For a blurred facial line, start at the fasciaFacela adds lifting and shaping

Facela (Radiofrequency · Low-Frequency Lifting · Face · Body)

Facela is a non-invasive lifting treatment that delivers radiofrequency energy deep into the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the fascial layer, and is performed on both the face and body.

01

Overview

Facela is a non-invasive lifting treatment that combines radiofrequency (RF) energy and low-frequency stimulation in a single device. Radiofrequency delivers heat to the deep skin and fascial layer, contracting loosened collagen and stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin. Low-frequency stimulation works the muscles beneath the skin, adding shaping that refines a loosened facial line. Energy is delivered from the skin surface, with no needles or incisions.

Where Ulthera focuses energy to create heat point by point in the deep layers, Facela delivers heat evenly over a broad area. Because they act on different layers in different ways, they are often combined rather than substituted for each other. When elasticity has declined across the whole cheek and the facial line has blurred, Facela, which treats broad areas, is the fit; for areas such as the jawline that need tightening in the deep layers, Ulthera is.

Atelier Plastic Surgery uses genuine equipment, and Dr. Juyoung Go personally handles everything from area and energy planning to the treatment itself. It is performed on both the face and body, and is also used for maintenance after a facelift or thread lift and for managing swelling and skin laxity after surgery.

02

Recommended for

  • Elasticity has declined across the whole cheek and the facial line has blurred
  • A double chin and cheek laxity have begun, but it is too early for surgery
  • You want to complement Ulthera with broad-area elasticity
  • You prefer a non-invasive treatment because needles or incisions are a concern
  • Skin laxity on the body, such as the abdomen, arms or thighs
  • Maintenance after a facelift, thread lift or liposuction
03

Surgery & treatment methods

01

Facial radiofrequency lifting

Radiofrequency energy is delivered area by area to the cheeks, jawline and forehead to contract collagen in the deep skin and fascial layer and stimulate regeneration. Energy intensity is set differently for each area according to skin thickness and the fat layer.

Suited for · When elasticity has declined across broad areas of the cheeks and jawline
02

Low-frequency shaping

Low-frequency stimulation contracts the expression muscles and platysma to refine a loosened facial line and jawline. It follows radiofrequency lifting within the same session and is used to tidy the facial line.

Suited for · When the facial line has blurred along with loss of elasticity
03

Under the chin · neck

Radiofrequency is delivered under the chin and to the front of the neck to tighten loose skin, and low-frequency stimulation works the platysma to define the border between chin and neck. If there is a lot of submental fat, it is combined in sequence with CoolSculpting or liposuction.

Suited for · When a double chin and neck sagging are mild
04

Body

Performed on body areas with reduced skin elasticity such as the abdomen, arms, thighs and buttocks. Radiofrequency is delivered over broad areas and low-frequency stimulation works the muscles to address elasticity and contour together. Also used to manage skin elasticity after liposuction or CoolSculpting.

Suited for · When body skin has lost elasticity through weight change or age
05

Combined with Ulthera · thread lift

Ulthera tightens the deep layers point by point while Facela tightens broad areas evenly. After a thread lift, the line the threads have moved is reinforced with energy. Order and spacing are set according to the pattern of sagging.

Suited for · When combining with other lifting to reinforce results
04

Key facts

Treatment time
About 30–60 minutes (varies by area)
Anesthesia
Topical anesthetic cream (usually possible without anesthesia)
Downtime
Almost none · washing and makeup the same day
Onset of effect
Some immediately, then gradually over about 1–3 months
Treatment interval
Varies by individual; generally repeated at intervals of several months

These may vary depending on your condition; we will give you precise details at your consultation.

05

Atelier Plastic Surgery's approach

  1. 01
    We start at the fascial layer

    A facial line blurs not because of the skin surface but because the fascial layer beneath it has lost elasticity. Facela's energy is set to deliver heat to this layer, and the intensity is adjusted for each area according to skin thickness.

  2. 02
    We look at lifting and shaping together

    Tightening elasticity alone sometimes does not tidy the facial line. Two steps are carried out in one session: radiofrequency tightens the tissue, then low-frequency stimulation works the muscles to refine the line.

  3. 03
    We combine with Ulthera by layer

    Areas that need point-by-point tightening in the deep layers are planned for Ulthera, and areas that need broad, even elasticity for Facela. Neither substitutes for the other.

  4. 04
    We first determine whether treatment is enough for your stage

    When there is a large amount of excess skin, Facela will not produce the change you expect. In that case we guide you toward a thread lift or facelift. Treatment and follow-up are carried out by Dr. Juyoung Go personally.

06

After surgery

  1. Immediately after

    Redness, warmth and mild swelling may occur and usually settle within a few hours. You can wash your face, wear makeup and return to daily life right away.

  2. 1 week

    Depending on the area, mild swelling or tenderness when pressed may remain. Avoid saunas, strong massage and excessive sun exposure.

  3. 1 month

    Changes in elasticity from initial collagen contraction begin to show. Keep up moisturizing and sun protection.

  4. 1–3 months

    Collagen and elastin regeneration progresses and the change becomes more distinct. We check your progress and consider repeat treatment or combination with other treatments.

Recovery care and the aftercare schedule are described in the Safety Care System. Safety Care System

07

Side effects · Precautions

There is a sensation of heat during treatment, and the degree of discomfort varies by area and individual. After treatment, redness, swelling and warmth may last from a few hours to several days, and excessive energy delivery can cause burns, blisters, pigmentation or depigmentation and scarring. Rarely, temporary altered sensation, skin irregularities and hollowing from fat atrophy in the treated area have been reported. The degree and duration of the effect vary widely by individual, repeat treatments may be needed, and when there is a large amount of excess skin the expected change may not be achieved. Treatment may be restricted or require caution if you have a pacemaker or implanted electronic device, metal implants in the treatment area, are pregnant, have inflammation or wounds on the skin, have recently had filler or implants placed in the area, or are prone to keloids, so please let us know at consultation. Risks and how they are managed are explained fully at consultation.

The content on this page is general medical information provided in accordance with the Medical Service Act. The results of surgery and treatments and the recovery period may vary by individual. All surgeries and treatments carry a risk of side effects, so please decide after a thorough consultation with a specialist.

08

FAQ

Q1How is Facela different from Ulthera?
Ulthera tightens deeply, point by point, with focused ultrasound aimed at the SMAS layer, while Facela delivers radiofrequency evenly over broad areas to raise elasticity in the fascial layer and refines the facial line with low-frequency stimulation. Because they act on different layers in different ways, they are often combined rather than substituted for each other.
Q2Is it very painful?
The main sensation is warmth, and depending on the area and energy setting there may be a stinging feeling. Discomfort varies by individual; it is usually possible without anesthesia, but a topical anesthetic cream is applied if you are sensitive.
Q3When will I see results?
Some change is visible immediately after treatment from collagen contraction, and it becomes gradually more distinct over about 1–3 months as new collagen and elastin form. Duration varies by individual, and results are generally maintained by repeating at intervals of several months.
Q4Is one session enough?
It depends on the degree of sagging and the condition of your skin. With mild loss of elasticity, one session may bring a change, but we usually recommend repeating at set intervals. The number of sessions and spacing are decided together at consultation.
Q5Does it work on the body?
It is performed on areas with reduced skin elasticity such as the abdomen, arms, thighs and buttocks, delivering radiofrequency over broad areas and working the muscles with low-frequency stimulation to address elasticity and contour. It is also used to manage skin elasticity after liposuction or CoolSculpting. If there is a large amount of loose skin, surgery is considered alongside.
Q6Can Facela help with severe sagging?
If excess skin is visible when you push the cheek up by hand, Facela is unlikely to produce the change you expect. In that case, rather than repeating treatment, we guide you toward a thread lift or facelift. You can find out which stage you are at in the face anti-aging guide and at consultation.
Consultation

Before deciding what to do, we look at who you are

Consultations are conducted by the Director herself. Schedule one by phone or KakaoTalk, or leave an online consultation request.