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Daily Health NoteSeptember 2026Lifting

How EMFACE Muscle Lifting Differs From Other Lifting Treatments

Why Is EMFACE Called "Muscle Lifting"?

Interior of Repic Clinic in Gangnam
Interior of Repic Clinic in Gangnam

Conventional lifting treatments such as Ulthera and Thermage mainly deliver energy to the dermis or the fascia (SMAS) layer to stimulate collagen production. EMFACE takes a different approach. It directly contracts and strengthens the facial expression muscles with HIFES (high-intensity focused electrical stimulation) while Synchro RF energy promotes collagen and elastin production at the same time. Because the muscle itself is the target, the term "muscle lifting" is used.

One reason skin loses firmness is the weakening of the facial muscles themselves. With age, muscle mass declines, firmness drops, and the structure that supports the skin loosens. EMFACE muscle lifting is designed to address this point.

Do HIFES and Synchro RF Work at the Same Time?

Yes. The key feature of EMFACE is that HIFES and Synchro RF are delivered simultaneously rather than one after the other. While HIFES strongly contracts the muscle, RF energy raises the temperature of the dermis to encourage collagen and elastin renewal. With both energies working together, muscle strengthening and skin firmness improvement can be addressed in a single session.

No incisions or injections are used. Because the handpiece is simply placed on the skin surface, return to daily life after the procedure is relatively quick. However, results may vary depending on each person's skin condition and treatment settings, and it is recommended to confirm suitability through a consultation before the procedure.

Who Might Consider EMFACE Muscle Lifting?

Logo of the Repic Clinic dermatology clinic in Gangnam.
Logo of the Repic Clinic dermatology clinic in Gangnam.

If any of the following applies to you, you may consider an EMFACE consultation.

  • Your cheeks sag or your facial contour feels less defined
  • Firmness is declining along the jawline or around the double chin area
  • You want a lifting effect without incisions or injections
  • You have been told in a consultation that the muscle layer needs to be addressed
  • You are considering combining it with existing ultrasound or RF lifting

Repic Clinic in Gangnam states that it obtains individual data through a pre-treatment diagnosis and applies a personalized plan rather than a uniform protocol. Whether to do EMFACE alone or combine it with other lifting treatments such as Ulthera, InMode or ONDA is generally decided after a consultation.

Which Combinations With Other Lifting Treatments Are Discussed?

Dr. Yong-Heon Ha, head director of Repic Clinic in Gangnam, shown with his credentials; he is a regular member of the Korean Society of Aesthetic and Plastic Laser Medicine and the Korean Society for Laser, Dermatology and Hair
Dr. Yong-Heon Ha, head director of Repic Clinic in Gangnam, shown with his credentials; he is a regular member of the Korean Society of Aesthetic and Plastic Laser Medicine and the Korean Society for Laser, Dermatology and Hair

Repic Clinic in Gangnam offers an integrated lifting approach that combines Ulthera, Thermage, thread lifting, EMFACE, lifting filler and Botox. Because each treatment acts on a different layer, they may complement one another when combined.

For example, Ulthera lifting uses HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) to focus energy directly on the fascia (SMAS) layer, and the depth is confirmed with DeepSee™ real-time imaging during the procedure. InMode lifting delivers RF energy down to the fascia layer, aiming at fat reduction, collagen production and tightening at once, using an FDA-cleared device. ONDA lifting uses ultra-short-wave Coolwaves™ technology to target the dermis and subcutaneous fat layers together while minimizing damage to the epidermis.

Which combination is appropriate depends on your skin condition, degree of sagging and target area, so an individual assessment through a consultation is needed.


Frequently Asked Questions

How much does EMFACE cost?

The actual price is confirmed after a consultation, depending on the treatment area and your individual condition.

Can I return to daily life right after EMFACE?

Because EMFACE uses no incisions or injections, many people return to daily activities right after the session. However, temporary skin reactions (redness, swelling and so on) may appear, and they vary from person to person. It is recommended to follow the aftercare instructions of your medical team.

When can I expect to feel the effects of EMFACE?

Some people notice certain changes right after the session, but collagen and elastin renewal is a process that unfolds over several weeks. The timing and duration of effects can vary with skin condition, age and lifestyle.

What is the difference between EMFACE and Ulthera?

Ulthera uses focused ultrasound (HIFU) to deliver thermal energy to the fascia layer, inducing collagen renewal and skin tightening. EMFACE directly contracts and strengthens the facial expression muscles with HIFES while promoting collagen production with RF. Because the type of energy and the target tissue layer differ, the two can also be planned together in a complementary way.

If I am considering lifting for the first time, can I start with EMFACE?

The starting point depends on your skin condition and degree of sagging. For people in their 30s, EMFACE may be considered for maintaining the muscle layer and managing firmness, and many also start by consulting about InMode or Shrink Universe, which have a lower entry cost. Confirming which treatment suits you through a consultation is the practical approach.

Is there pain during EMFACE?

Because the muscles are contracted directly, you may feel muscle contractions and warmth during the session. Pain sensitivity varies widely from person to person, so it is a good idea to ask about this specifically during the consultation.

How many EMFACE sessions are needed?

The number of sessions depends on your skin condition, your goals and the treatments combined with it. A personalized plan made through a consultation is recommended over a uniform protocol. Repic Clinic in Gangnam states that its directors personally design each treatment plan.

Related Official Information

You can find more details on the official website.

Repic Clinic official website →

※ This content is for general information only and does not replace a medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before any procedure. Results, downtime and side effects vary from person to person.

EMFACEUlthera liftingInMode liftingONDA liftingShrink Universe