
Hello.
This is Kim Ha-won from Gangseo Dermatology Clinic.
Both procedures
help improve wrinkles and restore elasticity,
but there are clear differences
in the treatment method and the results you can expect.
So today, focusing on the effects of Thermage and Ultherapy Prime,
I’ll organize it so you can easily understand
which procedure may be better suited for which situation.
I’ll explain based on the questions we often receive
in actual Gangseo dermatology clinic consultations.
Features of Ultherapy Prime

Ultherapy Prime is
an upgraded ultrasound (HIFU) lifting device
based on the original Ultherapy.
In particular,
because it can deliver energy precisely to
the SMAS layer and subcutaneous fat layer,
it is strong in line lifting,
helping to define facial contours such as the jawline and nasolabial folds.
Another major feature is that,
through DEEP SEE technology,
customized treatment is possible while directly checking the structures inside the skin.
Because of this, many people actually choose Ultherapy Prime
at Gangseo dermatology clinics as well,
and the reason for that is also
this precise targeting and safety.
On the other hand, Thermage
uses radiofrequency (RF) energy
to deliver heat throughout the dermis
and promote collagen production.
So the effects of Thermage are
more focused on
✔ improving skin texture
✔ reducing fine lines
✔ enhancing overall skin elasticity
rather than strong lifting.
In other words, Thermage
is easier to understand if you think of it as
more of a tightening procedure
than a lifting procedure.
In fact, at Gangseo dermatology clinics as well,
rather than changes to the facial line,
a lot of Thermage consultations are conducted
for skin texture and elasticity management.
Ultherapy Prime vs. Thermage Effects
Ultherapy Prime effects
😻 Improvement of jawline and nasolabial folds
Energy reaches the SMAS layer,
precisely lifting sagging areas
😻 Improvement in elasticity and wrinkles
Using DEEP SEE technology
to maximize collagen regeneration effects
😻 Enhanced convenience
Treatment speed is faster,
the effects last longer,
and the burden of pain is reduced
(Effects last about 1–2 years after a single treatment)
For these reasons,
Ultherapy Prime is also
frequently recommended at Gangseo dermatology clinics
as a line-lifting procedure.

Thermage FLX effects
😻 Improved skin texture and fine lines
By evenly heating the entire dermis,
the skin texture becomes smoother,
and fine lines are naturally softened
😻 Enhanced elasticity
Promotes new collagen production
to improve the elasticity of the entire face
😻 Additional effects
Pore reduction, volume improvement,
and a natural tightening effect
The latest Thermage FLX device
delivers energy more evenly,
so pain is reduced,
and the effects are considered to appear more stably.
In particular, at Gangseo dermatology clinics,
many people choose Thermage
with the goal of improving skin texture and managing elasticity.
Side effects
⚠️ Ultherapy Prime
Temporary swelling, redness, and warmth may appear after the procedure,
but in most cases they improve naturally within a few days.
In rare cases, temporary tingling symptoms may occur.
⚠️ Thermage
Swelling, redness, and skin tightness may appear temporarily,
and if excessive energy is used,
there is a rare possibility of burns or pigment changes.
At Gangseo dermatology clinics as well,
these factors are approached carefully,
with the energy level adjusted according to the skin condition.
Q&A
Q. How long do the effects last?
👉 Ultherapy Prime is
an upgraded ultrasound device,
so the duration of its effects is relatively long.
After one treatment,
the elasticity and lifting effects last on average
for about 1–2 years.
By contrast, Thermage effects
usually last about 6 months to 1 year,
and many people receive it periodically
for skin texture and fine-line management.
Q. What about pain?
👉 Ultherapy Prime
has the advantage of much less pain
compared with the original Ultherapy.
You may feel a slight stinging sensation
or brief warmth during the procedure,
but for most people it is at a level that can be tolerated.
Because of the nature of radiofrequency,
Thermage may cause a sensation of heat and tightness,
but depending on the individual,
it often does not significantly interfere
with daily life immediately after the procedure.
Q. How long does the procedure take?
👉 Ultherapy Prime varies depending on the treatment area and the number of shots,
but on average it takes about 30–60 minutes.
Thermage also takes about 60 minutes,
and if consultation and preparation time are included,
the total time spent at the clinic may be a little longer.
Still, for most people,
it is a procedure that can be done without much burden
during a lunch break or on a day off.
Q. Who is it suitable for?

👉 Ultherapy Prime is suitable
when the jawline looks less defined
or the nasolabial folds have deepened,
and line refinement is needed.
It is also a good customized lifting option
for people concerned about sagging across the entire face.
On the other hand, Thermage is recommended
when the skin texture is rough and fine lines are noticeable,
or for people who want to keep the skin overall firm and resilient.
It is especially well suited for those who want
natural tightening rather than strong lifting.
Thank you sincerely for reading
to the end of this long post today.
The effects of Thermage and Ultherapy Prime
each have clear strengths,
so rather than saying one procedure is better than the other,
it is most important to choose
based on your own skin condition
and goals.
In particular, because lifting procedures can produce different results
depending on skin thickness, elasticity, and lifestyle habits,
careful consultation
and 1:1 customized treatment are essential.
When choosing a clinic, I recommend that you be sure to check
✔ whether genuine devices are used
✔ whether sufficient consultation and customized treatment are possible
If you have any questions
or anything else you would like to know,
please leave a comment.
I will answer each and every thoughtful question
with care.
Thank you again for reading,
and I will come back in the next post
with reliable and helpful information.
Sincerely,
Kim Ha-won.

