I recently watched a fascinating video by Dr. Kim Jae-rim from Cheongdam Retoo Clinic, who just returned from IMCAS Paris 2026—one of the world's largest aesthetic congresses. He shared some "hottest insights" on how the lifting landscape is shifting this year.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the "flood" of lifting lasers like Ultherapy, Thermage, and Oligio? To help you avoid wasting money on the wrong treatments, here is a quick summary of the Top 3 Lifting Trends for 2026 based on his expert briefing!
1️⃣ The Rise of "Sofwave"
While Thermage has long been the gold standard for anti-aging, Sofwave is rapidly becoming the new favorite in 2026.
The Highlight: It bridges the gap between traditional treatments by offering immediate visible results alongside long-term collagen and elastin production.
Why it's trending: It provides a tightening effect with virtually zero downtime, making it the go-to choice for those who want efficiency without the recovery period.
2️⃣ The "No-Pain" Revolution
Gone are the days when you had to endure extreme pain for beauty. The demand for painless lifting is skyrocketing this year.
Key Devices: Emface, Titanium, and Onda are leading this movement.
The Shift: Since lifting is becoming more of a "routine maintenance" rather than a one-time event, patients now prefer treatments that are comfortable enough to repeat regularly.
3️⃣ The "Multimodal Approach" (Smart Combo Treatments)
Instead of sticking to just one device, the trend is now about synergy. Think of it like combining cardio and weight training for the best fitness results!
Smart Combinations Recommended by Dr. Kim:
| Concern | Recommended Combo |
|---|---|
| 40s–50s (Classic) | Ultherapy + Thermage ("Ul-Thermage") |
| Fine Lines & Volume Loss | Sofwave + Skin Boosters |
| Pain-Sensitive Types | Titanium + Tune ("Tita-Tune") or Onda + Titanium |
| 20s–30s (Prevention) | Emface + Ultherapy |
| Double Chin & Jawline | Onda + Ultherapy |
💡 My Takeaway
The "Lifting Flood" of 2026 means more options, but a smarter strategy is required. As Dr. Kim emphasized, the secret isn't just finding the "best" machine—it's about the right combination for your specific face shape and skin type.
Before booking any treatment, consider:
- Your age and skin laxity level — different devices target different tissue depths
- Your pain tolerance — if you hate pain, the new no-pain options are genuinely effective
- Your budget and schedule — combo treatments can be split across visits
This post is based on Dr. Kim Jae-rim's briefing from IMCAS Paris 2026. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any aesthetic procedure.