Thermage vs. Ultherapy in Korea: Which Skin Tightening Treatment Wins?
What this guide covers
- Core technology and how each tightens skin
- Depth, comfort, downtime, and results timeline
- Who benefits most from each
- Smart combo plans used in Korea
- Aftercare and FAQs
Thermage in one look
Thermage is radiofrequency (RF) tightening. It heats the dermis to contract existing collagen and trigger new collagen formation. Expect subtle lift, firmer texture, and a smoother surface finish—especially on cheeks, lower face, and around the eyes. Newer devices feel gentler and run faster than older generations.
Ultherapy in one look
Ultherapy is micro-focused ultrasound (MFU/HIFU). It targets deeper layers—including the SMAS—where surgical facelifts operate. That depth gives it more potential for structural lift along the jawline, lower face, neck, and brows when laxity is moderate.
Depth & target layers
- Thermage: Primarily mid-to-deep dermis → skin tightening and texture refinement.
- Ultherapy: Dermis + deeper connective layers (including SMAS) → lifting and contour definition.
Comfort & sensation
- Thermage: Feels like warm pulses with bursts of cooling and vibration; generally well tolerated.
- Ultherapy: Feels sharper or deeper; some areas (jawline, bony zones) can be more intense. Clinics manage this with numbing and pacing.
Downtime & recovery
Both are “lunchtime” procedures for most people. Expect temporary redness, mild swelling, or tenderness that settles quickly. Makeup usually resumes the same or next day (follow your clinic’s advice).
Results timeline & longevity
- Thermage: A touch of immediate tightness from collagen contraction, with steady improvement over 6–12 weeks as collagen remodels. Natural-looking refinement that can last around a year or more with good skincare and sun protection.
- Ultherapy: Gradual lift develops over 2–3 months (and can keep improving beyond), with longevity often in a similar range, influenced by age, skin quality, and habits.
Who should choose Thermage?
- You want overall skin tightening and texture smoothing without aggressive depth.
- You’re sensitive or prefer a more comfortable session.
- Your main issues are mild laxity, crepey texture, or periorbital firmness.
Who should choose Ultherapy?
- You see noticeable sagging at the jawline, lower face, or neck.
- You want brow elevation or sharper lower-face contour without surgery.
- You’re okay with a deeper, spicier sensation for more lift potential.
When clinics combine them
Many Korean clinics layer treatments for balanced outcomes:
- Ultherapy first for structural lift (jawline/neck/brow).
- Thermage later to tighten the dermis and refine surface texture.
Spacing reduces irritation and lets collagen mature between steps.
What affects results more than the device
- Mapping & dose: Shot count, energy, and coverage balance.
- Face design: Treating anchor zones (midface, jawline, neck) in proportion.
- Skin health: Barrier status, hydration, and consistent SPF.
- Timing: Sequencing with lasers, RF microneedling, and skin boosters when texture or pigment needs help.
Aftercare essentials
- Avoid hot saunas, intense workouts, and heavy alcohol for 24–48 hours.
- Moisturize well and use daily SPF 50+.
- Delay strong actives (retinoids, acids) until any sensitivity settles.
- Follow your clinic’s maintenance plan; many repeat annually.
FAQs
Will either replace a facelift?
No. They’re non-surgical tightening/lifting. Great for mild–moderate laxity; surgery is still the gold standard for severe sagging.
Can I do both the same day?
Some clinics do, but many prefer spacing (weeks apart) to fine-tune energy and track response.
Which is better for eyelids or under-eye crepe?
Thermage is often favored near delicate skin for surface tightening, while Ultherapy may be used for brow lift above the eye.
What if I’m thin-skinned or very low body fat?
Start conservatively. Over-treating thin skin can lead to hollowness or prolonged tenderness. An experienced doctor will adjust energy and coverage.
