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GraysGrays Dermatology

Target layerL4 · SMASSMAS & Muscle

Duration
40-60 minutes depending on the number of shots
Recommended sessions
About once a year recommended
Downtime
Immediate return to daily life; temporary swelling or tingling possible

Ultherapy PRIME is a HIFU lifting treatment that delivers focused ultrasound energy down to the SMAS layer. Results and how soon they appear vary from person to person, and it is not a substitute for surgery or volume-restoring treatments. A board-certified dermatologist first assesses whether it is right for you, then explains the number of shots and the cost.

Ultherapy PRIME
People and scenes shown are AI-generated for illustration. They are not actual patients, staff, our clinic, or treatment results.

01Overview

Ultherapy PRIME
Ultrasound lifting that reaches the SMAS layer

Ultherapy PRIME is a lifting treatment that delivers high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) down to the SMAS layer — the thin sheet of connective tissue beneath the skin that supports the face.

Duration
40-60 minutes depending on the number of shots
Recommended sessions
About once a year recommended
Downtime
Immediate return to daily life; temporary swelling or tingling possible
How long it lasts
Typically 6 months to 1 year
(individual results vary)

How we approach it

The same device can be run very differently.

We treat while checking the layers on the ultrasound screen. Even in the same area, the depth is adjusted to each person's skin thickness.

Dr. Tae Hoon Kim, Medical Director

02What to expect

Changes over time

Guided by real-time ultrasound imaging, the device creates focal points of thermal coagulation that cause tissue to contract and stimulate new collagen, generating a gradual lifting effect.

Right after treatment01

Right after treatment

Mild flushing or swelling is possible, but most people return to daily life the same day. No wounds or crusts are left behind.

1 month02

1 month

Early collagen remodelling begins, and a subtle change in firmness appears first.

2–3 months03

2–3 months

New collagen continues to form, and changes in firmness and contour become clearer.

6 months04

6 months

The point at which the change comes close to its maximum. How much, and when, differs from person to person.

Follow-up05

Follow-up

It usually holds for six months to a year, and whether to treat again is decided after reviewing your own course, not on a fixed schedule.

03Device & Technology

Ultherapy PRIME Device

Ultherapy PRIME
Ultherapy PRIME

Ultrasound imaging

Because the layers are visible on screen during treatment, delivery is adjusted to your own skin thickness even within the same area.

Genuine tips only

We use only genuine Merz systems and genuine tips, and show them to you before treatment.

Performed by a specialist

From shot mapping to delivery, a board-certified dermatologist does the work.

04Procedure

How your visit goes

Specialist diagnosis01

Specialist diagnosis

We assess which layer is sagging (SMAS or dermis) and your skin thickness.

Design02

Design

Shots are mapped area by area while viewing the layers on the ultrasound screen.

Treatment03

Treatment

Performed directly by a board-certified dermatologist, adjusting intensity to your pain response.

Aftercare04

Aftercare

Soothing care before you go home the same day, with clear post-treatment instructions.

Every procedure is performed directly by a board-certified dermatologist.

05Aftercare

Recovery & care

  1. 01

    First 1–2 hours

    Mild flushing and warmth are possible and usually settle within a few hours. You can wash your face and wear makeup the same day.

  2. 02

    First week

    Avoid strong heat — sauna, hot baths, heavy drinking — for a few days, and moisturise more than usual.

  3. 03

    1–12 weeks

    This is the collagen remodelling window. Use SPF 30 or higher every day to protect skin that is regenerating.

  4. 04

    Follow-up

    Whether to treat again is decided after reviewing your course, not on a fixed schedule.

Recovery & care

06FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How does Ultherapy PRIME lift the skin?

It works by focusing high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) down to the SMAS layer beneath the skin, creating small points of thermal coagulation. The heated tissue contracts, and as new collagen forms afterward, support develops that lifts sagging tissue. Because treatment is delivered while checking the layers on an ultrasound screen, the depth is adjusted to each person's skin thickness.

Who is Ultherapy PRIME suited to, and when is it not suitable?

We consider it for those whose jawline, cheeks, or brow line have started to sag, or who are bothered by a double chin and want to manage it without surgery. If sagging is already severe, non-surgical treatment alone has limits, and we will tell you honestly at consultation. It is not recommended if you have an implanted electronic medical device such as a pacemaker, have metal implants, infection, or wounds in the treatment area, or are pregnant.

Does Ultherapy PRIME hurt a lot? How is anesthesia handled?

Because energy reaches deep layers, there is a noticeable sensation, and how much you feel differs from person to person. Topical numbing cream is standard, and sedation support is also considered when needed. The treatment is performed directly by a board-certified dermatologist, who adjusts the intensity while watching your pain response.

How long does the treatment take?

It takes about 40-60 minutes depending on the number of shots. Since the visit also includes consultation, topical numbing, and soothing care after treatment, your time at the clinic will be longer than this. We recommend allowing plenty of time in your schedule.

Can I return to daily life right after treatment?

Yes, you can return to daily life on the day of treatment, and you can wash your face and wear makeup. However, temporary swelling, tingling, or a muscle-ache-like sensation may continue for a few days.

When do results appear, and how long do they last?

Rather than right after treatment, results appear gradually over 2-3 months as collagen regenerates. Results typically last 6 months to 1 year, and the degree and timing of change vary by individual.

How often should I have Ultherapy PRIME?

About 1 session per year is recommended. Rather than repeating on a fixed date, we evaluate the progress from your previous treatment and then decide the timing and extent of the next one.

How is the number of shots decided?

We do not apply a set number of shots uniformly; it is decided after consultation according to the area, skin thickness, and degree of sagging. Because shots are allocated by area while viewing the layers on the ultrasound screen, the distribution may differ from person to person even for the same area.

Should I choose Ultherapy PRIME or Thermage FLX?

It depends on which layer the sagging comes from. Ultherapy PRIME is relatively better suited to sagging of the SMAS layer, and Thermage FLX to dermal firmness and fine lines. After consultation we recommend the device that matches the layer, and the two are sometimes planned together.

Can I have it together with Juvelook or Botox?

Because their goals differ, they are sometimes planned together. Where Ultherapy PRIME lifts sagging tissue, Juvelook Volume addresses collagen production in hollow areas, and Botox addresses concerns related to muscle movement. Whether to do them on the same day or space them apart is decided after consultation, along with the order.

Are there side effects or precautions after treatment?

Temporary swelling or tingling may occur, and bruising or temporary reduced sensation may rarely occur. For a few days after treatment, avoid strong heat such as saunas, jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouses), and heavy drinking, and apply sunscreen of SPF30 or higher daily while collagen regenerates. If symptoms persist or worsen, please contact the clinic.

How much does Ultherapy PRIME cost, and how do I book?

The cost depends on the area and number of shots, so it is confirmed after consultation, and reference prices can be found on the price list on our website. Booking is available via Naver Booking, our KakaoTalk channel, or phone (+82-51-710-1891), and consultations are also available via LINE. The clinic is located at L Tower 10F near Jung-dong Station in Haeundae-gu, Busan.

Fees

Pricing depends on the number of shots and treatment area, and is confirmed after consultation. Reference prices are listed on our fee schedule.

See the fee schedule →
References 5
  1. Approval: Ultherapy PRIME · FDA cleared · MFDS (Korean FDA) approved
  2. Manufacturer: Merz (Germany)
  3. Korea MFDS medical device registry
  4. Korean Dermatological Association
  5. Reviewed by: Dr. Tae Hoon Kim, Medical Director

⚠ Cautions & contraindications

  • An implanted electronic medical device such as a pacemaker or defibrillator
  • Metal or electronic implants in the treatment area
  • Active infection or an open wound in the treatment area
  • Pregnancy (not recommended — safety data are insufficient)

Summary & comparison

TreatmentTarget layerMain changeDurationHow long it lastsDowntime
Ultherapy PRIMEL4 SMAS & MuscleUltrasound lifting that reaches the SMAS layer40-60 minutes depending on the number of shotsTypically 6 months to 1 year
(individual results vary)
Immediate return to daily life; temporary swelling or tingling possible
Thermage FLXL2 DermisMonopolar RF tightening that rebuilds dermal collagen40-60 minutes depending on the number of shotsTypically around 1 year
(individual results vary)
Immediate return to daily life; temporary flushing possible
Accent Prime Tune FaceL3 Fat layerRF lifting that tunes texture, firmness, and contour together30-50 minutesMaintained over several months
(individual results vary)
Immediate return to daily life
OligioL2 DermisMonopolar RF tightening with a lighter footprint30-50 minutesSeveral months to 1 year
(individual results vary)
Immediate return to daily life
Liftera IIL4 SMAS & MusclePen-type HIFU lifting for precise, detailed work20-40 minutesSeveral months
(individual results vary)
Immediate return to daily life

Treatments used for the same concern, placed side by side. Which one fits is decided in consultation after the layer is identified.

Aftercare

Ultrasound lifting

Energy is delivered to the SMAS layer without breaking the skin surface, so you can return to daily life the same day. The change follows the pace of collagen renewal and appears gradually.

Recovery course

  1. Day of treatmentMild tingling and slight redness are possible. You may wash your face and apply skincare as usual.
  2. Days 2–3A pressed, achy feeling may remain. If chewing is uncomfortable, avoid hard foods for a while.
  3. Weeks 1–2Swelling and tingling usually settle. Photos from this period are too early to judge the change.
  4. Months 2–3Collagen rebuilds and the change becomes clearer. This is when the result is assessed.

Precautions

  • Sauna, hot baths, strenuous exercise and alcohol: for 3–5 days after treatment
  • Rubbing or massaging the treated area firmly: for 1 week

When to contact the clinic

  • Swelling on one side keeps getting worse
  • One side of the face feels weak or your expression looks asymmetric
  • Blisters or burn-like marks appear

Next session · next visitUsually reviewed every 6–12 months, depending on age and the degree of laxity, decided at consultation.

Full aftercare guide →

Next step

Wondering if this treatment fits you?

Tell us what concerns you, and after your consultation we will explain the suitable treatment, schedule and fees in detail.

CallKakaoTalkNaver Booking