If you’re looking for a non-surgical way to lift and tighten your skin, you’ve probably come across two popular Korean face treatments: HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) and Oligio. Both are known for their skin-firming face lift and anti-aging benefits, but they work in different ways and cater to different skin concerns. So, what is the difference between HIFU and Oligio? Let’s break it down.
What is HIFU?
HIFU, or High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, is a non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound energy to penetrate deep into the skin layers, targeting the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) layer. This is the same layer that surgeons manipulate during a facelift. By delivering focused ultrasound waves to this layer, HIFU stimulates collagen production, resulting in firmer, lifted skin over time.
How HIFU Works
HIFU delivers thermal energy deep into the skin without damaging the surface. The heat causes controlled micro-damage, triggering the skin’s natural healing process and promoting collagen and elastin regeneration. This leads to gradual skin tightening and lifting over a period of 2–3 months, with results lasting up to 6 months.
Benefits of HIFU
HIFU offers numerous benefits, including non-invasiveness and minimal downtime. It effectively lifts and tightens sagging skin while improving elasticity and firmness. It also reduces wrinkles and fine lines, making it an excellent choice for deeper skin layers such as the jawline, cheeks, neck, and double chin. Additionally, HIFU results can persist for up to 6 months.
What is Oligio?
Oligio is a newer radiofrequency (RF) skin-tightening technology designed to improve skin laxity, promote collagen production, and smooth out wrinkles. Unlike HIFU, which targets deep tissue layers, Oligio focuses on superficial and mid-layer skin tightening. This makes it a great option for individuals who want a more comfortable, less intense skin-tightening treatment with faster visible results.
How Oligio Works
Oligio uses monopolar radiofrequency energy to generate heat in the skin’s dermis. This controlled heating process stimulates collagen synthesis, leading to immediate skin tightening and long-term firming effects. The treatment is often compared to Thermage due to its ability to smooth fine lines, tighten skin, and improve overall skin texture.
Benefits of Oligio
Oligio provides an visible lifting effect with minimal discomfort, making it a more comfortable treatment option. It requires minimal downtime, improves skin texture and smoothness, and is best suited for mild to moderate skin laxity. The treatment is particularly effective for areas such as the forehead, under-eye area, cheeks, and jawline.
Key Differences Between HIFU and Oligio
While both treatments are designed to tighten and lift the skin, they differ in various aspects. HIFU uses high-intensity focused ultrasound to penetrate deep layers, including the SMAS, whereas Oligio relies on radiofrequency energy to target superficial and mid-layers. This fundamental difference in depth means that HIFU is more effective for deeper lifting and addressing significant skin sagging, especially in the jawline, neck, cheeks, and double chin, while Oligio is better suited for areas like the forehead, under-eyes, neck, and jawline.
HIFU results tend to last 6 months, Oligio results typically last 12 months. When it comes to discomfort, HIFU tends to cause moderate discomfort, whereas Oligio is known for its minimal discomfort, making it a more pleasant experience for patients.
In terms of treatment duration, HIFU sessions generally take 30 minutes, while Oligio sessions last 30–45 minutes. Neither treatment requires downtime, allowing patients to resume their daily activities after the procedure.
Which Treatment is Right for You?
The choice between HIFU and Oligio depends on your skin concern and desired results. If you want a deeper lifting effect that helps with sagging skin, HIFU is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for tightening, and prefer longer-lasting results for mild to moderate skin laxity conditions, Oligio might be the better fit.
Final Thoughts
Both HIFU and Oligio are excellent non-invasive skin-tightening treatments, but they serve different purposes. HIFU is best for deep lifting and long-term collagen production, while Oligio is ideal for surface-level tightening and faster results. If you’re unsure which one is right for you, consult with our doctor at Kowayo Aesthetic Clinic to assess your skin condition and recommend the most suitable treatment. Book a consultation with us today and find out which treatment suits you best!