A facelift reshapes deeper facial structures for long-lasting rejuvenation — but no surgery can stop the natural aging process. Over time, mild laxity, early jowling, and softening of the jawline can return. That’s why Korean surgeons often recommend non-surgical tightening treatments to maintain and extend facelift results.

Three of the most commonly used ultrasound-based devices in Korea are Ultherapy, Shurink, and Liftera. While they all use HIFU technology, they perform differently, and each serves a unique role in post-facelift maintenance.

Here’s how they compare — and how Korean clinics strategically use them after facelift surgery.

Why HIFU Is Ideal for Post-Facelift Maintenance

After a facelift, the deeper tissues (SMAS layer) are repositioned, but gradual laxity still occurs over the years. Ultrasound tightening strengthens collagen and supports the surgical lift.

Benefits of HIFU after facelift:

• Reinforces the SMAS layer
• Tightens early sagging
• Maintains jawline clarity
• Supports midface lift
• Delays the need for revision surgery

Korean surgeons use different HIFU devices depending on the patient’s skin thickness, healing stage, and lifting goals.

1. Ultherapy: Deepest, Strongest, Most Precise

Best for:

• Deep structural maintenance
• Preventing midface descent
• Early jowl reappearance
• Patients wanting the most powerful tightening

Why Korean surgeons use it post-facelift

Ultherapy is the most precise HIFU device, with real-time imaging that ensures energy reaches the correct depth — especially important after surgical tissue rearrangement.

When to use it

• 6–12 months after facelift (once tissues fully heal)
• Repeat every 12–18 months

Ideal candidates

• Thick skin
• Heavier lower face
• Patients who want maximum longevity

2. Shurink / Shurink Universe: Gentle, Affordable, Perfect for Ongoing Upkeep

Best for:

• Early signs of laxity
• Subtle tightening
• Regular maintenance between major treatments

Why Korean clinics recommend it

Shurink delivers reliable lifting with less discomfort and lower cost, making it popular for annual touch-ups.

When to use it

• 3–6 months after facelift for light maintenance
• Repeat every 6–12 months

Ideal candidates

• Mild laxity return
• Thinner skin
• Patients who want frequent but gentle anti-aging maintenance

3. Liftera: Precision Shaping + Sculpted Lift

Best for:

• Jawline contour refinement
• Under-chin tightening
• Midface support without bulk lifting

Why Korean surgeons love it

Liftera uses “moving-shot” HIFU, allowing detailed contouring along the jawline and under the chin — ideal for maintaining facelift definition without a strong deep-layer lift.

When to use it

• 3–6 months post-facelift
• Repeat every 6–9 months

Ideal candidates

• Want sharper definition
• Mild submental laxity
• Patients who prefer comfortable, quick sessions

Which HIFU Device Should You Use After a Facelift?

For deep tightening & longest results → Ultherapy

For routine upkeep & mild lift → Shurink / Shurink Universe

For jawline sculpting & comfort → Liftera

Most Korean dermatology clinics create a combined maintenance plan:

• Ultherapy every 12–18 months
• Shurink or Liftera sessions in between
• Optional Oligio RF for dermal tightening
• Skin boosters (Rejuran, exosome) for elasticity

This layered approach maintains the surgical lift from multiple tissue depths.

When to Start HIFU After a Facelift

Korean surgeons recommend:

• Shurink or Liftera: Start 3–6 months after facelift
• Ultherapy: Start 6–12 months after facelift

Starting too early may disrupt healing; waiting too long allows laxity to return.

Why Korea Is the Best for Post-Facelift HIFU Treatments

• Clinics specialize in long-term anti-aging plans
• Access to the newest HIFU technologies
• Experience working with post-surgical anatomy
• Custom energy settings matched to facelift technique
• Combination protocols for deeper, safer tightening
• Natural aesthetic philosophy

Korea's approach focuses on maintenance, prevention, and extending surgical results — not replacing surgery.