3-Line Summary
- Ultherapy uses ultrasound to lift deep into the SMAS layer, while Thermage uses radiofrequency to tighten the overall skin
- Ultherapy is effective for sagging, while Thermage excels at improving elasticity and skin texture
- Both treatments are FDA-approved and can be chosen based on your skin concerns or combined for best results
When researching lifting treatments, two names always come up: Ultherapy and Thermage.
"They're both lifting treatments, but what's the difference?"
"Which one is right for me?"
These are very common questions. Both treatments can lift and improve skin elasticity without surgery, but they work differently and produce different effects. Today, we'll compare Ultherapy and Thermage so you can make the right choice for your concerns!
1. What is Ultherapy? – Deep Lifting with Ultrasound
Ultherapy uses HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) technology for lifting.
How It Works
Ultrasound energy is focused deep into the skin, reaching the SMAS layer (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System). This SMAS layer is the same layer that surgeons lift during a surgical facelift!
Ultherapy delivers energy at three depths — 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm:
- Dermis: Collagen regeneration
- Subcutaneous fat layer: Tissue contraction
- SMAS layer: Fascial lifting
This multi-layer approach is what makes it so effective.
Treatment Time and Results
- Treatment time: 30-90 minutes (varies by area)
- Results: Immediate tightening + gradual improvement over 3-6 months
- Duration: About 1 year or more
- Downtime: Virtually none (temporary redness, mild swelling possible)
2. What is Thermage? – Overall Tightening with Radiofrequency
Thermage uses Monopolar Radiofrequency technology for skin tightening.
How It Works
The core principle of monopolar RF is:
- Radiofrequency energy penetrates deep into the skin, generating heat
- This heat contracts existing collagen fibers (immediate tightening)
- Simultaneously stimulates new collagen production (long-term regeneration)
It uniformly heats the dermis and subcutaneous tissue to about 3mm depth, improving overall skin elasticity. Building on this proven RF principle, a next-generation device that reduces pain and enhances safety is CoolPhase. At Cellinique Clinic, we've adopted CoolPhase instead of Thermage, so you can experience the same RF tightening effects more comfortably and safely.
Treatment Time and Results
- Treatment time: 45-90 minutes (varies by area)
- Results: Some immediate effects + gradual improvement over 3-6 months
- Duration: About 1-2 years
- Downtime: Virtually none (temporary redness possible)
3. Ultherapy vs Thermage: Key Differences
| Comparison | Ultherapy (HIFU) | Thermage (RF) |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | High-intensity focused ultrasound | Monopolar radiofrequency |
| Depth | 1.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.5mm (to SMAS) | Up to 3mm (dermis & subcutaneous) |
| Main Effect | Lifting (upward pull) | Tightening (firming) |
| Target Layer | SMAS + dermis | Dermis + subcutaneous |
| Imaging | Real-time ultrasound imaging | No imaging |
| Treatment Time | 30-90 min | 45-90 min |
| Pain Level | Moderate-high (deep layer stimulation) | Low-moderate (warm sensation) |
| Duration | About 2+ years | About 1-2 years |
| Best For | Sagging, jawline, double chin, brow droop | Fine wrinkles, elasticity, texture, pores |
4. Which Treatment Suits Your Concerns?
Ultherapy is better if:
- Gravity-related sagging is your main concern — blurred jawline, drooping cheeks, double chin, drooping brows, deep neck wrinkles
- You want a clear lifting effect — a visible "pulled up" result
Thermage is better if:
- Overall skin laxity is your main concern — loose skin, fine wrinkles, rough texture, enlarged pores
- You're sensitive to pain — CoolPhase offers less pain than Thermage with similar results
- You need body tightening — arms, abdomen, thighs
5. Can You Combine Ultherapy + Thermage?
Yes! Combining both treatments often produces even better results.
Benefits of Combination Treatment
1. Multi-layer approach
- Ultherapy: Deep SMAS layer lifting
- Thermage: Superficial dermis tightening
- Optimal results at each layer
2. Complementary effects
- Ultherapy "lifts up"
- Thermage "tightens and firms"
3. Longer-lasting results
- Collagen regeneration effects from both treatments overlap for longer maintenance
Treatment Order and Intervals
- Option 1: Ultherapy first → Thermage 4-6 weeks later
- Option 2: Thermage first → Ultherapy 4-6 weeks later
- Option 3: Same-day treatment (with specialist consultation)
6. What's the Treatment Process Like?
Ultherapy Process
- Step 1: Consultation (10-15 min) — Skin assessment, marking, real-time imaging
- Step 2: Treatment (30-90 min) — Ultrasound gel application, sequential treatment at each depth
- Step 3: Finish (5-10 min) — Gel removal, soothing, immediate return to daily life
Thermage Process
- Step 1: Consultation (10-15 min) — Skin assessment, marking, energy level setting
- Step 2: Treatment (45-90 min) — Grid pattern marking, RF energy delivery, cooling system
- Step 3: Finish (5-10 min) — Marking removal, soothing, immediate return to daily life
7. When Will I See Results? Detailed Timeline
Ultherapy Timeline
- Day 0: Slight immediate tightening (temporary)
- Weeks 1-4: Early changes — subtle improvements in skin texture and tone
- Months 2-3: Peak improvement — most noticeable changes!
- Months 3-6: Optimal results — full collagen remodeling
- 6+ months: Effects last 12-24+ months
Thermage Timeline
- Day 0: Immediate collagen contraction (slightly more noticeable than Ultherapy)
- Weeks 2-8: Initial improvements in skin elasticity
- Months 3-6: Progressive improvement — best results at 6 months
- 6+ months: Effects last 12-24 months
Timeline Comparison
| Item | Ultherapy (HIFU) | Thermage (RF) |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate effect | Slight (temporary) | Slightly more noticeable |
| Initial improvement | 1-4 weeks | 2-8 weeks |
| Major improvement | 2-3 months | 3-6 months |
| Optimal results | 3-6 months | 6 months |
| Duration | 12-24+ months | 12-24 months |
| Downtime | None (0 days) | None (0 days) |
| Redness | Hours to 2 days | Hours to 1 day |
| Daily return | Immediate | Immediate |
| Makeup | Immediately possible | Immediately possible |
Tips for Patients
- Results appear gradually — Don't be disappointed right after treatment! Real results start showing at 2-3 months
- No downtime worries — Get treated during lunch, return to work in the afternoon
- Take before photos — Compare at 3 and 6 months to see the clear difference
8. Side Effects and Precautions
Common Side Effects (Temporary)
- Redness: hours to 2 days
- Swelling: 1-3 days
- Tenderness: 2-7 days
- Numbness/tingling: 2-4 weeks
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Metal implants in treatment area
- Pacemaker or defibrillator
- Active infection or wounds in treatment area
9. How Much Does It Cost?
- Ultherapy: Full face 2-4 million KRW
- Thermage: Full face (900 shots) 1.5-3 million KRW
- Combination: Package 3.5-6 million KRW (often 10-20% discount)
Prices vary by clinic, so a personal consultation is important!
10. Post-Treatment Care
Day 0: Cold compresses, SPF 50+, gentle moisturizer. Avoid alcohol, saunas, steam rooms.
Week 1: Plenty of hydration (2L+ daily), medical-grade moisturizer, gentle cleansing. Avoid additional treatments and intense exercise.
Month 1+: Support collagen with vitamin C, protein, sleep (7-8 hrs), and no smoking. Strict sun protection even indoors.
11. FAQ
Q1. At what age can I get treated?
Generally recommended from mid-30s, but it depends on individual skin condition.
Q2. When will I see results?
Immediate: slight tightening → 1 month: collagen regeneration begins → 3 months: noticeable improvement → 6 months: full results.
Q3. How often should I get treated?
Ultherapy: once every 1-2 years. Thermage: once every 1-1.5 years.
Q4. How painful is it?
Ultherapy: moderate to high (manageable with pain relief). Thermage: low to moderate (warm sensation).
Q5. Can I wear makeup right after?
Yes! Both allow makeup immediately after treatment.
Conclusion: Which One is Right for You?
Both Ultherapy and Thermage are excellent non-surgical lifting treatments. The choice depends on what concern you want to address.
- Choose Ultherapy for clear lifting of sagging jawline, double chin, or brow droop
- Choose Thermage for overall elasticity, fine wrinkles, pores, or body tightening
- Consider combining both for the best multi-layer results
The most important thing is a thorough consultation with a specialist. At Cellinique Clinic, we provide personalized consultations to recommend the optimal lifting solution for your skin concerns.
