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. Rather than simple high-frequency tightening, its key feature is a concept that cares for both the skin + fascia (SMAS) simultaneously.

🔍 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 the production of new collagen, while low-frequency (LF) relaxes muscles and aids in lymphatic circulation.

To break it down a bit more: RF raises the temperature of the dermal layer to above 40℃ to instantly contract existing collagen fibers, and this thermal stimulation signals the creation of new collagen. On top of this, LF smoothly reorganizes the fascia and drains waste products and swelling, creating a structure where elasticity and swelling are improved together.

The depth targeted by energy lifting is often the **SMAS layer (superficial muscular aponeurotic system)**. Since this is the key 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 treatment that combines RF (deep heat/collagen) and LF (muscle relaxation/lymphatic circulation), targeting the area around 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 materials and instead draws out a collagen reaction using only thermal and electrical stimulation.

To briefly summarize thread lifting materials: the absorption period varies. PDO takes about 6 months, PLLA takes about 12 to 18 months, and PCL takes about 18 to 24 months. The barbs that hook and pull the tissue are called **Cog Threads**, and this physical traction creates the immediate pulling effect unique to thread lifting.

Rather than being in competition, the relation between the two is closer to being complementary. If clumped tissue is first loosened with energy, it can make it easier for the threads to settle in. At Onlif Clinic, depending on the situation, we also consider combining energy lifting with thread lifting.

📌 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 with HIFU and high-frequency?

When researching non-surgical lifting, several names naturally appear together. Each of them has a slightly different targeting method and maintenance period.

• 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 throughout the dermis to enhance elasticity. Facella's core energy also falls into this category.

• Facelift: A surgery that directly dissects and fixates the SMAS layer, ensuring a long maintenance period of several years to 5-10 years, but the burden of incision and recovery is heavy.

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

📌 Key Summary: HIFU generates heat with ultrasound, while RF generates heat with high frequency. Severe sagging belongs to the surgical field, but early-to-mid-stage elasticity loss is less burdensome when approached non-surgically.

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

To be honest, the effect of energy lifting is not permanent. Since aging is an ongoing process, periodic care is a prerequisite.

The recommended method usually goes like this. It is carried out at least 3 to 5 times on the face at intervals of 1 to 2 weeks to target a cumulative effect. Since collagen is formed gradually over several months even after stimulation, it is easier to experience a difference in texture when multiple sessions are stacked rather than just a single treatment.

For reference, the Facella line is applied to the body as well—such as the abdomen, thighs, and arms—and coupled with the circulation-promoting effect of low frequency, it is also mentioned for the purpose of improving cellulite.

📌 Key Summary: The effect is not permanent, and it is managed cumulatively 3 to 5 times or more at intervals of 1 to 2 weeks. It applies to both face and body.

💰 What about pain, recovery, and cost?

With energy lifting, the procedure time is generally short, around 10 to 20 minutes, and even if there is some irritation, it is often at a manageable level. However, there are individual differences, so if you are highly sensitive to pain, it is best to discuss this during your consultation.

Recovery is summarized as follows:

• Swelling and bruising: Generally subsides within a few days to 2 weeks

• Pulling or foreign body sensation: A few days to several weeks

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

Cost varies widely depending on the clinic and events. Although it is known to be roughly 50,000 to 150,000 KRW per session for the face, do not view this as an absolute standard as it varies depending on session package, area, and equipment.

One piece of advice. The difference in results depends greatly on the skill of the practitioner as much as the equipment. This is also why Onlif Clinic operates a doctor specialty system—a method where physicians are in charge of treatments they perform best in each field.

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

✅ Things to check before the treatment

Taking care of just this much during your clinic consultation will reduce regrets.

1. Check whether the equipment and products are MFDS cleared — this is the minimum standard of safety.

2. Ask for the precise equipment name and energy mechanism (whether it is an RF/LF combination).

3. If you take medications like anticoagulants, aspirin, or warfarin, you must notify the medical staff.

4. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a specific medical condition, check viability for the procedure first.

5. In cases of severe sagging, adjust realistic expectations together regarding how far improvement is possible non-surgically.

Onlif Clinic does not aim to change the shape of your eyes, nose, or mouth, but rather seeks to restore your natural skin texture and facial balance that have faded due to aging and sagging. If necessary, we also design combinations with Botox, fillers, and skin boosters to target natural improvement.

📌 Key Summary: MFDS clearance, equipment name, and notifying medications are essential checks. A moderate approach that revives your natural texture is safe.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Facella Lifting a thread lift or an energy treatment?

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

How long do the effects last?

It is not permanent and periodic repeated treatments are required as aging progresses. Since the collagen production effect continues for several months, your experience tends to improve the more sessions you accumulate.

How much pain is there during the procedure?

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

How long do the swelling and bruising last? Can I return to daily life right away?

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

Is it effective even when sagging is severe?

Non-surgical lifting is suitable for early-to-mid-stage loss of elasticity, and if sagging is extremely severe, the degree of improvement may be limited. In this case, prioritizing the adjustment of expectations with a specialist regarding how much is possible non-surgically is recommended.

Can it be performed in combination with Botox, fillers, etc.?

Yes, because their purposes are different, they often create synergy when designed together. The approach is typically split: addressing elasticity with energy lifting, and volume/wrinkles with fillers and Botox.

How do I check the safety of the equipment or products used?

Inquire directly during public consultation about MFDS clearance and the exact equipment name. If you are taking medication such as anticoagulants, you must notify the medical staff.