Some people see facial sagging as only a matter of skin elasticity. In reality, a decrease in the volume and tone of the facial muscles beneath the skin is also one of the main causes. In many cases, the muscles themselves shrink and sag faster than the skin thins from collagen loss. EMFACE muscle lifting starts from this point. Rather than the epidermis or dermis, it delivers energy directly to the muscle layer to create a lifting effect.
Why HIFES and Synchro RF Work at the Same Time
EMFACE does not use its two energies separately. It is designed so that HIFES (high-intensity electrical stimulation) and Synchro RF are delivered at the same time. HIFES repeatedly delivers strong contraction stimuli to the facial muscles to strengthen muscle fibers. At the same time, Synchro RF delivers heat energy to the dermis to encourage the production of collagen and elastin. Because the two energies target different layers while acting simultaneously, muscle strengthening and improved skin firmness take place within a single session.
Many existing lifting procedures use ultrasound (HIFU) or RF energy alone to encourage collagen renewal in the dermis and fascia layers. In contrast, EMFACE muscle lifting adds the physical stimulus of muscle contraction, so the layer at which it acts is different. It involves no incisions and no injections.
When Is Muscle Lifting an Option?
The location and cause of sagging differ from person to person. In some cases the main cause is the descent of cheek fat, in others weakened facial muscles come first, and in others the two factors act together. Because EMFACE stimulates the muscle layer directly, it is mentioned as a suitable option when weakened facial muscles or reduced volume are judged to be the main cause of sagging.
At Repic Clinic in Gangnam, rather than recommending a single procedure first, the clinic starts by measuring the cause and location of sagging with the dual Meta View and Mark-Vu diagnosis. Based on this data, it decides whether to approach with EMFACE alone or to design a Design Lifting approach combining Ulthera, Thermage, thread lifting, Botox and others. The flow is not one where the patient chooses a device first, but one where the cause of sagging is diagnosed and the medical team designs a suitable combination.
How Do the Different Lifting Procedures Compare?
The lifting lineups offered by dermatology clinics in Gangnam may look similar, but the energy types and target layers differ. Based on the procedures at Repic Clinic in Gangnam, they can be summarized as follows.
Ulthera lifting delivers energy to the fascia (SMAS) layer with focused ultrasound. Because it is performed while checking the depth with DeepSee™ real-time imaging, it is widely used for sagging of the jawline, cheeks and cheekbone area. InMode lifting delivers RF energy down to the fascia layer, aiming to reduce fat, stimulate collagen and tighten at the same time. It uses an FDA-cleared device and is often applied to the double chin and jawline. ONDA lifting uses Coolwave™ microwave technology to minimize damage to the epidermis while targeting the dermis and subcutaneous fat layer together.
Even within the same category of "lifting," each procedure approaches a different layer and works differently. Which one to choose depends on the pattern and location of sagging, so rather than deciding by procedure name, it makes sense to first understand your own condition at the diagnosis stage.
If You Are Considering a First Lifting Procedure in Your Late 30s to 40s
The point at which people first think about lifting varies, but interest often begins after the mid-30s, when the jawline contour starts to blur or cheek sagging becomes noticeable. At this stage the degree of sagging is not yet large, so some people can notice a change even from a single procedure, but the approach varies with individual skin condition and the cause of sagging.
For a first procedure, the first step is to understand your condition through diagnosis, before deciding on an expensive combination package. Design Lifting at Repic Clinic in Gangnam provides a quote at consultation after the diagnosis, so you can decide together with the medical team whether to start with a single device or design a combined approach. EMFACE muscle lifting can also be applied alone or together with other procedures, and this is decided based on the diagnostic data.
- Design Lifting: combination designed after a dual diagnosis, with a quote given at consultation after the diagnosis
Frequently Asked Questions
How does EMFACE muscle lifting differ from other lifting procedures?
EMFACE delivers HIFES (high-intensity electrical stimulation) and Synchro RF at the same time, directly stimulating the facial muscles to contract while encouraging collagen and elastin production. Whereas ultrasound (HIFU) or RF alone mainly target collagen renewal in the dermis and fascia layers, EMFACE focuses on restoring the volume and tone of the muscle layer. It does not use incisions or injections.
How much does an EMFACE procedure cost?
When combined with other lifting procedures, the price is provided as a quote at consultation after the diagnosis.
Which procedure should I start with for a first lifting?
For a first procedure, it makes sense to identify the cause and location of sagging through diagnosis rather than deciding on a particular procedure name first. If weakened facial muscles are the main cause, EMFACE muscle lifting may be considered, and if sagging in the SMAS layer is prominent, Ulthera or InMode may be suitable. If there are multiple causes, a combined approach such as Design Lifting is mentioned. Results may vary depending on individual skin condition and the pattern of sagging, and it is generally recommended to decide through a consultation.
Official Information
You can find more details on the official website.
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※ 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.