Ulthera vs Thermage in Korea: Which Skin Lifting Treatment is Right for You?

When it comes to non-surgical skin lifting treatments in Korea, Ulthera and Thermage are two of the most popular and effective options. Both treatments promise to tighten skin, reduce sagging, and restore a more youthful appearance without going under the knife. However, they work in fundamentally different ways and are suited to different skin types and concerns.

If you're planning a medical tourism trip to Seoul or researching Korean skincare treatments, understanding the key differences between Ulthera and Thermage will help you make an informed decision about which treatment is right for you. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about both procedures, from how they work to pricing and results.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Ulthera and Thermage treatments. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any medical or cosmetic procedure.

Understanding the Core Difference: Ultrasound vs Radiofrequency

The fundamental difference between Ulthera and Thermage lies in the technology they use and the skin layers they target.

Ulthera: Deep Lifting with Focused Ultrasound

Ulthera (also known as Ultherapy) uses High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology to target the deepest layers of facial tissue. Specifically, it reaches the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) layer—the same layer that plastic surgeons target during surgical facelifts.

How it works:

• Delivers focused ultrasound energy 3.0-4.5mm deep into the skin
• Creates precise thermal coagulation points at the SMAS layer
• Triggers collagen production and tissue contraction
• Provides actual lifting effect by tightening the muscular layer

Think of Ulthera as a "deep lift"—it pulls up sagging tissue from the foundation, similar to how a surgical facelift works but without incisions.

Thermage: Surface Tightening with Radiofrequency

Thermage uses monopolar radiofrequency (RF) energy to target the dermis and subcutaneous layers. While it doesn't reach as deep as Ulthera, it treats a larger volume of tissue.

How it works:

• Delivers radiofrequency heat to the dermis (1.5-3.0mm depth)
• Heats collagen fibers, causing immediate contraction
• Stimulates new collagen production over time
• Provides tightening and volumizing effect

Think of Thermage as a "surface tightener"—it shrink-wraps your skin to make it firmer and more compact, improving texture and reducing fine lines.

Key Differences at a Glance

Which Treatment is Right for You?

Choose Ulthera If:

✅ You have significant sagging - Loose jowls, sagging neck, or dropped brow line ✅ You have thicker skin - Ulthera penetrates deeper and works better on thick tissue ✅ You want lifting rather than just tightening - True vertical lift effect ✅ You prefer targeted treatment - Precise energy delivery to specific problem areas ✅ You're comfortable with gradual results - Full effects take 2-3 months

Ideal Candidates:

• Age 35-65 with mild to moderate skin laxity
• People with deeper facial fat and thicker skin
• Those seeking jawline definition and neck lifting
• Patients who want to delay or avoid surgical facelift

Choose Thermage If:

✅ You have thinner skin - Less risk of volume loss or hollowing ✅ You have minimal fat - Won't create gaunt appearance ✅ You want overall skin quality improvement - Texture, pores, fine lines ✅ You want immediate visible results - Some tightening right after treatment ✅ You want full-face rejuvenation - Treats larger areas effectively

Ideal Candidates:

• Age 30-60 with mild to moderate skin laxity
• People with thin skin or less facial volume
• Those seeking skin texture improvement
• Patients concerned about enlarged pores or fine wrinkles

Ulthera Treatment Details

How Ulthera Works: Step by Step

1. Consultation & Mapping: The doctor analyzes your face and marks treatment zones
2. Cleansing: Thorough facial cleansing to remove makeup and oils
3. Numbing: Topical anesthetic cream applied 30-45 minutes before treatment
4. Ultrasound Gel: Special gel applied to facilitate ultrasound transmission
5. Treatment: Handheld device delivers focused ultrasound energy to target areas
6. Cooling & Soothing: Post-treatment mask or cream to calm the skin

Ulthera Shot Counts

Ulthera is priced by the number of "shots" or lines of energy delivered:

• 300 shots: Lower face and jawline (₩800,000-₩1,200,000 / $615-$925)
• 600 shots: Full face including forehead and neck (₩1,500,000-₩2,500,000 / $1,155-$1,925)
• 900+ shots: Full face, neck, and décolletage (₩2,000,000+ / $1,540+)

Korean clinics often offer package deals combining different areas. Be wary of extremely cheap prices—these may use non-authentic devices or insufficient shot counts.

Ulthera Results & Timeline

• Immediate: Mild swelling and some tightening
• 1-2 weeks: Initial lifting becomes noticeable
• 2-3 months: Peak results as new collagen forms
• 6-12 months: Continued improvement
• 12-18 months: Effects gradually diminish

Most Korean dermatologists recommend one Ulthera session per year for maintenance.

Ulthera Side Effects

Common (temporary):

• Redness and swelling (1-3 days)
• Tenderness or soreness (1-2 weeks)
• Temporary numbness or tingling
• Slight bruising in treated areas

Rare but possible:

• Temporary nerve weakness (especially near jaw)
• Burns or blistering (if improperly administered)
• Paradoxical volume loss in thin individuals

Thermage Treatment Details

How Thermage Works: Step by Step

1. Consultation: Assessment of skin type and treatment goals
2. Cleansing & Marking: Skin cleaned and treatment grid applied
3. Numbing: Topical or injectable anesthesia (varies by clinic)
4. Treatment: Thermage handpiece delivers radiofrequency pulses with cooling
5. Multiple Passes: Systematic coverage of all facial zones
6. Cooling Treatment: Soothing mask to reduce heat sensation

Thermage Shot Counts & Coverage

Thermage FLX (the latest generation) is also priced by shot count:

• 300 shots: Eyes or small areas (₩800,000-₩1,200,000 / $615-$925)
• 600 shots: Full face (₩1,800,000-₩3,000,000 / $1,385-$2,310)
• 900 shots: Face and neck (₩2,500,000-₩4,000,000 / $1,925-$3,080)

Thermage typically requires more shots than Ulthera because it treats broader surface areas rather than pinpoint depths.

Thermage Results & Timeline

• Immediate: 20-30% immediate tightening effect
• 1 month: Continued improvement as collagen remodels
• 3-6 months: Peak results with full collagen regeneration
• 12 months: Effects remain strong
• 12-18 months: Gradual decrease in results

The immediate tightening effect is one of Thermage's major advantages—you can literally see results right after treatment, which then continue improving.

Thermage Side Effects

Common (temporary):

• Redness and slight swelling (few hours to 1 day)
• Temporary skin sensitivity
• Mild bumps or welts (resolve within hours)

Rare:

• Fat atrophy in areas with minimal fat
• Temporary pigmentation changes
• Burns (very rare with proper technique)

The "Ulsermage" Combination: Best of Both Worlds?

Many Korean dermatologists now recommend combining both treatments—colloquially called "울써마지" (Ulsermage) in Korea. This approach delivers:

1. Ulthera: Deep lifting at the SMAS layer for structural support
2. Thermage: Surface tightening for skin texture and fine lines

Who Benefits from Combination Treatment?

• Age 40+ with multiple signs of aging
• Those with both deep sagging and surface laxity
• Patients seeking maximum anti-aging results without surgery
• Those willing to invest in comprehensive treatment

Combination Pricing

Ulsermage packages in Korea typically cost:

• ₩2,500,000-₩4,500,000 ($1,925-$3,465) for full face
• Many clinics offer 10-20% discount compared to booking separately

While expensive, this is still 50-70% cheaper than equivalent treatments in the US, where Ulthera alone can cost $3,000-$5,000.

Pain Management: What to Expect

Ulthera Pain Level

Pain rating: 6-7/10 (moderate to high)

Ulthera is known for being uncomfortable because the focused ultrasound energy creates heat at the bone level. Many patients describe it as:

• Sharp, brief zapping sensations
• Deep aching during jaw and brow treatment
• More intense over bony areas (jawbone, forehead)

Pain management options:

• Topical numbing cream (standard)
• Oral pain medication before treatment
• IV sedation (at premium clinics)
• Laughing gas (nitrous oxide)

Thermage Pain Level

Pain rating: 4-6/10 (moderate)

Thermage FLX includes vibration technology and improved cooling, making it more comfortable than older versions. Patients describe:

• Deep heating sensation
• Brief stinging as RF pulses deliver
• Generally more tolerable than Ulthera

Pain management:

• Topical numbing cream
• Injection anesthesia for very sensitive patients
• Cooling breaks during treatment

Most patients tolerate Thermage without sedation, whereas Ulthera more commonly requires additional pain management.

Pricing in Seoul's Top Clinics

Based on 2025 pricing data from Korean dermatology clinics:

Budget-Friendly Clinics (Myeongdong, Hongdae)

• Ulthera 300 shots: ₩800,000-₩1,000,000 ($615-$770)
• Thermage 600 shots: ₩1,800,000-₩2,200,000 ($1,385-$1,695)

Mid-Range Clinics (Gangnam, Apgujeong)

• Ulthera 600 shots: ₩1,500,000-₩2,000,000 ($1,155-$1,540)
• Thermage 900 shots: ₩2,500,000-₩3,200,000 ($1,925-$2,465)

Premium Clinics (Cheongdam, Sinsa)

• Ulthera full face: ₩2,000,000-₩3,000,000 ($1,540-$2,310)
• Thermage full protocol: ₩3,000,000-₩4,500,000 ($2,310-$3,465)

Important pricing notes:

• Prices as of January 2026 (₩1,300 = $1 USD)
• Exchange rates fluctuate—always confirm current pricing
• Premium clinics may use newer device versions
• Beware of suspiciously low prices—may indicate counterfeit equipment
• Package deals for multiple treatments offer 15-30% savings

Top Clinics for Ulthera & Thermage in Seoul

For Ulthera:

1. ID Hospital (Gangnam) - Renowned for facial contouring and lifting
2. BK Clinic (Apgujeong) - Specializes in Ulthera for Asian facial structure
3. Cheongdam Oracle Dermatology - Premium facility with experienced doctors

For Thermage:

1. Renewme Skin Clinic (Gangnam) - Multiple Thermage-certified doctors
2. Shimmian Clinic (Sinsa) - Known for skin tightening treatments
3. Hershe Dermatology (Gangnam) - Foreigner-friendly, English support

For Combination Treatments:

1. April 31 Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (Apgujeong) - Comprehensive anti-aging programs
2. View Plastic Surgery Clinic (Gangnam) - Popular with international patients
3. Grand Plastic Surgery (Gangnam) - Full-service medical tourism support

Always verify that clinics use authentic FDA-approved equipment (genuine Ulthera or Thermage devices) and check doctor credentials.

FAQ: Ulthera vs Thermage

Q: Can I do both Ulthera and Thermage on the same day? A: Some clinics offer same-day combination treatments, but many doctors recommend spacing them 2-4 weeks apart to allow proper assessment of each treatment's effects and reduce cumulative inflammation.

Q: Which treatment lasts longer? A: Ulthera typically lasts 12-18 months, slightly longer than Thermage's 12-month duration. However, individual results vary based on age, lifestyle, and skin condition.

Q: Are there cheaper alternatives to Ulthera and Thermage? A: Yes—Korea offers similar treatments like Shurink (Korean HIFU device), Oligio (Korean RF device), and Inmode. These are often 30-50% cheaper but may have slightly different results.

Q: How many sessions do I need? A: Both treatments typically require only one session for results lasting 1-1.5 years. Some patients do maintenance sessions every 12-18 months.

Q: Can I combine these with Botox or fillers? A: Yes, but timing matters. Most doctors recommend Ulthera/Thermage first, then Botox 2 weeks later and fillers 4 weeks later to avoid displacement.

Q: Is there downtime? A: Minimal. Expect mild swelling for 1-3 days, but most patients return to normal activities immediately. Avoid intense exercise for 24-48 hours.

Q: Do results look natural? A: Yes, both treatments provide gradual, natural-looking improvement rather than dramatic overnight changes. This is actually an advantage—no one will know you had "work done."

Q: Am I too young for these treatments? A: Most dermatologists recommend starting at age 30-35 for prevention, though visible sagging may not appear until 40+. Earlier treatment can delay aging signs.

Conclusion: Making Your Decision

Both Ulthera and Thermage are highly effective, FDA-approved treatments that deliver real anti-aging results without surgery. Your choice should depend on:

• Your primary concern: Choose Ulthera for sagging/lifting, Thermage for texture/tightening
• Your skin type: Thick skin → Ulthera; Thin skin → Thermage
• Your budget: Ulthera is generally more affordable for targeted areas
• Your pain tolerance: Thermage is typically more comfortable
• Your timeline: Thermage shows faster visible results

For comprehensive rejuvenation, the Ulsermage combination offers the best of both technologies, addressing both deep structural sagging and surface skin quality.

Planning your Korean skincare journey? Book consultations at 2-3 reputable clinics in Seoul to compare treatment plans and pricing. Many clinics offer free consultations for international patients and can assess your specific needs to recommend the optimal treatment.

Ready to experience world-class skin lifting treatments at Korean prices? Research certified clinics in Gangnam and Apgujeong, verify their credentials, and always insist on genuine FDA-approved equipment for safe, effective results.

Last Updated: January 5, 2026 Reading Time: 12 minutes