How is Coolsonic different from Ulthera, and who is it right for?
Director Kim Serim ·
Like Ulthera, Coolsonic is a lifting treatment that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to deliver heat down to the SMAS layer. But it adds a cooling structure that cools the skin during treatment, so there tends to be less heat and less pain. It suits people trying lifting for the first time, those who want to start early before sagging becomes significant, and those who need to go to work the next day.
At a glance
- Method
- High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) + micro-cooling
- Depths
- 1.5mm · 3.0mm · 4.5mm
- Features
- Pen-type tip; can treat curved areas such as the forehead, around the eyes, and beside the nose
- Anesthesia
- Done without sedation (numbing cream if needed)
- Recovery
- Face washing allowed the same day; redness and swelling for 1–2 days
- When changes appear
- From 2–4 weeks; settles in at about 3 months
- Price
- Coolsonic 3,000 shots 690,000 KRW (as of the October 2026 menu)
Same principle as Ulthera, different feel
Coolsonic also focuses ultrasound energy on a single point inside the skin to create thermal coagulation points, which stimulate collagen regeneration around them. It is also the same in using three depths, 1.5mm, 3.0mm and 4.5mm, to treat step by step from shallow layers down to the SMAS layer that supports the face.
The difference is how it feels during treatment. The handpiece has a built-in micro-cooling structure that reduces surface heating while ultrasound is sent to deeper layers. As a result, many people who are sensitive to pain can get it fairly comfortably without sedation.
Areas a pen-type tip can reach
The Coolsonic handpiece is slim like a pen. So it can precisely treat not only broad, flat cheeks but also curved areas such as the forehead, around the eyes, and beside the nose. It is especially useful for people concerned with sagging or fine lines in the upper face, not just the jawline.
We distribute depths and shot counts according to the direction and area of sagging. If there is a left–right difference, we plan each side differently.
Who it suits well
On the other hand, for faces with advanced sagging or volume loss, Coolsonic alone may have limits. In those cases we plan it together with Xerf or volume treatments.
- People who have kept putting off lifting because of pain
- People who need to return to daily life and work the day after treatment
- People in their late 20s to 30s without much sagging who want to start care early
- People who want to treat curved areas such as the forehead and around the eyes
When results show, and how often
Many people notice a difference 2–4 weeks after treatment rather than right away. As collagen regeneration continues, the change settles in at about 3 months. Rather than expecting a big change at once, it is common to maintain at intervals of 6 months to 1 year while watching how you respond.
Repeating it at too short an interval can actually be a burden, so we decide the next timing together at consultation.
Before and after treatment
If you have inflamed acne or wounds, we adjust the timing. Please tell us in advance if you are pregnant or have had filler or thread lifting in the area. You can wash your face the same day. It's best to avoid saunas, heavy drinking, and strong friction.
Redness or slight swelling may occur but usually subsides within a day or two. In rare cases of bruising or a tingling sensation, please contact the clinic.
Prices (as of the October 2026 menu)
| Coolsonic 1,000 shots | 290,000 KRW |
|---|---|
| Coolsonic 3,000 shots | 690,000 KRW |
| Coolsonic 5,000 shots | 990,000 KRW |
| Coolsonic 7,000 shots | 1,290,000 KRW |
| Coolsonic 9,000 shots | 1,580,000 KRW |
First-visit event prices can be found on the events page. The number of shots needed is decided after consultation.
Frequently asked questions
This is my first lifting treatment. Can I start with Coolsonic?
Because it is relatively gentle, many first-timers choose it. Still, we first assess the degree of sagging and skin thickness, then recommend the method that fits.
Which is more effective, Coolsonic or Ulthera?
Both are ultrasound lifting, so the principle is similar. The choice depends on the degree of sagging, pain sensitivity, and the areas you want treated.
Can it be combined with other lifting treatments?
It is often planned together with a different type of lifting, such as Xerf. The combination and order are decided at consultation.
This article is general medical information. Results and how long they last vary from person to person. Any treatment can cause side effects such as redness, swelling or pain, so please decide after a consultation.