When I'm consulting about Ultherapy in the clinic, I often get asked, "Is it better to do it quickly with two hands, or slowly with one hand?"
To get straight to the point, I prioritize depth over speed.
This is because Ultherapy is a procedure that delivers energy shot by shot while checking the ultrasound screen, so "how accurately the energy reaches the correct layer" can influence the results more than "how quickly" it's done.
Please take just one minute to read this.
Two Hands vs. One Hand: What's the Difference?
Ultherapy is divided into two methods: one performed with two hands (often called "Ssang-Cera") and one performed with one hand.
These two methods are less about superiority and more about what you prioritize.
| Category | Two-Handed Procedure (Ssang-Cera) | One-Handed Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Advantageous for shortening procedure time | Checks depth shot by shot while viewing the screen |
| Approach | Proceeds on both sides simultaneously | Adjusts energy by area |
| Suitable Situation | When you want to reduce time | When delicate design is needed |
When researching Ultherapy in online communities, opinions often differ on "which method is more effective."
However, it's difficult to definitively state that one method is absolutely superior.
It's better to use your current skin condition and goals as the standard for which method is more suitable for you.
Why Do We Look at the Ultrasound Screen?
One of Ultherapy's strengths is that the procedure can be performed while checking the ultrasound imaging (screen) in real-time.
This method allows us to visually confirm which layer beneath the skin the energy is reaching and deliver it shot by shot to the desired depth.
When performed with one hand, the practitioner can simultaneously monitor the screen and the treatment area.
This allows them to check with each shot whether the energy being delivered is reaching the intended depth.
I believe this approach maximizes the principle of Ultherapy, which involves confirming the layered structure beneath the skin as the procedure progresses.
Ultherapy is not a "quick procedure" but a "procedure that reaches the precise depth." I explain this point first during consultations.
It is true that two-handed procedures may have an advantage in terms of speed.
However, if you value a meticulous approach of checking the screen shot by shot, I recommend directly asking during your consultation, "Do you perform the procedure while looking at the ultrasound screen?"
Ultherapy is often not a one-time procedure but rather managed over cycles depending on the condition.
If you are curious about this, you may also refer to Criteria for Dividing Ultherapy Cycles into 6 Months and 1 Year and Reasons Why Ultherapy Is Not a One-Time Procedure.
If Your Face Is Asymmetrical, the Design Changes 'Like This'
More people than you might think have subtle asymmetry in their left and right facial sides.
Before Ultherapy, individually examining both sides and designing which areas to focus more energy on can affect the naturalness of the results.
In cases of asymmetry, rather than proceeding quickly with the same pattern on both sides, an approach is needed to adjust the amount and direction of energy differently for each area, according to its condition and degree of sagging.
One-handed procedures are advantageous for applying different strategies to each area in this way.
This also connects to the perspective of prioritizing depth and design over the number of shots, which is covered in more detail in What We Prioritize Over Shot Count When You Ask About 300 Shots in the Clinic.
Here's a summary of what's good to check during your consultation:
- Whether the procedure is performed while looking at the ultrasound screen
- Whether facial asymmetry is checked and a separate design is made
- What method will be used and if the reason for it is explained
A thorough customized design process is likely to positively impact satisfaction after the procedure.
If you have any questions, please feel free to inquire via Chat for Consultation Now.
Before the Procedure, This Is Good to Know
(※ The effects and reactions of Ultherapy may vary depending on an individual's skin condition, skin thickness, degree of sagging, etc.)
Even with the same method, individual results may vary, so it is important to have a thorough consultation before the procedure to discuss an approach suitable for your condition.
After the procedure, temporary redness, swelling, pain, or changes in sensation may appear in the treated area.
Most of these are temporary, but if symptoms persist or unexpected reactions occur, we recommend consulting with medical staff immediately.
The applicability and method of the procedure must be determined through direct medical examination and consultation with medical staff.
If you are considering Ultherapy for the first time, we recommend consulting at a place that explains what method will be used and why.
If you want to look at Ultherapy from the perspective of double chin improvement, Two Points Where Ultherapy Approaches the Double Chin may also be helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more effective, two-handed (Ssang-Cera) or one-handed Ultherapy?
It is difficult to definitively state that one method is absolutely superior.
Two-handed procedures may be advantageous for reducing procedure time, while one-handed procedures allow for a delicate approach of checking depth shot by shot while viewing the ultrasound screen.
The key is to confirm through consultation which method is suitable for your skin condition and goals.
Is it necessary to view the ultrasound screen during an Ultherapy procedure?
One of the core principles of Ultherapy is to deliver energy while checking the layers beneath the skin in real-time.
Performing the procedure while viewing the screen allows for checking with each shot whether the energy is accurately reaching the desired depth.
We recommend confirming this point directly during your consultation.
Can I receive Ultherapy if I have facial asymmetry?
Yes, it is possible.
However, if there is asymmetry, rather than proceeding with the same pattern on both sides, it may be helpful for a natural result to thoroughly understand the differences between the left and right sides before the procedure and design the energy delivery method differently for each area.
During your consultation, check if the design process is meticulously carried out.
What reactions can I expect after an Ultherapy procedure?
After the procedure, temporary redness, swelling, pain, or changes in sensation may appear.
Most of these are temporary, but reactions may vary depending on an individual's skin condition, so if symptoms persist, it is necessary to consult with medical staff.
What questions should I ask during an Ultherapy consultation?
We recommend asking two questions: "Do you perform the procedure while looking at the ultrasound screen?" and "Do you check for facial asymmetry and create a separate design?"
If these questions are answered specifically, it can help in assessing the reliability of the procedure's approach.
If the methods are still confusing, you can inquire via Chat for Consultation Now.
Recovery and Downtime: What to Expect After Ultherapy
Ultherapy is a Lifting & Tightening procedure that delivers ultrasound energy to the layers beneath the skin. It is performed without incision, allowing for a relatively quick return to daily life.
Immediately after the procedure, redness, mild swelling, numbness, or a tingling sensation may appear in the treated area, but these generally subside within a few hours to a few days.
A dull ache or subtle pain when pressed may also persist for a few days.
However, recovery patterns may vary depending on skin thickness, the energy delivery layer, and individual reactions. Therefore, if swelling or pain persists for a long time or if unexpected reactions occur, we recommend consulting with medical staff.
Washing your face and basic daily activities are generally possible on the day of the procedure, but specific care methods may vary depending on the approach used, so it is best to receive guidance during your consultation.
How Is the Cost Structured: What Determines the Price?
The cost of Ultherapy is not a single fixed price but is determined by several factors.
- Treatment area (whether it's the entire face or a specific part like the double chin or neck)
- Number of shots delivered
- Whether it's performed with two hands (Ssang-Cera) or one hand
- Pre-procedure measurement of facial asymmetry and design process
- Inclusion of post-procedure care
These items are factors that determine the price.
Even for the same 'Ultherapy,' the composition may vary depending on the area, number of shots, and method of procedure. Therefore, rather than simply comparing prices, it is better to confirm what is included in the cost.
The exact cost will be provided after assessing your skin condition and goals during a consultation.
Visit and Consultation Information
O.N Clinic is conveniently located near Sinnonhyeon Station and Gangnam Station, making it easy to access by subway.
Since Ultherapy is a procedure where it's good to understand what method will be used and why before deciding, we recommend organizing any questions you have before your visit and consulting with us.
You can easily inquire about appointments and consultations via Chat for Consultation Now.
Author: Dr. Oh Seung-Min (Chief Director, O.N Clinic; Graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine; Academic Committee Chairman, Korean Association of Laser, Dermatology and Hair). For more details on his background, please refer to Medical Staff Introduction. First published: 2026-06-22 / Last reviewed: 2026-08-15
This article is for general information purposes only, and appropriate treatment and results may vary depending on individual conditions.
