What the Ultrasound Screen Shows Before Ultherapy | Ultherapy in Gangnam Seoul, Korea Medical Tourism Guide

When consulting about Ultherapy PRIME in the examination room, the first question is often, "How many shots should I get?"

However, before counting the shots, I turn on the ultrasound screen.

This is because the depth at which the energy reaches determines the results.

So today, I've organized the principles of how Ultherapy PRIME works, the differences from traditional Ultherapy, and why the effects of the same procedure vary from person to person, exactly as I explain them in the examination room.

Take just 1 minute to read this.

Ultherapy PRIME utilizes high-intensity focused ultrasound, specifically MFU-V (Micro-Focused Ultrasound with Visualization) technology.

Unlike some laser procedures that primarily act on the skin's surface, ultrasound energy is concentrated at a target depth, forming thermal coagulation points at that location, which then induces a collagen regeneration response.

The key lies in the ability to visualize the internal skin structure in real-time during the procedure.

Since the medical staff can visually confirm the condition of the skin layers and determine where to deliver the energy, it helps to accurately deliver energy to the desired depth.

This is why we turn on the screen first.

Cartridges are generally categorized by three depths, and each depth targets different layers and expects different changes.

The SMAS fascia layer, targeted by the 4.5mm depth, is also the layer primarily addressed in facelift Surgery.

Ultherapy PRIME delivers thermal energy to tissues at this depth without incision, inducing contraction and regeneration responses. Over time, improved elasticity and Lifting & Tightening effects can be expected.

(※ However, results may vary depending on individual skin conditions.)

Ultherapy PRIME is known to inherit the MFU-V principle of traditional Ultherapy, while enhancing the real-time imaging environment and procedural convenience.

While traditional Ultherapy also allows for ultrasound-guided procedures, PRIME is introduced as a more refined version in this aspect.

Many people looking into Ultherapy-type procedures in Gangnam tend to focus on the 'number of shots'.

However, from a clinical perspective, what's far more important than the number of shots is whether the energy is delivered to the correct depth.

Therefore, it is crucial for medical staff to adjust the energy delivery location according to the individual's skin thickness and structure, while checking the skin layers in real-time with ultrasound imaging.

Simply having a high number of shots does not proportionally increase the effectiveness.

A more detailed explanation of this point can be found in Why We Prioritize Design and Consultation Over Equipment for Ultherapy PRIME, and what I look at first when you ask about numbers like 300 shots is covered in Things to Check Before Shot Count.

If you are concerned about depth and intensity, you can ask your questions first by clicking Chat for Consultation Now.

Ultherapy PRIME is not a procedure that yields identical results for everyone.

Individual differences in effectiveness and satisfaction may arise due to various factors such as skin thickness, fat volume, degree of sagging, and previous treatment history.

In the examination room, Ultherapy PRIME may be considered as one of the options for Lifting & Tightening and elasticity improvement in the following cases:

• Individuals with thin or medium-thick skin
• Individuals with mild skin sagging
• Individuals in the early stages of aging where the jawline is collapsing and cheeks are sagging downwards
• Individuals with reduced skin elasticity but an appropriate amount of facial fat, neither excessive nor insufficient

Conversely, if facial fat is significantly more or less than average, it may be difficult to achieve sufficient satisfaction with a standalone procedure.

In such cases, it is better to decide whether to combine it with other Lifting & Tightening, volume, or elasticity procedures after a consultation, tailored to the individual's condition.

The criteria for deciding whether to address sagging or elasticity first are discussed in detail in Clinical Criteria for Recommending Alltite vs. Ultherapy.

After the procedure, temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising, numbness, and stiffness may occur.

Rarely, volume loss in the cheeks, asymmetry, or pain may occur depending on individual skin thickness, fat layer, treatment area, and energy settings, so thorough consultation before the procedure is necessary.

Temporary swelling, redness, and stiffness during the recovery process can be natural reactions.

However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to contact the medical institution where the procedure was performed as soon as possible.

Lifting & Tightening effects often appear over time as collagen regeneration progresses, rather than immediately after the procedure.

The duration and satisfaction of the effects also vary depending on individual conditions.

Therefore, before deciding on the initial procedure, we recommend organizing your condition in the following order:

1. Check your skin thickness and degree of sagging.
2. Document your previous treatment history and results.
3. Confirm skin layers and facial structure with ultrasound imaging, then plan appropriate depth and intensity.
4. Determine after consultation whether a standalone procedure is suitable or if a combination is needed.

The reason why the Ultherapy treatment cycle varies from 6 months for some to 1 year for others is explained further in Clinical Criteria for Ultherapy Treatment Cycles.

If you are considering Ultherapy PRIME, it is important to look beyond just comparing shot counts or prices. Instead, observe whether the medical staff actually checks your skin layers and facial structure with ultrasound imaging before planning the depth and energy intensity.

A standardized procedure that does not consider individual skin structure may make it difficult to achieve the desired results.

If your concerns extend beyond Lifting & Tightening to include pores or skin texture, you can refer to Criteria for Combining Retigen and Oligio X in Pore Treatments for guidance on how to design various combinations.

If you're curious about which approach is right for your skin condition, feel free to inquire by clicking Chat for Consultation Now.

What are the actual differences between PRIME and traditional Ultherapy?

Both devices are based on the MFU-V (Micro-Focused Ultrasound) principle.

While the basic operating principle is the same, Ultherapy PRIME is characterized by enhanced real-time imaging and improved procedural convenience, allowing for more precise visualization of skin layers during the procedure.

What reactions can occur after the procedure?

Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising, numbness, and stiffness may occur.

Rarely, volume loss in the cheeks, asymmetry, or pain may occur depending on individual skin thickness, fat layer, treatment area, and energy settings, so thorough consultation with medical staff before the procedure is important.

Does a higher number of shots mean better results?

The effectiveness is not solely determined by the number of shots.

More importantly, it depends on whether the energy is delivered to the precise depth appropriate for the individual's skin thickness and structure.

If energy is delivered to an inappropriate layer, it may be difficult to achieve the desired changes, or unnecessary discomfort may arise.

What skin conditions is it well-suited for?

It can be an option for individuals with thin or medium-thick skin, mild sagging, early stages of jawline collapse or sagging cheeks, or those with reduced skin elasticity but an adequate amount of facial fat.

However, depending on individual conditions, a combination treatment may be more suitable than a standalone procedure, so a consultation is recommended.

When do the effects typically appear?

Lifting & Tightening effects often appear over time as collagen regeneration progresses, rather than immediately after the procedure.

The timing of effect appearance and duration can vary depending on individual skin conditions.

Ultherapy PRIME is known for its relatively quick return to daily life immediately after the procedure, as it delivers ultrasound energy into the skin without incision.

However, on the day of the procedure and for a few days thereafter, reactions such as redness, mild swelling, soreness, tenderness when pressed, and stiffness may occur. These symptoms generally subside within a few days.

(※ Recovery patterns and duration may vary individually, and may be perceived differently depending on skin thickness, energy settings, and treatment area.)

For some time after the procedure, it is advisable to temporarily avoid activities that involve prolonged heat, such as saunas or steam rooms, and to postpone irritating skincare routines while swelling or irritation persists.

If symptoms do not subside after a few days or worsen, please contact the medical institution where the procedure was performed.

Many people are curious about the cost of Ultherapy PRIME, but the exact amount is provided after a consultation to assess your skin condition.

Factors that determine the cost generally include the treatment area (e.g., entire face, or specific areas like the jawline or neck), the combination of cartridge depths used, and the energy design planned based on the skin structure confirmed by ultrasound.

The cost structure also varies depending on whether post-procedure care or follow-up consultations are included.

As explained earlier, since the depth and method of energy delivery determine the results, even with the same number of shots, it is better to consider what is included in the plan rather than simply comparing per-shot prices.

O.N Clinic is conveniently located near Gangnam Station, making it easily accessible by subway.

If you want to pre-organize whether Ultherapy PRIME is the right choice for your skin condition, and what depth and intensity would be appropriate, you can inquire about your questions first by clicking Chat for Consultation Now before your visit.

We will conveniently arrange your reservation and consultation schedule via chat.

Author: Dr. Oh Seung-min (Representative Director of O.N Clinic, graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine, Academic Committee Chairman of the Korean Laser Dermatology and Hair Society). For more details on his background, please refer to Medical Staff Introduction. First published 2026-06-06 / Last reviewed 2026-08-15

This article is for general informational purposes only, and appropriate treatment and results may vary depending on individual conditions.