Oligio vs Shurink: RF vs HIFU Face Lifting Differences
December 6, 2025
When it comes to non-surgical lifting in Korea, two treatments dominate nearly every clinic menu: Oligio (RF lifting) and Shurink (HIFU lifting). Both aim to tighten and rejuvenate the face, but they work in completely different ways — and the ideal treatment depends on your skin type, sagging level, and desired outcome.
Here’s a simple breakdown to help you choose the right lifting method.
What Is Oligio? (RF Skin Tightening)
Oligio uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat the deeper dermal layers of the skin. That heat stimulates collagen and elastin regeneration, creating firmer, tighter, and more elastic skin over time.
What Oligio Does Best
- Improves skin firmness and elasticity
- Reduces early sagging
- Smooths fine lines and mild wrinkles
- Gives the skin a lifted, bouncier appearance
- Great for sensitive or thinner skin
Ideal For
- People in their 20s–30s
- Mild laxity around cheeks or jawline
- Maintenance between larger procedures
- Those wanting a comfortable treatment with little downtime
Oligio is essentially the gentle, steady, all-around tightening option.
What Is Shurink? (HIFU Face Lifting)
Shurink uses HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) to reach much deeper than RF — down to the SMAS layer, which is the same layer tightened during a surgical facelift.
What Shurink Does Best
- Lifts sagging cheeks
- Sharpens the jawline
- Reduces early jowls
- Tightens the SMAS layer for structural lift
- Helps redefine facial contours
Ideal For
- People in their late 20s–40s
- Visible sagging or heavy lower-face
- Loss of jawline definition
- Anyone wanting a facelift-like result without surgery
Shurink is the stronger lifting treatment because it targets deeper tissues responsible for sagging.
Oligio vs Shurink: Key Differences
1. Depth of Energy
- Oligio (RF): Treats dermis → improves elasticity
- Shurink (HIFU): Reaches SMAS → lifts deeper structures
2. Main Result
- Oligio: Firmer, tighter, smoother skin
- Shurink: Noticeable lift and contouring
3. Discomfort Level
- Oligio: Generally mild
- Shurink: Slightly more intense because it targets deeper tissue
4. Downtime
- Both have minimal downtime, but Shurink may leave slight sensitivity for a few hours.
5. Longevity
- Oligio: Often repeated every 6–12 months
- Shurink: Lift lasts around 9–12 months depending on skin condition
Which Is Better for Your Skin?
Choose Oligio if you:
- Have mild sagging
- Want to maintain youthful firmness
- Prefer a gentler, comfortable treatment
- Have thin or sensitive skin
- Want subtle tightening rather than structural lift
Choose Shurink if you:
- Have noticeable sagging or a heavier lower face
- Want jawline definition
- Are starting to develop jowls
- Want a more obvious lifting result
- Prefer deeper, structural tightening
Many Korean Clinics Combine Them
Because Oligio improves skin quality and Shurink improves facial structure, many dermatologists combine the two treatments for a more complete rejuvenation:
- Shurink → Lift the deeper layers
- Oligio → Tighten the skin on the surface
This creates smoother skin texture and stronger lifting around the jawline and cheeks.
Final Verdict: Oligio or Shurink?
- If you want surface tightening, improved elasticity, and a gentle lift → choose Oligio.
- If you want deep lifting, jawline contouring, and structural improvement → choose Shurink.
- For the most balanced anti-aging effect, consider combining both.
Oligio = skin tightening & elasticity
Shurink = deep lifting & contouring
Choose according to the level of sagging and the type of result you want.
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Deep-Plane Facelift vs SMAS Lift in Korea: Full Guide A facelift in Korea can dramatically rejuvenate the lower face and midface, but the right technique matters. The two most popular surgical options—SMAS Lift and Deep-Plane Facelift—offer different levels of lifting, longevity, and recovery. Here is a clean, easy-to-read breakdown for patients comparing both. What Is a SMAS Lift? A SMAS Lift works on the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System, the fibrous-muscular layer just beneath the skin. Tightens sagging skin and soft tissue Focuses on jawline, jowls, and lower face Natural improvement without over-pulling Ideal for moderate aging Slightly faster recovery compared to deeper lifts This is a widely used technique in Korea for patients who want significant rejuvenation without modifying deeper structures. What Is a Deep-Plane Facelift? A Deep-Plane Facelift goes beneath the SMAS layer, releasing deeper facial ligaments and lifting the skin, fat, and muscle together as a single unit. Corrects deeper sagging Improves midface descent and nasolabial folds Ideal for heavier or thicker facial tissues Produces the most natural and long-lasting lift More complex and requires advanced surgical skill This technique is popular in Korea for patients seeking a more dramatic, youthful transformation. Key Differences Between SMAS and Deep-Plane Depth of Surgery SMAS Lift works closer to the surface, tightening the SMAS layer. Deep-Plane goes under the SMAS, releasing ligaments and repositioning deeper tissues. Results SMAS Lift offers a smooth, refreshed jawline and improved lower face. Deep-Plane restores midface volume, smooths folds, lifts the lower face, and provides stronger rejuvenation. Natural Appearance Both techniques can look natural when done well. Deep-plane tends to age more gracefully because the deeper structures are repositioned, not pulled. Recovery Time SMAS may have a slightly quicker recovery. Deep-plane may involve more swelling early on due to deeper work. Surgical Complexity Deep-plane requires a higher level of skill and experience, as it involves delicate anatomical structures. Who Is SMAS Lift Best For? Choose a SMAS Lift if you have: Mild to moderate sagging Early jowling Lower face concerns without heavy midface descent Thinner skin or lighter facial tissue A preference for shorter downtime Desired natural improvement without a dramatic change This is common for patients in their 40s to early 50s. Who Is a Deep-Plane Facelift Best For? Choose a Deep-Plane Facelift if you have: Moderate to severe sagging Heavy or rounder cheeks Deep nasolabial folds Midface flattening or descent Thicker facial soft tissue (common in some Asian facial structures) Desire for the longest-lasting and most comprehensive lift This is typically ideal for people in their 50s to 70s. Longevity of Results SMAS Lift Generally lasts 7–10 years, depending on age, lifestyle, and skin quality. Deep-Plane Facelift Often lasts 10–15 years or longer, with smoother aging because deeper tissues are repositioned. Recovery Timeline SMAS Lift Recovery Bruising/swelling: 1–2 weeks Return to work: 1–2 weeks Final contour: 2–3 months Deep-Plane Recovery Swelling may be more noticeable early Return to work: 2–3 weeks Final refinement: 3–6 months Cost Guide in Korea Actual pricing varies by clinic and surgeon, but general trends are: SMAS Lift: mid-range facelift cost Deep-Plane Facelift: higher cost due to deeper dissection and surgeon expertise How to Choose the Right Lift in Korea Ask yourself the following: Do I want subtle or dramatic improvement? Is my concern mainly lower face or also midface/cheeks? How much downtime can I commit to? Do I have thicker facial tissue that needs deeper release? How long do I want the results to last? A detailed consultation with a Korean facelift specialist can determine the best option based on anatomical factors such as skin thickness, fat distribution, and facial laxity. Questions to Ask During Consultation Which technique suits my skin type and face shape? Do I need midface repositioning or only jawline lifting? What is the expected scar location and healing timeline? Do I need a neck lift or fat grafting together? How many SMAS or deep-plane facelifts have you performed? Final Takeaway Both procedures are exceptional when performed by an experienced surgeon in Korea: SMAS Lift = natural results, moderate aging, faster recovery Deep-Plane Facelift = deepest correction, powerful lifting, longest-lasting results The right choice depends on your aging pattern, facial structure, and goals. A proper in-person evaluation is essential for choosing the safest and most effective technique.
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