Thermage FLX and Ulthera Prime are the two best-known non-surgical lifting devices. They work at different depths, so the better choice depends on where your laxity sits.
Thermage FLX and Ulthera Prime tighten skin in different ways. Thermage uses monopolar radiofrequency to heat the dermis evenly, improving skin firmness and crepey texture. Ulthera uses focused ultrasound to reach the deeper SMAS layer, giving more of a lifting effect along the jawline and brows. Neither is simply better: Thermage suits skin quality and laxity, Ulthera suits sagging structure, and many people combine them. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong in Seoul, Thermage FLX starts from ₩990,000 (300 shots) and Ulthera Prime from ₩390,000 (100 lines) (KRW, excluding 10% VAT).
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
Thermage FLX vs Ulthera Prime: the short answer
Thermage FLX is best at tightening and improving the quality of the skin itself. Ulthera Prime is best at lifting deeper supporting tissue. If your main concern is crepey, softening skin across the face, eyelids or neck, Thermage often fits better. If your concern is heavier sagging along the jawline, jowls, under the chin or brows, Ulthera often fits better. If you have both, a combination is common in Korea. Read our full comparison page: Thermage FLX vs Ulthera Prime.
How Thermage FLX works
Thermage FLX, made by Solta Medical, delivers monopolar radiofrequency energy through a single-use treatment tip. The energy creates bulk heating across the dermis, the layer of the skin that contains collagen. Heat causes existing collagen fibers to contract immediately, then stimulates new collagen production over the following months. The tip cools the surface while the FLX system measures and adjusts energy for each pulse. Thermage can also treat the eyelids with a dedicated eye tip. See Thermage FLX.
How Ulthera Prime works
Ulthera Prime, the latest Ultherapy system from Merz Aesthetics, uses micro-focused ultrasound with real-time imaging. The doctor can see the tissue layers on screen and place tiny points of heat at precise depths, including the SMAS, the fibromuscular layer that surgeons tighten in a facelift. Heating this deeper layer contracts it and stimulates collagen, producing a lifting effect. See Ulthera Prime.
Side-by-side comparison
| Thermage FLX | Ulthera Prime | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Monopolar radiofrequency | Micro-focused ultrasound with imaging |
| Depth | Dermis (bulk heating) | SMAS and deep dermis (focused points) |
| Main effect | Tightening, firmer and smoother skin | Lifting of deeper structure |
| Best areas | Full face, eyelids, neck | Jawline, jowls, under the chin, brows, neck |
| Sensation | Bursts of heat with cooling and vibration | Deep heat and twinges over bone |
| Downtime | None to minimal redness | None to mild tenderness or swelling |
| Results | Gradual; peak at 3–6 months | Some early lift; peak at 2–3 months |
| Typical duration | About 12–18 months | About a year or longer |
| Priced by | Shots (REPs) | Lines |
Which is better for your concern?
Thermage FLX often fits better
- Crepey, thinning skin on the cheeks or neck
- Mild hooding or crepiness of the eyelids
- Overall softening of skin with good structure
- Thinner faces where volume loss is a concern
Ulthera Prime often fits better
- Early jowls and a less defined jawline
- Fullness or laxity under the chin
- Mild brow drooping
- Heavier lower-face tissue needing lift
These are tendencies, not rules. A doctor assesses where your laxity sits, your skin thickness and your facial fat before recommending one, the other or both. Very significant sagging may respond better to surgical options, which Dernia does not provide.
Combining Thermage and Ulthera
Because they work at different depths, Thermage and Ulthera are often combined: Ulthera lifts the deeper layer and Thermage tightens the skin above it. They can be done on the same day or a few days apart. Combining increases cost and may increase temporary tenderness, so it is not necessary for everyone. Read combining Thermage and Ulthera or ask about our Seoul Signature Lifting package.
Age, skin type and timing: what affects the choice
Age alone does not decide which device is better, but it influences what you are likely to need. In the 30s, many people have good structure with early changes in skin quality, so Thermage, or a smaller Ulthera plan focused on the jawline, is often enough for prevention. In the 40s and 50s, deeper laxity tends to appear along the jowls and under the chin, and Ulthera, or a combination, becomes more common. Very thin faces need care with deeper heating, while heavier lower faces often benefit from the lifting effect of ultrasound.
Skin thickness and facial fat also matter. Thermage spreads heat evenly through the dermis, which suits thinner skin with crepey texture. Ulthera's imaging lets the doctor avoid areas where deep heating is not wanted. Timing matters too: both treatments build collagen over months, so if you have an event, treat at least two to three months beforehand. Our guide on when to start lifting treatments explains these factors in more detail.
Korean alternatives to consider
Korea also has well-established domestic devices that work on similar principles. Shurink Universe is a Korean HIFU device priced lower than Ulthera, and Oligio X and Volnewmer are Korean RF devices often compared with Thermage. They can be good options for maintenance or a smaller budget, and your doctor can explain how they differ.
What happens on treatment day
- English consultation. A licensed doctor examines your face and agrees the device, shot or line count and price with you.
- Cleansing and numbing. Numbing cream is applied for about 30–40 minutes.
- Marking. The treatment area is mapped so energy is placed evenly.
- Treatment. Thermage takes about 45–90 minutes; Ulthera about 30–90 minutes, depending on coverage.
- Soothing. Calming care settles redness before you leave.
Pain, downtime and results
Both treatments are uncomfortable rather than painful for most people. Thermage is felt as brief bursts of heat with cooling; Ulthera is felt as deeper heat and twinges, especially over bone. Both have little downtime: mild redness, swelling or tenderness for a few days is typical. Results build gradually as collagen forms. Take photos before treatment and again at one, three and six months to see the change.
Safety and risks
Both devices have long safety records when used by trained doctors with genuine equipment. Possible side effects include temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, tingling or numbness. Rare risks include small burns or blisters, temporary nerve irritation and, very rarely, contour changes such as fat loss. Ask to see the sealed Thermage tip and shot count, or the Ulthera line count, and make sure a doctor sets your plan. People with pacemakers, metal implants in the treatment area, pregnancy or active skin infection should discuss this with the doctor first. See who should avoid lifting treatments.
Flying home? Neither treatment involves wounds, so most people can fly the next day. Tenderness along the jaw can last a few days. Our aftercare guide explains what is normal.
How much do Thermage FLX and Ulthera Prime cost in Seoul (2026)?
| Plan | Typical coverage | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Ulthera Prime, 100 lines | One area, such as brows or under the chin | ₩390,000 |
| Ulthera Prime, 300 lines | Lower face and jawline | ₩1,090,000 |
| Ulthera Prime, 400 lines | Full face | ₩1,390,000 |
| Thermage FLX, 300 shots | Face, focused on cheeks and jawline | ₩990,000 |
| Thermage FLX, 600 shots | Full face and jawline | ₩1,690,000 |
| Thermage FLX, 900 shots | Full face, jawline and neck | ₩2,390,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026 — see VAT refund on cosmetic procedures. Full details on the Thermage FLX and Ulthera Prime price pages.
Planning lifting around your Seoul trip
- Book ahead. Send your dates and concerns through our consultation form so we can suggest a plan before you arrive.
- Avoid your arrival day. Many visitors book lifting on day two.
- One visit is usually enough. Both are normally single-session treatments.
- Getting here. Dernia is near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2). See location and directions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thermage or Ulthera better for skin tightening?
Thermage is generally better for tightening and improving the skin itself, while Ulthera is better for lifting deeper sagging tissue. The best choice depends on where your laxity sits.
Can I do Thermage and Ulthera together?
Yes. Many people combine them on the same day or a few days apart, because they work at different depths.
Which hurts more, Thermage or Ulthera?
Experiences vary. Ulthera is often described as deeper and more intense over bony areas, while Thermage feels like brief bursts of heat. Numbing and energy adjustments help with both.
How long do Thermage and Ulthera results last?
Thermage results commonly last about 12–18 months, and Ulthera about a year or longer, depending on age, skin and lifestyle.
Is there downtime after Thermage or Ulthera?
Usually none to minimal. Mild redness, swelling or tenderness for a few days is typical, and most people can fly the next day.
How much do Thermage and Ulthera cost in Seoul?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, Ulthera Prime starts from ₩390,000 for 100 lines and Thermage FLX from ₩990,000 for 300 shots, excluding 10% VAT.
Not sure whether Thermage or Ulthera suits you?
Tell us your concerns and travel dates. A doctor examines where your laxity sits and recommends Thermage, Ulthera or a combination, with a confirmed price before treatment.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary between individuals, and suitability, treatment plan and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor after an in-person examination. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong does not publish patient testimonials or before-and-after claims.