Introduction

Imagine this: you catch your reflection in a store window, and the first thing you notice isn’t your outfit — it’s that your jawline isn’t quite as sharp as it used to be. Or maybe your eyelids feel a little heavier, your cheeks not as lifted. You don’t want surgery, but you also don’t want to “just accept it.”

In today’s world of aesthetic innovation, two names almost always come up for non-surgical lifting: Ulthera and Thermage. Both promise tighter, firmer skin — but the way they work, the results they deliver, and the ideal candidates for each can be surprisingly different.

At BLS Clinic in Gangnam, where lifting technology has been a core specialty for over 18 years, we often meet patients who’ve heard of both treatments but don’t fully understand which is right for them. Choosing correctly isn’t just about the brand name — it’s about understanding your skin’s biology, your aesthetic goals, and the science behind the devices.

Understanding the Two Technologies

Ulthera (Ultherapy®): Precision at Deeper Levels

Ulthera uses micro-focused ultrasound energy to target the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer — the same foundational tissue layer that plastic surgeons manipulate during a facelift. This is why it’s often called the “closest non-surgical lift” available today.

• Depth: Up to 4.5mm for SMAS tightening, plus 3.0mm for dermis and 1.5mm for superficial skin tightening.

• Mechanism: The ultrasound energy bypasses the skin’s surface and delivers heat to precise depths, creating thermal coagulation points. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s wound-healing process, producing fresh collagen and elastin.

• Treatment Areas: Lower face, jawline, under-chin, brows, and neck are most common, but it can also be used for décolleté rejuvenation.

In Korea, Ulthera is especially popular among clients in their late 30s to mid-50s who want to restore youthful definition without the downtime of surgery. The SMAS targeting is particularly valued here because lifting is considered just as important as skin clarity in the beauty equation.

Thermage: Broad, Even Collagen Stimulation

Thermage uses monopolar radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat the dermis and subcutaneous tissue in a controlled manner. Unlike Ulthera, which creates pinpoint coagulation zones, Thermage delivers volumetric heating — warming the skin uniformly to trigger collagen contraction and remodeling.

• Depth: Primarily 2–3mm, stimulating the mid to deep dermis without affecting the muscle layer.

• Mechanism: As the RF energy passes through the skin, collagen fibers immediately contract, and over time, the heating stimulates fibroblasts to produce new collagen.

• Treatment Areas: Face, eyes, jawline, neck, abdomen, thighs, arms — making it more versatile for body tightening.

In Korea, Thermage has a loyal following among patients who prioritize skin texture and pore refinement along with mild lifting. It’s also a go-to option for those with thinner or more delicate skin, such as the under-eye area, where ultrasound energy might be too intense.

How They Feel: Pain and Comfort Levels

If you’ve heard rumors that Ulthera “hurts more,” there’s some truth to it — but technology and clinical technique have made it far more comfortable than in the early days.

• Ulthera: The sensation is a brief, sharp heat and tingling as the ultrasound reaches its targeted depth. Discomfort is more noticeable over bony areas like the jawline and forehead. At BLS Clinic, we manage this with advanced topical numbing, oral analgesics if needed, and most importantly — real-time ultrasound visualization. This lets us deliver energy only where it’s needed, minimizing unnecessary passes that can cause discomfort without benefit.

• Thermage: Feels more like a series of warm pulses, often described as “a hot stone massage with a quick tap.” The device tip alternates between heating and cooling to protect the surface while warming deeper tissue. Most patients tolerate Thermage well without additional medication.

Comfort is a critical factor for patient satisfaction, but it should never be the sole deciding factor. The right treatment for your skin goals is more important than simply choosing the least uncomfortable option.

Results: What to Expect

Ulthera

• Visible lifting of the jawline, brow, and neck that develops gradually over 2–3 months.

• Ideal for structural sagging — when skin is still relatively healthy but deeper support has weakened.

• Results often last 12–18 months, depending on age, lifestyle, and maintenance.

• Particularly effective for preventing the need for more invasive procedures later.

Thermage

• Smoothing and firming that becomes noticeable within 4–6 weeks and continues to improve for up to 6 months.

• Excellent for crepey skin, fine lines, and improving skin texture, especially under the eyes and on the cheeks.

• Longevity is typically 12 months, with many patients opting for annual maintenance sessions.

• Can be performed more frequently than Ulthera in some cases.

At BLS Clinic, we document every patient’s before-and-after images under consistent lighting so they can clearly see the evolution of results over time. This transparency builds trust and helps patients appreciate the gradual but real improvements.

Choosing Based on Your Skin and Goals

Here’s how we typically guide the decision:

• If your main concern is sagging — such as jowls, drooping brows, or neck laxity — Ulthera tends to be more effective thanks to its deeper SMAS targeting.

• If your skin texture is your main concern — fine lines, roughness, or mild laxity — Thermage provides more uniform collagen renewal across the skin’s surface.

• If you want both lifting and smoothing, a combination approach is often ideal. For example, we might perform Ulthera for deep lift, then Thermage 3–6 months later to refine texture.

Insider Insight from BLS Clinic

One thing most people don’t realize is that energy-based skin tightening isn’t just about depth — it’s about matching the treatment to your skin’s collagen health and thickness.

• Younger patients (30s to early 40s) with early sagging but good skin density often benefit from Ulthera spaced 18–24 months apart.

• Mature patients (late 40s to 60s) with both laxity and fine lines may get better results alternating Ulthera and Thermage every 6–12 months.

• Patients with thin, delicate skin — especially under the eyes — often respond better to Thermage or a lower-energy Ulthera setting to avoid overtreatment.

At BLS Clinic, our real-time imaging with Ulthera lets us see exactly where the energy is being delivered, avoiding fat pads we don’t want to shrink and focusing precisely where lift is needed. This kind of precision is something you don’t get everywhere — and it makes a huge difference in both safety and results.

Downtime and Safety

Both Ulthera and Thermage are considered non-invasive with minimal downtime. That said, minor and temporary aftereffects are common:

• Ulthera: Redness, mild swelling, tenderness, and occasional tingling for a few days. In rare cases, temporary numbness.

• Thermage: Mild redness or swelling that resolves within 24 hours. Rarely, small surface blisters if energy is too concentrated — which is why technique matters.

We always tailor treatment schedules to patient lifestyles. If you have a major event — a wedding, reunion, or media appearance — we recommend doing the procedure at least several weeks in advance to allow results to begin showing while any temporary effects subside.

Which Is “Better”?

The truth is, neither Ulthera nor Thermage is universally “better” — because skin aging isn’t the same for everyone. The best treatment is the one that:

1. Matches your current skin condition and stage of aging

2. Targets your specific beauty goals

3. Is performed with the right technology settings and expert technique

Many of our celebrity clients in Gangnam actually combine both technologies over time — Ulthera for contour lift, Thermage for texture refinement — creating results that are natural, camera-ready, and long-lasting.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a noticeable, structural lift without surgery, Ulthera is often the front-runner.
If your priority is smoother, more refined skin texture with comfort, Thermage is a star performer.
And if you want to address both — the secret in Gangnam (and at BLS Clinic) is that a strategic combination often delivers the most harmonious, youthful results.

At BLS Clinic, our 18+ years of expertise in lifting and skin rejuvenation means we approach every patient like a unique canvas. By blending the science of medical aesthetics with the artistry of individualized care, we help you achieve results that enhance — never erase — your natural beauty.

If you’re ready to explore skin tightening with precision, artistry, and advanced technology, schedule a personalized consultation at BLS Clinic in Gangnam. Your future self will thank you.