Thermage vs Ultherapy Korea: Which Non-Surgical Lift Is Right for You?

If you’re considering non-surgical skin tightening or lifting in Korea, you’ll likely encounter two major treatments: Thermage and Ultherapy. While both aim to firm and lift skin, they use different technologies, target different skin depths, and suit different skin concerns.
This guide explains how they compare in the Korean clinic setting, what to expect, and how to choose between them.

What is Thermage?

Thermage is a radio-frequency (RF)-based treatment widely used in Korea to tighten skin by stimulating collagen in dermal and sub-dermal layers.
Key features in Korea include:

• Uses RF energy via a handpiece to heat deep dermal tissue, causing contraction of collagen and new collagen formation.
• Generally comfortable, minimal downtime; sessions may last 30-90 minutes depending on area.
• Ideal for improving skin texture, mild skin laxity, sagging cheeks, under-eyes, neck.

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy uses micro-focused ultrasound (MFU) to penetrate deeper into the skin—potentially reaching the SMAS layer (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system), the same layer targeted in surgical facelifts.
In Korea:

• The ultrasound energy reaches deeper connective tissue and the SMAS → giving more “lift” than just “tighten”.
• Sensation tends to be more intense, and results often become visible gradually over months. ID Clinic+1
• Often chosen for jawline, neck, brow lift where sagging is more noticeable.

Which Should You Choose in Korea?

Choose Thermage if you:

• Have mild skin laxity, crepey skin or texture concerns
• Want skin firming and tightening rather than major lift
• Prefer a more comfortable treatment with less sensation
• Are in your late 30s-40s looking to maintain firmness

Choose Ultherapy if you:

• Have visible sagging around the jawline, under-chin, neck or brow
• Want visible lifting, contour improvement—not just firmness
• Are okay with slightly more sensation and possible recovery
• Want a stronger, deeper non-surgical lift

Why Many Korean Clinics Combine Both

In Korea, many clinics recommend combination treatments: for example, using Ultherapy for structural lift + Thermage for surface tightening and texture. Jivaka Beauty
A consultation will assess your face, skin elasticity, depth of sagging, and then recommend whether one alone is enough or a custom combo plan is better.

Cost & Travel-Tips for International Patients

• Costs in Korea vary widely depending on area (face only vs face+neck) and device generation (Thermage FLX, newer Ultherapy devices). Example ranges: Ultherapy ~ ₩800,000-₩1.5 million; Thermage FLX ~ ₩1.0-₂.0 million. ID Clinic+1
• Ask for device model, number of shots (energy/casings), and foreign-patient services (translation, consultation)
• Because downtime is minimal, you can schedule your treatment early in your Korea trip, allowing you to monitor and enjoy the results before departure.

Final Take-Away

Both Ultherapy and Thermage are reliable non-surgical skin lifting/tightening options in Korean clinics. The best choice depends on your skin condition, goals, comfort level, and budget.

• If your concern is firming and texture but sagging is mild, go with Thermage.
• If you’re facing sagging, contour loss, jawline/neck drop, go with Ultherapy.
• The device brand is less important than the clinic’s skill, number of shots, depth settings, and after-care.