Too Many Lifting Options? Start by Reading Your Own Sagging First
Feeling overwhelmed by all the lifting procedures out there? Start by identifying what type of sagging you actually have. Here's how Elasticity, Structure, and Volume determine which procedure is right for you.
Too Many Lifting Options? Start by Reading Your Own Sagging First
Ultherapy, Thermage, Shurink, Potenza, Onda, Sofwave, Secret RF, InMode — the moment you start researching lifting procedures, unfamiliar names come flooding in all at once. After comparing prices and reviews, you quickly find that "Which one is the best?" becomes the hardest question to answer. The truth is, that question itself is the wrong starting point.
The bottom line. There is no single "best procedure." Because each procedure targets a different type of sagging, you first need to identify what kind of sagging you have — then the right answer becomes clear. Even if two people say "my cheeks look saggy," if the underlying cause is different, the solution will be different too.
Sagging Falls Into Three Categories
When I categorize types of sagging during consultations, I often refer to these three patterns.
Elasticity-Type Sagging — Skin Texture looks rough and Pores appear enlarged. This is the most common pattern seen in people in their mid-to-late 30s. It begins as Collagen in the Dermis weakens.
Structural Sagging — The jawline loses definition and marionette lines (the lines that run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin) deepen. This typically becomes more pronounced in the 40s. The SMAS Layer has begun to descend.
Volume-Type Sagging — The cheeks, under-chin, and deep fat compartments become fuller, giving the appearance of sagging. This is a pattern where increased fat volume pulls the face downward. It often accompanies weight gain or the natural aging process.
It is rare for any one person to have only one of these three types. Usually, one or two are more prominent, with the others following closely behind.
Each Procedure Has a Type of Sagging It Works Best For
That is why even the same request — "I want a lifting procedure" — leads to very different answers. If you have volume-type sagging and start with Ultherapy (the most expensive option), the results may feel underwhelming. If you have elasticity-type sagging and start with Onda, you may find yourself thinking, "My Skin Texture hasn't really changed."
Try This One Thing in Front of the Mirror
There is one simple way to check what type of sagging you have. Using both index fingers, gently lift the area just above your cheekbones upward.
If the most noticeable change when you lift is your jawline, you have structural sagging. That means when the SMAS Layer is lifted, your facial contour becomes more defined. Ultherapy and Shurink are well-suited for this type.
If the most noticeable change is your Skin Texture and Fine Lines, you have elasticity-type sagging. This is a change where the skin surface gently smooths out and the overall Skin Texture refines. Thermage and Potenza are a good match for this type.
If the most noticeable change is your Facial Contour (cheek volume or the heaviness under the chin), you have volume-type sagging. The contour becomes visible as the weight is reduced. Onda and fat-dissolving injections take priority for this type.
Combinations I Commonly Recommend by Age Group
Age alone does not tell the whole story, but there are patterns I find myself drawing in the consultation room quite often.
Early-to-mid 30s — This is typically when elasticity-type sagging is just beginning. One session of Thermage per year is a solid baseline, and if Pores are also a concern, adding Potenza on a quarterly basis is a common approach.
Late 30s to early 40s — This is when structural sagging begins to layer on top. It is often the right time to try Ultherapy for the first time. A combination of Ultherapy once a year plus quarterly Radiofrequency (RF) or Potenza sessions is frequently recommended.
Mid-40s and beyond — Many people in this group present with all three types at once. A common combination is to address fat volume first with Onda, then define the underlying structure with HIFU, and finally refine Skin Texture with Radiofrequency (RF).
50s and beyond — Non-surgical procedures alone have their limits at this stage, so the plan is often drawn up alongside options such as Thread lift or facelift surgery.
Look at the Doctor, Not the Device
Even with the same Ultherapy procedure, the results differ between a doctor who precisely places 100 shots on the cheekbone area and one who scatters 600 shots broadly. Even with the same Thermage, the outcome varies between a doctor who carefully manages shot distribution and Cooling and one who does not.
That is why "Which procedure is best?" matters far less than "How is this doctor reading my sagging?" In your consultation, look for a clinic that takes even a moment to explain which of the three sagging types applies to you and why they are recommending a particular procedure. The advice to look for the right doctor, not the right device, comes from exactly this principle.
This article is intended as general information only. The right combination for your specific skin condition and sagging pattern should always be confirmed directly with a qualified medical professional.
Further Reading
| Article | Link |
|---|---|
| Thermage vs. Ultherapy — Why Your 30s and 40s Call for Different Choices | Read more |
| Ultherapy vs. Shurink — The Difference Between Once a Year and Once Every Six Months | Read more |
| Thread Lift Pulls, Thermage Tightens — The Fine Line Between Two Lifting Approaches | Read more |
| Seoul Skin Clinic — Look for the Right Doctor, Not the Right Device | Read more |
| Double Chin in Your 40s — Why One Procedure Is Never Enough | Read more |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is there a single procedure that can address everything at once?
A. The term "all-in-one" appears frequently in marketing, but in reality, no single procedure targets the Dermis, SMAS Layer, and fat compartments simultaneously at the same intensity. Ultimately, identifying the primary type of sagging you have and starting from there is the most cost-effective and results-driven approach.
Q. Can I simply follow the procedure that has the best reviews?
A. Reviews are likely based on a sagging pattern different from your own, so it is best to treat them as a general reference only. The same results appear only when the type of sagging in the review matches your own.
Q. How should I space out my procedures?
A. Overlapping heat-based procedures within short intervals can prolong Swelling and Pain. As a general guideline, different heat-based procedures should be spaced at least 2 to 4 weeks apart, and repeat sessions of the same procedure should be timed according to the Collagen regeneration cycle, which is approximately 3 to 12 months.
