Hello.
I am Dr. Dong-young Kim, Director of Cleor Clinic Hongdae.
While looking into lifting procedures due to concerns about skin sagging,
you may have been confused by the many names like Ulthera, Thermage, InMode, and Shurink.
You've likely had that experience.
Since they are all lifting procedures but have different names and principles,
it is not easy to determine which one is right for your skin.
Even if the names are similar, if the mechanism of action is different,
the suitable candidate is also different.
Today, for those looking into Hongdae Titanium Lifting for the first time,
I will honestly explain the characteristics of laser lifting,
which differs from ultrasound and radiofrequency (RF) lifting.
Three Categories of Lifting Procedures
Lifting procedures performed at dermatology clinics
are largely divided into three categories based on the energy used.
Ultrasound Lifting
This method focuses HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) energy
on the SMAS (fascia) layer to create thermal coagulation points.
Devices like Ulthera, Shurink, and Tensera belong to this category.
It is often recommended for those who have some facial fat
and experience deep sagging.
Radiofrequency (RF) Lifting
This method uses RF (Radio Frequency) energy to heat the dermal layer
and induce collagen production.
Representative devices include Thermage, InMode, and Oligio.
It is suitable for those with thin skin or concerns about fine lines and pores.
Laser Lifting
This is the category that Hongdae Titanium Lifting belongs to.
It delivers stimulation to the inside of the skin
using light (laser) energy instead of ultrasound or radiofrequency.
While it does not penetrate as deeply as the SMAS layer like Ulthera,
it is highly versatile when you want to improve skin tone, texture, and mild elasticity simultaneously.
Although the word "lifting" is used for all,
the suitable candidates and the direction of results vary because the energy itself is different.
What is Hongdae Titanium Lifting?
Hongdae Titanium Lifting is
a laser lifting procedure using the Soprano Titanium device
from Alma, an Israeli company.
A diode laser that irradiates three wavelengths simultaneously
Three wavelengths: 755nm, 810nm, and 1064nm
A method of firing them all at onceit is.
Since each wavelength reaches a different skin depth,
from the epidermis to the dermis and retaining ligaments,
energy is precisely delivered.
To put it simply, it is similar to pressing
shallow, medium, and deep areas simultaneously with three fingers of different lengths.
Approximately 150 laser beams per irradiation
With each irradiation, micro-beams are
delivered to the dermis and retaining ligaments,
acting to increase collagen and strengthen the retaining ligaments.
Cold on the surface, warm on the inside
👉The tip of the handpiece is cooled to -3°C,
protecting the skin surface
while raising the temperature of the retaining ligament layer at a depth of 6-8mm to about 51°C.
This structure allows for selective stimulationit is.
Like a mattress under hot sunlight,
it can be seen as a picture where the surface remains calm
while the inside is filled with warmth.
How does it differ from Ultrasound and RF Lifting?
Here is a summary of the differences between the three categories.
❗Difference in Depth of Action
Ultrasound (Ulthera): Deeply into the SMAS fascia layer
Radiofrequency (Thermage): Centered on the dermal layer
Laser (Titanium): Multi-layer irradiation from the epidermis to the dermis and retaining ligaments
❗Difference in Immediacy
Ultrasound lifting takes time for collagen regeneration,
so the maximum effect tends to appear around the 2nd to 3rd month.
With Titanium Lifting, from immediately after the procedure,
many people experience a more refined skin appearance.
(Please note that individual results may vary.)
❗Difference in Side Benefits
While ultrasound and RF focus on the sagging itself,
Titanium Lifting includes wavelengths that react to pigment,
so you can expect a more even skin tone
and a smoother skin texture.
❗Difference in Pain Level
Ultrasound lifting tends to be painful as it penetrates deeply.
RF lifting involves a strong sensation of warmth.
Titanium Lifting is structured with surface cooling,
so it is known to have relatively less pain.
❗Difference in Suitable Candidates
Even for the same type of sagging:
Deep SMAS sagging → Ultrasound
Thin skin with concerns about fine lines and pores → RF
Mild sagging + skin tone/texture refinement → Laser (Titanium)
We will confirm this during your pre-treatment consultation.
Key Benefits of Hongdae Titanium Lifting
Here are the practical benefits of
laser lifting procedures.
1) Immediate improvement in appearance after the procedure
While collagen increase takes time,
due to the immediate stimulation of the retaining ligament layer,
many people feel their facial lines are more refined immediately after the procedure.
This is one reason why people with important schedules book this treatment in advance.
2) Simultaneous skin tone and texture refinement
Since some of the three wavelengths react to pigment,
some people experience a clearer skin tone
and smoother texture in areas with fine lines
simultaneously.
3) Relatively low pain level
The surface cooling system works simultaneously,
reducing the burden of stinging and heat during the procedure.
This is why it is often recommended to those who hesitated
to get other lifting treatments due to pain sensitivity.
4) Minimal downtime
You can apply makeup and return to daily life on the same day.
It is convenient for those with frequent appointments or difficulty scheduling time off.
5) Applicable to areas other than the face
It is used not only on the face but also on areas like the neck and décolleté.
Many people choose to treat these areas along with the face.
Synergy with Other Lifting Procedures
While Hongdae Titanium Lifting can be used alone,
many people combine it with other lifting treatments.
Titanium after Ultrasound Lifting
This combination refines the SMAS layer with a deep stimulation treatment like Ulthera,
and then addresses surface tone and texture with Titanium.
Combination with RF Lifting
This method combines dermal stimulation from treatments like Thermage or InMode
with the multi-layer stimulation of Titanium.
Combination with Skin Boosters and Fillers
A few days after Titanium Lifting,
skin boosters can be used to fill moisture and texture,
or fillers can be used to enhance volume.
The combination plan will be provided during your pre-treatment consultation.
Recommended For:
Those who want to address mild skin sagging, tone, and texture simultaneously
Those looking for a lifting treatment with minimal pain
Those who want a treatment that allows an immediate return to daily life
Those who want a refined look before an important event
Those who want to use it as maintenance care between treatments like Ulthera or Thermage
Those with upcoming weddings, interviews, or events
Cases that require prior consultation:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you have a history of inflammation or herpes in the treatment area
If you are taking photosensitizing medications
If there are dark moles, melasma, or bruises in the treatment area (risk of burns due to pigment reaction)
If you have a keloid-prone skin type
If you have recently been exposed to strong UV rays or had a peeling procedure
If there is permanent makeup (e.g., eyebrow tattoos) in the treatment area
Since the procedure may not be suitable depending on skin condition and medication history, we will confirm this during the consultation.
Pain and Recovery
While many can undergo the procedure without numbing cream,
it is applied to sensitive areas before the treatment.
Because it features a surface cooling system,
stinging and heat during the procedure are relatively minimal.
Appearance Immediately After the Procedure
There may be slight redness and a mild sensation of heat.
Most of this subsides within a few hours to a day.
For some, slight redness may persist for 2-3 days.
Activities on the Day of the Procedure
Makeup and return to daily life are possible.
However, focusing on soothing the skin on the day of the procedure helps with recovery.
⚠️ Post-Treatment Precautions
Minimize Heat Stimulation
Please avoid saunas, hot baths, strenuous exercise, and alcohol on the day of the procedure.
Increased body temperature can prolong redness and irritation.
UV Protection
For a few days after the procedure, melanocytes are more sensitive than usual.
Please apply sunscreen thoroughly,
and use physical barriers like hats or parasols if you go out frequently.
Moisturizing Care
For a few days after the procedure, it is good to gently care for your skin
primarily using soothing and recovery creams.
Avoid Irritating Procedures
It is safe to stop using products like peels, scrubs, and acidic toners
for about a week.
Potential Hair Follicle Stimulation
Since the Titanium Lifting device was originally developed as a hair removal laser,
mild stimulation may occur in areas with fine facial hair.
There may be slight itching for a few days,
and inflammation in the pore area is rarely reported.
If it persists, you can manage it with the care prescribed during your consultation.
If you experience persistent pain,
blisters, oozing, or intense redness for more than a few days,
please visit the clinic immediately for an examination.
Advantages of Hongdae Titanium Lifting
Relatively low pain level due to the laser method, which differs from ultrasound and RF
Immediacy, allowing you to see a more refined appearance right after the procedure
Accompanied by skin tone and texture refinement effects
Short procedure time of 15-20 minutes
Makeup and return to daily life possible on the same day
Wide range of combination options with other lifting treatments and skin boosters
However, if deep sagging or SMAS layer stimulation is required,
other categories like ultrasound lifting may be more suitable.
Titanium Lifting alone does not address all types of sagging.
Because it includes wavelengths that react to pigment,
protective taping may be required for dark moles, melasma, or bruises,
or the procedure itself may not be possible.
Since hair follicles in areas with fine facial hair can be stimulated,
please inform us in advance if you have eyebrow tattoos or permanent makeup.
The effects are not permanent,
👉so cumulative treatments every 4-6 months or 3-5 sessions at 4-week intervals
are recommended depending on skin condition.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I really see a change immediately after the procedure?
Due to the structure that applies immediate thermal stimulation to the retaining ligament layer,
many people feel their facial lines are more refined right after the treatment.
However, changes through collagen regeneration take time and often become more apparent gradually over several weeks.
Q. How much pain is there?
The pain level is relatively low compared to other lifting procedures due to the surface cooling system.
Some may experience stinging, and it may feel stronger in areas with dark pigment.
Q. How long do the effects last?
It varies depending on individual skin condition, UV protection, and lifestyle habits.
It is generally known to last about 4-6 months, and results tend to stabilize more effectively with 3-5 cumulative sessions at 4-week intervals.
Q. Can I get it with Ulthera?
Rather than doing them on the same day, they are often performed sequentially with an interval of a few days.
The combination plan will be provided during your pre-treatment consultation.
Q. Can I get it if I have permanent makeup (eyebrow tattoos)?
Since permanent makeup areas have dark pigment, there is a risk of color fading or burns due to the laser reaction.
It is common to cover the area with protective tape,
but since the procedure may be difficult depending on the location and condition, we will confirm this during the consultation.
Q. Will it affect my 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 potential side effects?
Temporary redness, heat, mild swelling, and slight stinging may occur.
Rarely, burns in dark pigment areas, itching/inflammation due to hair follicle stimulation, and color changes in permanent makeup areas have been reported.
Pre-treatment consultation and post-treatment follow-up are important.
Even with the same name, if the mechanism of action is different,
lifting procedures are the type of treatment where the suitable candidate and the direction of results vary.
Understanding the differences between the three types—ultrasound, RF, and laser—
and identifying which type of stimulation your skin needs
is the first step in finding the most suitable treatment.
Hongdae Titanium Lifting is a laser-based multi-layer stimulation treatment
that falls into a category where pain is minimal and immediate refinement is easy to experience.
It is a frequently considered option for those who want to address mild sagging along with tone and texture.
We will confirm this during your consultation.
If you are concerned about facial sagging, tone, and texture simultaneously,
please feel free to contact Cleor Clinic Hongdae.
※ This content is for general informational purposes, and results may vary by individual.
Please decide on an accurate diagnosis and treatment through a consultation with a specialist.