#23 Ultherapy vs. Oligio – 'Lifting devices truly make a difference when you know them well.'

Ultherapy and Oligio are representative non-surgical lifting devices that deliver energy to structures at different depths (SMAS, dermis, skin surface) to enhance elasticity, providing a tightening effect. However, in actual clinical practice, the effectiveness can vary significantly depending on the device's limitations, skin thickness, fat distribution, and elasticity, making 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 Ultherapy and Oligio, their synergistic effects when combined, actual case reviews, and medical evidence based on the latest research. Please use this as a guide to avoid failure in choosing a lifting device. Dr. Kim Sung-hoon, Facial Designer at SH Plastic Surgery.

‘Doctor… I’ve had both Ultherapy and Oligio, but am I the only one not seeing results…?’

This patient didn't have significant sagging on their face, but they mentioned that the fine lines around their eyes had deepened and the area around their nasolabial folds looked vaguely collapsed.

Despite receiving 300 shots of Ultherapy and 600 shots of Oligio at different clinics over six months,

they felt ‘there was no refreshing lifting sensation.’

Upon examination, we found:

• Thick skin (dermal thickness↑)
• Heavy type with a lot of subcutaneous fat below the cheekbones
• Actual sagging was not significant, but focused on fine lines and reduced elasticity

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

After treatment at SH Plastic Surgery,

the patient's facial contour was refined and fine lines were smoothly reduced after three months.

Choosing a device is not about ‘doing a lot.’

Accurately selecting the right device for your face,

that is the point that determines the success or failure of a lifting procedure.

Oligio

1. Oligio – RF tightening that awakens surface elasticity

How does it work?

Oligio uses **monopolar RF (radiofrequency)** to

uniformly deliver heat to the superficial skin layer and dermis,

inducing collagen regeneration.

• Collagen remodeling ↑
• Fine line improvement
• Pore reduction
• Skin texture refinement

It also features a cooling system that operates simultaneously to reduce pain.

Oligio – Who is it most effective for?

‘When skin is thin, but fine lines and reduced elasticity begin to appear’

• Late 20s to early 40s
• Concerns primarily about texture, such as fine lines, reduced elasticity, and pores
• Not suitable for heavy faces or significant sagging

Cases where effectiveness is reduced:

• Very thick skin and a face with a lot of fat
• Severe loss of elasticity in middle-aged or older individuals
• Pronounced jowls or sagging jawline

Ultherapy

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

The core of Ultherapy is ‘depth.’

It uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to

precisely create thermal coagulation points at depths of 1.5 / 3.0 / 4.5mm.

Especially 4.5mm targets the SMAS layer,

the very layer pulled during surgical facelifts.

• Jawline lifting
• Improvement of jowls and sagging below the cheekbones
• Enhanced skin elasticity

Ultherapy action layer anatomical cross-section (HIFU Depth Diagram)

NON-INVASIVE (Non-invasive procedures)

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

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

POST SURGERY (Maintenance and supplementary treatment after surgery)

— Procedures like Ultherapy to maintain the lifting effect after surgery

Who is Ultherapy effective for?

‘30s to 50s with a slightly heavy face and beginning sagging’

• Blurred jawline
• Hollowed and sagging area below the cheekbones
• Thick skin

Cases where effectiveness is reduced:

• Very thin and lean face → Risk of Ultherapy overcorrection
• Significant aging already present → Ultherapy alone is insufficient

3. Oligio vs. Ultherapy – What should you choose?

Dr. Kim Sung-hoon’s Reflection

I use devices not as ‘marketing procedures’ but as

anatomically based treatment tools.

• Ultrasound measurement of skin thickness → Device/shot count determination
• Thick face → Ultherapy-centric
• Thin face with many fine lines → Oligio-centric
• Middle-aged → Combination of Ultherapy + Oligio + skin boosters
• Significant aging → Surgical lifting prioritized over devices

‘One device does not fit all faces. The device is a tool, and anatomical judgment comes first.’

FAQ

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

They work at different depths, so combining them creates significant synergy.

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

There are individual differences, but because ultrasound energy penetrates deeply, you may feel pain. SH implements a pain management protocol.

Q3. How many times should I have Oligio?

Depending on skin condition, intervals of 6-12 months are appropriate.

Q4. How often should I have Ultherapy in a year?

Typically, one treatment provides effects lasting 9-12 months.

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

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

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