Hello, I'm Dr. Tae Hoon Kim :)
I design lifting treatments that pull not only the epidermis, dermis and fascia layers, but the muscle as well.
The reason is simple.
No matter how much you improve the support of the outer skin layers, it is difficult to address the foundation of firmness without addressing the muscle.
That is why I have spent a long time trying out many devices in demos and continuing my research into 'muscle lifting'.
Along the way, I came across a very interesting device.
It is M-Tight, a device known as 'Engine Lifting'.
Engine Lifting - M-Tight
Almost as if to defy the saying that there is nothing new under the sun, lifting devices have kept evolving and pouring out in less than a quarter of a century.
Most recently in particular, rather than lifting that targets the layers from the epidermis — what we call the outer skin — down to the fascia (SMAS), lifting that stimulates the muscle layer with mid- and low-frequency energy has been drawing attention.
Before talking about this device, let me first talk about Emface: it works on a similar principle, and it is a lifting device that directly stimulates and strengthens the deeper structures of the face and the layer of facial expression muscles.
Aging muscles come under strain and gradually weaken, which causes the facial contour to break down and sag, and this approach works to ease that at its root.
Can you guess why I'm bringing up Emface?
It's because of the 'price'.
Even though it is a device with relatively little clinical data so far, the price is… (I'll leave it at that).
A fellow doctor tells me that although people know it is good, many give up because the price is a barrier.
But there is a device that has become known through marketing as the 'K-Emface' — and that is M-Tight!!
What is the 'K-Emface'?
Did you know?
Even devices that work really well and come to mind when we think of laser lifting, such as Oligio and Density, were actually released as copies of well-known overseas devices, with some added advantages.
I borrowed the saying that there is nothing new under the sun earlier; in any case, I am simply grateful that treatments with good devices can now be offered at relatively reasonable prices.
When I explained Oligio, I mentioned that it delivers bulk energy on a par with imported devices, while its excellent cooling technology means less damage to surrounding tissue and less worry about side effects.
Being a copy version absolutely does not make a device worse, and being an imported device absolutely does not make it better.
That is why I, too, chose Engine Lifting — M-Tight — rather than Emface.
M-Tight Engine Lifting
Many of you have heard of radiofrequency (RF), but mid- and low-frequency may be new to you. You have probably heard of EMS, though?
Both use electrical energy, but radiofrequency uses the 'heat' generated by electrical resistance.
Mid- and low-frequency energy, on the other hand, uses only 'electrical stimulation', so there is no concern at all about side effects such as burns.
It works on the principle that the potential difference between the electrodes moves electrolytes, causing the muscle to move very slightly in the process; at the same time, a low 0.5MHz radiofrequency is delivered to promote the regeneration of components that benefit the skin, such as collagen.
The idea is to restore aging muscle while lifting the dermal layer to improve volume, creating denser skin.
Why our Haeundae Jung-dong clinic chose M-Tight
If it had relied on the EMS principle alone, I might not have adopted it, but the fact that it alternates with RF radiofrequency in its targeting is a masterstroke.
The manufacturer calls the technology designed to keep these two energies from mixing and let them operate independently 'ERIC technology', and it is very appealing that energy can be delivered at the same time to the different layers that make up the face, such as muscle and skin.
In fact, even V-RO Advance, which carries both HIFU + RF, requires separate handpieces to combine the two in one treatment.
I always compare good lifting to a football match: having 11 strikers does not mean you can play a good game.
You can only play a good game when the midfielders, defenders, goalkeeper, manager and coaches each bring out their strengths under a good strategy.
Lifting treatments are the same: results vary enormously depending on how the different energies are mixed.
The synergy of combination treatment
I have been explaining various dermatology treatments on my blog for a long time, and what I have stressed constantly since opening the clinic is the synergy of combination treatment.
Ultherapy PRIME + Thermage FLX
Oligio + Liftera II
RedTouch Pro + V-RO Advance
. . .
I previously introduced Lefton (LiftShock), a device based on shockwave energy, and mentioned that combining it with RF + HIFU treatments can bring synergy such as longer-lasting lifting results.
Let me say it again: good lifting is 80% 'strategy'.
Even with the same 600 shots, the results are completely different depending on how they are mixed.
Please keep this in mind: when you have a lifting treatment, don't simply choose a famous device — think about what would give your skin better results.
And if putting together such combinations is difficult, it is advisable to find a skilled board-certified dermatologist and have a consultation.
If you still find it hard to choose, feel free to give us a call :)
Thank you for reading this long post.
This has been Dr. Tae Hoon Kim, board-certified dermatologist, thinking about your skin 10 and 20 years from now!
The medical information on this website is general guidance only. Diagnosis and treatment may differ depending on your individual condition — please obtain an accurate diagnosis through an in-person consultation.