What is Ulthera Prime?

Ulthera Prime is the newest generation of the Ultherapy system from Merz Aesthetics. It uses microfocused ultrasound to heat tissue deep beneath the skin, including the SMAS, the fibrous layer surgeons tighten in a facelift. Reaching that depth without an incision lets Ulthera lift the lower face, brow and neck in one session.

Unlike many HIFU devices, Ultherapy includes imaging: the doctor sees skin, fat, muscle and bone on screen, so each pass lands at the intended depth. Ultherapy is FDA-cleared to lift the brow, to lift skin under the chin and on the neck, and to improve lines on the décolletage. It is one of several options in our treatment menu.

How Ulthera Prime works

The handpiece focuses ultrasound into tiny points below the surface, heating each point above 60°C while the skin on top stays intact. The tissue contracts, then builds new collagen and elastin over the following months.

4.5 mm depth: the SMAS and platysma, which support the jowls and neck
3.0 mm depth: the deep dermis, for firmness and support
1.5 mm depth: the upper dermis, for crepey texture and fine lines

Your doctor combines depths to suit each area, using less energy over thin, bony zones.

Who is a good candidate?

Adults from their mid-30s onward with mild to moderate sagging
Early jowls, a blurred jawline or looseness under the chin
A heavy or low brow that makes the eyes look tired

Unsure if you are ready? Read what age to start lifting treatments. If your face is very slim, your doctor may adjust depths or suggest Thermage FLX, because ultrasound in fatty layers can slightly slim the face. For advanced sagging, surgery may serve you better, and your doctor will say so.

Lines and treatment areas

Korean clinics price Ulthera in lines: one line is one pass of the transducer, delivering a short row of focal points.

Plan	Typical areas	Notes
100 lines	One area, such as under the chin or the brow	Targeted lift or add-on to Thermage
300 lines	Lower face, cheeks and jawline	A common plan for jowls and contour
400–600 lines	Full face, jawline and neck	For laxity that continues into the neck

Your doctor confirms the line count. See plans on the Ulthera Prime price page. Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation.

Your session at Dernia, step by step

Consultation in English with a licensed medical doctor, who assesses laxity, fat and bone structure and agrees a line plan.
Numbing with topical anesthetic cream for about 30–40 minutes.
Mapping of treatment zones, avoiding nerves and thin areas.
Imaging and treatment, layer by layer, with energy adjusted to your comfort.
Soothing and written aftercare.

Ulthera feels more intense than most RF treatments: deep, brief zaps, strongest over the jawbone. Your doctor can pause or lower energy at any time.

Downtime and aftercare

Most people go straight back to sightseeing. Redness fades within hours; tenderness along the jaw can last a few days, occasionally two weeks. Small bruises or temporary numb patches are uncommon and settle on their own. For 24 hours, skip saunas, hot baths and intense workouts. Makeup is fine the same day. Our guide to normal side effects and when to contact us explains what is expected and what is not.

Results: what to expect and when

Some lift is visible early, but the real change comes from new collagen and usually peaks at two to three months: a sharper jawline, lighter jowls, a slightly lifted brow and firmer skin under the chin. Results commonly last about a year or longer, depending on age and skin quality. See the Ulthera Prime results timeline.

Ulthera Prime vs other lifting treatments

Ulthera lifts from the deep foundation, while radiofrequency tightens the skin itself, which is why the two are often paired: see Thermage FLX vs Ulthera Prime. Korean HIFU such as Shurink Universe costs less but lacks imaging and tends to fade sooner; read Ulthera Prime vs Shurink Universe. For an immediate mechanical lift with a few days of swelling, see thread lift vs Ulthera Prime.

Planning Ulthera Prime around a trip to Seoul

Ulthera is a single session, so it fits a short stay. Book it early in your trip so you can ask questions in person before you fly; flying the next day is generally fine. Many visitors combine Ulthera and Thermage in one appointment, the idea behind the Seoul Signature Lifting package. Botox can usually be added afterward the same day. When you are ready, book a consultation and your doctor will confirm the plan.

Safety: who should avoid or delay it

Ulthera is not suitable during pregnancy, over open wounds or infection, or over severe cystic acne. Tell your doctor about a pacemaker or other implanted device, metal implants in the face, recent filler or threads, a bleeding disorder or blood thinners. Read who should avoid or delay lifting treatments. At Dernia, licensed medical doctors perform Ulthera Prime and confirm suitability first.

Does Ulthera Prime hurt?

It is one of the more intense lifting treatments. Most people feel brief, deep heat or zaps, strongest over bone. Numbing cream is applied first and your doctor adjusts energy to keep it tolerable.

How many lines of Ulthera do I need?

About 100 lines suits one focused area, around 300 lines treats the lower face and jawline, and 400–600 lines covers the full face and neck. Your doctor recommends a count after examining you.

How long does Ulthera last?

Results peak around two to three months and usually last about a year or longer. Many people repeat once a year to maintain the lift.

Is Ulthera Prime the same as Korean HIFU?

Both use focused ultrasound, but Ulthera Prime adds real-time imaging so the doctor can see the target layers. Korean HIFU such as Shurink Universe costs less and is often repeated more frequently.

Can I combine Ulthera with Thermage or Botox?

Yes. Ulthera and Thermage work at different depths and are often done together. Botox and skin boosters can usually be added the same day, after the device treatment.

Related treatments

Thermage FLX — RF skin tightening that pairs well with Ulthera
Shurink Universe — Korean HIFU at a lower price per session
Titanium Lifting — laser lifting with an instant glow
Thread Lift — mechanical lift for more visible sagging

Price, results and reviews

Ulthera Prime price in Seoul — lines and plans
Ulthera Prime results timeline — what changes and when
Ulthera Prime review: is it worth it? — our medical team's verdict
How long does Ulthera last? — longevity explained

Concerns it treats

Jowls — lift the lower face from the SMAS
Double chin — firm loose skin under the chin
Neck lines and loose neck skin — tighten the platysma layer

Compare and packages

Titanium Lifting vs Ulthera Prime — laser vs ultrasound lifting
Seoul Signature Lifting — Ulthera plus Thermage in one visit

Dernia Clinic Myeongdong

Ulthera Prime (Ultherapy) in Myeongdong, Seoul