Ulthera Prime lifts from the deep support layer in a single session, while InMode combines gentle RF firming with targeted contouring over a series. Here is how to decide which suits your face and your trip.
Ulthera Prime uses focused ultrasound with real-time imaging to heat the deep SMAS layer, giving a gradual lift along the jawline, brows and under the chin from one session that commonly lasts about a year. InMode uses radiofrequency: Forma gently firms the skin and Mini FX targets small fat pockets under the chin and along the jowls, usually over a series of 3–5 sessions. Ulthera suits sagging; InMode suits mild laxity with soft fullness. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, Ulthera Prime starts from ₩390,000 and InMode from ₩129,000 per session, excluding 10% VAT.
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
Ulthera Prime vs InMode: what is the difference?
Both are non-surgical treatments for a firmer, more defined lower face, but they work in different ways. Ulthera Prime uses micro-focused ultrasound to heat the deep support layer of the face (the SMAS) and the deep dermis, creating a gradual lift. InMode is a radiofrequency platform: Forma gently heats the skin to firm it and add glow, while Mini FX targets small, stubborn pockets of fat under the chin and along the jowls.
Put simply, Ulthera is about lifting tissue that has started to drop, while InMode is about firming and contouring, particularly where soft fullness blurs the jawline. For a wider overview, see Korean lifting treatments explained.
How does Ulthera Prime work?
Ulthera Prime delivers rows of tiny heating points at set depths, commonly around 4.5 mm for the SMAS, 3.0 mm for the deep dermis and 1.5 mm for more superficial skin. The doctor sees the tissue layers on screen in real time before placing each line, which helps deliver energy precisely and avoid bone or thin areas. The lift develops over two to three months, and one session commonly lasts about a year. It is priced by lines. See the Ulthera Prime page.
How does InMode Forma and Mini FX work?
Forma glides continuously across the skin, raising its temperature gradually to a set target. It feels warm, like a hot stone massage, and supports collagen and an immediate glow. Because each session is gentle, it works best as a series. Mini FX is designed for small fat pockets and is applied to defined areas under the chin and along the jawline, also usually in a series. InMode is priced per session by area and applicator. See the InMode Forma and Mini FX page.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Ulthera Prime | InMode Forma & Mini FX |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Micro-focused ultrasound | Radiofrequency |
| Main target | SMAS and deep dermis | Dermis (Forma) and small fat pockets (Mini FX) |
| Best for | Sagging jawline, jowls, brows | Mild laxity, glow, under-chin and jowl fullness |
| Sessions | Usually one | About 3–5, then maintenance every 1–3 months |
| Comfort | Can be intense over bone; numbing used | Warm and generally comfortable |
| Downtime | None to minimal | None |
| Fits a short trip? | Yes | Better for longer stays or repeat visits |
Which is better for lifting and contouring?
If your jawline has softened because tissue has dropped, Ulthera Prime is usually the more effective single treatment. It is also the practical choice on a short visit, because one session is normally enough and the lift keeps developing after you go home.
If your jawline looks blurred mainly because of soft fullness, such as a small double chin or padded jowls, InMode Mini FX targets that fat directly, while Forma improves skin firmness and glow. Because results build over several sessions, InMode tends to suit people who live in Seoul, stay longer or visit regularly.
Many faces have both a degree of sagging and some fullness. In that case, a doctor may combine approaches over time, for example Ulthera once a year and InMode sessions in between. Typical timelines are on the Ulthera Prime results and InMode results pages, and you can explore jawline and V-line treatments.
Who is a good candidate?
Usually a good fit
- Ulthera Prime: early jowls, lower brows, mild to moderate sagging, short trips
- InMode Forma: dull, slightly loose skin; comfortable regular care
- Mini FX: mild under-chin fullness or soft jowl pads
- Anyone wanting results with little or no downtime
Talk to the doctor first
- Very thin faces with little fat (deep HIFU or fat reduction may not suit)
- Pacemakers or implanted electronic devices (for RF)
- Pregnancy, active infection or open wounds
- Heavy sagging or excess skin that may need a surgical opinion
What happens on treatment day
- English consultation. A licensed doctor examines whether your concern is mainly sagging, fullness or both, and agrees the treatment and price with you.
- Preparation. For Ulthera Prime, numbing cream is applied for about 30–40 minutes. InMode Forma usually needs no numbing.
- Treatment. Ulthera lines are placed at planned depths using imaging. Forma is glided until the skin reaches its target temperature, and Mini FX is applied to marked areas.
- Soothing and aftercare. The skin is calmed and you receive written aftercare in English.
Is it safe? Risks and side effects
Both treatments are considered low risk under medical supervision. After Ulthera Prime, common effects include redness, mild swelling and jaw tenderness for a few days; less commonly small bruises, welts in a line pattern or temporary numbness. Rarely, temporary nerve weakness or unwanted fat loss can occur if energy is placed too deep in thin areas, which is why imaging and careful planning matter. After InMode, redness and warmth usually settle within hours; Mini FX can cause temporary swelling, tenderness or numbness under the chin. Rarely, any RF treatment can cause burns if settings or technique are wrong.
Results also need realistic expectations. Ulthera's lift is gradual and usually peaks after you are home, so take photos in the same light before treatment and again at one, three and six months. InMode's glow is often visible straight away, but contouring from Mini FX builds over the series as treated fat is cleared. Weight changes, sun exposure and natural aging affect how long any result lasts. Our guide on how long lifting results last explains this in more detail.
Tell the doctor about any filler, threads or implants you already have. Contact the clinic promptly if you notice blistering, persistent numbness, muscle weakness or worsening pain.
How much do Ulthera Prime and InMode cost in Seoul (2026)?
| Treatment | Option | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Ulthera Prime | 100 lines, one target area | ₩390,000 |
| Ulthera Prime | 300 lines, lower face and jawline | ₩1,090,000 |
| Ulthera Prime | 400 lines, full face | ₩1,390,000 |
| InMode | One area, Forma or Mini FX, per session | ₩129,000 |
| InMode | Forma full face, per session | ₩189,000 |
| InMode | Forma full face + Mini FX, per session | ₩279,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. InMode is priced per session and usually planned as a series, so compare total plan cost. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026. See Ulthera Prime price and InMode price.
Planning lifting or contouring around your Seoul trip
- Short visit: Ulthera Prime fits one appointment. InMode can be started on this trip and continued on later visits.
- Book ahead: send your dates and concerns via the consultation form.
- Avoid arrival day: schedule treatment for day two or later.
- Getting here: Dernia is near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
Flying home? Neither treatment leaves wounds, so most people can fly the next day. Jaw tenderness after Ulthera may last a few days. Skip saunas and hard workouts for a day or two. See our aftercare guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is InMode as strong as Ulthera?
They do different jobs. Ulthera Prime is usually stronger for lifting sagging tissue in one session, while InMode gives gentler firming and contouring over a series.
Which is better for a double chin?
InMode Mini FX targets small fat pockets under the chin. Ulthera can tighten the under-chin area but does not mainly reduce fat.
How many sessions do I need?
Ulthera Prime is usually one session, repeated about yearly. InMode is commonly planned as three to five sessions, then maintenance.
Does either treatment hurt?
Ulthera can feel intense over bone, so numbing cream is used. InMode Forma feels warm and is generally comfortable.
How much do they cost at Dernia?
Ulthera Prime starts from ₩390,000 for 100 lines and InMode from ₩129,000 per session for one area, excluding 10% VAT.
Can I combine Ulthera and InMode?
Yes, some people use Ulthera yearly and InMode in between. Your doctor will advise on timing and suitability.
Ulthera Prime or InMode for your jawline?
Share your concerns and travel dates. A doctor will examine your face in person, explain both options in English and confirm your plan and 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.