Ultherapy in Korea: Complete Guide to Prices, Results & Top Clinics 2025

If you're researching non-surgical face lifting treatments, you've likely encountered Ultherapy - and for good reason. Since its introduction in 2009, Ultherapy has remained the gold standard for non-invasive skin lifting, particularly in South Korea where medical aesthetics technology leads the world.

Korea offers Ultherapy treatments at significantly more competitive prices than Western countries, with the added benefit of highly experienced practitioners who perform these procedures daily. This comprehensive guide covers everything international visitors need to know about getting Ultherapy in Korea, from understanding the technology to finding reputable clinics and navigating the treatment process.

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is an FDA-approved non-surgical lifting treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to target the deep foundational layers of the skin - the same layers addressed in cosmetic surgery - without cutting or disrupting the skin's surface.

Unlike other skin tightening treatments, Ultherapy is the only device that can reach the SMAS layer (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System), which is the deep structural layer that plastic surgeons manipulate during traditional facelift surgery. This unique capability makes Ultherapy particularly effective for significant lifting and tightening results without the downtime, risks, or costs associated with surgery.

Key Benefits of Ultherapy

• Non-invasive: No incisions, no needles, no anesthesia required
• FDA-approved: Clinically proven safe and effective for lifting skin on the face, neck, and décolletage
• Natural-looking results: Gradual improvement that doesn't look "done"
• No downtime: Most patients return to normal activities immediately
• Long-lasting: Results can last 1-2 years or more
• Precision targeting: Ultrasound imaging allows practitioners to see the layers of tissue being treated

How Ultherapy Works

Ultherapy delivers precise ultrasound energy to specific depths beneath the skin's surface, creating thermal coagulation points at the optimal temperature (60-70°C). This controlled heating triggers the body's natural healing response, stimulating new collagen production and causing existing collagen fibers to contract and tighten.

The Treatment Process

1. Consultation: Your practitioner examines your skin, discusses your concerns, and determines the optimal treatment plan
2. Preparation: Your face is cleansed and marked to guide the treatment
3. Ultrasound imaging: The practitioner uses real-time ultrasound to visualize the layers being treated
4. Energy delivery: Focused ultrasound energy is delivered in lines across the treatment area
5. Treatment completion: The entire procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes depending on areas treated

The ultrasound energy is delivered at three different depths:

• 1.5mm: Superficial dermis (for fine lines and skin texture)
• 3.0mm: Deep dermis (for moderate lifting)
• 4.5mm: SMAS layer (for significant structural lifting)

Ultherapy vs Other HIFU Treatments

Korea offers numerous HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) treatments, but Ultherapy stands out as the original and most clinically studied option. Here's how it compares:

Ultherapy vs Thermage

These are often compared as both are leading non-surgical skin tightening treatments:

Technology Difference:

• Ultherapy: Uses focused ultrasound energy
• Thermage: Uses radiofrequency (RF) energy

Target Depth:

• Ultherapy: Reaches 4.5mm depth to target the SMAS layer (deeper)
• Thermage: Targets shallower layers of the dermis

Best For:

• Ultherapy: Significant lifting of the brow, jowls, and neck; improving jawline definition
• Thermage: Overall skin tightening, improving skin texture, and subtle tightening

Pain Level:

• Ultherapy: More uncomfortable during treatment (described as intense tingling or prickling sensations)
• Thermage: Generally more tolerable with newer devices

Results Timeline:

• Ultherapy: Gradual improvement over 2-6 months as collagen rebuilds
• Thermage: Some immediate tightening with continued improvement over 6 months

Longevity:

• Ultherapy: 6 months to 2 years (average 1 year)
• Thermage: 6 months to 2 years (average 1 year)

Ultherapy vs Korean HIFU Alternatives

Korea offers various HIFU devices including Doublo, Ultraformer, Shurink, and others. While these treatments use similar ultrasound technology, key differences include:

• Ultherapy: Gold standard with extensive clinical research, FDA-approved, patented imaging system
• Alternative HIFU: Often more affordable (30-50% less expensive), less discomfort, but may require more frequent treatments for maintenance

Many Korean dermatologists recommend Ultherapy for patients seeking maximum lifting effect with proven long-term results, while suggesting alternative HIFU options for younger patients wanting preventative treatments or those on a tighter budget.

Ultherapy Prices in Korea 2025

One of the major advantages of getting Ultherapy in Korea is the competitive pricing compared to the US, UK, Australia, and other Western countries. Prices in Korea can be 40-60% lower while maintaining the same quality standards and authentic equipment.

Price Breakdown by Shot Count

100 Shots: ₩285,000 - ₩660,000 ($220 - $510)

• Targeted treatment for specific areas like forehead or under eyes

300 Shots: ₩900,000 - ₩1,300,000 ($690 - $1,000)

• Common for mid-face, jawline, or partial face treatment
• Most popular option for first-time patients

600 Shots: ₩1,500,000 - ₩2,000,000 ($1,150 - $1,540)

• Full face and neck treatment
• Comprehensive lifting for multiple areas

Ultherapy Prime (Latest Version): ₩1,000,000 - ₩1,500,000 for 600 shots ($770 - $1,150)

• Updated device with improved pain control
• More precise depth targeting

Price Comparison: Korea vs Other Countries

Important Pricing Considerations

Beware of Extremely Low Prices: If a clinic offers Ultherapy at significantly below market rates (e.g., ₩500,000 for 600 shots), this is a red flag. They may be:

• Using recycled or counterfeit tips instead of authentic single-use transducers
• Operating non-genuine equipment
• Delivering fewer shots than promised
• Using inexperienced practitioners

Authentic Tips Matter: Ultherapy uses single-use transducer tips that should be discarded after each treatment. Authentic tips cost clinics approximately ₩300,000-500,000 per treatment. Reputable clinics will show you the sealed package and confirm authenticity.

Package Deals: Some clinics offer combination packages (Ultherapy + skincare treatments) or discounts for treating multiple areas. These can provide value but calculate the per-area cost to ensure it's reasonable.

Top Clinics for Ultherapy in Seoul

Gangnam District

Gangnam is Seoul's medical aesthetics hub with the highest concentration of experienced Ultherapy providers.

Key Advantages:

• Most clinics have English-speaking staff
• High volume of international patients
• Latest equipment and techniques
• Competitive pricing due to high competition

Recommended Areas:

• Apgujeong-dong (known for celebrity clinics)
• Cheongdam-dong (luxury aesthetic clinics)
• Gangnam Station area (convenient access)

What to Look For in a Clinic

1. Board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons: Ensure your practitioner has proper medical credentials
2. Authentic equipment: Request to see the device serial number and authentic tip packaging
3. Before/after portfolio: Review their actual patient results
4. Ultrasound imaging: Confirm they use the imaging feature to visualize treatment depths
5. English communication: Verify they have translators or English-speaking doctors
6. Transparent pricing: Get detailed quotes including all fees

Booking Your Appointment

Most Seoul clinics accept appointments through:

• KakaoTalk: Add the clinic's official account for fast responses
• WhatsApp: International-friendly option many clinics now offer
• Email: Best for detailed questions and documentation
• Apps: Gangnam Unni, Modoo Doc, and other Korean beauty apps

International patients should book 2-4 weeks in advance and confirm the doctor's schedule, as experienced practitioners may have limited availability.

What to Expect During Treatment

Before Your Appointment

Avoid for 1 Week Before:

• Blood-thinning medications (consult your doctor first)
• Alcohol consumption (24-48 hours before)
• Excessive sun exposure

Day of Treatment:

• Arrive with a clean face (no makeup)
• Bring a photo ID and payment method
• Allow 2-3 hours for consultation and treatment

During the Procedure

Pain Management: Ultherapy can be uncomfortable. Korean clinics typically offer:

• Topical numbing cream (included)
• Pain medication tablets (included or small additional fee)
• Laughing gas/nitrous oxide (available at premium clinics for extra cost)
• IV sedation (rare, available at some clinics)

Most patients describe the sensation as brief, intense prickling or tingling when energy is delivered, with some areas (bony areas, jawline, forehead) more sensitive than others.

What You'll Experience:

1. Cooling gel applied to treatment areas
2. Ultrasound imaging to visualize tissue layers
3. Pulses of ultrasound energy delivered in lines across your face
4. Slight tingling, prickling, or heating sensations
5. Treatment takes 60-90 minutes for full face

Immediately After

Normal Side Effects:

• Mild redness (resolves within hours)
• Slight swelling (1-5 days)
• Tenderness when touching treated areas
• Tingling sensations
• Temporary numbness

You Can Immediately:

• Return to work and normal activities
• Apply makeup
• Wash your face gently
• Use skincare products

Recovery and Results Timeline

Week 1: Initial Recovery

• Days 1-2: Possible mild swelling and redness
• Days 3-7: Skin may feel slightly tender or tight
• What to do: Keep skin moisturized, use gentle products, avoid harsh exfoliation

Weeks 2-8: Early Improvements

• Some patients notice subtle lifting and tightening
• Collagen production begins accelerating
• Skin texture may start improving

Months 2-6: Peak Results

• Maximum results typically visible at 3-4 months
• Jawline becomes more defined
• Jowls and cheeks lift noticeably
• Neck bands and lines soften
• Overall facial contours improve

Beyond 6 Months: Maintenance

• Results continue improving up to 6 months
• Effects typically last 12-24 months
• Many patients schedule maintenance treatments every 12-18 months

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Ultherapy results last? Results typically last 1-2 years, though this varies based on age, skin condition, lifestyle factors, and individual collagen production. The natural aging process continues, so results aren't permanent.

Is Ultherapy painful? Most patients find it moderately uncomfortable but tolerable. Korean clinics provide numbing cream which helps significantly. The discomfort is brief - only during the 1-2 seconds when ultrasound energy is delivered to each point.

How many shots do I need? This depends on the areas being treated. A typical full face treatment uses 400-600 shots. Your consultation will determine the optimal number based on your concerns and treatment goals.

Can I combine Ultherapy with other treatments? Yes, Ultherapy works well with:

• Botox (can be done same day)
• Fillers (wait 2 weeks before or after)
• Laser treatments (wait 2-4 weeks)
• Skincare facials (wait 1 week)

Am I a good candidate for Ultherapy? Ideal candidates:

• Age 30-65 with mild to moderate skin laxity
• Not ready for surgical intervention
• Have realistic expectations
• Are in good general health

Not recommended for:

• Severe skin sagging (surgery may be better)
• Open wounds or infections in treatment area
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Certain medical implants or conditions

What about side effects and risks? Serious side effects are rare when performed by qualified practitioners. The most common concerns include:

• Temporary redness and swelling (very common, resolves quickly)
• Bruising (uncommon)
• Numbness or altered sensation (temporary)
• Cheek hollowing or fat loss (rare, occurs with improper technique or excessive energy)

How much does Ultherapy cost compared to a surgical facelift in Korea? Ultherapy: ₩1.5-2 million ($1,150-1,540) Surgical facelift: ₩8-15 million ($6,150-11,540)

While surgery provides more dramatic and longer-lasting results, Ultherapy offers significant improvements without downtime, scarring, or surgical risks.

Do I need to take time off work? No. Most patients return to work immediately after treatment. You may have slight redness for a few hours, but this can be covered with makeup.

Conclusion

Ultherapy in Korea offers international patients access to world-class non-surgical lifting technology at competitive prices, delivered by highly experienced practitioners. With proper research and clinic selection, you can achieve natural-looking facial rejuvenation results that last over a year.

The key to a successful Ultherapy experience in Korea is choosing a reputable clinic with board-certified doctors, authentic equipment, and transparent pricing. Don't be swayed by extremely low prices - authentic Ultherapy requires genuine single-use tips and experienced practitioners.

For most international visitors, the combination of cost savings (40-60% less than Western countries), access to advanced techniques, and the ability to combine the treatment with a Seoul vacation makes medical tourism for Ultherapy an attractive option.

If you're ready to take the next step, research clinics in Gangnam, read recent reviews on Korean beauty apps, and don't hesitate to ask detailed questions about credentials, equipment authenticity, and pricing breakdowns. Your face deserves the best care, and Korea's expertise in aesthetic medicine can deliver exceptional Ultherapy results.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ultherapy results vary by individual, and all aesthetic treatments carry potential risks. Always consult with a qualified, board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon before undergoing any cosmetic procedure. The prices mentioned are estimates based on 2025 market research and may vary by clinic, season, and individual treatment plans.