titanium), Onda, and injectable treatments for comprehensive rejuvenation.
HIFU treats the full face (forehead, periorbital area, cheeks, nasolabial folds, jawline), neck, and submentum (double chin area). Ultherapy also has clearance for decolletage treatment.
No downtime. Mild redness, tenderness, or slight swelling may occur and typically resolves within hours to a day. You can apply makeup and return to normal activities immediately.
HIFU is ideal for patients aged 30-65 with mild to moderate skin laxity who want non-surgical lifting. Best for patients with some natural skin elasticity remaining.
HIFU uses focused ultrasound waves to create discrete thermal points at precise depths. RF uses electrical current for broader, more volumetric heating. HIFU is better for deep lifting; RF is better for surface tightening.
Absolutely. HIFU requires just one session with no downtime, making it perfect for tourists. RE:BERRY Myeongdong is 2 minutes from Myeongdong Station with 8-language support.
Yes. HIFU is highly effective for neck laxity, horizontal neck lines, and submental sagging. The 4.5mm transducer targets the platysma muscle layer for neck lifting.
HIFU provides gradual lifting through collagen remodeling with zero downtime. Thread lifts provide immediate mechanical lift but require 3-7 days recovery and carry higher complication risk. HIFU is safer and more natural.
Yes. Ultrasound energy bypasses the melanin layer entirely, making HIFU safe for all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI) with no risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Yes. Ultherapy has specific transducers for the delicate periorbital area, treating crow’s feet, brow ptosis, and upper eyelid laxity safely.
Avoid excessive sun exposure, saunas, and steam rooms for 48 hours. Apply SPF 30+ daily. No other specific restrictions.
Yes. HIFU is popular among men for jawline definition and neck tightening. Energy parameters are adjusted for thicker male skin.
All HIFU treatments use genuine manufacturer transducers. Ultherapy treatments include real-time ultrasound visualization for precise targeting. Both doctors are certified and experienced with these platforms.
Contact RE:BERRY Myeongdong at +82-2-776-2822 via WhatsApp for HIFU lifting appointments in your language.
Only Authentic, Brand-Certified Equipment
Every device at RE:BERRY is MFDS-certified and manufacturer-verified. We never use counterfeit or grey-market equipment.
Ready for a Non-Surgical Lift?
Book your HIFU lifting consultation at RE:BERRY Myeongdong — 2 minutes from Myeongdong Station. Deep SMAS lifting with zero downtime.
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- ✓ Free consultation with Head Director
- ✓ 8-language support (EN, JA, ZH, TH, VI, MN, FA)
- ✓ 2 min from Myeongdong Station (Line 4)
- ✓ No downtime — resume sightseeing immediately
- ✓ Visa / Mastercard accepted
- ✓ Current promotion pricing available