What is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is the original brand of microfocused ultrasound with visualisation. Its transducers show a live ultrasound image, so the doctor can confirm the tissue layers before each line of energy is fired. That matters most over the jaw and neck, where depth varies from person to person.
We use the current Ultherapy Prime platform. The general technology is explained on our HIFU facelift page; this page covers how we plan an Ultherapy session and who it helps.
Who is a good candidate for Ultherapy?
- Jowls starting to form and a less defined jawline.
- Loose skin under the chin without heavy fat.
- Brow descent that makes the upper lids look heavy.
- Crepey neck and décolletage skin.
- Patients maintaining a facelift or not yet ready for one.
Ultherapy will not correct heavy jowls or neck bands; a facelift remains the effective treatment for advanced laxity.
Ultherapy vs Thermage FLX: which do I need?
| Ultherapy | Thermage FLX | Both together | |
| Main action | Lifts deeper support | Tightens skin surface | Lift plus firmness |
| Feels like | Deep heat points | Brief warm pulses | Both, in one visit |
| Best areas | Jaw, brow, neck | Cheeks, eyes, texture | Full face |
| Downtime | None to mild tenderness | None | None to mild |
| Duration | About 1 year | About 1 year | About 1 year |
Read about Thermage FLX, or see packages on Ultherapy cost and Eye Ultherapy cost.
How an Ultherapy session is done
Before & after
Before
After
More cases are in our before & after gallery.
What to expect after Ultherapy
| First hours | Pinkness and mild swelling that settle the same day. |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Possible tenderness along the jaw or brief tingling. |
| Month 1 | Early firmness; photographs show little change yet. |
| Month 2–3 | Lift is most visible; book the next session in about a year. |
“My surgical patients taught me where faces fall. I put the ultrasound exactly there.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorRisks and side effects
Most people have only temporary redness, swelling and tenderness. Bruising, welts, numb patches and, rarely, temporary weakness of a facial nerve branch can occur. The amount of lift varies between people, and a small number see little change.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ultherapy last?
Usually about a year, after which a maintenance session keeps the effect going.
Is Ultherapy painful?
It is the most uncomfortable of the lifting devices, especially over the jaw. Numbing cream and adjusted settings keep it manageable.
How many sessions do I need?
One session per year is typical.
Can I fly the next day?
Yes. There are no wounds or restrictions.
Is Ultherapy safe for Asian skin?
Yes. It does not target pigment, so the risk of darkening is low.
What is the difference from cheaper HIFU?
Ultherapy shows the tissue layers in real time; many cheaper HIFU devices deliver energy without imaging.