HIFU LIFTING (NON-ULTHERA) IN HONGDAE.

Both use focused ultrasound to stimulate collagen at SMAS depth. Ultherapy (Merz) is the original FDA-cleared device with an imaging head that maps the SMAS layer before delivery. "HIFU" in Korean clinics often refers to alternative devices like Shurink, Sofwave, or Doublo — generally less expensive, comparable mechanism, with vendor-specific consumables. Quality depends more on the operator than the brand.

HIFU (non-Ultherapy) typically runs ₩300,000–₩1,200,000 per session depending on shot count and brand (Shurink, Sofwave, Liftera, Doublo). About 30–60% cheaper than Ultherapy for an equivalent face pass.

Most premium clinics recommend a single annual maintenance session for patients in their 30s–40s, scaled to 2 sessions/year from 50s onward. Visible tightening peaks at 8–12 weeks post-treatment.

When administered by a licensed clinician at the right depth, HIFU has a strong safety record. Risks (bruising, transient nerve dysfunction at the marginal mandibular branch, fat-pad reduction) are operator-dependent — avoid clinics that under-train their machine techs.

Immediate skin-tightening is felt within 1–2 weeks as a subtle "lifted" feeling. Visible jaw-line tightening peaks at 8–12 weeks as new collagen forms. Final results assessed at the 3-month mark.