Mok-dong Ulthera, Thermage, and similar
radiofrequency lifting treatments compared
Mok-dong Ulthera

Hello.
I am Kim Jin-hyeon, Chief Director of the Mok-dong branch of You&I Clinic.
When you are worried about skin sagging, which lifting treatment should you choose?
As the forehead, eye area, or jawline no longer feels the same as before, many people start considering lifting procedures.
You have probably heard the names “Ulthera” or “Thermage.”
Both are widely known anti-aging devices, but in practice, people often feel confused about how they differ and which treatment is more suitable for them.
If you are considering a lifting procedure, this article may help you make your choice.
From here, I’ll start with the differences between Ulthera and Thermage,
and then explain which treatment is suitable for whom.
If you focus for just 3 minutes, you should at least be able to figure out whether Ulthera is right for you. ^^
Table of contents
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Ulthera vs. Thermage: the principles are different
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The treatment effects are also different
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In the end, choose the treatment that suits your skin
Mok-dong Ulthera
Ulthera vs. Thermage,
the principles are different
Ulthera is a device that uses HIFU, or high-intensity focused ultrasound energy.
It delivers ultrasound energy not just to the skin surface, but deep inside the skin.
It reaches not only the lower dermis but also the SMAS layer (the fascial layer).
This SMAS layer is the key area in what we commonly call a “lifting procedure.”
Ulthera device
Thermage device
On the other hand, Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF) energy.
It applies heat to the dermis to regenerate collagen,
and focuses on improving skin texture and surface elasticity.
Simply put, Ulthera induces tightening in deeper layers,
while Thermage is effective at making the skin surface smoother and firmer.
Because the type of energy delivered and the depth it reaches are different,
the direction of the procedure is also completely different.
Mok-dong Ulthera
The treatment effects are also different
Ulthera produces a noticeable lifting effect.
It is recommended for those who want the feeling that the skin is being naturally pulled up,
especially around a sagging jawline or nasolabial folds.
In addition, if you have a moderate amount of facial fat,
the energy can reach the fat layer as well,
so you may expect both lifting and fat-reduction effects at the same time.

On the other hand, Thermage is specialized in improving skin texture.
It is suitable for people with enlarged pores, fine wrinkles, or skin that looks dull and rough on the surface.
How long does it last? To get straight to the point, both tend to last about one year.
Because these are expensive procedures, the satisfaction of people who receive them is also closely related to how long the results are maintained, so they do tend to last a long time. ^^
Mok-dong Ulthera
In the end, choose the treatment that suits your skin
“So which one should I get, in the end?”
That is probably the question you are most curious about.
If your skin is sagging and you feel that elasticity has dropped significantly, Ulthera is more likely to be the better option.
That is because it reaches the SMAS layer and tightens the skin structure itself.
Thermage FLX
Conversely, if you are more worried about rough skin texture, more noticeable pores, or increased fine wrinkles, Thermage may be worth considering.
That is because it delivers heat to the dermis and induces collagen production, which is beneficial for overall skin texture improvement.
Of course, if you are concerned about both loss of elasticity and skin texture improvement, combined treatment is also possible (often called “Ultherrmage” ^^),
and in such cases, consultation with a medical professional is essential.
This is because treatment without an accurate skin diagnosis may actually cause side effects.
I wrote this comparison for those looking into Mok-dong Ulthera and Thermage.
Ulthera and Thermage may look similar on the surface, but in fact, their mechanisms and expected effects are quite different.
Rather than asking which treatment is “better,” the much more important criterion is which treatment suits your skin condition.
So if you are considering a lifting procedure, I recommend getting a thorough diagnosis of your current skin condition.
I hope this article was a small help in choosing the option that is right for you between Ulthera and Thermage.
This was Kim Jin-hyeon, Chief Director of the Mok-dong branch of You&I Clinic. Thank you. ^^
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