![Official] Smart Skin Clinic｜Aesthetic Dermatology Group (Jimbocho, Yokohama)](https://smartskin-clinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Smart-skin-clinic-ロゴ500-×-100-px.png)
【Japan's Lowest Prices】Fundamental Treatment for Sagging with Voluma｜Smart Skin Clinic Yokohama
Volnuma's Striking Before/After Results
The treatment was performed on the left side of the screen. The whole area has been lifted, and as a result the nasolabial fold is clearly less pronounced.
At our clinic, the free consultation is handled directly by a specialist physician, not by a beauty counselor as at major clinics. For this reason, there is no hard selling whatsoever during the free consultation, which has made it very well received even by patients who are new to aesthetic treatments. Please book with peace of mind.
"Does Volnuma really work for sagging?"
"I've started to notice sagging under my eyes and on my cheeks, and my nasolabial folds are bothering me..."
"I want a natural lift without surgery, while keeping pain and downtime to a minimum..."
Do you have any of these questions or concerns?
At Smart Skin Clinic, a cosmetic dermatology practice, we consider and provide the best treatment options for concerns like these.
Our clinic offers Volnuma, a pain-free approach to sagging that is attracting growing attention.
From a specialist's perspective, we clearly explain how Volnuma works, what it may achieve, how it differs from other devices, and what to expect during treatment. If you are interested, we invite you to consult with us.
*If there's something specific you'd like to know, you can jump straight to it using the table of contents below.
Group Chief Director, Smart Skin Clinic Group
Ishii Kota
Career
Graduated from Juntendo University School of Medicine
Worked at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital and affiliated facilities
Worked at a major aesthetic clinic in Tokyo
Affiliations / Qualifications
Board-certified specialist, Japan Surgical Society
Board-certified specialist, Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
What is Volnuma?
Volnuma is a device developed by the South Korean company CLASSYS.An RF (radiofrequency) treatment for sagging with minimal pain and downtimeIt is a medical device.
It generates heat in the deep tissue using 6.78 MHz radiofrequency energy, without damaging the epidermis.It is designed to stimulate collagen production in the dermis, tighten the fat layer, restore firmness, and help improve sagging.
A paper published in 2024 demonstrated that monopolar radiofrequency therapy (Volnuma) stimulates collagen production to tighten the skin, with improvement seen primarily in sagging of the mid-face and lower face.
(Translation) Fifty female patients aged 30 to 70 underwent RF treatment, and 34 responded to a questionnaire three months afterward. 82% reported satisfaction, with marked improvement primarily in the mid-face, lower face, and eyelids. Specific improvements noted were in sagging (52.9%), texture (17.6%), and skin tone (11.7%). 73.5% noticed changes within 1 to 2 months after treatment, and peak effects were observed at 1 to 2 months.
The Effects of Volnuma
With Volnuma, the following effects may be expected:
【Main Effects】
- Facial lift and improvement of sagging
- Skin tightening
- Improvement of nasolabial folds and marionette lines
- Small-face effect
- Improvement of skin texture and tightening of pores
- Stimulation of collagen production
【Treatment Areas】 - Cheeks, jawline, eye area, nose, above the brows, under the chin, neck, and décolletage
Our Volnuma Pricing, Among the Lowest in Japan
| Shots / Range | Price |
|---|---|
| 200 Shots (cheeks + jawline) | 49,800 yen |
| 300 Shots (full face + under the chin) | 59,800 yen |
| 400 Shots (full face + under the chin) | 69,800 yen |
| 500 Shots (full face + under the chin + neck) | 79,800 yen |
| Shots / Range | Price |
|---|---|
| 200 Shots (cheeks + jawline) | 38,800 yen |
| 300 Shots (full face + under the chin) | 48,800 yen |
| 400 Shots (full face + under the chin) | 53,800 yen |
| 500 Shots (full face + under the chin + neck) | 57,800 yen |
Technical Features of Volnuma
Monopolar RF
There are various types of radiofrequency devices, andVolnuma is a monopolar RF devicefalls under this category.Because its energy reaches a wide area, it is ideal for mild to moderate sagging.
The higher the frequency (the oscillation rate of the electromagnetic waves), the greater the frictional heat generated within the cells, and the more readily heat is delivered to deeper layers.
| RF type | Monopolar RF | Bipolar RF | Multipolar RF | Microneedle RF |
| Frequency | 6.78 MHz | 1 MHz | 1 MHz | 2 MHz |
| Benefits | Heat penetrates broadly and deeply | Treatment depth can be specified | Energy concentrates centrally | Treatment depth can be specified |
| Drawbacks | Treatment depth cannot be specified | Treatment depth is shallow | Treatment depth cannot be specified | Downtime occurs due to skin puncture |
| Effect | Tightening · Promotes skin regeneration | Contour correction | Contour correction | Promotes skin regeneration |
In this method, radiofrequency current passes between the electrode applied to the treatment area and an electrode attached to the body (the return electrode), forming a closed circuit within the body that heats the target area.
Different tips for different areas
By using four dedicated tips with different heating depths and treatment areas, Volnumacan address a wide range of treatment areas and concerns, from the whole face to fine details such as the eyes and nose..
| ITip | 0.25 cm² | Fine areas such as the eyes, nose, and marionette lines |
| FTip | 3.0 cm² | Dedicated to jawline and facial contouring |
| VTip | 4.0 cm² | Full-face lift |
| STip | 16.0 cm² | Body areas such as the abdomen, arms, and thighs |
Water-cooled system for pain control
VolnumaIts continuous cooling system, using vibration and circulating water, is designed to minimize discomfort.has been thoughtfully engineered.
During treatment, deep heating is performed while cooling water is circulated to continuously cool the surface.The tip of the device is kept at a constant 12–16°C.Conventional methods that spray cooling gas onto the skin to chill the surface instantlyCompared with such "gas-based" methods, it causes less discomfort.which is one of its distinctive features.
In addition, because the skin is not over-cooled, thermal energy is reliably accumulated, so the effect is not diminished,maximizing the treatment effectThis is another advantage.
Safety Design (Hidden Edge Technology)
By positioning the electrode edge within the tip structure to avoid contact with the skin, energy concentration at the tip is prevented. In addition, if any part of the tip surface lifts away from the skin, energy delivery stops automatically.
The Causes of Sagging and How Volnuma Works
Causes of Sagging
【【【What Is Sagging?】
It occurs due to structural changes throughout the skin.
The bones thin, the facial muscles weaken, fat increases, and the skin loses firmness and elasticity, until it can no longer support the skin and fat and the face begins to droop.
The result is sagging of the jawline and cheeks, as well as dark under-eye circles, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and enlarged pores.
So why does skin sag?
【Main Causes of Sagging】 UV exposure / aging / poor diet / sluggish metabolism / hormonal imbalance / stress, and more
UV rays degrade the collagen and elastin deep within the skin, leading to sagging.
In addition, as we age, metabolism and muscle strength throughout the body—including the skin—decline, and estrogen (a female hormone) that enhances skin firmness and elasticity drops sharply from the 40s onward.
Furthermore, when we feel stress, the hormone cortisol is released in excess, reducing collagen levels.
Volnuma helps improve sagging with 6.78 MHz radiofrequency energy
Heating with Volnuma's 6.78 MHz radiofrequency causes thermal contraction of loosened fibrous structures, tightening them. When moderate thermal stimulation is applied, the body's inherentnatural wound-healing response is triggered, generating new collagen and elastin and forming a stronger fibrous structure..
6.78 MHz radiofrequency generates heat most efficiently at a depth of 2 to 4 mm below the skin surface.
This depth corresponds to the tissues that cause sagging—for example, the "supporting ligaments" that anchor the skin to bone and muscle, and the area around the boundary between the "dermis," where collagen that provides firmness and elasticity resides, and the subcutaneous tissue.
How the Effects Appear and How Long They Last
| Period | What is happening |
| Day of treatment | Thermal contraction |
| 2 weeks to 1 month after treatment | Collagen production becomes more active |
| 1 to 3 months after treatment | Collagen production peaks |
| 3 to 6 months after treatment | The rate of collagen breakdown begins to exceed production, and the effect gradually fades |
The effects appear in two stages
- Immediately after treatment: a sense of firmness and mild tightening
- 2One week to one month later: a more noticeable lifting effect
Immediately after a Volnuma treatment, temporary tissue contraction from the heat may producea mild tightening effectYou may notice this. However, this is a temporary effect and differs from the true treatment result.
The main treatment effect typically appears about two weeks to one month after treatment. This coincides with the timing when the wound-healing response of the heat-stimulated tissue becomes active andthe production of new collagen and elastinbecomes active.
Peak Effect and Duration
- Peak effect: 1 to 3 months
- Duration of effect: 3 to 6 months
The peak effect is around 1 to 3 months after treatment.This is when the tightening effect is most noticeable, and many people feel a distinct change in their facial contours and firmness.
After that, the effect gradually becomes milder, butit is generally said to last approximately 3 to 6 monthsHowever, how the effect appears and how long it lasts can vary.Individual differences depending on age, skin type, collagen regeneration capacity, and other factorsare available.
Tips for Making Volnuma Results Last Longer
To maintain the results of Volnuma, regular maintenance and proper aftercare are key.
Recommended Maintenance Frequency
- Recommended treatment frequency: once every 3 to 6 months
Volnuma's effects are not permanent. Maintenance is essential to sustain the results. Regular treatment may help prevent the age-related deterioration of fibrous tissue.
Volnuma: Downtime, Risks, and Side Effects
Downtime
Volnuma involves virtually no downtime.However, because radiofrequency delivers heat deep into the skin, the following reactions may occur:
[Downtime symptoms]
- Redness: several hours to one day
- Mild swelling: 1 to 2 days
- Sensation of heat: several hours
Mild redness or a sensation of heat may occur for a few hours immediately after treatment. This is a normal reaction and improves over time.
You can wear makeup and bathe from the day of treatment, keeping the impact on your work and daily life to a minimum.
Symptoms to watch for
In very rare cases, if you experience any of the following symptoms, please contact the clinic promptly.
- Increasing pain, swelling, or redness
- Burns or blistering
- Nerve damage (such as reduced skin sensation or weakened muscle movement)
Aftercare｜advice for daily life after treatment
First we list the "things to avoid," and then we explain the reasons in detail.
【Things to Avoid Within 24 Hours】
- Strenuous exercise
- Sauna
- Bathing in hot water
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Use of retinol and hydroquinone cream
[What is best avoided within 24 hours] - Exercise
- Alcohol consumption
[What you may do within 24 hours] - Face washing｜Please wash gently so as not to create friction.
- Skincare｜Please use gentle, non-irritating products and focus mainly on moisturizing.
- Makeup
[What is best avoided within 1 week] - Massage around the treated area
- Sauna and hot-stone bath
- Use of retinol and hydroquinone cream
- Smoking
Next, we briefly explain "why you should avoid these."
In the area treated with radiofrequency, the body works to restore the heat-contracted tissue by producing more collagen and elastin.
What the "things to avoid within 24 hours" have in common is "excessively increased blood flow or added heat." Applying excessive heat to an area that is already warm may slow the healing process.
In addition, smoking impairs blood flow and makes it harder to deliver the oxygen and nutrients needed for recovery, so we recommend not smoking regardless of whether you are undergoing treatment.
Improve your lifestyle habits to enhance results and help prevent new sagging
Adopting the following skincare and lifestyle habits can promote skin regeneration and help prevent new sagging.
【Things to Do】
- Moisturizing Care
- UV protection
- Replenish antioxidants
- Adequate sleep
To support wound healing, it is important to keep your skin in good condition, and moisturizing is the basic step. It is also thought that about 80% of skin aging is caused by UV rays, so be sure to reapply sunscreen and make good use of a parasol, sunglasses, and the like.
Ingredients with antioxidant properties, such as vitamins C and E and polyphenols, help support improvement of sagging by curbing the action of free radicals and protecting collagen and elastin. We recommend taking them in not only through skincare but also through your diet.
No matter how careful you are with skincare and diet, a lack of sleep will undermine your efforts. Ensuring quality sleep makes it easier for the body to secrete the growth hormone needed for tissue repair.
Volnuma, HIFU, and Thermage｜Comparison with Other Devices
Differences from HIFU
First, we have put together a comparison table showing the differences from HIFU, a leading device for treating sagging.
Both are classified as treatments for sagging, butthe depth, temperature, and manner in which heat is delivered differ, so the level of pain and the effects also differ.
| Item | Volnewmer | HIFU |
| Energy | Monopolar RF | High-intensity focused ultrasound |
| Heating depth | 2–4 mm | 1.5–4.5 mm |
| Target | Dermis to mid-fat layer | Deep fat layer to SMAS layer |
| How heat is delivered | Broadly and evenly | Pinpoint |
| Heating temperature | Around 55°C | Around 60°C |
| Pain Level | Mild | Moderate: a sharp, stinging pain, felt more readily the closer it is to the bone |
| Downtime | Almost none | Almost none |
| Effect | Tightens the skin from within | From the fascia that forms the foundation of the skin lifts sagging skin |
| Duration of Effect | 3-6 months | 6 to 12 months |
Ultrasound delivers pinpoint thermal stimulation of around 60°C to layers deeper than Volnuma, focusing mainly on the SMAS layer that forms the skin's foundation. Because it targets different layers than Volnuma—which delivers heat broadly from the dermis to the upper fat layer—combining the two can also be effective.
If you have little facial fat or sagging, there is a risk of the cheeks looking sunken. It cannot be used around the eyes, mouth (philtrum), or nose because of this risk. Note that heating above 60°C is known to cause pain, and you may feel a prickling sensation during treatment.
Reference:National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan, "Basic Knowledge of Cosmetic Medicine," April 2024 issue
Differences from Thermage
Thermage is the RF sagging-treatment device made by Thermage Inc. in the United States, which Volnuma was modeled after. Using the same 6.78 MHz monopolar radiofrequency as Volnuma, it heats a broad area from the dermis to the subcutaneous tissue. One advantage is its longer-lasting effect.
It is equipped with a cooling system that emits cooling gas below -20°C during irradiation and immediately before and after, but the temperature swings between cooling and heat can cause pain.
Because of the cost of consumables, the price tends to be set on the higher side.
Who Volnuma Is Recommended For and Who It Is Not
Recommended for
- Those concerned about early signs of sagging
- Those seeking a lifting treatment with minimal pain
- Those who want to keep downtime to a minimum
- Those seeking natural-looking results
- Those considering regular maintenance treatment
It is most effective for mild to moderate sagging. For severe sagging, we may recommend combining it with other treatments. It is recommended for those who wish to prevent or improve age-related changes through ongoing treatment.
Not recommended for
- Those with severe sagging
- Those who strongly want immediate results
- Those seeking a dramatic change
In cases of significant excess skin or deep sagging, Volnuma alone may not provide sufficient results.
It takes about 2 weeks to 1 month to notice the effects, so it is not suited to those expecting an immediate change.
Because this treatment aims for natural improvement, it is not suited to those seeking a dramatic change.
Precautions and Contraindications for Volnuma
Contraindications
- Those with a pacemaker: The treatment cannot be performed, as radiofrequency may interfere with the medical device
- Those with metal implants: If metal sutures or plates are present at the treatment site, abnormal heat concentration may occur
- Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding: Because the effects on the fetus or infant are not clearly established, please avoid treatment during this period
- Those with a serious illness: If you have an immune system disorder, are undergoing treatment for a malignancy, or have a serious heart condition, please consult us in advance
Pre-Treatment Precautions
- Avoid sun exposure: Please avoid sun exposure for one month before treatment
- Health management: We will postpone treatment if you are feeling unwell
FAQ
- When can I start wearing makeup?
-
You can wear makeup from the same day.
- How many sessions are needed before I notice results?
-
Many people notice a difference after a single session, but to help maintain results we recommend maintenance every 3 to 6 months.
- Can I have the treatment if I have sensitive skin?
-
In most cases, yes. Please discuss this with us at your consultation.
- From what age can I receive this treatment?
-
Some people begin as a preventive measure in their late twenties to early thirties.
There is no specific upper age limit; we assess each case comprehensively based on your skin and overall health.
- I am hoping to become pregnant. Can I still have the treatment?
-
The treatment can be performed before pregnancy. Please refrain from treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- What happens if I feel strong pain during the treatment?
-
If you feel significant pain during treatment, we will adjust the output to ease it. Enduring pain does not make the treatment more effective. To avoid the risk of burns, please tell us right away rather than putting up with discomfort.
- Can it be combined with HIFU?
-
We recommend leaving at least one month between HIFU and Volnuma. Allowing the tissue to recover before the next treatment supports a safer and more effective result.
- Origio X and the Potenza Diamond Tip are also RF devices—what is the difference?
-
Origio X is also a monopolar RF device that primarily delivers heat to the dermis, whereas Volnuma reaches down to the subcutaneous tissue.
The Potenza Diamond Tip delivers monopolar and bipolar energy simultaneously. Operating at 1–2 MHz, its heat reaches only shallow layers, so it is better suited to fine lines and firmness than to sagging.
- Can it be combined with other aesthetic treatments?
-
Yes. It can be combined with many aesthetic treatments, such as botulinum toxin injections and thread lifts. Please consult your physician regarding treatment intervals and sequence.
Treatment Flow
You can easily book from your smartphone.
A smart, effortless check-in: just give your name and our clinic IT system completes reception right away.
During counseling, please feel free to share any concerns. Rest assured, there is no pushy sales.
After the electrode pads are attached, gel is applied to the treatment area and energy is delivered while checking in with you throughout. The output is adjusted according to your skin condition and pain tolerance. You will typically feel a gentle warming sensation during treatment, with little to no significant pain.
We explain in detail how to care for the treated area and what to keep in mind in daily life. From a prevention and maintenance standpoint, we also suggest suitable home care, such as oral medications and skincare products that can support improvement of your concerns.
Summary
Volnuma is a sagging-treatment device that uses 6.78 MHz monopolar radiofrequency technology. By gently heating the fibrous tissue, primarily 2 to 4 mm beneath the skin, to around 55°C, it aims to achieve a natural lifting effect while keeping discomfort to a minimum.
If you are interested in Volnuma, we invite you to start with a free consultation. A physician will personally assess your skin and propose the treatment plan best suited to you.
We will explain the details of the treatment—its effects, risks, and costs—in full, and begin only once you are satisfied. There is no pressure to proceed, so please feel free to consult with us.
Details
| Treatment Time | Approximately 30 to 60 minutes for the whole face (excluding consultation) |
| Recommended Number & Frequency of Treatments | Treatment is recommended at intervals of approximately 3 to 6 months |
| Downtime | Almost none |
| Treatment on the day of counseling | Available |
| Makeup | Possible right after the treatment |
| Skincare | Possible right after the treatment |
| Shower | Possible from the same day |
| Pain | Mild |
*Results vary from person to person.
Legal Notice (Regarding Unapproved Medical Devices)
Volnuma is a medical device approved by the U.S. FDA and South Korea's MFDS—the counterparts of Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. However, it is not approved under Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act, so physicians import it personally and use it under their own responsibility.
Reference・Citation
- CLASSYS Inc.
- Yousun Hwang, Smith Arayaskul, Vasanop Vachiramon, Kyu-Ho Yi. Subjective evaluation of monopolar radiofrequency treatment by patients in aesthetic rejuvenation. Skin Research and Technology: Official Journal of the International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS), the International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS), and the International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI). 2024
- National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan, "Basic Knowledge of Cosmetic Medicine," April 2024 issue
Physician Who Supervised This Page
Smart Skin Clinic, Chief Medical Director / Physician
Kota Ishii
We oversee treatment policies across the entire group, tailored to the skin condition of each individual patient. The content on this page has been reviewed and approved in line with our clinic's treatment policies.
Interview with Director Kota Ishii
Kota Ishii, our Chief Medical Director, shares our clinic's approach to patient care.
About the physician supervision of this site
This site is operated under the supervision of a Smart Skin Clinic supervising physician.
This page was produced in accordance with the Medical Advertising Guidelines Medical Advertising Guidelines revised and enforced in June 2018, under which we produce and provide this information.
- Scope of supervision: treatment descriptions, risks and side effects, price display
- Last supervision date: June 26, 2025