This page is supervised and written by specialist physicians at IC Clinic.
Sagging & Lifting: A Complete Guide to Treatment
Do Any of These Concerns Sound Familiar?
- Noticeable sagging in the cheeks
- A less defined facial contour
- A double chin forming around the neck area
- Fine lines becoming more visible at the corners of the eyes
- Deeper nasolabial folds than before
- Eyes appearing smaller than they used to
Treatment Options and Their Characteristics
Surgical & Minimally Invasive Treatments
Surgical Treatment
This procedure lifts the facial skin to reduce wrinkles. It involves separating the skin over a wide area of the face, elevating the underlying tissue membrane, removing excess sagging skin, and suturing carefully.
| Treatment Duration | Approx. 5–6 hours (varies depending on the surgical method) |
|---|---|
| Treatment Area | Face only |
| Discomfort | Significant (general anesthesia may be required in some cases) |
| Treatment Effect | Strong lifting effect |
| Downtime | Approx. 2 weeks – 1 month |
| Duration of Results | Approx. 3–5 years |
| Treatment Cost | Approx. ¥1,500,000–¥2,500,000 |
Non-Surgical Treatments
Radiofrequency (Thermage) Treatment
Radiofrequency (Thermage) treatment delivers radiofrequency energy deep into the dermis, generating heat that acts on collagen and the supporting proteins around it to help rejuvenate the skin.
| Treatment Duration | Approx. 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Treatment Area | Can be used on most areas of the body |
| Discomfort | Relatively strong |
| Treatment Effect | Notable skin-tightening effect |
| Downtime | Minimal |
| Duration of Results | Approx. 6 months – 1 year |
| Treatment Cost | Approx. ¥200,000–¥300,000 |
HIFU Treatment
HIFU stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. It is a non-surgical lifting treatment that delivers focused ultrasound energy to targeted points deep within the skin to stimulate collagen regeneration and achieve a tightening effect from within.
| Treatment Duration | Approx. 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Treatment Area | Primarily the face |
| Discomfort | Relatively mild |
| Treatment Effect | Strong lifting effect with a slimming facial contour benefit |
| Downtime | Minimal |
| Duration of Results | Approx. 6 months – 1 year |
| Treatment Cost | Approx. ¥50,000–¥100,000 |
At IC Clinic, we recommend HIFU treatment as an option that places less burden on the body and allows patients to notice results with relative ease.
Pricing varies depending on the number of sessions and treatment area. Please see the Sagging & Lifting price list for details.
Why Patients Choose IC Clinic for Sagging & Lifting Treatment
Results-Focused Treatment by Specialist Physicians
Our team includes physicians certified and trained by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. We are committed to delivering treatment focused on meaningful outcomes while minimizing the burden on our patients.
Same-Day Procedures Performed by a Team of Specialists
Our clinic has extensive experience in insurance-covered treatments delivered through team-based medical care by specialist physicians.
Transparent and Honest Pricing
Rooted in insurance-based medical practice, we are committed to pricing that is straightforward and easy to understand.
Precise Treatment Using the Latest HIFU Equipment
With the “Ultraformer III” HIFU device used at our clinic, a wide selection of cartridges allows us to target specific tissue layers with greater precision. This enables more tailored treatment to address each patient’s individual concerns.
A Welcoming Environment for All Ages and Genders
We strive to create a clinic environment where patients of all ages and backgrounds feel comfortable walking in and discussing their concerns.
Convenient Location, Just Minutes from the Station
Each of our clinics is conveniently located within a 5-minute walk from the nearest station. Patients can reach us easily by train not only from Tokyo, but also from Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa.
Important: Choosing the Right Clinic Is Up to You
Since this is an important procedure aimed at addressing your concerns, we encourage you to carefully consider multiple clinics before making a decision—and choose a physician and clinic you truly feel confident in.
Watch Out for These Warning Signs!
· The clinic pressures you to undergo treatment or sign a contract on your very first visit.
· During the consultation, risks such as swelling or discomfort associated with the treatment are not adequately explained.
· Due to treatment limitations, a multi-session plan (e.g., two sessions) is recommended at a non-standard price instead of a single-session option.
· You visit expecting affordable pricing, but during the consultation you are presented with various plans and high-cost treatments. What you thought would be a budget of tens of thousands of yen ends up becoming hundreds of thousands.
About HIFU Treatment
HIFU stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. It is a non-surgical lifting treatment that delivers focused ultrasound energy to targeted points deep within the skin, stimulating collagen regeneration and producing a tightening effect from within.
Conditions Suitable for HIFU Treatment
Types of HIFU Devices
In addition to the “Ultraformer III” used at our clinic, other HIFU devices on the market include “Ulthera,” “Doublo,” “SonoQueen,” and “Ultracel Q+.” Given our foundation in insurance-based medicine, we have selected the “Ultraformer III” for its attention to patient comfort and its balance of safety and noticeable results.
Ulthera
An American-made device that has received FDA clearance in the United States. It is the only HIFU medical device with confirmed lifting and safety profiles through this regulatory process.
| Treatment Area | Face |
|---|---|
| Irradiation Method | Point irradiation |
| Irradiation Temperature | 65°C |
| Irradiation Time (Full Face) | 30–60 minutes |
| Advantages | · Confirmed safety and efficacy profile through FDA clearance |
| Disadvantages | · May involve notable discomfort |
| Duration of Results | 6 months – 1 year |
Doublo Gold
A Korean-made device and the latest model in the Doublo series.
| Treatment Area | Face, body |
|---|---|
| Irradiation Method | Linear irradiation |
| Irradiation Temperature | 55–60°C |
| Irradiation Time (Full Face) | 8 minutes |
| Advantages | · Minimal discomfort · Short treatment time |
| Disadvantages | · Lower heat temperature means relatively less collagen stimulation |
| Duration of Results | 1–2 months |
SonoQueen
Developed by Korean manufacturer NewPong, this device is capable of precise irradiation to delicate areas such as around the eyes, below the brows, and around the mouth.
| Treatment Area | Face |
|---|---|
| Irradiation Method | Point irradiation |
| Irradiation Temperature | 60–70°C |
| Irradiation Time (Full Face) | 30 minutes |
| Advantages | · Can target fine areas such as around the eyes and mouth |
| Disadvantages | · Shorter duration of results |
| Duration of Results | 1–2 months |
Ultracel Q+ Linear
The latest model in the Ultracel Q+ series, featuring wider area coverage and a shorter irradiation time.
| Treatment Area | Face, body |
|---|---|
| Irradiation Method | Linear irradiation |
| Irradiation Temperature | 58°C |
| Irradiation Time (Full Face) | 8 minutes |
| Advantages | · Short irradiation time · Skin-improving effect · Minimal discomfort · Usable on the body |
| Disadvantages | · Lower heat temperature means relatively less collagen stimulation |
| Duration of Results | 1–2 months |
Ultraformer III
Used at Our Clinic
Developed by Korean manufacturer CLASSYS. It also offers a “HIFU Shower” mode, which uses lower power to deliver rapid, shallow irradiation, providing a safer treatment with minimal discomfort that aims to firm the skin and improve skin quality.
| Treatment Area | Face, body |
|---|---|
| Irradiation Method | Point irradiation |
| Irradiation Temperature | 65–75°C |
| Irradiation Time (Full Face) | 30 minutes |
| Advantages | · Minimal discomfort with a high safety profile · Wide range of depth patterns allows treatment of various areas |
| Disadvantages | · Less widely available |
| Duration of Results | 1–2 months |
Comparison with Other Treatments
| Ultraformer III (HIFU) | Face Lift (Surgical Incision) | |
|---|---|---|
| Scarring | None | Incision line behind the ear |
| Discomfort | Minimal | Present |
| Swelling | Minimal | Up to approx. 2 weeks |
| Anesthesia | Not required | Required |
| Treatment Time | Up to 30 minutes | Up to 2 hours |
| Duration of Results | 6–12 months | 5 years |
IC Clinic’s Sagging & Lifting Treatment
with the “Ultraformer III”
Minimal Discomfort
The “Ultraformer III” can deliver irradiation across a range of depth patterns, enabling rapid, shallow treatment. This makes it possible to perform a safe procedure with minimal discomfort.
Lifting Effect You Can Notice Promptly
The HIFU Shower—a signature feature of the “Ultraformer III”—is a menu option designed to firm the skin and help improve skin quality, with effects that many patients notice in a relatively short time.
Versatile Treatment Across Multiple Areas Thanks to a Wide Range of Depth Patterns
With the “Ultraformer III,” a wide selection of cartridges allows us to target specific tissue layers with precision, enabling us to address a broader range of areas and individual concerns compared to conventional approaches.
Treatment Flow at Our Clinic
| ① Consultation |
| ② Physician Assessment |
| ③ Treatment Preparation |
| ④ Treatment with Ultraformer III |
| ⑤ Post-Treatment Explanation |
Pricing for Sagging Treatment at Our Clinic
Pricing varies depending on the number of sessions and treatment area. Please see the Sagging & Lifting price list for details.
