Ultherapy Prime: How Is It Different from the Original Ulthera?

Hello.

I’m Youngjin Wi from Beauty’s Doctor.

When looking into lifting treatments,

you may often come across the name

Ultherapy Prime these days.

“Is it a completely different device

because I heard it’s a new version of Ulthera?”

“Is the original Ulthera no longer being used?”

These are natural questions to have.

To summarize first,

Ulthera and Ultherapy Prime

are medical devices that use the same

high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) principle.

However, there are some differences.

The biggest difference

is the real-time imaging screen viewed during treatment.

It is easiest to understand this as a difference

in the range and clarity of the images

showing cross-sections of the skin compared with the original device.

However, the important point is that

just because the device has changed,

it does not mean the same approach is used for everyone.

The areas that need to be assessed may vary

depending on skin thickness, the condition of the fascia,

the degree of sagging, and previous treatment history.

What Kind of Device Is Ultherapy Prime?

Ultherapy Prime is a high-intensity focused ultrasound device

made by Merz.

It is used based on the principle

of delivering ultrasound energy

to a specific depth within the skin.

A characteristic of devices in the Ulthera line

is that cross-sections of the skin

can be viewed in real-time during treatment.

Rather than proceeding based only on the skin’s surface,

the treatment can be carried out

while checking on the screen

which depth should be addressed.

Treatment generally involves approaching different depths,

such as 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm, and 4.5 mm.

However, there is no fixed answer

as to which depth should be used.

It may vary depending on the individual’s skin condition

and the clinician’s assessment.

What Is the SMAS Layer?

The SMAS layer

refers to the fascial layer

located deeper than the skin’s surface.

It is frequently mentioned

in lifting-related consultations,

but this does not mean everyone should be treated

at the same depth.

For people with thin skin,

limited volume, or a different direction of sagging,

the points that need to be assessed may vary.

That is why the process of first examining

your current facial structure and skin condition

is more important than the name of the device.

How Has It Changed from the Original Ulthera?

The operating principle itself

does not differ significantly from the original Ulthera.

Both are HIFU devices

that use high-intensity focused ultrasound

to deliver energy to a specific depth in the skin.

The main difference

is in the real-time imaging screen.

Ultherapy Prime is known as a device

with a wider visualization range

and different image resolution

than the original Ulthera.

Simply put,

it is based on the same principle,

but can be viewed as a version

with a different screen environment

for the clinician performing the treatment.

Does a Clearer Image Mean Different Results?

This is something

that needs to be considered separately.

A clearer image

and what kind of changes may appear in your skin

do not mean the same thing.

Real-time imaging

is an element that helps assess the skin layers

and determine where to deliver energy.

However, even when the same device is used,

the treatment approach may vary

depending on skin thickness, facial shape,

the condition of the fascia, the degree of sagging,

and lifestyle habits.

Therefore, it is difficult to conclude simply that

“Prime is better because it is Prime,”

or that

“the original Ulthera is inadequate.”

Before considering the device specifications,

what should be assessed first

is whether this treatment is necessary

for your current condition.

Points to Check Before Treatment

During a consultation,

skin thickness and the degree of sagging,

the condition of the fascia, facial volume,

and previous treatment history

are generally assessed together.

This is because even within the same Ulthera line,

the appropriate treatment range and depth

may vary from person to person.

Reactions after treatment

also vary between individuals.

Redness, swelling, sensitivity,

and temporary discomfort

may appear differently from person to person.

If you have an important upcoming event,

be sure to mention it during the consultation

and allow plenty of time in your schedule.

You should also provide information about

any medications you are taking,

your history of skin conditions,

and any recent treatments you have received.

Ultimately, What Should You Use as Your 기준?

Ultherapy Prime

is a device based on the same HIFU principle

as the original Ulthera,

with a different real-time imaging environment.

However, the need for treatment

cannot be determined by the device name alone.

Because skin conditions vary from person to person,

no particular treatment is necessary for everyone.

It is important to first assess your current condition

and whether treatment is necessary through a consultation,

then distinguish between the areas that require treatment

and those that may not need to be treated at all.

If you are considering a lifting consultation in Hapjeong,

rather than comparing device names alone,

it is better to first determine

whether the approach is suited to your skin condition.

You can find more detailed information about each treatment

on the website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Ultherapy Prime a completely different device from the original Ulthera?

A. The operating principle is the same.

Both are HIFU devices

that use high-intensity focused ultrasound.

However, they differ in the range and clarity

of the real-time images viewed during treatment.

Q. Does a clearer image automatically mean it is better?

A. The image is an element that helps assess the skin layers.

However, the actual treatment approach may vary

depending on skin thickness, the degree of sagging,

the condition of the fascia, and the treatment area.

Q. Should I choose Prime over the original Ulthera?

A. It is difficult to make that choice automatically

based on the device name alone.

It is better to assess whether treatment is necessary

after considering your current skin condition,

facial structure, and previous treatment history.

Q. What should I mention before the consultation?

A. You should mention any medications you are taking,

your history of skin conditions,

recent treatments,

and any important upcoming events

during the consultation.

Thank you for reading this long post.

This was Youngjin Wi.