When do Ulthera results appear, and how long do they last?
Director Kim Serim ·
You may feel some tightening right after Ulthera, but the real changes from collagen regeneration usually develop over 2–3 months. Results are known to last about 6 months to 1 year on average, varying with skin thickness and the degree of aging.
At a glance
- Method
- High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) · depth checked with real-time imaging (DeepSEE)
- Depths
- 1.5mm · 3.0mm · 4.5mm (selected by area)
- When changes appear
- Tightening right after; develops fully over 2–3 months
- Duration
- 6 months to 1 year on average (varies by individual)
- Anesthesia
- Numbing cream, with additional pain management if needed
- Price
- Ulthera 300 shots 1,100,000 KRW (as of the October 2026 menu)
Where does Ulthera act?
Ulthera is a device that focuses ultrasound energy on a single point inside the skin to create small thermal coagulation points. It can treat at separate depths: 4.5mm for the fascia layer that supports the face (SMAS), 3.0mm for the deep dermis, and 1.5mm for the shallow layer.
Because it treats while showing the skin layers on real-time imaging (DeepSEE), it can avoid areas close to bone or with thin skin and deliver energy to the layers that need it.
Even with the same Ulthera, results differ depending on how many shots go to which areas and at what depth. We plan the jawline and double chin mainly at the deeper layers, and around the eyes and forehead mainly at the shallow layer.
When do changes appear?
Some people feel firmer right after treatment, but this is an early reaction of tissue contracting from the heat. The changes in jawline and firmness you actually want appear over 2–3 months as new collagen forms around the thermal coagulation points.
So if you have an important event, we recommend getting Ulthera at least 2–3 months beforehand.
How long does it last, and how often should I get it?
Results are known to last about 6 months to 1 year on average, but this depends on skin thickness, degree of sagging, and lifestyle. Rather than repeating at short intervals, it's better to decide the next timing after seeing the results.
For faces with significant sagging or volume loss, Ulthera alone may have limits. In such cases, we plan other lifting or volume treatments together.
In clinic, we often hear, "I had it last year. Do I need it again this year?" We decide based on how much the sagging has progressed, and if we judge it isn't needed, we don't recommend it.
How much does it hurt?
At the moment the ultrasound focuses on the deep layers, you may feel a zapping or aching sensation, which is stronger along the jawline and near bone. Numbing cream is applied before treatment, and we adjust the energy according to the area and your response.
Redness or swelling after treatment usually subsides within a few days, but rarely, bruising or a tingling sensation may last for a while.
Prices (as of the October 2026 menu)
| Ulthera 100 shots | 389,000 KRW |
|---|---|
| Ulthera 300 shots | 1,100,000 KRW |
| Ulthera 400 shots | 1,330,000 KRW |
| Ulthera 600 shots | 1,860,000 KRW |
| Ulthera 900 shots | 2,690,000 KRW |
| ONDA 60kJ + Ulthera 300 shots | 1,590,000 KRW |
The number of shots needed is decided after consultation, based on face size and degree of sagging.
Frequently asked questions
How is Ulthera different from Xerf?
Ulthera uses ultrasound to focus heat on a single point in a deep layer, while Xerf uses radiofrequency to deliver heat across the skin layers. We recommend one or a combination based on the cause of sagging and skin thickness.
Are more shots always better?
No. The right number of shots matches your face area and the areas that need treatment. We don't recommend unnecessarily high shot counts.
Can I return to daily life right after treatment?
In most cases, yes. If there is redness or swelling, please avoid saunas and alcohol for a few days.
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.