Ultherapy vs Thermage
Non-Surgical Lifting & Firming: Which One Is Right for You?
Ultherapy and Thermage are two of the most popular non-invasive skin tightening treatments offered in Korea (especially in Seoul’s top dermatology and aesthetic clinics). Both help firm and rejuvenate skin without surgery, but they use different technologies, target different skin layers, and often suit slightly different goals
How They Work
🟡 Ultherapy
Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound energy (micro-focused ultrasound) to heat deep skin layers — including the SMAS layer (the connective tissue layer targeted in surgical facelifts). This deep energy stimulates collagen and elastin production, leading to lifting and tightening over time.
🔵 Thermage
Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat the deeper dermis and sub-dermal tissue. The heat tightens existing collagen and stimulates new collagen production, improving firmness, texture, and surface tightening.
Key Differences Explained
📌 Technology & Energy Type
- Ultherapy: Uses ultrasound to penetrate deeper into the skin and reach the SMAS layer, which contributes to more pronounced lifting effects.
- Thermage: Uses radiofrequency (RF) to heat and tighten the dermis and superficial layers; excellent for overall firming and smoothing.
🎯 Depth & Target Layers
- Ultherapy: Goes deeper, reaching levels similar to facelift surgery’s target zone, ideal for lifting sagging skin like the jawline and brow.
- Thermage: Works primarily at the dermis and sub-dermal level, great for tightening surface laxity and improving texture.
🪄 Results & Timeline
✔ Ultherapy:
- Results develop gradually over 2–3 months as new collagen forms.
- Effects can continue improving and often last up to 12+ months or more with maintenance.
- Ideal for lifting and deeper tightening, especially for moderate skin laxity.
✔ Thermage:
- You may notice some immediate tightening, with continued improvement over weeks to a few months.
- Results also tend to last around 12–18 months depending on the device and consultation plan.
- Excellent for texture enhancement, mild laxity, and overall firming.
🪪 Comfort & Treatment Experience
✨ Comfort:
- Thermage is often considered more comfortable, thanks to built-in cooling and RF technology that feels like heat pulses.
- Ultherapy can feel more intense since ultrasound energy targets deeper layers; clinics sometimes offer numbing or comfort aids.
✨ Downtime:
- Both treatments are non-surgical with minimal to no downtime — you can usually return to normal activities right away.
🎯 Best Areas to Treat
✔ Ultherapy:
- Brow and forehead lift
- Jawline and jowls
- Neck tightening
- Décolletage (upper chest)
Modern ultrasound targeting makes Ultherapy a go-to for deeper lifting zones.
✔ Thermage:
- Face overall
- Cheeks and under-eyes
- Jawline/neck skin texture
- Body areas with crepey skin (abdomen, arms)
RF energy is versatile and effective for larger areas or surface firming.
💡 Who Each Treatment Is Best For
Choose Ultherapy If You Want:
✔ A
deeper lift and structural tightening
✔ Noticeable improvement in sagging skin
✔ Collagen stimulation at deeper layers
✔ Long-lasting results with yearly maintenance
Choose Thermage If You Want:
✔ Smoother skin texture and
surface firming
✔ A more
comfortable treatment experience
✔ Tightening across larger or varied areas
✔ Improvements in fine lines and early aging signs
⭐ Combine for Best Results
Some advanced clinics in Korea often
combine both treatments — using Thermage for surface quality and Ultherapy for deeper lift — to maximize collagen stimulation and achieve more comprehensive tightening. Consult a specialist to plan the best sequence and timing based on your goals.
