Two different technologies
Ultherapy and Thermage are two of the most frequently requested non-surgical lifting and tightening treatments in Korea. They are often mentioned together, but they use different forms of energy and target different layers of tissue. Understanding these differences is the first step in deciding which, if either, fits your skin.
- Ultherapy.
Uses micro-focused ultrasound to deliver energy at set depths beneath the skin, including the deeper supportive layer often targeted in surgical facelifts. The current system is Ultherapy Prime, which includes imaging so the doctor can see the layers being treated.
- Thermage FLX.
Uses monopolar radiofrequency (RF) to heat a broader volume of tissue in the dermis and below, while cooling the surface. It is often described as focusing on tightening and texture across a wider area.
You can read more about each on our Ultherapy Prime page
and Thermage FLX page.
Which concerns each one tends to address
There is overlap, but doctors often consider the following when discussing each option:
- Ultherapy may be discussed for lifting.
Such as a softening jawline, mild jowls, or laxity under the chin, where deeper support is the main concern.
- Thermage may be discussed for tightening and texture.
Such as crepey skin, loss of firmness across the cheeks, or fine texture around the eyes.
- Skin thickness matters.
Thinner faces and heavier faces may respond differently to each device.
- Some people consider both.
In some cases, a doctor may suggest both at different times or in a planned sequence. Whether that is appropriate depends on the individual.
Neither treatment replaces surgery, and neither suits everyone. Significant sagging or volume loss may need a different approach entirely. A doctor decides suitability at consultation.
What the treatment experience is like
Both treatments involve no incisions, and most people return to normal activities the same day. The sensations are different, though:
- Ultherapy.
Often described as deep, brief pulses, more noticeable over bony areas.
- Thermage FLX.
Often described as a wave of deep heat followed by cooling with each pulse.
Comfort varies widely from person to person. Ask the clinic what comfort measures are used.
Downtime and side effects
Downtime is usually short for both, but honest expectations matter. Common, temporary effects include redness, mild swelling and tenderness. Ultherapy may occasionally cause bruising, tingling or temporary numbness. Thermage may occasionally cause small surface burns or blistering. Using genuine equipment and appropriate settings helps reduce risk.
If you have implants, a pacemaker, a skin condition, or are pregnant, discuss this with a doctor before either treatment. Results, if they appear, develop gradually over weeks to months and vary from person to person.
Prices at Daybeau Clinic Seomyeon
At Daybeau Clinic Seomyeon, the listed first-visit price for Ultherapy is:
- Ultherapy Prime, 300 shots.
990,000 KRW.
This is in Korean won, VAT excluded (10% VAT is added at payment), and is a first-visit price checked October 2026. Thermage FLX is quoted after an in-person consultation, because the shot count, tip and areas vary between patients.
The clinic also lists other lifting devices, such as Shurink Universe, ONDA, Titanium, Sofwave and XERF, which a doctor may discuss as alternatives depending on your concerns. See the price list
for details. Some visitors also ask about other RF devices such as Oligio; you can ask at consultation which options are available.
How to decide
A few questions can help guide the discussion with your doctor:
- What bothers you most?
Is it the shape of the lower face, or the texture and firmness of the skin?
- Where is the concern?
Jawline and under-chin concerns may lead to a different plan than eye or cheek texture concerns.
- How much time do you have?
Both have short downtime, but plan a buffer before events or long flights.
- What is your budget and maintenance plan?
Both are usually repeated over time if you want to maintain results.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ultherapy or Thermage more painful?
It depends on the person and the area. Ultherapy is often described as sharper over bony areas, and Thermage as a deep heat. Comfort measures can be discussed beforehand.
Can I have both in the same trip?
Sometimes, but it depends on your skin and goals. The doctor will advise whether combining is appropriate and in what order.
Which one lasts longer?
There is no fixed answer. Duration varies with age, skin condition and lifestyle, and both are commonly maintained over time.
Unsure which lifting treatment suits you? Book a consultation
or message us on WhatsApp with your concerns and travel dates.
