Patient case · in the doctor's own words
Your First Skin-Lifting Device in Korea: Haliun's First Try, and How I Choose a Starting Point
Mongolian creator Haliun (@h.lynn.n) tried a skin-lifting device for the first time at Delphic Clinic. Her post doesn't name it, so her doctor explains how she chooses a first lifting device, what each one does and what it costs.
Explained by
Dr. Hyunji Kim
Director · Lead Physician · Lifting, Laser & Anti-aging
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A first lifting visit is a different conversation from a tenth one, and I adjust how I explain things accordingly. I'm Dr. Hyunji Kim, director of Delphic Clinic in Sinnonhyeon, Gangnam. I trained at Korea University Medical Center and I consult and treat international patients myself, and every week someone tells me, “I've never had any lifting, where do I start?” Haliun (@h.lynn.n) from Mongolia filmed exactly that first try. Her post doesn't name the device, so this page isn't about her session. It's how I pick a first device, what the entry-level options do, and when I'd suggest not starting yet.
Medically reviewed · Dr. Hyunji Kim ·
In her own words
(Translated from Mongolian) I tried a skin-lifting device for the first time 🫧⋆.˚🧴
Starting from zero: what Haliun's post says
Haliun's caption says she tried a skin-lifting device for the first time and shares our address. It doesn't say which device, so I won't guess.
What a first-timer usually wants is the same: to feel what lifting is like, see some firmness, and not overcommit. That's a perfectly good goal, and it shapes the options I'd put in front of you.
Ultrasound or radiofrequency: the two families
Most lifting devices either focus ultrasound to a point below the skin or spread radiofrequency heat through it. Ultrasound tends to act on a deeper, precise layer; RF warms more broadly. Neither is “stronger” in general, they simply suit different skin.
- 1
Shrink Universe (HIFU)
Focused ultrasound delivered layer by layer, with seven cartridges and a pen-type tip for curved areas. 15–20 minutes, same-day return, and a common first step for overall firmness and a softer V-line.
- 2
Oligio (RF)
Monopolar radiofrequency with a cold-gas cooling mode. Under 20 minutes, same-day return, and usually repeated every 6–12 months. I consider it when skin feels thin and loose.
- 3
InMode
RF with high-voltage pulses that reaches down to the SMAS layer and also reduces some fat. 20–30 minutes, with 2–3 days of recovery, so I suggest it when fullness along the jaw is part of the picture.
More detail is in my guides to Shrink Universe HIFU and to Oligio skin tightening.
How I choose your first one
- Where the softness is: overall face, lower face, or around the eyes and mouth.
- Whether there's fullness as well as looseness, which points toward InMode.
- How much recovery your trip allows. Same-day options suit a short itinerary.
- How you handle warmth. I'd rather your first session feels manageable than maximal.
A skin analysis helps here, especially for first-timers. I've explained what I actually check in a Seoul skin analysis and how it becomes a plan.
What a first lifting session costs
These are example menu prices for a first lifting visit, not what Haliun paid; her post doesn't say. International patients pay exactly what Korean patients pay.
- Shurink Universe Line Type 100 shots₩40,000≈ $30
- Inmode for the entire face (Fx or Forma) (First-visit trial)₩99,000≈ $70
- Oligio 100 shots (First-visit trial)₩130,000≈ $90
Example menu prices for a first lifting visit — not what Haliun paid. VAT excluded · identical for Korean and international patients · InMode and Oligio are first-visit prices (regular: InMode full face ₩150,000, Oligio 300 shots ₩600,000). Your plan is confirmed at the free consultation.
After your first session
Some tingling, slight swelling or redness can appear and usually settles. Wash with lukewarm water for a few days, skip saunas, alcohol and hard workouts for about a week, and wear sunscreen. Collagen renewal takes weeks, so judge the change in photos a month apart, not in the mirror the next morning.
- 1
Before you fly
Message us on WhatsApp with a front and side photo and your travel dates. I'll suggest one sensible first device.
- 2
On the day
1:1 consultation with me, then same-day treatment if you're comfortable. English and Chinese interpreters are on site.
- 3
Finding us
2F, Urban Hive Building on Gangnam-daero, a short walk from Exit 3 of Sinnonhyeon Station.
Is this for you?
Who this combination genuinely suits
Signs it may be time
- Your face looks tired in photos even after a good night's sleep
- Your jawline looks a little less crisp than a few years ago
- You're curious about lifting but unsure which device is which
- You'd like to try something gentle before deciding on a bigger plan
A good fit if
- You've never had a lifting treatment and want a manageable first step
- Your skin feels a little less firm than it used to
- You want same-day recovery that fits a sightseeing trip
- You'd like the device chosen for your skin, not for its popularity
Not the right first step if: you're pregnant, have a pacemaker or other implanted device, an active skin infection in the area, or your main concern is pigment or acne rather than firmness.
“Send me a photo and your travel dates before you come. I'll suggest one first device that fits your skin and your schedule, or tell you if lifting can wait.”
Questions patients ask me about this
Which lifting treatment should I try first in Korea?
It depends on where your skin is softening and how much recovery you have. Shrink Universe and Oligio both allow a same-day return and are common first steps, while InMode suits faces with fullness as well as looseness. A doctor should assess your skin before choosing.
What is the difference between HIFU and RF lifting?
HIFU such as Shrink Universe focuses ultrasound energy to precise depths, while RF such as Oligio spreads heat more broadly through the skin. Both stimulate collagen; the choice depends on skin thickness and the concern.
How much is a first lifting treatment in Seoul?
At Delphic Clinic, Shrink Universe 100 shots is ₩40,000, InMode full face is ₩99,000 and Oligio 100 shots is ₩130,000 at first-visit prices, VAT excluded. International patients pay the same as Korean patients.
Is there downtime after a first lifting session?
Shrink Universe and Oligio usually allow a same-day return to daily life. InMode can need 2–3 days. Mild tingling, swelling or redness may appear and generally settles.
When will I see results from skin lifting?
Some firmness can be felt soon after, but collagen renewal builds over weeks. Comparing photos taken about a month apart gives a clearer picture than the next morning's mirror.
Get a free 1:1 consultation
Message our English-speaking team — same price as locals, no pressure.
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