FAQ
What Are the Side Effects of Lifting Treatments? A Seoul Guide
Quick answer
Common side effects of energy-based lifting such as Ultherapy, Thermage FLX and Sofwave are mild and temporary: redness, swelling, tenderness or tingling for hours to a few days. Less common effects include bruising, temporary numbness or, rarely, burns or nerve irritation. At The Heal in Jamsil, Seoul, a dermatologist sets every treatment. Send photos on KakaoTalk for a plan before you fly.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Yang Jeong-hwa , board-certified dermatologist · Updated October 2026
Common
Redness, swelling
Duration
Hours to days
Uncommon
Bruising, numbness
Rare
Burns, nerve irritation
Common, temporary effects
- Redness and warmth: usually fade within hours.
- Swelling: mild, often settling within a few days.
- Tenderness: particularly along the jawline after Ultherapy Prime , sometimes lasting up to a couple of weeks.
- Tingling: occasional, short-lived.
These reflect the heat used to stimulate collagen and generally need no treatment. See Ultherapy recovery for day-by-day detail.
Applying a cold compress gently, sleeping with your head slightly raised and avoiding heat for a couple of days can help these effects settle faster.
Less common and rare effects
Some people develop small bruises, temporary numb patches or welts along treatment lines, which usually resolve within days to weeks. Rarely, energy-based devices can cause superficial burns, blistering, changes in pigmentation, or temporary nerve irritation that affects sensation or muscle movement; these generally improve over time but need medical review. Concerns about fat loss from overly aggressive treatment are another reason settings should be individualized. Report any worsening pain, blistering or weakness promptly.
Who should not have lifting
We do not perform elective energy-based lifting during pregnancy, over active infections, open wounds or inflamed skin, or directly over certain metal implants or electronic devices in the treatment area. Some medical conditions and medications also need discussion first. Please share your full medical history before treatment. Read treatments during pregnancy and breastfeeding .
If you are unsure whether a condition affects your eligibility, message us before you travel so we can advise and avoid a wasted trip.
How we reduce risk
Risk is lowest when an experienced doctor assesses your skin, chooses appropriate depth and energy, and uses genuine, maintained devices. At The Heal, a board-certified dermatologist plans each treatment, and imaging-guided Ultherapy helps place energy precisely. You leave with written aftercare and a way to reach us. Ask about your specific risks before booking .
Choosing a doctor-led clinic, rather than the cheapest or fastest option, is one of the most effective ways to lower your risk of complications.
The Heal approach
Every lifting plan is set by a board-certified dermatologist after an in-person examination, with energy adjusted to your skin rather than a fixed protocol.
Expert review
Dr. Yang Jeong-hwa
Medical Director · Board-certified dermatologist · Seoul National University College of Medicine
Written for international patients and reviewed for medical accuracy. Individual results vary; your plan is decided in person after a skin assessment. Our review policy
Visit us
The Heal Dermatology Clinic Jamsil
4F, 329 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
5 min walk from Jamsil Station (Line 8), Exit 9
Mon & Fri 10:00–20:00
Tue–Thu 10:00–19:30
Sat 09:30–16:00 · Sun & holidays closed
International patients
Visiting Seoul? Get your plan before you fly.
English consultations with a board-certified dermatologist, 5 minutes from Jamsil Station. Treatments are scheduled around your downtime and flights. International patient guide
1
Message us
Concerns, optional photos and travel dates via form or KakaoTalk.
2
Get your plan
Suggested treatments and timing around your flights.
3
Consult & treat
In-person assessment with Dr. Yang in English, then treatment.
Frequently asked
Related questions about lifting safety
Can Ultherapy cause nerve damage?
Temporary nerve irritation is a rare reported effect and usually resolves over weeks. Careful mapping of depth and placement by an experienced doctor reduces this risk.
Can Thermage cause burns?
Burns are rare with proper technique and settings. Thermage FLX includes surface cooling and contact sensing, and we adjust energy to your skin's response.
Will lifting make my face look thinner?
Properly planned lifting should not noticeably hollow the face. Overly aggressive or frequent treatment can affect fat, which is why individualized settings matter.
What should I do if a side effect lasts longer?
Contact us with photos. Most effects resolve on their own, but we will advise whether you need review in Seoul or with a local doctor at home.
English consultations in Jamsil, Seoul
Get a safe, individualized lifting plan from a dermatologist
Send your photos and travel dates. We reply with a personalised plan before you fly.