Quick answer: Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound to lift the deeper support layer of the face, so it is usually better for sagging along the jaw, cheeks and brows. Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency to tighten and smooth the skin itself, so it is often better for crepey texture and mild laxity. Many people in Korea combine both for lift and tightness.
Key takeaways
- Ultherapy = deep lifting with micro-focused ultrasound and live imaging.
- Thermage FLX = skin tightening with monopolar radiofrequency.
- Ultherapy suits sagging; Thermage suits loose, crepey or thin skin.
- Both have little downtime and results that build over months.
- Combining them is common for people in their 40s and 50s.
How do they work?
Ultherapy
Ultherapy delivers micro-focused ultrasound to set depths, including the SMAS layer that facelift surgeons lift. Live imaging lets the doctor see the layers. Heat triggers new collagen, which lifts tissue over two to three months. See our Ultherapy Prime guide and Ultherapy page.
Thermage FLX
Thermage FLX, made by Solta Medical, uses monopolar radiofrequency to heat the dermis evenly. Collagen fibres tighten and new collagen forms, so skin becomes firmer and smoother over several months. See our Thermage FLX guide and Thermage page.
Ultherapy vs Thermage: side by side
- Energy: focused ultrasound vs radiofrequency.
- Depth: deep layers including SMAS vs the dermis.
- Main effect: lifting vs tightening and smoothing.
- Best areas: jaw, cheeks, brows, under the chin vs cheeks, around the eyes, jawline skin.
- Results: two to three months vs gradual over up to six months.
- Duration: both usually about a year.
Lifting devices are among the top requests from visitors. Korea treated about 2.01 million foreign patients in 2025, and around 63% came for dermatology, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Which is better for me?
- Sagging jaw or early jowls: Ultherapy. See treatments for jowls.
- Crepey skin and fine lines: Thermage.
- Both sagging and loose skin: combine them.
- Thin face that should not lose volume: discuss settings carefully; Thermage may suit better.
- Around the eyes: Thermage has a special eye tip.
How many lines or shots do I need?
The amount depends on your face size, skin thickness and goals. Ultherapy is measured in lines, and Thermage FLX in shots. A full face usually needs more than a single area such as the jaw or eyes. Ask your doctor to explain the number and why it suits you, and get it in writing.
Does it hurt?
Ultherapy can feel like deep heat and pricking, especially over bony areas. Thermage FLX feels like quick heat pulses with cooling and vibration. Numbing cream helps both. Tell your doctor if it feels too strong.
What is the downtime?
- Ultherapy: mild redness, swelling or tenderness for a few days.
- Thermage: mild redness for a few hours, sometimes slight swelling.
Most people can fly after one to two days. See how many days to stay after Ultherapy or Thermage.
Can I combine Ultherapy and Thermage?
Yes. A common plan is Ultherapy for deep lift and Thermage for the skin surface on the same day or over two days. This "double lifting" is popular in Korea for people in their 40s and 50s. See lifting treatments for your 40s.
How to check you get genuine treatment
- Ask to see the genuine device and a new transducer or tip.
- Ask how many lines (Ultherapy) or shots (Thermage) are planned.
- Get a written quote with the device name.
- Make sure the doctor who consults you performs the treatment.
Read our guide to choosing a dermatology clinic in Gangnam.
Is it safe?
Both devices are widely used and FDA-cleared for their indications. Rare risks include burns, temporary numbness or nerve irritation. Experienced doctors adjust energy and avoid sensitive areas.
Frequently asked questions
Which lasts longer, Ultherapy or Thermage?
Both usually last about a year. Results depend on age and skin.
Which gives faster results?
Ultherapy often shows lifting by two to three months; Thermage improves gradually over months.
Can I do them every year?
Yes. Many people repeat once a year.
What about other HIFU devices?
See Ultherapy vs Shurink Universe and Ultherapy vs HIFU.
Sources
- Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea – 2025 foreign patient statistics (press release, 2026). mohw.go.kr
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration – 510(k) premarket notification database (Ulthera System; Thermage). fda.gov
- Solta Medical – Thermage FLX product information. thermage.com
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Results vary between individuals. Please consult a qualified physician before any treatment.
