[2026 Guide] Ultherapy Results, Cost, and How It Compares to Thermage

Ultherapy in ODE Clinic

Even people who have never visited a Korean dermatology clinic have usually heard of Ultherapy.

Over the years, it has established itself as one of the most recognized non-surgical lifting procedures worldwide and is now almost synonymous with facial lifting itself.

For patients considering treatment for the first time, the biggest questions are usually very practical:

• What kind of results can actually be expected?
• How is it different from Thermage?
• How much does it cost, and who is it best suited for?

Today, I’d like to explain how Ultherapy really works, where it performs best, and how it differs from Thermage based on actual clinical experience.

[embed]Ultherapy | Ode Clinic Looking for a definitive lifting procedure with long-term proven results? From Ultherapy's effects and pain management…odeclinicseoul.com

How Ultherapy Works

The name “Ultherapy” comes from a combination of Ultrasound and Therapy. As the name suggests, it is a lifting device that uses focused ultrasound energy.

Most people are already familiar with ultrasound through abdominal or pregnancy scans. Ultrasound waves can penetrate beneath the skin surface without damaging the outer layer, and Ultherapy utilizes this same principle for lifting purposes.

Focusing Sunlight With a Magnifying Glass to Burn

The device concentrates ultrasound energy into precise points beneath the skin, creating what are known as thermal coagulation points (TCPs). These focused areas reach temperatures above 60°C, producing immediate tissue contraction while also stimulating long-term collagen remodeling.

A simple way to understand this is to imagine sunlight passing through a magnifying glass. The energy itself is harmless until it becomes concentrated into a single focal point.

Ultherapy Is More About “Repositioning” Than Pulling

Many patients imagine lifting as physically pulling the skin upward toward the temples. In reality, Ultherapy works somewhat differently.

Rather than “pulling,” it shrinks and re-adheres sagging tissue closer to its original position. This is why the treatment is especially effective for improving facial contour and jawline heaviness.

Actual Effects of Lifting Treatments

At the same time, it is important to understand what Ultherapy does not do.

While lifting may visually improve some hollow areas indirectly, Ultherapy itself is not a volumizing procedure. Patients with significant volume loss often require additional treatments such as fillers or collagen stimulators alongside lifting.

Which Areas Respond Best to Ultherapy?

Ultherapy Device Screen

One of the biggest misconceptions is that Ultherapy works equally well everywhere on the face.

In reality, the majority of treatment shots are usually concentrated around:

• The jawline
• Double chin region
• Lower facial contour

The marionette and jowl areas themselves are actually considered more delicate because facial nerves pass through portions of this region. On the device screen, certain zones are intentionally marked as “no-treatment areas” for safety reasons.

Before and After Ultherapy Treatment

Because of this anatomical limitation, Ultherapy generally performs best for:

• Jawline definition
• Lower-face contouring
• Mild to moderate sagging

Jowl Reduction : Before and After

Patients whose primary concern is deep nasolabial folds or heavy jowls often benefit from combining other treatments such as CoolSonic, XERF, or EMFACE.

Ultherapy vs. Thermage: Lifting vs. Tightening

Although Ultherapy and Thermage are often grouped together, they actually target different layers and aging mechanisms.

Ultherapy focuses primarily on lifting and contour improvement by targeting deeper structural layers such as the SMAS.

Thermage, on the other hand, focuses more on skin tightening and elasticity by delivering radiofrequency energy to the dermal layer.

Before and After Thermage Treatment

Patients who undergo Thermage often notice:

• Firmer skin texture
• Smoother elasticity
• Improved “snap-back” quality of the skin

Meanwhile, Ultherapy tends to produce more visible improvement in:

• Jawline heaviness
• Facial sagging
• Lower-face contour definition

Because they work through completely different mechanisms, many patients ultimately combine the two procedures for a more comprehensive rejuvenation effect.

Real Clinical Results

CASE 1 — Patient in Her 40s

Ultherapy for women in their 30s: Before & After

Seven months after treatment, the patient continued to show noticeable improvement in jawline heaviness and lower-face contour. Although peak lifting effects usually appear around two to three months, many patients maintain visible definition much longer when collagen remodeling continues successfully.

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CASE 2 — Patient in Her 60s

Ultherapy for women in their 60s: Before & After

Even in cases of more advanced skin laxity, significant contour improvement was still observed around five months after treatment. This highlights how important proper technique and energy delivery are, particularly in mature skin.

Ultherapy Cost and Pricing

As one of the most established premium lifting devices, Ultherapy is generally positioned at the higher end of the price spectrum.

However, many patients feel that receiving one properly performed Ultherapy session is ultimately more worthwhile than repeatedly undergoing multiple lower-tier lifting procedures with inconsistent results.

At ODE Clinic:

Ultherapy 100 shots : 400,000 KRW

Most patients typically require approximately 300–600 shots depending on facial structure, skin thickness, and the degree of sagging.

Final Thoughts

Ultherapy remains one of the most effective non-surgical lifting procedures available when used appropriately. However, the most important factor is not simply the number of shots or the device itself, but whether the treatment plan is customized correctly for the patient’s anatomy and concerns.

Some patients primarily need contour lifting, while others require more tightening, volume restoration, or combination treatment.

For that reason, I strongly recommend undergoing a detailed consultation with an experienced physician before deciding on treatment.

Gangnam Dermatology Clinic, ODE Clinic 8th Floor, 340 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea +82–2–569–0222

[embed][2026 Guide] Ultherapy treatment reviews : Before & After, Cost, and Comparison with Thermage | Ode… Discover the 2026 guide to Ultherapy lifting at Ode Clinic. Compare Ultherapy vs. Thermage, check real before & after…odeclinicseoul.com

Author: Dr. Dohoon Kim, Chief Director of ODE Clinic Specialty: Anti-aging (Lifting, Volumizing, etc.)

Medical Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. All medical procedures carry risks of side effects such as bruising, swelling, infection, or nodules. Please consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any treatment.