Ulthera is a non-surgical lifting treatment that delivers high-intensity focused ultrasound to the dermis and SMAS layer to induce collagen contraction and regeneration, and is performed on both the face and the body.
Ulthera is a treatment that delivers high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) focused at a set depth beneath the skin. Heat is generated only at the focal point, creating small coagulation points, and this stimulus causes collagen to contract and form anew. Because it passes through the epidermis and acts directly on the dermis and the SMAS (fascia) layer, it can reach the layer a facelift addresses without an incision.
What sets Ulthera apart is that treatment is carried out while viewing the layers beneath the skin on ultrasound imaging. Skin thickness differs by area and by person. A tip of the same depth reaches the SMAS layer in one area and stays in the fat layer in another. Seeing the layers on imaging and choosing the 1.5mm·3.0mm·4.5mm tip depth for each area is what determines the result.
Atelier Plastic Surgery uses genuine equipment and genuine tips, and Dr. Juyoung Go personally handles everything from planning the areas and depths to the treatment itself. We first determine whether sagging is pronounced enough to need surgery or whether a treatment is sufficient, and Ulthera is also used for maintenance after a facelift or thread lift.
On the cheeks, jawline and around the nasolabial folds, the SMAS layer is treated with the 4.5mm tip and the deep dermis with the 3.0mm tip. Treatment positions are planned along the outer cheek and jawline where sagging begins, and the dose is reduced in areas where fat is thin, such as the front of the cheek.
The forehead, the area above the brows and around the eyes are treated with the 1.5mm and 3.0mm tips to tighten descended brows and the skin around the eyes. Around the eyes the skin is thin and nerves are close, so the depth and energy are lowered.
Under the chin and the front of the neck are treated with the 4.5mm and 3.0mm tips to sharpen the border between the chin and neck. When there is a lot of submental fat, it is combined with CoolSculpting or liposuction, or done in a planned sequence.
Performed on body areas where skin elasticity has declined, such as the inner arms, abdomen, inner thighs and above the knees. Because a wider area is covered than on the face, the treatment range and number of sessions are planned for each area. If there is a lot of loose skin, surgery such as an arm lift or thigh lift is considered as well.
Performed on the same day as a thread lift or in sequence, the ultrasound tightens and reinforces the line the threads have lifted. After a facelift, it is used for maintenance once the surgical site has settled. Because Facela acts on a different layer, the two are often combined.
These may vary depending on your condition; we will give you precise details at your consultation.
Even with the same number of shots, the result differs by where and at what depth they are delivered. After confirming where sagging begins and the thickness of the fat and SMAS layers, we plan a different tip depth and dose for each area.
Treatment is carried out while checking the layers beneath the skin on ultrasound imaging. Areas close to bone or nerves and areas where fat is thin are identified on the image, and the depth is adjusted or the area avoided.
When there is a lot of excess skin, Ulthera does not produce the change you expect. In that case, rather than repeating the treatment, we advise a thread lift or facelift. This judgment is possible because we handle both surgery and treatments.
Ulthera is a high-intensity focused ultrasound device cleared by the US FDA. We use genuine equipment and genuine tips, and Dr. Juyoung Go personally handles everything from planning to treatment and follow-up.
There may be redness, mild swelling and a feeling of heat, which usually subside within a few hours. You can wash your face and wear makeup, and return to daily life right away.
Depending on the area, a dull ache when pressed or temporary numbness may remain. Avoid saunas and strong massage.
Changes from the initial collagen contraction begin to show. Keep up sun protection.
Collagen regeneration progresses and changes in elasticity and the jawline become clear. We check your progress and, if needed, consider additional treatment or a combination with other treatments.
There is a feeling of heat and pain during treatment, and the degree varies by area and individual. After treatment, redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness when pressed may last several days, and rarely, temporary reduced sensation and tingling may persist for several weeks. If energy is delivered along the course of a nerve, movement of the corners of the mouth or the brows may be temporarily weakened; this mostly recovers, but recovery can be slow in some cases. Other possible effects include burns and blisters, hyperpigmentation or depigmentation, scarring, linear marks on the skin surface and, rarely, hollowing from fat atrophy in the treated area. The degree and duration of the effect vary widely by individual, and if there is a lot of excess skin the expected change may not be achieved. Treatment may be restricted or require caution if you have metal implants or filler in the treatment area, are pregnant, have inflammation or wounds on the skin, or are prone to keloids, so please tell us at consultation. Risks and how they are managed are explained fully at consultation.
The content on this page is general medical information provided in accordance with the Medical Service Act. The results of surgery and treatments and the recovery period may vary by individual. All surgeries and treatments carry a risk of side effects, so please decide after a thorough consultation with a specialist.
Non-invasive lifting that tightens the fascial layer with radiofrequency and refines the facial line with low-frequency stimulation
Learn more Related Thread liftA thread lift designed around direction and anchor points rather than the number of threads
Learn more Related FaceliftSurgery for the sagging stage that lifts and fixes the skin together with the SMAS layer
Learn more Related Face Anti-Aging GuideA face anti-aging guide staged by degree of sagging, not by age
Learn more Related Academic ActivityPapers · books · conference lectures and chairs · society positions · ORCID
Learn moreConsultations are conducted by the Director herself. Schedule one by phone or KakaoTalk, or leave an online consultation request.
