Quick answer: For non-surgical facial lifting, Gangnam and Cheongdam both offer Ultherapy, Thermage, Oligio, thread lifts and combination plans. Gangnam has more clinics and easier transport links. Cheongdam offers a quieter, premium setting. The best result comes from a doctor who matches the lifting method to your sagging, skin thickness and goals, wherever the clinic is.
Key takeaways
- Non-surgical lifting uses ultrasound, radiofrequency or threads instead of surgery.
- Gangnam has the highest density of lifting clinics in Seoul.
- Cheongdam clinics often offer private, appointment-based anti-aging plans.
- Many people combine treatments, such as Ultherapy with Thermage or threads.
- Downtime ranges from almost none to about one to two weeks for threads.
What is non-surgical facial lifting?
Non-surgical facial lifting tightens and lifts the face without cuts or general anaesthesia. Micro-focused ultrasound, such as Ultherapy, heats the deep SMAS layer to lift the brow, jawline and neck. Monopolar radiofrequency, such as Thermage FLX or Oligio, tightens the skin and improves texture. Thread lifts use dissolvable threads to lift sagging tissue right away. Skin boosters and collagen stimulators can support skin quality alongside lifting. These treatments suit mild to moderate sagging and are often used to maintain results over time.
What is Gangnam like for facial lifting?
Gangnam has a very large number of dermatology and aesthetic clinics, and lifting is one of the most requested categories. Many clinics have several lifting devices, so doctors can choose and combine them according to your face rather than offering only one option. Clinics around Gangnam Station, Sinnonhyeon and Sinsa treat many international patients and can plan lifting around short trips.
What is Cheongdam like for facial lifting?
Cheongdam, east of Apgujeong, is one of Seoul's most upscale neighbourhoods. Clinics here often focus on private consultations, quieter treatment rooms and long-term anti-aging plans that combine lifting, injectables and skin quality care. Many people associate the area with celebrity aesthetics. It is served by Line 7 and is about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi from Gangnam Station.
How do Gangnam and Cheongdam compare?
- Clinic choice: Gangnam has more clinics; Cheongdam has fewer, often premium clinics.
- Devices: both commonly offer Ultherapy, Thermage, Oligio and threads.
- Setting: Gangnam is busy and convenient; Cheongdam is quiet and private.
- Subway: Gangnam on Line 2 and the Shinbundang Line; Cheongdam on Line 7.
- Travel between them: about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi.
Which lifting treatment suits you?
The right choice depends on your face. If your main concern is a softening jawline or mild jowls, Ultherapy is often a good start. If you have crepey skin or fine lines, Thermage or Oligio may suit you. If you want a visible lift straight away, threads may be suggested. Many people benefit from a combination, such as ultrasound for the deep layer and radiofrequency for the skin surface. A careful doctor will also tell you if your sagging would respond better to surgery.
What should you ask before booking?
Ask which device will be used and whether it and its cartridges or tips are genuine. Ask how many lines, shots or threads are planned for each area, and who will perform the treatment. Share any previous lifting, fillers or threads, and ask what results and downtime you can expect.
How do you plan recovery?
After Ultherapy or Thermage, most people go out the same day with mild redness or tenderness. After threads, plan one to two weeks of careful recovery, with some swelling and tightness. Book treatments with more downtime early in your trip.
How to plan your trip
Korea treated about 2.01 million foreign patients in 2025, and around 63% came for dermatology, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Lifting is one of the most popular reasons visitors come to Gangnam. A face assessment early in your trip lets your doctor choose the right method and timing.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cheongdam better than Gangnam for lifting?
Not by default. The doctor and plan matter more than the neighbourhood.
Can I combine Ultherapy and Thermage?
Yes. Many people combine them on the same day or a few weeks apart.
How long do non-surgical lifting results last?
Ultherapy and Thermage often last about a year; threads often one to two years.
When should I consider surgery instead?
If sagging is heavy or there is a lot of loose skin, surgery may give better results.
Sources
- Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea – 2025 foreign patient statistics (press release, 2026).
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration – 510(k) premarket notification database (Ulthera System, Thermage).
- Merz Aesthetics – Ultherapy product information; Solta Medical – Thermage FLX product information.
- Seoul Metro – subway line and station information.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Results vary between individuals. Please consult a qualified physician before any treatment.
