Non-surgical lifting in Korea is dominated by two premium devices: Thermage FLX and Ultherapy. Both tighten skin and stimulate collagen, but they work at different depths and deliver different types of lifting results. If you’re wondering which one has stronger lifting power, this guide breaks down everything clearly.

What Is Thermage FLX?

Thermage FLX is a radiofrequency (RF) tightening treatment that heats the deeper dermis to contract collagen and stimulate new collagen formation.

What It Does Best

• Tightens loose skin
• Improves elasticity and firmness
• Smooths crepey texture
• Softens fine lines
• Enhances cheek and lower-face definition

Thermage FLX is ideal for people with mild to moderate skin laxity or those who want global tightening without intense discomfort.

What Is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is a micro-focused ultrasound (MFU-HIFU) lifting device that targets deeper layers—including the SMAS layer, the same foundational layer tightened during surgical facelifts.

What It Does Best

• Lifts sagging tissue
• Defines jawline
• Reduces jowls
• Tightens neck and under-chin area
• Offers long-lasting structural lift

Ultherapy is stronger for deep lifting, making it one of the most powerful non-surgical tightening options.

Thermage FLX vs Ultherapy: Which Lifts Better?

Ultherapy Has Stronger Lifting Power

If your main concern is:

• Jawline sagging
• Early jowls
• Blurred lower-face contour
• Neck laxity
• Midface descent

Ultherapy typically delivers a sharper, more visible lift because it targets deeper tissues.

Thermage FLX Has Better Surface Tightening

If your main concern is:

• Fine wrinkles
• Crepey skin
• Loss of firmness
• Texture changes
• Early laxity

Thermage FLX provides a smoother, firmer skin envelope and improved elasticity.

How They Work: Depth vs Skin Quality

Ultherapy

• Reaches deeper layers (3.0–4.5mm)
• Stimulates collagen in structural tissues
• Works like a “non-surgical facelift foundation”
• More powerful for repositioning sagging tissue

Thermage FLX

• Heats mid-dermis (1–3mm)
• Tightens collagen fibers
• Improves texture, elasticity, and dermal firmness
• Better for superficial tightening

Think of Ultherapy as lifting from the bottom up, while Thermage tightens the skin from the top down.

Pain, Comfort, and Treatment Experience

Ultherapy

• Sharper, deeper sensations
• May need pain management
• Stronger energy output

Thermage FLX

• Warm, gradual heat
• More comfortable
• Faster treatment time

If comfort matters, Thermage FLX feels significantly gentler.

Results & Longevity

Ultherapy

• Peak results in 2–3 months
• Lasts 12–18+ months
• Best for structural lift

Thermage FLX

• Immediate tightening effect
• Continues improving over 2–3 months
• Lasts 6–12 months
• Best for texture + mild lift

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose Ultherapy if:

• You want visible lifting
• Your jawline and neck are sagging
• You want long-lasting effect
• You prefer fewer sessions per year

Choose Thermage FLX if:

• Your concern is skin texture or crepiness
• You want subtle tightening
• You prefer low pain and minimal downtime
• You want yearly skin maintenance

Korean Combination Method: Best for a Total Lift

Korean dermatologists often pair the two:

• Ultherapy → deep structural lift
• Thermage FLX → superficial tightening + texture improvement

This layered approach creates:

• A sharper jawline
• Firmer, more elastic skin
• Better long-term collagen support

It’s one of the most effective non-surgical anti-aging strategies.

Final Verdict

Ultherapy

→ Best for deep lifting, jawline definition, and structural sagging.

Thermage FLX

→ Best for tightening loose skin, improving texture, and maintaining youthful firmness.

Whichever you choose, both offer powerful, non-surgical rejuvenation widely trusted in Korea.