Quick answer: It depends on what causes your jowls. If they come from sagging tissue, Ultherapy is usually better because it lifts the deep SMAS layer. If they come from extra fat along the jaw, InMode (Forma and Mini FX) is often better because it reduces fat and tightens skin. Many people need both.
Key takeaways
- Jowls usually come from sagging, extra fat, or a mix of both.
- Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound to lift the deep support layer.
- InMode uses radiofrequency to reduce small fat pockets and tighten skin.
- Ultherapy is usually one session a year; InMode is often a short series.
- A face assessment shows which cause is bigger for you.
What causes jowls?
Jowls are the soft bulges along the lower jaw that blur the jawline. With age, the SMAS support layer and ligaments loosen, so tissue slides down. At the same time, fat can build up along the jaw and under the chin. Some people mainly have sagging, some mainly have fat, and many have both. The right treatment depends on which one you have.
What is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is a micro-focused ultrasound treatment by Merz Aesthetics. The doctor sees the skin layers on a live ultrasound screen and places small points of heat at set depths, down to about 4.5 mm in the SMAS. New collagen forms over two to three months, lifting the lower face and making the jawline sharper. One session usually lasts about a year.
What is InMode?
InMode is a company that makes radiofrequency (RF) devices. In Korea, an InMode facial treatment usually means two handpieces used together. Forma gently heats the skin to tighten it and improve texture. Mini FX uses RF pulses to reduce small fat pockets, such as along the jaw and under the chin. Together, they slim and tighten the lower face without surgery or needles.
How do Ultherapy and InMode compare?
- Energy: Ultherapy focused ultrasound; InMode radiofrequency.
- Main action: Ultherapy lifts the SMAS; InMode reduces fat and tightens skin.
- Best for: Ultherapy for sagging jowls; InMode for fatty jowls and a double chin.
- Sessions: Ultherapy usually once a year; InMode often 3 to 5 sessions a few weeks apart.
- Comfort: Ultherapy can feel sharp over bone; InMode feels warm, with short pulses on fat areas.
- Downtime: both low, with mild redness, swelling or tenderness for a few days.
Which is better for sagging jowls?
If your jowls look heavier when you look down, or your jawline has become soft as the tissue has dropped, the main problem is sagging. Ultherapy is usually the better choice, because it works on the deep layer that holds the face up. It is a common first step for people in their 40s and 50s.
Which is better for fatty jowls?
If you can pinch soft fat along the jaw, or you have a fuller lower face and a double chin, the main problem is fat. InMode is often the better choice, because Mini FX reduces small fat pockets and Forma tightens the skin over them. It suits younger patients and people whose face looks wider than it feels saggy.
Can you combine Ultherapy and InMode?
Yes, and this is very common in Korea. InMode slims and tightens the lower face, and Ultherapy lifts it. Doctors often start with InMode sessions and add Ultherapy, or do both on the same day on different layers. For deeper fat or stronger tightening, other options such as jaw Botox or fillers may also be added to the plan.
What is the downtime?
Downtime is short for both. After InMode, the skin may be pink and slightly swollen for a day or two, and fat areas can feel tender. After Ultherapy, mild swelling or tenderness along the jaw can last a few days. Most visitors continue sightseeing the same day.
Is it safe?
Both treatments are widely used and safe in experienced hands. Rare risks include burns, small bruises or temporary numbness. Tell your doctor if you have metal implants, a pacemaker, or are pregnant, as these may affect radiofrequency treatment.
How to choose between them
Korea treated about 2.01 million foreign patients in 2025, and around 63% came for dermatology, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Jawline and lower face treatments are among the most popular. The key question is whether your jowls come from sagging or fat. A doctor can check this in a few minutes by looking at your face from different angles and gently testing the tissue.
Frequently asked questions
Is InMode the same as Morpheus8?
No. Morpheus8 is another InMode device that uses microneedling with RF. Facial InMode in Korea usually means Forma and Mini FX.
How many InMode sessions do I need?
Many people have 3 to 5 sessions, a few weeks apart. Your doctor will suggest a number based on your face.
Can I have both on a short trip?
Yes. Many visitors have InMode and Ultherapy on the same day, then continue InMode sessions on a later trip.
When will I see results?
Some tightening shows soon after. Fat reduction and lifting build over one to three months.
Sources
- Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea – 2025 foreign patient statistics (press release, 2026).
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration – 510(k) premarket notification database (Ulthera System).
- InMode – Forma and Mini FX product information.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Results vary between individuals. Please consult a qualified physician before any treatment.
