Board-certified dermatologist markKAHF mark (Korea Accreditation Program for Hospitals Serving Foreign Patients)Led by a board-certified dermatologist
Personal diagnosis · Accountable care
Ministry of Health and Welfare
KAHF-accredited hospital

DM DERMATOLOGY

Triple LDM

TRIPLE LDM

Caring for your skin
with ultrasound at multiple frequencies:
Triple LDM

Triple LDM is DM Dermatology's ultrasound care that delivers ultrasound at multiple frequencies to the skin, switching between them at short intervals.

A clinician in a light-blue uniform placing a round white ultrasound handpiece on a patient's gel-covered cheek

Triple LDM

Aesthetic · Triple LDM

LDM is an ultrasound care device made by Wellcomet in Germany. The name stands for ‘Local Dynamic Micro-massage.’ ‘Triple’ means that it alternates between ultrasound at three frequencies.

During care, ultrasound gel is applied to the face, and the handpiece is moved slowly over the skin. No needles are used, and the skin is not shaved off. That is why it is used for hydrating and calming care for dry or sensitive skin, calming care after other treatments, and supportive care for acne-prone skin.

If you have many pus-filled pimples or a skin disease is suspected, medical treatment comes before care. At DM Dermatology, we check your skin first. Then we decide whether LDM suits you and whether you also need other treatments or medical care.

  • Moisturizing
  • Calming
  • Post-treatment calming
  • Supportive care for breakout-prone skin

IN NUMBERS

The numbers behind Triple LDM

  • Frequency

    3

    Ultrasound frequencies
    delivered in turn

  • Switch

    1–10ms

    Interval between frequency switches
    (1–10 thousandths of a second)

  • Time

    12min

    Ultrasound step time
    in DM Dermatology care

  • Sessions

    5–10sessions

    Number usually
    done in a row

CHECK

If you have these
skin concerns

A female model with dewy, clear skin smiling with her fingertips on her cheek against a pale mint background
  1. Check01

    My skin feels tight soon after washing — even with moisturizer, it turns dry and flaky by afternoon.

  2. Check02

    My face flushes and burns easily — when the temperature changes or I switch cosmetics, my cheeks turn red and sting.

  3. Check03

    Redness and swelling after treatments bother me — after laser or injection treatments, I look for care that calms sensitized skin.

  4. Check04

    Small breakouts appear often — I wonder what care I can get alongside my acne treatment.

  5. Check05

    I'm looking for low-irritation care — needles or peels feel like too much, so I want care that does not shave off the skin.

HOW IT WORKS

Ultrasound at multiple frequencies,
delivered in turn

Ultrasound is a very fast vibration that the ear cannot hear. Frequency is the number of vibrations per second. Ultrasound used in skin care vibrates more than a million times per second.

The higher the frequency, the more the ultrasound is absorbed in shallow skin layers; the lower the frequency, the more it is absorbed in deeper layers. So a single frequency mainly reaches one depth.

Triple LDM delivers three frequencies, switching between them every 1–10 thousandths of a second. The manufacturer explains that this lets cells in both shallow and deep layers respond to multiple frequencies together. It named this method ‘dynamic micro-massage.’

Ultrasound does not travel well through air. So gel is applied between the skin and the handpiece to fill the gap. The handpiece glides over the gel without pressing hard. It works differently from lifting devices that focus ultrasound on a single point inside the skin to create heat.

3D illustration of a skin cross-section. A round white ultrasound handpiece rests on clear gel at the top; below it, closely spaced light-blue waves spread in the shallow layers and wide purple waves reach deep into the dermis, with a yellow fat layer at the bottom
  1. 1

    Ultrasound gel A clear gel that removes air between the handpiece and the skin so ultrasound can pass into the skin.

  2. 2

    High frequency Ultrasound with closely spaced waves. It passes through the epidermis and is mostly absorbed in the shallow dermis.

  3. 3

    Low frequency Ultrasound with widely spaced waves. It reaches deeper layers. The three frequencies alternate at very short intervals.

  4. 4

    Dermis The layer below the epidermis where collagen and elastic fibers support the skin.

  5. 5

    Subcutaneous fat The fat layer below the dermis.

A simplified drawing showing that different frequencies reach different depths. Real ultrasound is invisible.

CARE FOR

Three uses
of Triple LDM

In this care, a handpiece is moved over gel-covered skin. No needles are used and the skin is not shaved off, so it is relatively easy to return to daily life after care. Depending on your skin, we plan one of the uses below or combine them.

  • HydrateHydrating care for dry skinCombined with moisturizing care, it may help smooth dry, tight skin.
  • CalmCalming red, sensitive skinIt may help calm skin that flushes easily or skin sensitized after laser or injection treatments.
  • ClearSupportive care for breakout-prone skinFor acne-prone skin, it is planned as supportive care alongside medical treatment. Pus-filled pimples are treated medically first.

COMPARE

Triple LDM and HIFU lifting:
different methods

Both use ultrasound, but they differ in how it is delivered and what it is for.

HIFU liftingUlthera · Shurink
Triple LDMAesthetic care
Focuses ultrasound on a single point at a set depth inside the skin to create heat.How ultrasound is deliveredDelivers ultrasound at multiple frequencies at low intensity beneath the area the handpiece touches.
Sagging skin, facial contourMain concernsDryness, redness, breakout-prone skin
You may feel heat or a tingling zap where the ultrasound focuses.During careMostly the feel of cool gel and the handpiece gliding over the skin.
Redness, tenderness when pressed, and mild swelling may occur.After careMild redness may occur.

The two methods do not replace each other. Which method suits you is decided based on your skin and concerns.

DEVICES

Device used for Triple LDM

  1. Triple LDM device

    LDM Triple

    Triple LDM

    Ultrasound at multiple frequencies

    A care device that delivers ultrasound at multiple frequencies to the skin, switching between them at short intervals.

    • Ultrasound
    • Multiple frequencies
    • Care device

This is the Triple LDM device DM Dermatology has on site. The care plan and strength are decided after a consultation.

PROCESS

Triple LDM
treatment steps

Below is the general flow. We explain the actual plan after a consultation.

  1. A woman with sensitive skin and flushed cheeks resting her palms lightly on her cheeks

    step 01

    Consultation · skin check

    We check your skin concerns, recent treatments, and the medications you use. We also ask about implanted electronic devices, metal implants in the face, and pregnancy.

  2. A clinician gently wiping the cheek of a patient lying down with a cotton pad

    step 02

    Cleansing

    We remove makeup, surface oil, and impurities.

  3. A gloved clinician spreading clear gel on the face of a patient lying down with a white brush, with a round white handpiece on a tray beside them

    step 03

    Ultrasound LDM · about 12 min

    Ultrasound gel is applied to the face, and the handpiece is moved slowly to treat each area. If you feel any discomfort, tell us right away.

  4. A curved white LED panel shining soft light over the face of a patient lying down wearing protective goggles

    step 04

    LED

    Depending on the plan, an LED light step for the face follows. Your eyes are protected during this step.

  5. A clinician in a mint uniform spreading a mint-colored modeling mask on the face of a patient lying down with a spatula

    step 05

    Modeling mask · finish

    The gel is wiped off, and we finish with a modeling mask that is spread on, allowed to set, and peeled off. We apply sunscreen and explain what to do at home.

INFORMATION

What to know
before your session

Here are answers to questions patients often ask.

Session time
Ultrasound step about 12 min
Cleansing, LED, and mask take extra time
Numbing
No numbing
You will mostly feel cool gel and the handpiece gliding over; it may feel warm
Recovery
Redness usually lasts about 1 hour
Sensitive skin may stay red for 1–2 days
Daily life
Wash and wear makeup right after care
Skip saunas, hot spas, intense exercise, and alcohol that day
Recommended interval
Once a week at first
Twice a week for intensive care; once every 2–4 weeks once skin is stable
Recommended sessions
5–10 sessions
After that, the maintenance interval is set based on your skin

These are general guidelines and vary from person to person. DM Dermatology sets your care schedule after a consultation.

Caution

Aftercare and
reactions to know about

On the day of care, it is better not to add heat or irritation to your skin.

  1. 01
    Wash gently

    Wash with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Pat dry with a towel instead of rubbing.

  2. 02
    Moisturize well

    On the night of care, apply a gentle moisturizer. If your skin feels tight, you can apply more.

  3. 03
    Avoid heat on the day

    On the day of care, skip saunas, hot spas, exercise that makes you sweat a lot, and alcohol.

  4. 04
    Limit sun exposure

    If you had the LED step, limit sun exposure for two days. Apply sunscreen before going out, and wear a hat or use a sunbrella too.

  5. 05
    Pause irritating ingredients for a while

    While redness remains, pause scrubs, peeling products, and retinol.

  6. 06
    Don't squeeze breakouts

    Do not squeeze breakouts that appear after care. Show them to our medical staff at your next visit.

Side effects to know
  • Right after care, you may have redness, a warm feeling, or stinging or tickling. These usually settle in about 1 hour and may last 1–2 days for sensitive skin. How red the skin gets and how long it lasts varies from person to person.
  • For acne-prone skin, breakouts may increase for a short time during the first few sessions. If breakouts get worse or spread, let our clinic know.
  • Rarely, the ultrasound gel or mask ingredients may cause contact dermatitis, such as itching, a red rash, or hives. If you have had an allergic reaction to cosmetics or gel, please tell us in advance.
  • Be sure to tell us before care if you have an implanted electronic device such as a pacemaker or defibrillator, or metal implants or dental prostheses in the face.
  • If you have a skin infection or open wound in the treatment area, or a cold sore (herpes simplex) on the lips, care is postponed or that area is avoided.
  • Please tell us if you have cancer (a malignant tumor) in the treatment area or are being treated for it. Ultrasound care is not done on that area. Please also tell us in advance if any area has reduced sensation.
  • Ultrasound is not applied directly over the eyes (eyeballs).
  • Please tell us in advance if you are pregnant or might be. Our medical staff will decide whether to go ahead with care.
  • If you have recently had filler, a thread lift, Botox (botulinum toxin), or laser treatment, please tell us the dates. Our medical staff will decide the timing and order of care.
  • If your care includes the LED step, please tell us in advance if you take medication that makes you sensitive to light (for example, isotretinoin or lithium) or have had skin cancer.

Even with the same care, how it feels and the results depend on your skin condition, lifestyle, and home care, and vary from person to person.

Dr. Shin Young-ik, Medical Director, board-certified dermatologist

DM DOCTOR

We look at your skin first,
then plan your care

After looking into the causes of dryness, redness, and breakouts, we decide whether LDM suits you or medical treatment should come first.

Dr. Shin Young-ik Medical Director · Board-Certified Dermatologist

  • M.S., Hanyang University College of Medicine
  • Adjunct Professor, Hanyang University
  • Full Member, Korean Dermatological Association
  • Clinical Fellowship in Dermatology, Jefferson Medical College (Thomas Jefferson University), USA
Meet our doctor

FAQ

01What does LDM do?

LDM is skin care that delivers ultrasound at multiple frequencies in turn. It is used for hydrating (dewy-glow) care for dry, dull skin, calming care for red, sensitive skin, and supportive care for acne-prone skin. How much changes, and when you notice it, varies from person to person.

02Does LDM care hurt?

LDM care is done without numbing. You will mostly feel cool gel and the handpiece gliding over your skin, and some areas may feel warm or tickly. If it is uncomfortable, tell us right away, and our medical staff will lower the strength. How much you feel varies from person to person.

03How long does Triple LDM care take?

The ultrasound step takes about 12 min. Cleansing and the finishing steps (LED and a modeling mask, depending on the plan) take extra time. Because it is done without numbing, there is no time spent applying numbing cream and waiting. We tell you the total care time after a consultation.

04Can I wear makeup right after LDM?

You can usually wash your face and wear makeup right after care. Redness usually settles in about 1 hour, and in sensitive skin it may last 1–2 days. On the day of care, skip saunas, hot spas, intense exercise, and alcohol. If you had the LED step, limit sun exposure for two days and apply sunscreen before going out.

05How often, and how many times, should I get LDM?

Generally, sessions are once a week at first, and sometimes up to twice a week during intensive care. Usually 5–10 sessions are done in a row. Once your skin is stable, the interval is extended to once every 2–4 weeks. The actual schedule is set based on your skin.

06Can I get LDM after laser or injection treatments?

LDM is also used as care to calm skin that has become sensitive after laser or injection treatments. It can also be planned together with other care and treatments such as Calming Care, Aqua Peel Care, and Aqua Glow Injection. Whether to have it the same day or a few days later depends on the type of treatment and your skin. If you tell us your recent treatments and their dates, our medical staff will check your skin and set the order and intervals after a consultation.

07Can I get LDM if I have acne?

For skin with some small breakouts, LDM can be planned as supportive care alongside medical treatment. If you have many pus-filled pimples or deep, painful lumps, medical treatment comes first. Breakouts may increase for a short time during the first few sessions, so let us know if your skin changes.

08Is LDM ‘water drop lifting’ a lifting treatment?

‘Water drop lifting’ is a nickname for LDM in Korea. LDM works differently from HIFU lifting (Ulthera, Shurink), which focuses ultrasound on a single point inside the skin to create heat. If sagging skin is your main concern, we discuss lifting treatments separately.

09Can LDM brighten my skin?

LDM is not a device that targets melanin pigment the way lasers do. For concerns caused by pigment, such as melasma and dark spots, we plan pigment treatments after an examination. If your skin looks dull because it is dry, LDM can be planned together with moisturizing care.

10How can I get LDM care near Apgujeong or Sinsa?

DM Dermatology is at 4F, 158 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It is a 2-minute walk from Apgujeong Station (Line 3) Exit 5. On our menu, it is called Triple LDM. When you book, we first check your skin and recent treatments.

CONSULTATION

Consultation comes first

Before any treatment is chosen, a board-certified dermatologist checks your skin in person.

DM Dermatology, 4F, 579-1 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

From Apgujeong Station (Line 3) Exit 5, walk straight for 50 m. 4th floor of the A Twosome Place building

Weekdays
am 10:00 - pm 07:00
Saturday
am 10:00 - pm 04:30
Lunch break
pm 01:00 - pm 02:00
Sun & holidays
By appointment only
  • Subway

    3Apgujeong StationExit 5

    Walk straight for 50 m · 2 min on foot · 4th floor of the A Twosome Place building

  • Bus

    Apgujeong Station Exit 4 · Exit 32310523429

    Blue bus147 · 148 · 240 · 463 · 343Green bus4211

    Kwanglim Church · Hyundai High School2310323104

    Blue bus143 · 240 · 345 · 472Green bus3011 · 4312 · 4318

  • By car

    Search in your navigation app158 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu디엠피부과의원

    Use the building’s underground parking · Parking available in the building

WeChat consultation

DM Dermatology WeChat QR code

WeChat ID : dmderma

Scan the QR code in the WeChat app, or search for our ID and add us.