Pacella Lifting, high-frequency and low-frequency combined energy lifting

Facella lifting is a non-surgical lifting treatment that uses both high-frequency (RF) and low-frequency (LF) energy together. Its key characteristic is the concept of caring for both the skin and the fascia, rather than simple high-frequency tightening.

🔍 What exactly is Facella lifting?

The core is the combination of two types of energy. High-frequency (RF) generates heat deep within the dermal layer to contract collagen and induce new collagen production, while low-frequency (LF) relaxes muscles and aids in lymphatic circulation.

To explain further, RF raises the temperature of the dermal layer to over 40℃, immediately contracting existing collagen fibers, and this thermal stimulation signals the creation of new collagen. On top of this, LF smoothly arranges the fascia and expels waste products and swelling, creating a system where elasticity and swelling improvement go hand in hand.

The depth targeted by energy lifting is commonly the **SMAS layer (superficial muscular aponeurotic system)**. Since this is the core layer where facial sagging begins, both ultrasound-based HIFU and high-frequency lifting target this layer. Facella is often mentioned in the same context.

📌 Key Summary: Facella lifting is a non-surgical energy lifting that combines RF (deep heat/collagen) and LF (muscle relaxation/lymphatic circulation), targeting near the SMAS layer.

⚡ How is it different from thread lifting?

The biggest difference is whether something is left inside the skin. Thread lifting physically pulls tissue by inserting absorbable threads such as PDO, PLLA, and PCL, which stimulate collagen as they dissolve. Energy lifting, like Facella, does not insert any material and draws out a collagen response solely through thermal and electrical stimulation.

To briefly summarize thread lifting materials: the absorption period varies, with PDO taking about 6 months, PLLA taking about 12 to 18 months, and PCL taking about 18 to 24 months. The barbed structure that hooks and pulls tissue is called a **Cog Thread**, and this physical traction creates the immediate pulling effect characteristic of thread lifting.

Rather than being competitors, the two are closer to a complementary relationship. Loosening clumped tissues with energy beforehand can make it easier for the threads to settle. Onlif Clinic also reviews combining energy lifting and thread lifting depending on the situation.

📌 Key Summary: Facella uses energy without implants, whereas thread lifting physically pulls by inserting threads. The two have synergy when combined.

📊 How does it compare to HIFU and RF?

When researching non-surgical lifting, several names naturally come up. Each targets different depths and has slightly different maintenance periods.

• HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound): A method that focuses ultrasound on a single point to create thermal coagulation zones. The effect lasts approximately 6 months to 1 year, and collagen remodeling tends to take 2 to 3 months.

• High-Frequency (RF) Lifting: A method that spreads heat across the entire dermis to boost elasticity. Facella's core energy also belongs to this category.

• Facelift: A surgery that directly dissects and fixes the SMAS layer. The maintenance period is long, measured in years or units of 5–10 years, but the burden of incision and recovery is significant.

Onlif Clinic is a place that focuses on non-surgical procedures from a dermatological perspective. Therefore, we do not recommend incisional surgery first. While facelifts exist as an option for very severe sagging, considering recovery and burden, most early-to-mid stage elasticity loss can be sufficiently approached with non-surgical methods such as ultrasound HIFU and high-frequency RF.

📌 Key Summary: HIFU generates heat with ultrasound, and RF does so with high frequency. Severe sagging falls under surgery, but early-to-mid stage elasticity loss is less burdensome to approach non-surgically.

⏱️ How long does the effect last, and how many sessions are needed?

To be honest, the effects of energy lifting are not permanent. Since aging continues to progress, periodic maintenance is a prerequisite.

The recommended method is usually as follows. It is carried out at intervals of 1 to 2 weeks for 3 to 5 sessions or more on the face to aim for a cumulative effect. Since collagen is formed gradually over several months even after stimulation, it is easier to feel a difference in skin texture when multiple sessions are stacked rather than just one.

For reference, the Facella line is applicable to the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, and arms, as well as the face, and is sometimes mentioned for improving cellulite in conjunction with the circulation-promoting effect of low frequency.

📌 Key Summary: The effect is not permanent, and it is managed cumulatively with 3 to 5 sessions or more at 1 to 2-week intervals. It applies to both the face and body.

💰 What about pain, recovery, and cost?

Energy lifting generally has a short procedure time of around 10 to 20 minutes, and even if there is stimulation, it is often at a highly tolerable level. However, because there are individual differences, if you have high sensitivity to pain, it is good to mention this in advance during your consultation.

Recovery is summarized as follows:

• Swelling/Bruising: Typically subsides within a few days to 2 weeks

• Tightness/Foreign body sensation: A few days to a few weeks

• Precautions period: Refraining from drinking, saunas, and strenuous exercise for a few days to 2 weeks is recommended

Costs vary widely depending on the clinic and events. Although it is known to be around 50,000 to 150,000 KRW per session for the face, do not take this as an absolute standard as it varies by the number of sessions, target areas, and equipment.

One word of advice. Just as much as the equipment, the difference in results is heavily influenced by the practitioner's skill level. This is also why Onlif Clinic uses a medical specialty system—a system where doctors take charge of the treatments they excel at the most in their respective fields.

📌 Key Summary: The procedure is short, and swelling or bruising usually subsides within 2 weeks. Costs vary greatly by clinic, and results are highly dependent on the skill level of the practitioner.

✅ Essential Checklist Before the Procedure

Taking care of just these points during your consultation will reduce regrets.

1. Confirm whether the equipment and products are approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) — this is the minimum standard for safety.

2. Ask about the exact equipment name and energy method (whether it is an RF/LF combination).

3. If you are taking medications such as anticoagulants, aspirin, or warfarin, you must notify the medical staff.

4. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a specific medical condition, check if the procedure is possible first.

5. If sagging is severe, coordinate realistic expectations together regarding how much improvement can be made non-surgically.

Rather than changing the shape of the eyes, nose, and mouth, Onlif Clinic aims to restore the natural texture and balance that have been blurred by aging and sagging. If necessary, we also design plans that combine Botox, fillers, and skin boosters to target natural improvement.

📌 Key Summary: MFDS approval, equipment name, and notifying medications are essential checks. A direction that enhances your natural texture, without going overboard, is safe.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Facella lifting a thread lift or an energy treatment?

Instead of a procedure that inserts threads, it is closer to a non-surgical energy lifting that uses high-frequency (RF) and low-frequency (LF) energy. However, since this may be an equipment or marketing name rather than a standard academic term, it is best to check the exact equipment name during your consultation.

How long does the effect last?

It is not permanent, and periodic re-treatments are necessary as aging progresses. Since the collagen-generating effect continues for several months, you are likely to feel better results as you accumulate multiple sessions.

How painful is the procedure?

Energy lifting is generally a tolerable level of stimulation, and the procedure time is short, around 10 to 20 minutes. If you are sensitive to pain, inform us in advance during your consultation to coordinate relief methods.

How long do swelling and bruising last? Can I return to daily life immediately?

Swelling and bruising usually subside within a few days to 2 weeks. A feeling of tightness may remain for a few days to a few weeks, and it is best to refrain from drinking, saunas, and strenuous exercise for a few days to 2 weeks.

Is it effective even in cases of severe sagging?

Non-surgical lifting is suitable for early-to-mid stage elasticity loss, and if sagging is very severe, the scope of improvement may be limited. In this case, coordinating expectations with a specialist on how far non-surgical options can go is the priority.

Can it be combined with Botox, fillers, etc.?

Yes, because their purposes are different, they often create synergy when designed together. A common approach is tackling elasticity with energy lifting, and volume/wrinkles with fillers and Botox.

How can I verify the safety of the equipment or products used?

Directly verify during your consultation whether they are approved by the MFDS and ask for the exact equipment name. If you are taking medication such as anticoagulants, you must inform the medical staff.

Facella Lifting, Things to Check Before Choosing a Clinic

Even for the same procedure, the results and recovery process vary depending on where, by whom, and how it is performed.

Asking these items directly during your consultation will help you make a decision.

• Is it a place that performs this procedure frequently? — Every clinic has different procedures they focus on. Check if it is a place that regularly performs Facella lifting.

• Can I verify the products and equipment used? — Ask if you can verify the product name and authenticity (whether it is an officially imported approved product, or if there is an unboxing verification process) during the consultation.

• Do they explain the cost breakdown? — Rather than just hearing the total amount, you can make a proper judgment when you hear explanations of what product is used, how much, and on which areas.

• Do they design the treatment looking at the entire face? — Even for the same procedure, the application points and amounts vary depending on facial shape, skin condition, and left-right asymmetry.

• Do they explain adverse reactions and the recovery process first? — A clinic that informs you of possible adverse reactions and how to cope with them, rather than a consultation that only talks about expected changes, is better for making a decision.

• Is there a way to follow up after the procedure? — Check if the follow-up timeline, how to contact them if there is an issue, and criteria for revisiting are established.

Onlif Clinic Performs Facella Lifting in This Way

• We divide responsibilities — Based on the belief that a single doctor cannot handle all procedures, Onlif divides medical treatments among responsible doctors in each field.

• We verify products and equipment together during the consultation — We guide you through the products used and the unboxing verification process during the consultation.

• Costs are guided along with the plan after diagnosis — Since the areas, volume, and scope differ for each person, we explain what is required and how much it costs.

• We design looking at the overall facial balance — We view the face through three axes: texture, balance, and youth signals. We establish plans in a direction that refines parts masking your natural impression rather than changing your facial structure.

• We explain adverse reactions and recovery processes first — Along with expected changes, we guide you on individual differences, possible adverse reactions, and countermeasures before the treatment.

• We monitor progress after the procedure together — If verification is needed during the recovery period, we provide guidance on revisiting and contact channels.

If you are considering Facella lifting, it is best to first check what is possible and what is difficult in your current state.

An accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can only be determined through an in-person medical examination. Please find out through a consultation at Gangnam Onlif Clinic.