ULTHERA

Ulthera – Cellinique's HIFU Lifting Treatment Guide

## Meta Data - **Title**: Ulthera HIFU Lifting Treatment Guide | Cellinique Clinic, Gangnam Dosan-daero - **Description**: Cellinique's Ulthera is a non-invasive lifting treatment based on HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) technology. Dr. Chris Gunwoo Kim handles consultation and treatment. Gangnam Dosan-daero, 02-6203-3434 - **Canonical**: https://www.cellinique.com/en/treatment/ulthera

--

Summary

Ulthera is a non-invasive lifting treatment based on **HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)** technology - It is designed so that ultrasound energy is delivered to multiple depths of the skin, creating an environment conducive to **lifting and tightening** - Dr. Chris Gunwoo Kim personally handles everything from consultation to treatment at Cellinique, and **results and downtime may vary depending on individual skin condition**

--

If you've been looking into lifting treatments, chances are you've come across the name Ulthera at least once. It's been around for a long time, and many people tell us, "I've heard of it, but I'm not quite sure what it actually is."

"What is HIFU?" "What does the SMAS layer mean?" "Is it really as painful as people say?" "How long do the results last?"

These are all common questions. Today, we'll walk you through everything about **Ulthera** as it's offered at Cellinique — from the underlying principles to the treatment process and important precautions.

--

1. What Is Ulthera? – Non-Invasive HIFU Lifting


*Ulthera** is a non-invasive lifting treatment that utilizes **HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)** technology.

How It Works

The core principle is **focusing ultrasound energy at specific depths within the skin**. Ulthera is designed to deliver energy at depths of approximately **1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm**, targeting different layers of the skin.

**Dermal layer (1.5–3.0mm)**: Creates an environment for collagen stimulation - **Subcutaneous and deep layers (approx. 4.5mm)**: Designed to deliver energy to deeper tissue layers

Because the ultrasound energy passes through the skin surface and focuses at specific internal depths, a key feature is that **the approach is designed to minimize surface damage while acting within the deeper skin layers**. *(Results may vary depending on individual skin condition.)*

--

2. How It Is Performed of Ulthera

01. Real-Time Ultrasound Imaging

Ulthera is designed with **real-time ultrasound imaging**, allowing the practitioner to visualize the internal skin structure while delivering energy. This means the treatment position can be adjusted while viewing the tissue in real time.

→ *From the patient's perspective, this means the practitioner checks the internal skin structure and adjusts the treatment position accordingly — a notable feature of the procedure.*

02. Multi-Depth Approach

Three different depth **transducers** (treatment tips) — 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm — can be selectively used. The appropriate depth combination is chosen based on skin condition and treatment area.

→ *Many patients appreciate that "different tips are used for different areas," which is why discussing area-specific settings during consultation is an important part of the treatment.*

03. Physician-Led Consultation and Treatment

With Ulthera, **tip selection, energy settings, and treatment speed** significantly impact the treatment experience and outcomes. That's why at Cellinique, Dr. Chris Gunwoo Kim personally manages every step from consultation through treatment.

→ *Many patients tell us that "where you get your lifting treatment matters."*

--

3. Expected Treatment Outcomes

※ Results vary depending on individual skin condition, age, and lifestyle. Identical outcomes cannot be assured for everyone, and treatment suitability is determined through consultation.

An approach designed to create an environment for collagen stimulation in the dermal layer - A structural approach related to skin lifting and tightening - Can serve as one component of a comprehensive anti-aging care routine

The items above describe the **design intent and general application** of the treatment. Specific outcomes are not guaranteed, and individual results are assessed during a preliminary consultation.

--

4. Ulthera at a Glance

| Item | Details | |---|---| | **Treatment Duration** | Approx. 30–90 minutes (varies by area and scope) | | **Anesthesia** | Topical numbing cream (pain relief options discussed if needed) | | **Downtime** | Minimal (temporary redness or mild swelling possible) | | **Onset of Results** | Some immediate changes + gradual improvement over 3–6 months | | **Duration of Results** | Approx. 1–2 years (varies significantly by individual) | | **Recommended Frequency** | Determined during consultation based on individual condition | | **Indications** | Assessed during preliminary consultation | | **Contraindications** | Pregnancy/breastfeeding, active infections, autoimmune conditions, metal or medical device implants, keloid-prone skin, etc. — assessed during consultation | | **Price Range** | See the non-covered treatment pricing page / details provided during consultation | | **Consultation Fee** | Provided during consultation |

⚠️ The above is general guidance. Whether this treatment is right for you is determined through a personal consultation with Dr. Chris Gunwoo Kim.

--

5. Treatment Process


1. **Preliminary Consultation** — Personal consultation with Dr. Chris Gunwoo Kim. Assessment of skin condition, medical history, and current medications 2. **Cleansing + Anesthesia Preparation** — Cleansing of the treatment area followed by application of topical numbing cream 3. **Treatment Area Marking** — The practitioner marks the treatment zones 4. **Ulthera Application** — Energy is delivered while monitoring the area through real-time ultrasound imaging 5. **Post-Treatment Care Instructions** — Recovery guidelines and follow-up schedule

--

6. Downtime and Recovery

This is one of the most common questions we receive. Ulthera generally allows you to **return to daily activities right after treatment**. However, temporary redness or mild swelling may occur for several hours to a day, and individual recovery patterns may vary.

*Within 24 Hours After Treatment** - Avoid irritating skincare products and heat - Handle the treated area gently - Stay well hydrated

*First Week After Treatment** - Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and vigorous exercise - Apply thorough sun protection - Avoid intense massage or pressure on the face

*1–6 Months** - This is the period during which gradual changes may become noticeable (varies by individual) - Maintain a regular skincare routine - Schedule follow-up visits at Cellinique as needed

💡 *Many patients tell us, "I had some redness on the day of treatment, but it resolved by the next morning and I went to work." However, since individual experiences vary, it's a good idea to allow some buffer time before important events.*

--

7. Side Effects and Precautions

⚠️ **General Safety Standards**: For side effects, emergency protocols, contraindications, and infection management standards that apply to all treatments, please visit the [Cellinique Treatment Safety Information](/en/safety) page. This section covers considerations specific to this treatment.

This is important to understand because Ulthera delivers energy into the deeper layers of the skin, which means suitability assessment and treatment settings directly impact both results and safety.

*Commonly Reported Reactions** - Temporary redness and mild swelling at the treatment site - Rare instances of light bruising or tenderness - Very rarely, temporary sensory changes or skin irritation

*Contact Cellinique Immediately If You Experience** - Severe swelling, warmth, or redness at the treatment site - Persistent pain or sensory changes - Suspected allergic reaction symptoms - Unusual skin changes

*Important Information to Share Before Treatment** - Pregnancy or breastfeeding status - Current medications - Allergy history - History of active infections or autoimmune conditions - **Metal or medical device implants near the treatment area** (pacemakers, metal implants, etc.) - **Keloid-prone skin** - Recent treatments (spacing adjustments may be needed)

⚠️ This page provides general information and does not replace medical diagnosis or prescription. Whether this treatment is right for you should be confirmed through a personal consultation with Dr. Chris Gunwoo Kim.

--

8. What We Check Before the Procedure

※ Suitability is determined only through a preliminary consultation.

Those considering a non-invasive lifting approach - Those who prefer a gradual care approach - Those who have been assessed as suitable during a preliminary consultation

*The treatment may not be suitable if you have** - Pregnancy or are breastfeeding - An active infection - A history of autoimmune conditions - Metal or medical device implants near the treatment area - Keloid-prone skin - Recent major surgery or significant medical procedures

→ If any of the above applies to you, **please let us know during your preliminary consultation**. We'll assess your eligibility and discuss alternative options together.

--

9. Why Cellinique Offers Ulthera

Cellinique is an anti-aging and regenerative aesthetics clinic located on Dosan-daero in Gangnam. We have been consistently providing lifting-category treatments.

*Dr. Chris Gunwoo Kim's Approach to Ulthera** - Managing treatment speed while switching transducer depths by area, guided by ultrasound imaging - Determining the optimal tip combination by evaluating skin thickness, elasticity, and bone structure during the preliminary consultation - A structure where the same physician oversees the entire process, including post-treatment follow-up

A practitioner's credentials and clinic structure alone do not guarantee treatment outcomes or safety; your personal suitability is assessed during consultation.*

At Cellinique, treatment is performed while monitoring skin structure through ultrasound imaging. Because tip selection, energy settings, and treatment speed all influence the experience, we operate with a structure where individual settings are discussed during the preliminary consultation.

--

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

### Q1. What kind of treatment is Ulthera? Ulthera is a non-invasive lifting treatment that uses **HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) technology**. It is designed to deliver ultrasound energy at multiple depths within the skin, approaching structures related to skin lifting and tightening. A distinguishing feature is that treatment is performed while monitoring the area through real-time ultrasound imaging.

### Q2. Is the treatment very painful? Pain during treatment varies significantly from person to person. Treatment is performed after applying topical numbing cream. If you are particularly sensitive to pain, please let us know during consultation so we can discuss pain relief options together.

### Q3. When do results start to appear? With Ulthera, **some immediate changes** may be noticeable, with **gradual improvement typically occurring over 3–6 months**. Results vary significantly by individual, and identical outcomes cannot be assured.

### Q4. How long do results last? Results generally tend to last approximately **1–2 years**, but this varies significantly depending on individual skin condition, lifestyle, and care routine. The optimal maintenance schedule is determined together during follow-up visits.

### Q5. Can I go to work right after treatment? Most patients are able to **return to their normal routine**. However, temporary redness or mild swelling may occur, so if you have an important event, it's advisable to plan some buffer time.

### Q6. Are there any side effects? Common reactions may include temporary redness, swelling, or light bruising. In very rare cases, sensory changes or skin irritation may occur — if you notice any unusual reactions after treatment, please contact Cellinique immediately. Those with **pacemakers, metal implants, or other medical device implants**, or those with **keloid-prone skin**, should disclose this during the preliminary consultation.

### Q7. How many sessions are needed? The recommended frequency varies depending on individual skin condition and goals. Some patients consider retreatment at 1–2 year intervals after a single session, but the actual schedule is determined during a preliminary consultation.

### Q8. Can I just come in for a consultation? Absolutely. Since Ulthera involves individualized decisions on tip and energy settings, we encourage you to fully understand the treatment through a consultation before making a decision. Please reach out at 02-6203-3434 or via KakaoTalk.

--

11. Ulthera Consultation & Booking

*Cellinique Clinic** - 📍 2F & B1, Yeonseung Building, 228 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul - 📞 02-6203-3434 - 🕐 Mon–Fri 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM / Last Saturday of each month 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM - 🚇 10-minute walk from Apgujeong Station or Hakdong Station - 🅿️ Valet parking available

*[Phone Consultation]** **[KakaoTalk Consultation]** **[Online Booking]**

--