Before going to South Korea for lifting treatments, many people are most concerned about whether their facial contours can become sharper, if the excess flesh around the mouth can be improved, and whether their jawline can look more defined.
But what really makes people hesitate is often another question:Will my face look sunken after getting a lift?？
NEWYOUNG Clinic Seoul is located in Cheongdam, Seoul, right near Apgujeong’s Rodeo Station. When discussing Ultherapy, Thermage, and other lifting treatments, the clinic’s director often reminds clients that lifting procedures aren’t just about tightening the face—it’s also important to determine which areas need enhancement and which should be left as they are.
Especially for those with naturally thin facial fat, who have previously undergone lipolysis or filler treatments, or who already suffer from sunken temples and cheeks, a pre-treatment assessment is far more important than simply comparing measurement numbers.
Why do some people feel their face looks sunken after getting a lift?
“A sunken face” is usually not caused by a single factor. Visually, it might appear as hollow areas in the middle of the cheeks, more pronounced temples, deeper shadows around the jawline, or although the lower half of the face appears smaller, there’s an overall sense of fatigue.
Common influencing factors include:
- Originally had less facial fat
- Already having indentations in the temples, below the Apple Zone, or on the cheeks
- I’ve had fat dissolving treatments, thread lifting, energy lifting, or filler injections in the past.
- Rapid weight loss leads to thinner facial support
- The treatment area, energy, and pulse distribution are not optimized for individual face shapes
- Hoping for “the smaller, the better,” while ignoring the need to maintain facial softness
Therefore, when considering a treatment, one shouldn’t just ask, “Am I a good candidate for Ultherapy or Thermage?” – facial proportions, fat distribution, areas of sagging, and the degree of skin laxity also need to be taken into account.
Ultherapy and Thermage work in different ways.
Ultherapy utilizes microfocalized ultrasound energy, combined with real-time ultrasound imaging to visualize the treatment area. According to the manufacturer’s information, Ultherapy can be used for non-invasive lifting of sagging tissues in the eyebrows, under the chin, and neck, as well as to improve fine lines on the chest. The specific areas to treat and the treatment plan must be determined by a physician based on each individual’s condition.
Thermage FLX is a monopolar RF treatment, marketed by the manufacturer as a non-invasive solution for skin tightening and wrinkle reduction. It differs from Ultherapy in terms of energy delivery, depth of treatment, and treatment approach, so it can’t be simply categorized as “use Ultherapy for fuller faces and Thermage for thinner faces.”
Some people need to address deep support issues and sagging contours; others are primarily concerned about skin firmness. Still, there are those who suffer from both sagging, fat accumulation, and localized hollows. All these conditions influence how doctors design treatment plans.
When scheduling an appointment in advance, what key factors does the clinic director consider?
At NEWYOUNG Clinic, face lifting consultations focus on what that specific face needs at the moment, rather than starting with just the name of the treatment.
1. Where is the real relaxation?
Softness around the mouth, blurred jawline, sagging skin under the chin, and drooping eyes—these can all be described as a “slumped face.” However, the underlying layers involved and the treatment approaches vary depending on the location.
If you don’t first identify where the main issue lies, it’s easy to rely on just one type of device to address all the problems, and the results may not meet your expectations.
2. Which areas already show signs of sagging?
Before starting a facelift treatment, the doctor needs to examine the shadows under the temples, cheeks, below the cheekbones, around the chin, and beside the mouth corners.
In some areas that may seem to need to be “reduced in size,” the actual issue is insufficient support from surrounding areas, which makes the shadows more noticeable. If excessive efforts are made to shrink such areas, it might end up emphasizing a tired appearance.
3. Should fat be reduced or kept?
Fat on the face isn’t always a drawback. Appropriate amounts of fat and soft tissue provide support, giving the face a natural, soft appearance and helping to prevent it from looking overly dry and flat.
What truly requires an in-person consultation to determine is which areas of fat contribute to an unclear contour, and which areas of volume actually contribute to a youthful appearance of the face.
4. What cosmetic procedures have you had in the past?
If you’ve previously had fat-dissolving injections, thread lifting, fillers, Botox, Ultherapy, Thermage, InMode, or other energy-based treatments, it’s recommended to bring that information to the in-person consultation.Proactively inform。
Previous treatments can affect the condition of the subcutaneous tissue, facial support, recovery rate, and the doctor’s treatment plan. If you remember the time, area treated, product used, or number of sessions, feel free to include that information as well.
5. What would you like to improve this time—your contours, firmness, or look of fatigue?
“Wanting to look smaller” and “wanting to look younger” aren’t necessarily the same thing.
Some people want a more defined jawline, others prefer to avoid looking tired, while still others are looking to address skin laxity. Different goals influence the treatment areas and energy settings, as well as whether additional treatments are needed or certain procedures should be postponed for now.
The more fillers used, the less likely is it to cause a sunken face?
Not necessarily.
The number of sessions is part of the treatment information, but it cannot alone reflect the quality of care. What’s more important is how the sessions are distributed, which areas are treated, what depth is used, how the energy level is set, and whether the doctor avoids areas that need to be preserved.
You can ask a few more questions during the consultation:
- Which areas will be treated primarily this time?
- Which areas will be enhanced?
- Which areas are treated conservatively?
- Are there any naturally sunken areas on my face?
- If I’m really worried about my face looking sunken, how would the treatment plan be adjusted?
- Which changes after the treatment are normal reactions, and when should you contact the clinic?
For those visiting South Korea for the first time to get cosmetic procedures, these questions are more helpful in helping them make a decision than simply comparing prices or service counts.
Who needs a more careful evaluation?
It’s recommended to mention the following specifically during in-person consultation:
- The face is naturally slim, or weight loss has been noticeable recently.
- There are already indentations around the temples, cheeks, and chin area.
- Has undergone facial fat dissolution or multiple energy therapy treatments
- Has undergone fillers, thread lifting, or surgery
- Sensitive skin, prone to swelling, or slow recovery time
- I have important shooting sessions, weddings, work events, or travel plans coming up soon
If there are open wounds, severe acne, skin lesions in the treatment area, or if you have implanted electronic devices, metal implants, certain medical conditions, or are taking anticoagulant medications, be sure to inform the doctor thoroughly during the appointment and consultation.
Never stop taking your medication on your own to begin a treatment regimen. Any adjustments to prescription drugs should be evaluated jointly by the prescribing doctor and the treating physician.
Going to Seoul for Radiesse treatment – how can you make the in-person consultation more efficient?
Before making a reservation, international travelers can prepare the following information in advance:
- The three top concerns, such as excess flesh around the mouth, jawline definition, and sunken cheeks
- Cosmetic procedures done over the past two years and their approximate timing
- Names of fillers or collagen products that have been injected before
- Current medications and significant medical history
- Planning to stay in Seoul for a few days
- Have there been any photoshoots, events, or important appointments recently
The more complete the information, the better the doctor can determine what procedures are suitable for that day, which ones need to be postponed, and how to plan for recovery monitoring.
NEWYOUNG Clinic Seoul: Take a close look first before deciding on how to lift.
NEWYOUNG Clinic Seoul is a director-led cosmetic clinic located in Cheongdam, Seoul, offering consultations for Ultherapy, Thermage, and other non-surgical lifting treatments, collagen regeneration therapies, and natural anti-aging solutions.
The clinic places great emphasis on one-on-one consultations and communication before treatment, aiming to understand each client’s facial structure, previous treatments, and the specific issues they want to address before starting any procedures.
If you’re worried about your face looking sunken after a lift, it’s recommended not to just ask, “How many threads are suitable for me?” during your in-person consultation.
You can also ask, “Are there any areas on my face that I should keep?”
Sometimes, the key to making your face look better isn’t just about enhancement—it also involves knowing where to be gentle.
Treatment outcomes, recovery times, and suitable procedures may vary depending on individual conditions. This article is for general informational purposes only and cannot replace a face-to-face consultation with a doctor, diagnosis, or personalized medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Will your face look sunken after Ultherapy?
Not necessarily. Facial hollowing is related to factors such as natural fat distribution, facial contours, previous treatments, the treatment area, and the energy settings used. Whether Ultherapy is suitable requires an evaluation by a doctor after a face-to-face consultation.
Can people with a slim face not get facelifts?
Having a slimmer face doesn’t mean lift procedures are completely off the table, but it does require careful planning regarding the treatment areas and energy levels used. The doctor will assess which areas need improvement to address sagging and which areas should be preserved to maintain support.
Does Thermage cause less facial sinking?
Thermage and Ultherapy utilize different energy technologies, and the appropriate candidates and treatment strategies cannot be determined solely by whether the face will become sunken. The final choice still depends on the condition of the face, individual goals, and the doctor’s assessment.
What should I ask about first when going to South Korea for a lift procedure for the first time?
You can start by asking: Is my main concern sagging, excess fat, or hollows? Which areas will require more intensive treatment, and which ones can be treated more conservatively? What side effects might occur after the treatment? These questions are much more helpful than just asking about the price and number of sessions.