Doctor's Column

Ulthera and Oligio are representative non-surgical lifting devices; they are tightening procedures that deliver energy to structures at different depths (SMAS, dermis, superficial skin layer) to boost elasticity. However, in actual clinical practice, results can vary significantly depending on the limitations of the equipment, skin thickness, fat distribution, and elasticity status, making an accurate assessment essential. Dr. Kim Sung-hoon of SH Plastic Surgery performs both surgical and non-surgical procedures daily, proposing the most suitable lifting strategy based on each individual's anatomical conditions. This article comprehensively summarizes the differences and indications of Ulthera and Oligio, their combined synergy, actual review cases, and medical evidence based on the latest papers. We hope you use this as a guide to avoid failure when choosing a lifting device.

Face Designer, Dr. Sung-Hoon Kim, Director of SH Plastic Surgery

“Doctor… I got both Ulthera and Oligio,

but am I the only one who didn't see results…?”

Although there wasn't particularly severe sagging on the face,

the patient said that fine lines around the eyes had become deeper than before

and the area around the nasolabial folds looked vaguely collapsed.

Even though this patient had received

300 shots of Ulthera and 600 shots of Oligio at different clinics over 6 months,

they felt that "there was no distinct feeling of being lifted."

Upon examination,

The skin was on the thicker side (dermal thickness↑)

The area below the cheekbones had a lot of subcutaneous fat and was a heavy type

Actual sagging was not severe, but mainly characterized by fine lines and loss of elasticity

In other words, it was a case where the device's indications did not match the patient's skin conditions.

Afterward, at SH Plastic Surgery,

After 3 months, the facial line was refined and fine lines were smoothly flattened.

Choosing a device isn't about “doing a lot.”

Precisely selecting the device that suits your face,

this is precisely what determines the success or failure of a lifting procedure.

Oligio

1. Oligio – Radiofrequency tightening that awakens surface elasticity

How does it work?

Oligio uses **monopolar RF (radiofrequency)**

to uniformly deliver heat from the skin surface layer to the dermis,

functioning as a device that induces collagen regeneration.

Collagen remodeling ↑

Improvement of fine lines

Pore reduction

Skin texture refinement

Another characteristic feature is that a cooling system operates simultaneously to reduce pain.

Oligio_Who is it most effective for?

"When your skin is thin, and fine lines and loss of elasticity begin to show"

Late 20s to early 40s

Concerns focused on texture, such as fine lines, loss of elasticity, and enlarged pores

Not suitable if the face feels heavy or has severe sagging

Cases where effectiveness is reduced

Faces with very thick skin and high fat content

Cases where loss of elasticity is already severe in middle age or older

Cases with pronounced jowls and sagging jawlines

Ulthera

2. Ultherapy – Ultrasound lifting that directly tightens the SMAS layer

The core of Ultherapy is "depth."

Utilizing High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU),

It precisely creates thermal coagulation points at depths of 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 mm.

In particular, 4.5 mm reaches the SMAS layer,

Which is the exact layer pulled during a surgical facelift.

Jawline lifting

Improvement of jowls and sagging beneath the cheekbones

Enhancement of skin elasticity

Anatomical cross-section of Ultherapy's targeted layers (HIFU Depth) Diagram)

NON-INVASIVE

— Procedures that improve lifting, elasticity, and wrinkles without skin incisions

(Skincare, fillers, IPL, laser, RF, Ultherapy, etc.)

POST SURGERY (Post-operative maintenance and adjuvant therapy)

— Procedures like Ultherapy to maintain lifting effects after surgery

Who is Ultherapy effective for?

"People in their 30s to 50s whose faces feel a bit heavy and sagging has begun"

The jawline appears collapsed or undefined

Hollowing and sagging beneath the cheekbones

Relatively thick skin

Cases where effectiveness is reduced

Very thin and gaunt face → Risk of over-correction with Ultherapy

If aging has already progressed significantly → Ulthera alone is not enough

3. Oligio vs. Ulthera – Which one should you choose?

Dr. Seong-hoon Kim's Insights

I do not use equipment as a "marketing procedure,"

but as an anatomically based treatment tool.

Ultrasound measurement of skin thickness → Determine equipment/number of shots

Thick face → Ulthera-focused

Thin face with many fine wrinkles → Oligio-focused

Middle-aged → Ulthera + Oligio + Skin Booster combination

Significant aging → Prioritize surgical lifting over equipment

"A single device does not fit every face.

Equipment is just a tool, and anatomical judgment comes first."

FAQ

Q1. Should I choose only one between Ulthera and Oligio?

Because their target depths are different, combining them creates great synergy.

Q2. I heard Ulthera is painful, is that true?

It varies by individual, but because the ultrasound energy penetrates deeply, you may feel pain. SH implements a pain management protocol.

Q3. How many times should I get Oligio?

Depending on skin condition, an interval of 6 to 12 months is appropriate.

Q4. How many times a year should I get Ulthera?

Usually, the effect of a single treatment lasts for 9 to 12 months.

Q5. If sagging is severe, is surgery better than equipment?

Yes. If SMAS sagging is severe, a facelift or endoscopic lift is more effective than equipment.

(170) Oligio vs. Ulthera, which lifting device is right for me~? - YouTube