We often receive the question, "Will 300 shots be enough?"
It might seem like a larger number would lead to a greater result, but the shot count is not that kind of value.
Especially in cases where the center of the face appears constricted, there's something to determine before the number of shots.
Please take just one minute to read this.
What the Shot Count Means
One shot is a unit that delivers energy to one point. If the area to be treated is wider, the required number of shots increases.
In other words, 300 shots refers more to the coverage area than to the intensity. Concentrating 300 shots on a small area is a completely different procedure from distributing them over a wide area.
What to Determine First
| Order | What to Determine |
|---|---|
| 1 | Which area will be treated? |
| 2 | Which depth within that area will be targeted? |
| 3 | How many shots are needed to cover that area? |
The shot count is the last value to be determined. If you decide the number first and then adjust the area, it may be excessive or insufficient.
Why Shot Count Isn't the Answer for a Peanut-Shaped Face
The causes of a constricted appearance in the middle of the face can be divided into three: whether the cheekbones are prominent, whether the volume below them has decreased, or whether the tissue has sagged.
If a decrease in volume is the main cause, a stronger pulling approach might actually make the face appear gaunt.
This means that increasing the shot count can sometimes exacerbate the problem.
The criteria for distinguishing the causes are summarized in What to Divide Before Filling a Peanut-Shaped Face.
When Considering Combinations
If a pulling approach alone is not sufficient, we consider adding volume or addressing skin conditions.
However, if multiple procedures are performed on the same day, the recovery responses may overlap. Swelling can make it difficult to judge the results, so we sometimes divide the procedures into separate sessions.
The Depth Must Be Correct
The layer to which energy is delivered determines the result. Skin and fat thickness vary from person to person, so the same settings may not reach the same depth.
This is why we can proceed while checking the layers with an ultrasound screen. We adjust as we go, observing whether the target layer is actually being reached.
When to Observe Progress
Changes felt immediately after the procedure are more akin to a temporary reaction. There will be a period where they fade within a few days.
Changes in elasticity appear gradually over several weeks, so it is more accurate to observe them after the swelling has subsided.
Recovery and Precautions
You may experience warmth, numbness, swelling, or a feeling of pressure, and the degree and duration may vary from person to person.
If you have an important event approaching, it is advisable to check in advance if it overlaps with the recovery period.
It is safer to consult with medical staff before the procedure to confirm that the scope and intensity are appropriate for your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Ultherapy alone resolve the issue?
If the cause is primarily due to sagging tissue, you may see a change. If volume loss is also present, that part will remain.
Will increasing the number of shots improve the results?
The shot count is a value for the coverage area, so the number does not directly correlate with the results. If performed excessively on a face with reduced volume, it may lead to a gaunt appearance.
Is there pain or swelling?
You may experience warmth and numbness, followed by a few days of swelling. The degree varies greatly from person to person, and if it feels too strong during the procedure, adjustments can be made.
Is there a difference depending on the type of equipment?
There are differences in the delivery method and adjustment range. However, which layer is treated and to what extent is more relevant to the outcome than the equipment name.
What is checked during a consultation?
First, we identify which axis is causing the constricted appearance in the middle of the face, and which area and depth will be targeted. The shot count is determined after that.
Visit and Consultation Information
O.N Clinic is conveniently located near Gangnam Station, making it easily accessible by subway.
Since the shot count is determined after defining the area and depth, it is more accurate to provide guidance after checking your facial condition. For any questions, you can easily inquire via Chat for a consultation now.
Author: Dr. Oh Seung-Min (Chief Director of O.N Clinic, graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine, Academic Committee Chairman of the Korean Laser Dermatology and Hair Society). Detailed career information can be found in Meet Our Team. First published 2026-08-19 / Last reviewed 2026-08-25
This article is for general information purposes only, and the appropriate treatment and results may vary depending on individual conditions.
