Thermage vs Ultherapy Korea

If you’re considering non-surgical skin tightening or lifting in Korea, you’ll very likely encounter two major treatments: Thermage and Ultherapy. While both aim to firm and lift skin, they use different technologies, target different layers, and suit different skin concerns.
In this guide you’ll find how they compare in a Korean clinic setting, what to expect, and how to choose between them.

What is Thermage?

Thermage is a radio-frequency (RF) based treatment widely used in Korea to tighten skin by stimulating collagen in the dermis and subdermal layers.
Key features in Korea:

• Uses RF energy via a probe to heat deep dermal tissue, causing contraction of collagen and new collagen generation.
• Generally comfortable, minimal downtime; sessions may last 30-90 minutes depending on area.
• Ideal for improving skin texture, mild skin laxity, sagging cheeks, under-eyes, neck.

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy (also called Ulthera) uses micro-focused ultrasound (MFU/HIFU) to penetrate deeper into the skin — potentially as deep as the SMAS layer (the same layer targeted in surgical facelifts).
In Korea:

• The ultrasound energy reaches deeper connective tissue and the SMAS → giving more “lift” than just “tighten”.
• Sensation tends to be more intense, and results often become visible gradually over months.
• Often chosen for jawline, neck, brow lift, where sagging is more noticeable.

Which Should You Choose in Korea?

Choose Thermage if you:

• Have mild skin laxity, crepey skin or texture concerns
• Want skin firming and tightening rather than major lift
• Prefer a more comfortable treatment with minimal sensation
• Are in your late 30s-40s looking to maintain firmness

Choose Ultherapy if you:

• Have sagging around the jawline, under-chin, neck or brow
• Want visible lifting, contour improvement — not just firmness
• Are okay with slightly more sensation and potential recovery
• Want a stronger, deeper non-surgical lift

Korean Clinics Often Combine Both

In many Seoul clinics the best approach is combining Treatments: e.g., Ultherapy for the structural lift + Thermage for surface tightening and texture.
A consultation in Korea should include mapping of your face, skin elasticity, depth of sagging, and then a recommendation whether one alone is enough or a custom combo plan is better.

Cost & Travel-Tips for International Patients

• Costs in Korea vary by area (face only vs face + neck) and device generation (Thermage FLX, Ultherapy Prime). One clinic lists for example Thermage FLX full face at ~ ₩2.8-3.5 million KRW and Ultherapy full face ~ ₩3.5-4.5 million KRW.
• Ask for device model, number of shots, area covered, and whether translator/foreign-patient services are included.
• Because downtime is minimal, you can schedule your treatment early in your Seoul trip, allowing you to monitor and enjoy the results before departure.

Final Take-Away

Both Thermage and Ultherapy are reliable non-surgical skin lifting/tightening treatments offered in Korea’s advanced dermatology clinics.

• If your concern is firming and texture with mild sagging → Thermage is a solid choice.
• If you’re faced with visible sagging, contour loss, jawline/neck drop → Ultherapy may offer better lift.
• The device brand matters less than the clinic’s execution, shot count, depth settings, and your after-care.