Ultherapy & HIFU in Korea: Non-Surgical Facelift Guide - Prices 2025

Want to lift and tighten sagging skin without surgery? Ultherapy and HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) treatments offer non-invasive alternatives to facelifts. Korea, with its advanced aesthetic technology and competitive pricing, is the ideal destination for these treatments.

What is HIFU?

HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a non-invasive lifting technology that uses ultrasound energy to tighten skin:

How It Works

1. Ultrasound delivery: Focused energy penetrates deep into skin
2. Thermal coagulation: Creates precise heating points at target depth
3. Collagen stimulation: Heat triggers natural healing response
4. Tissue contraction: Immediate tightening effect
5. Ongoing remodeling: Collagen production continues for months

Treatment Depths

HIFU can target multiple skin layers:

• 1.5mm: Epidermis/superficial dermis
• 3.0mm: Deep dermis
• 4.5mm: SMAS layer (same layer targeted in surgical facelifts)

The ability to reach the SMAS layer non-invasively is what makes HIFU revolutionary.

Ultherapy vs. Other HIFU Devices

Ultherapy (The Gold Standard)

• Manufacturer: Merz (Germany/USA)
• FDA cleared: Yes (only HIFU with FDA clearance for lifting)
• Technology: Micro-focused ultrasound with visualization
• Cost: Premium pricing

Korean HIFU Alternatives

Shurink (슈링크)

• Popular Korean brand
• More affordable than Ultherapy
• Well-established reputation

Doublo (더블로)

• Korean HIFU device
• Competitive pricing
• Good results reported

Ultraformer III

• Korean-made device
• Multiple depth options
• Growing popularity

HIFU & Ultherapy Prices in Korea (2025)

Korea offers significant savings on HIFU treatments:

Ultherapy Pricing

Korean HIFU (Shurink, Doublo) Pricing

Price Comparison

Ultherapy Prime (Latest Version)

The newest Ultherapy Prime offers:

• Enhanced precision
• Reduced pain
• Price: $770-$1,155 (₩1,000,000-₩1,500,000) for 600 shots

Why Ultherapy Costs More

Understanding the price difference:

1. Equipment cost: Ultherapy machines cost over $100,000
2. Genuine tips: Each disposable tip costs $1,000+
3. FDA clearance: Only HIFU with US FDA approval for lifting
4. Visualization: Real-time imaging ensures precision
5. Clinical data: Extensive research backing efficacy

Treatment Areas

Face

• Forehead: Brow lifting
• Periorbital: Around eyes, crow's feet
• Cheeks: Midface lifting
• Nasolabial: Smile lines
• Jawline: Jowl reduction, definition
• Double chin: Submental tightening

Neck

• Neck bands: Vertical lines
• Turkey neck: Loose skin
• Décolletage: Chest area

Shot Count Guidelines

Results and Timeline

What to Expect

Immediate (Day 1):

• Subtle tightening visible
• Mild redness/swelling
• Tenderness

Short-term (Week 1-4):

• Initial results stabilize
• Skin feels firmer
• Continued improvement

Long-term (Month 2-6):

• Peak collagen production
• Maximum lifting effect
• Full results visible

Duration of Results

• Average: 12-18 months
• With maintenance: Can extend further
• Individual variation: Depends on age, skin condition, lifestyle

Factors Affecting Results

• Age: Younger skin responds better
• Skin laxity: Mild-moderate best candidates
• Lifestyle: Sun protection, smoking status
• Collagen capacity: Individual healing response

The Treatment Experience

Before Treatment

Preparation:

• No special preparation needed
• Eat normally before appointment
• Come with clean skin
• Arrange transportation (some prefer not to drive after)

During Treatment (60-90 minutes)

1. Consultation (10 min): Assessment, planning
2. Cleansing (5 min): Skin preparation
3. Marking (5 min): Treatment zones outlined
4. Ultrasound gel (2 min): Applied for conductivity
5. Treatment (45-60 min): HIFU energy delivery
6. Cooling/soothing (5 min): Post-treatment care

Pain Level

HIFU treatments are moderately to significantly uncomfortable:

• Pain rating: 5-7/10 (varies by area and individual)
• Sensation: Deep heating, sharp stinging during pulses
• Most sensitive: Jawline, forehead
• Less sensitive: Cheeks
• Pain management: Numbing cream, pain medication offered

Note: Pain tolerance varies significantly. Discuss options with your clinic.

After Treatment

Immediate:

• Redness (hours)
• Mild swelling
• Tenderness
• Tingling sensation

First week:

• Minor bruising possible
• Slight numbness
• Resume normal activities

Long-term care:

• Sun protection essential
• Good skincare routine
• Patience for results

Who is a Good Candidate?

Ideal Candidates

• Age: 30-65 with mild to moderate laxity
• Skin: Some remaining elasticity
• Goals: Non-surgical lifting
• Expectations: Realistic (improvement, not transformation)
• Commitment: Willing to wait for results

Best Results For

• Early sagging
• Jowl formation
• Brow drooping
• Neck laxity
• Jawline definition loss

May Not Be Suitable For

• Severe sagging (may need surgery)
• Very thin skin
• Active skin conditions
• Pacemaker/implants in treatment area
• Pregnancy

HIFU vs. Other Lifting Treatments

HIFU vs. Thermage

HIFU vs. Thread Lift

When to Choose HIFU

• Want completely non-invasive option
• Prefer gradual, natural-looking results
• Have mild to moderate laxity
• Want to avoid any downtime
• Budget allows for premium treatment

Combining HIFU with Other Treatments

Popular Korean Combinations

HIFU + Thread Lift

• HIFU for deep tightening
• Threads for immediate lift
• Comprehensive approach

HIFU + Botox

• HIFU for lifting
• Botox for dynamic wrinkles
• Synergistic results

HIFU + Fillers

• HIFU for tightening
• Fillers for volume
• Complete rejuvenation

HIFU + Skin Boosters

• HIFU for structure
• Boosters for skin quality
• Enhanced results

Choosing a Clinic in Seoul

What to Look For

• Genuine equipment: Authentic Ultherapy/branded devices
• Experienced operators: Proper training certification
• Appropriate settings: Customized to your skin
• Pain management options: Numbing, medication available
• English communication: Clear instructions

Questions to Ask

• What HIFU device do you use?
• How many shots will I receive?
• What pain management do you offer?
• What results can I realistically expect?
• Do you offer any guarantees?

Red Flags

• Extremely low prices (may indicate fake equipment or tips)
• No consultation before treatment
• Pressure to add more services
• Unable to answer technical questions

Tips for International Patients

Planning Your Visit

• Single session: HIFU typically requires only one treatment
• No downtime: Can schedule activities after
• Results timeline: Won't see full results before leaving
• Follow-up: Establish communication for questions

Managing Expectations

• Results take 2-6 months to fully develop
• One session may not achieve all goals
• Maintenance sessions recommended annually
• HIFU improves, doesn't transform

FAQ

Q: How many sessions do I need? A: Most patients need only 1 session. Some return annually for maintenance.

Q: Is HIFU painful? A: Yes, it can be uncomfortable (5-7/10). Pain management options are available.

Q: When will I see results? A: Subtle immediate effects, with full results at 2-6 months as collagen builds.

Q: How long do results last? A: Typically 12-18 months, depending on individual factors and skincare.

Q: Is Ultherapy worth the extra cost over other HIFU? A: Ultherapy has FDA clearance and visualization technology. For many, the premium is worthwhile for assured quality.

Q: What's the difference between Ultherapy and Shurink? A: Both are HIFU devices. Ultherapy (USA/Germany) has FDA clearance; Shurink (Korea) is more affordable with good results.

Q: Can HIFU replace a facelift? A: HIFU is best for mild-moderate laxity. Severe sagging may still require surgical intervention.

Q: Is there any downtime? A: No significant downtime. Mild redness and swelling resolve within hours to days.

Conclusion

Ultherapy and HIFU treatments in Korea offer non-surgical lifting with world-class expertise and competitive pricing. Whether you choose premium Ultherapy or Korean alternatives like Shurink, Seoul's clinics can help you achieve tighter, lifted skin without going under the knife.

Ready to lift without surgery? Book a consultation with a reputable Korean clinic and discover why HIFU is the gold standard in non-invasive lifting.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Ultherapy and HIFU treatments. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any cosmetic procedure. Individual results may vary.

Last Updated: January 2025 Prices as of January 2025. Actual costs may vary by clinic and exchange rates.