Thermage vs Ultherapy: Which Lifting Treatment Is Better in Korea?

Korea is one of the world’s top destinations for non-surgical lifting, offering advanced devices, skilled dermatologists, and transparent pricing. Among all lifting treatments, Thermage and Ultherapy are the two most in-demand options. Both tighten aging skin without surgery, but the way they work — and the results they deliver — are completely different.

This guide breaks down the differences so you can choose the best lifting treatment for your skin type, age, and goals.

What Is Thermage?

Thermage is a radiofrequency (RF) tightening treatment that uses heat to firm the skin from the inside. It gently warms the dermis, causing collagen fibers to tighten while stimulating new collagen growth over time.

Thermage is best for:

• Improving skin texture
• Reducing fine lines
• Tightening loose skin
• Smoothing pores
• Mild to moderate sagging
• Full-face skin refresh

Because it works in the upper-to-mid layers of the skin, Thermage gives a smoother, tighter feel to the surface — like an all-over skin “polish” and tightening effect.

What Is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is a micro-focused ultrasound (HIFU) lifting treatment that targets much deeper layers than Thermage, including the SMAS layer, which is the same tissue tightened in surgical facelifts.

The ultrasound energy triggers deep collagen regeneration, which gradually lifts:

• Jawline
• Cheeks
• Jowls
• Neck
• Under-chin area

Ultherapy is known for producing a stronger, more structural lifting result, especially in areas that show visible sagging.

Main Differences Between Thermage and Ultherapy

1. How They Work

• Thermage uses radiofrequency to tighten and tone the skin’s upper layers.
• Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound to lift deeper layers, creating contour changes and noticeable structural lift.

2. Depth of Treatment

• Thermage targets the dermis and superficial layers.
• Ultherapy reaches much deeper, stimulating collagen within the SMAS.

3. Results

• Thermage results look like smoother, tighter, more refined skin.
• Ultherapy results look like lifting, contouring, and improved facial definition.

4. Pain Level

• Thermage: mild heat, generally well tolerated.
• Ultherapy: stronger heat sensation, especially on bony areas.

5. Downtime

Both treatments have no downtime, but Ultherapy may cause mild soreness or swelling for a day or two.

6. How Long Results Last

• Thermage: usually 6–12 months.
• Ultherapy: usually 12–18 months.

7. Cost in Korea

• Thermage is moderately priced.
• Ultherapy is higher due to deeper technology and longer-lasting results.

Who Should Choose Thermage?

Choose Thermage if you want:

• Smoother skin texture
• Reduced fine lines and enlarged pores
• Mild lifting without harsh heat
• Gentle tightening for early signs of aging
• A comfortable treatment with minimal sensitivity
• Maintenance or annual skin refresh

Thermage is ideal for patients in their mid-20s to 40s who want prevention and overall skin enhancement.

Who Should Choose Ultherapy?

Choose Ultherapy if you want:

• Visible lifting of the jawline or neck
• Correction of jowls or sagging cheeks
• A deeper, longer-lasting tightening result
• Better contour definition without fillers
• A treatment that targets the SMAS layer

Ultherapy is ideal for people in their 30s to 50s experiencing structural sagging or facial drooping.

Can You Combine Thermage and Ultherapy?

Yes — many Korean dermatologists recommend combining the two for a layered approach.

The popular Korea-style plan:

• Ultherapy first → for deep lifting
• Thermage later → for surface tightening and texture improvement

This combination boosts both the structure and surface of the skin, providing a more complete anti-aging result.

Which Treatment Is Better in Korea?

Choose Thermage if:

• You want smoother skin, refined pores, and a gentle tightening effect.
• You prefer a comfortable treatment with minimal discomfort.
• Your sagging is mild or you want preventative care.

Choose Ultherapy if:

• You need stronger lift, jawline definition, or neck tightening.
• You want results that last longer.
• You want a deeper, more noticeable change without surgery.

Choose both if:

• You want the most comprehensive lifting outcome
• You want improvement in both texture and contour
• You want long-term anti-aging layering like Korean dermatology clinics offer

Final Verdict

There’s no universal “better” treatment — only the one that matches your skin’s needs.

• Thermage = tightening + smoothing + texture improvement
• Ultherapy = lifting + contouring + long-lasting definition

If your goal is strong lifting, Ultherapy often leads.
If your goal is tightening and texture improvement, Thermage shines.
If your goal is complete anti-aging, combining both provides the best results.