Ultherapy vs Thermage: HIFU and RF lifting compared at Seoul clinics
Ultherapy and Thermage are the two non-surgical tightening devices most requested in Seoul. One uses focused ultrasound, the other radiofrequency, and both appear in the clinic table below.
Ultherapy and Thermage compared on the same rows, from clinic-published pages in Seoul. 20 clinics list these treatments. Checked on 2026-10-29.
9 sources Checked
- Question
- What is the difference between Ultherapy and Thermage, and which one should I book at a Seoul clinic?
- Treatments compared
- Ultherapy, Thermage
Comparison
| Ultherapy | Thermage | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) device, marketed as a non-surgical facelift alternative | Monopolar radiofrequency (RF) device, marketed for skin smoothing and tightening |
| How it works | Focused ultrasound heats tissue to about 60 to 70C at set depths, reaching as deep as the SMAS layer that surgical facelifts also address, guided by real-time ultrasound imaging | RF energy heats the dermis while a cooling tip protects the surface, contracting existing collagen on contact and stimulating new collagen over the following months |
| FDA clearance | Cleared for eyebrow lift in 2009, lifting lax submental and neck tissue in 2012, and improving lines and wrinkles of the decollete; a later Ultherapy PRIME clearance added the abdomen and arms | Thermage FLX cleared under 510(k) K170758 in September 2017 for non-invasive skin smoothing of the face, eyes and body, building on the earlier ThermaCool CPT clearance |
| Treatment areas | Face, jawline, brow, neck, under chin and decollete, plus abdomen and arms under the newer clearance | Face, around the eyes, neck and larger body areas such as the abdomen, arms and thighs |
| Sessions | One session for most patients; some clinics suggest a second session for more advanced sagging, with annual follow-ups to maintain results | One session is described as sufficient, with maintenance treatments suggested every 6 to 12 months |
| Session length | About 20 to 90 minutes depending on the area treated, sometimes up to several hours for full face and neck | About 45 minutes for the face and about 90 minutes for the body |
| Downtime | Little to none; most patients resume normal activity immediately, with occasional mild redness or swelling for a few hours | Little to none; any redness or mild swelling fades within about 24 hours |
| Flying after treatment | No treatment-specific restriction is published; because downtime is minimal, clinics allow normal travel soon after, but confirm with the treating clinic | No treatment-specific restriction is published; clinics allow normal travel soon after given the minimal downtime, but confirm with the treating clinic |
| When results appear | Progressive over 2 to 6 months as new collagen forms, with some improvement visible sooner | Progressive over 2 to 6 months as new collagen forms, with an immediate tightening effect from collagen contraction |
| How long it lasts | Reported ranges vary by source, from about 1 year up to 2 to 3 years depending on skin laxity and age | Reported ranges vary by source, from about 1 year up to 1 to 2 years depending on skin condition |
| Side effects | Redness, swelling, temporary pain, and occasional transient nerve effects reported in clinical trials | Temporary redness, mild swelling, and mild skin tenderness or warmth |
Clinics
| Clinic | District | Ultherapy on the menu | Thermage on the menu | Official page | Checked on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLS Clinic | Gangnam | Ultherapy | Thermage | blsclinic.com | 2026-10-20 |
| Delight Dermatology Clinic | Apgujeong | Ultherapy | Thermage | seouldermatologyclinic.com | 2026-10-20 |
| Delphic Clinic | Gangnam | Ultherapy | Thermage | delphicclinic.com | 2026-10-20 |
| Doje Clinic | Gangnam | Ultherapy | Thermage | cheongdamaestheticclinic.com | 2026-10-20 |
| Dr. DAMI Clinic | Gangnam | Ultherapy | Thermage | damiclinic.com | 2026-10-20 |
| Dr. E-Laser Dermatology | Gangnam | Ultherapy | Thermage | drelaser.com | 2026-10-20 |
| EGGCLINIC | Seocho | Ultherapy | Thermage | eggclinicseoul.com | 2026-10-20 |
| Ever Skin Clinic | Apgujeong | Ultherapy | Thermage | dermatologistsgangnam.com | 2026-10-20 |
| Gangnam Dermatology, Planew Clinic | Seocho | Ultherapy | Thermage | planewclinic.com | 2026-10-20 |
| Gold J Clinic | Gangnam | Ultherapy | Thermage | goldjclinic.com | 2026-10-20 |
| Jfeel Dermatology Clinic, Gangnam | Gangnam | Ultherapy | Thermage | jfeelclinic.com | 2026-10-20 |
| Lalian Cheongdam Clinic | Gangnam | Ultherapy | Thermage | lalian-clinic.com | 2026-10-20 |
| Liftique | Seocho | Ultherapy | Thermage | liftique.co.kr | 2026-10-20 |
| LOUAVE Clinic | Gangnam | Ultherapy | Thermage | seoulskinclinic.co | 2026-10-20 |
| Nest Clinic Gangnam | Seocho | Ultherapy | Thermage | seoulskinclinicforforeigners.com | 2026-10-20 |
| Peau Reve Clinic | Gangnam | Ultherapy | Thermage | cheongdamskinclinic.com | 2026-10-20 |
| Reberry clinic myeongdong | Myeongdong | Ultherapy | Thermage | myeongdongskinclinicreberry.com | 2026-10-20 |
| ReYeonK Clinic | Sinsa | Ultherapy | Thermage | reyeonk.co.kr | 2026-10-20 |
| UMI Skin Clinic Myeongdong | Myeongdong | Ultherapy | Thermage | myeongdongmedspa.com | 2026-10-20 |
| Yaan Clinic | Gangnam | Ultherapy | Thermage | enyaanclinic.com | 2026-10-20 |
Sources note
Mechanism and clearance details are drawn from manufacturer instructions for use and FDA 510(k) and De Novo records; session, downtime and duration figures come from a mix of clinic and brochure pages, so treat the numeric ranges as indicative rather than guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I combine Ultherapy and Thermage in the same visit in Seoul? | Yes, many Seoul clinics offer a combined protocol, sometimes marketed as Ulthermage, that applies Ultherapy to the deeper SMAS and fascia layer and Thermage to the more superficial dermis in one appointment. |
| Which treatment is better for sagging versus texture? | Clinic sources position Ultherapy for structural lifting of sagging jowls or brows because it reaches the SMAS layer, and Thermage for tightening loose skin and improving surface texture because it works in the dermis; neither claim comes from a head-to-head clinical trial. |
| How do I know a Seoul clinic is using a genuine device? | Ask the clinic to show the device model, such as Ultherapy Prime or Thermage FLX, and confirm the shot or pulse count included in the quoted session, since counterfeit or underpowered devices have been reported in the market. |
| Do I need anesthesia for either treatment? | Both can cause a brief heating or stinging sensation, so clinics offer topical numbing cream or oral pain relief for Ultherapy and sometimes for Thermage, though neither requires general anesthesia. |
| How soon can I fly home after treatment? | No manufacturer source sets a fixed waiting period for either device; because both have minimal documented downtime, clinics allow travel soon after, but you should confirm timing with the treating clinic before booking a flight. |
| How many sessions should I budget for during one Seoul trip? | Most sources describe a single session of either treatment as sufficient for one trip, though some clinics suggest a second Ultherapy session for more advanced sagging or periodic Thermage sessions every 6 to 12 months for maintenance. |
Sources
- primary-brand-record Ulthera System Instructions for Use (Rev D) · Checked
- primary-brand-record Ultherapy official IFU page · Checked
- primary-brand-record American Med Spa Association: Ultherapy PRIME FDA clearance for abdomen and arms · Checked
- primary-brand-record Ulthera System Receives Third FDA Clearance (BioSpace) · Checked
- primary-brand-record Solta Medical: FDA 510(k) Clearance for Thermage FLX System · Checked
- primary-brand-record FDA 510(k) database entry K180623 (Ulthera) · Checked
- primary-brand-record Thermage global official site · Checked
- primary-brand-record Thermage FLX: Single-session standout, Dermatology Times · Checked
- primary-brand-record doctornow.co.kr: Ultherapy vs Thermage comparison · Checked