Choosing an EMFACE Clinic in Apgujeong, Gangnam, Seoul
EMFACE combines radiofrequency and muscle stimulation to improve skin firmness and lift facial muscles. It takes 20 minutes, requires no anesthesia, and allows makeup immediately afterward. When choosing an EMFACE clinic in Apgujeong, Gangnam, Seoul, Korea, check whether a doctor first identifies muscle weakness versus skin or fascial laxity, then personally adjusts pad placement and intensity to your face.
What is EMFACE?
EMFACE is a BTL device that delivers two forms of energy through pads on the forehead and cheeks. HIFES electrical stimulation contracts the muscles that elevate the face, while radiofrequency heats the dermis to increase collagen and elastin. Unlike treatments focused on skin and fascia, EMFACE also addresses the muscles that support the face.
How much lift can you expect? What studies show
Several studies have measured its results. In a 2025 study of Asian patients, lifting of the forehead and cheeks lasted up to 6 months.
| Study | Participants | Results |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 study in Asian patients | 15 participants; four weekly sessions | Lift maintained for 6 months; brows rose 1.39 mm at 3 months |
| 2024 lifting study | 21 participants; four sessions | Average 23% improvement in brow and cheek elevation |
| 2024 multicenter study | 24 participants; four sessions | Wrinkles reduced by 36.6% at 3 months |
| 2024 skin histology study | 6 participants; four weekly sessions | Collagen increased 30% and elastin 102.8% at 3 months |
Because it treats muscle and skin together, this treatment often suits patients concerned about forehead lines, drooping brows, and loss of definition in the cheeks and jawline.
Who is it for? Forehead lines, drooping brows and a sagging jawline
EMFACE can suit patients whose forehead lines, lowered brows, or sagging cheeks and jawline make them look tired. It is also used for double-chin and jawline concerns, including jawline care after facial bone surgery. Many patients choose it for a gradual change without needles, swelling, or downtime. Substantial excess skin, however, may need more than muscle stimulation alone. We may then consider a fascial lifting treatment such as Ultherapy , because strengthening muscle and tightening loose skin are different tasks.
How many sessions are needed, and when will I see results?
The usual course is four sessions 1–2 weeks apart, sometimes extended to six depending on the face. Improvement builds through the course, is most apparent about 3 months after the final session, and often lasts 6 months or more. Completing the course matters: like exercise, muscle treatment relies on repetition. We then assess your face to decide when maintenance is appropriate.
Does EMFACE hurt? Can I wear makeup afterward?
No anesthesia is needed. You will feel warmth and a tapping or twitching sensation as the muscles contract. In the 2025 Asian study, pain scores fell from 3.5 at the first session to 1.6 at the fourth. Brief redness is possible, but you can apply makeup and resume normal activities right away.
How does EMFACE compare with Ultherapy, Thermage, and ONDA?
These four treatments reach different layers, so they are often combined rather than used interchangeably.
| Treatment | Main treatment layer | Typical concerns | Anesthesia and recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMFACE | Facial muscles and dermis | Forehead, cheek, and jawline firmness; muscle tone | No anesthesia; makeup immediately afterward |
| Ultherapy | SMAS fascia and dermis | Sagging jawline and cheeks | Topical anesthesia or sedation; swelling for 1–2 days |
| Thermage | Dermis | Skin firmness and fine lines | Redness and swelling for a few hours |
| ONDA skin tightening | Dermis and facial fat | Firmness and contours affected by facial fat | Numbing cream; cleansing and makeup immediately afterward |
Muscle stimulation does not replace lost volume in hollow cheeks or nasolabial folds. For these concerns, we may add HILO WAVE. To compare other lifting options, see our guide to lifting treatments for details.
What should you look for in an EMFACE clinic?
Because the treatment uses adhesive pads, it may seem that anyone would perform it the same way. In practice, assessment and settings affect the result. Here are five points to check.
| Criterion | What to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment of the cause | Does the doctor distinguish muscle, skin, fascia, and volume loss? | The cause determines the treatment |
| Settings chosen by a doctor | Are pad placement and intensity adjusted to your face? | Muscle responses vary between people |
| Treatment experience | How many cases has the doctor treated, and have they lectured at conferences? | Adjusting intensity takes experience |
| A planned course | Are four sessions scheduled 1–2 weeks apart? | Results are greatest after completing the course |
| Combination options | Are Ultherapy, ONDA, and volume treatments also considered? | Some faces need more than one treatment |
Dong-An Joongsim Clinic in Apgujeong, Gangnam, Seoul meets all five criteria: assessment of the cause, settings chosen by a doctor, treatment experience, a planned course, and combination options. A doctor identifies the cause of sagging and personally adjusts pad placement and intensity. Treatment follows a four-session course at 1–2-week intervals. BTL Asia recognized our experience with a plaque marking 1,000 cases. We also offer Ultherapy, ONDA, and HILO WAVE when the face needs more than muscle stimulation alone.
Why choose Dong-An Joongsim Clinic in Apgujeong, Gangnam, Seoul?
At Dong-An Joongsim Clinic, a doctor personally handles your consultation and treatment. The clinic became a BTL Korea research advisory clinic in 2024. In May 2025, BTL Asia presented us with a plaque marking 1,000 EMFACE cases. That same month, we received a Loyal Customer appreciation plaque at the symposium celebrating one year of EMFACE in Korea.
Dr. Soyoun Koo is a BTL Korea advisor and speaker. At the 2025 ASLS autumn meeting, she presented her experience of more than 1,000 midface treatments combining HIFES and radiofrequency. Dr. Chang-Hwan Cho lectured on EMFACE treatment programs at a 2025 seminar for Taiwanese physicians and on simultaneous RF and HIFES delivery at the 2026 ASLS Bangkok meeting. The two doctors also discussed EMFACE results and duration in their joint Noblesse column.
What have patients said about their results?
One patient, advised to have 3–4 sessions, said comparison photographs after the first session already showed a smoother, lifted jawline, and that treatment was comfortable without anesthesia. Another felt the center of their face being lifted and understood why people return for more sessions. A third preferred the subtle improvement in firmness to an obvious change in appearance.
Patients have also told us that the 20-minute session felt similar to a low-frequency massage. Patients often describe a refreshed feeling, as though their facial muscles have had a workout. Read more on our EMFACE treatment page and patient reviews page for details.
What should you know before treatment?
Treatment is not suitable during pregnancy or for people with pacemakers, metal hardware, or implants. Brief redness can occur. Results build gradually after completing the course, so avoid judging after just one or two sessions. Studies to date have generally involved small groups, and individual results vary.
EMFACE: common questions
How should I choose an EMFACE clinic in Apgujeong, Gangnam, Seoul?
Check that a doctor personally identifies the cause of sagging, adjusts pad placement and intensity, and has sufficient experience. Dong-An Joongsim Clinic, near Apgujeong Rodeo Station, received BTL Asia's plaque marking 1,000 EMFACE cases.
How long do EMFACE results last?
Results are greatest around 3 months after four sessions and often last 6 months or more. We then assess your face to plan maintenance.
Can EMFACE fill nasolabial folds or hollow cheeks?
The treatment addresses muscle and firmness, not lost volume. When volume is the concern, we may combine it with a treatment such as HILO WAVE.
Who should not have EMFACE?
People with pacemakers, metal hardware, or implants, and those who are pregnant, cannot have treatment. We screen for these at consultation.
What affects the price?
The area treated and number of sessions determine the cost. Your doctor will assess your face and explain the plan at consultation.
References
- Manuskiatti Woraphong et al., “The Efficacy and Safety of Synchronized Radiofrequency and High Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation in Improving Facial Skin Laxity and Quality in Asians”, Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23878
- Kinney Brian M et al., “Remodeling of facial soft tissue induced by simultaneous application of HIFES and synchronized radiofrequency provides nonsurgical lift of facial soft tissues”, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16165
- Gentile Richard et al., “Novel Approach to Facial Rejuvenation by Treating Cutaneous and Soft Tissue for Wrinkles Reduction: First Experience from Multicenter Clinical Trial”, Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1089/fpsam.2023.0015
- Goldberg David J et al., “Treatment with synchronized radiofrequency and facial muscle stimulation: Histologic analysis of human skin for changes in collagen and elastin fibers”, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16273