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MOHW-designated Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institution · 2026
Ultherapy in Gangnam Seoul, Korea
Ultherapy is a micro-focused ultrasound device that lets the doctor see the tissue layers on a screen before placing energy. Learn what depths it treats, how it feels and how to tell genuine Ultherapy from other HIFU.
- 2 MD-PhD directors
- 2007 In Gangnam since
- 4 Languages
- 3 mo Free follow-up
In brief
Ultherapy, at a glance
Gangnam Celliting Clinic · 121 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Gangnam Station Exit 12 (4-min walk)
Ultherapy is a non-invasive lifting treatment that places small points of focused ultrasound heat at set depths under the skin, guided by a live ultrasound image. In the United States it is cleared to lift the brow and lax tissue under the chin and on the neck, and to improve lines on the décolleté. Results build gradually and, per the manufacturer, can last a year or more for some patients.
- Energy Micro-focused ultrasound with live imaging
- Common depths 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm
- US-cleared areas Brow, under-chin, neck, décolleté lines
- Result timing Gradual, over weeks to months
How it works
How does micro-focused ultrasound with visualization work?
Ultherapy works by focusing ultrasound energy into tiny heated points beneath the skin while leaving the surface largely untouched. The heat causes a controlled response in the tissue, and the body then produces new collagen over the following months.
What sets it apart is visualization: the same handpiece shows an ultrasound image of the skin, fat and deeper layers, so the doctor can check where the energy will land before each line. This helps avoid bone and adjust for thinner or thicker areas of the face and neck.
Depths
Which tissue depths can Ultherapy transducers reach?
Ultherapy uses interchangeable transducers, each set to a fixed focal depth, so one face can be treated at several levels in the same session.
| Transducer depth | Layer reached | Typical purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 mm | Upper dermis | Surface texture and fine lines |
| 3.0 mm | Deep dermis | Skin firmness |
| 4.5 mm | Deeper support layer (SMAS) | Lifting along jaw, chin and brow |
The deepest setting is not always the best one; the doctor picks depths after reading your live ultrasound image.
On the day
What does an Ultherapy session feel like?
Most people feel brief, deep pulses of heat and a prickling or aching sensation in each line, felt most over bone such as the jawline and brow. It is intense for a moment, then passes.
- A clear gel is applied and the handpiece rests flat on the skin.
- You may hear a soft click as each line of energy is delivered.
- Thinner, bony zones usually feel stronger than the cheeks.
- Comfort options such as topical anesthesia or AirNox analgesia can be matched to you.
- Afterwards the skin may be pink, slightly swollen or tender to touch for a few days.
Genuine or not
How can you confirm you are getting genuine Ultherapy?
You can confirm genuine Ultherapy by checking for the live ultrasound image and the device itself before treatment begins. Many devices are called HIFU, but not all of them are Ultherapy.
Look at the screen
Genuine Ultherapy shows an ultrasound picture of your tissue during treatment. Ask the doctor to show you.
Ask about the transducers
Ask which depths will be used on each area and why. A clear answer is a good sign.
Check the device name
The system and transducers carry the Ultherapy name. At Celliting we use FDA/KFDA-cleared devices and will show you before you start.
Comparison
How does Ultherapy differ from other HIFU devices?
Ultherapy differs from many other HIFU devices mainly through its built-in imaging and its specific clearances; the general idea of focused ultrasound is shared.
| Ultherapy | Many other HIFU devices | |
|---|---|---|
| Live tissue imaging | Yes | Often no |
| Depth control | Fixed-depth transducers | Fixed-depth cartridges, varies |
| Regulatory clearances | Specific indications listed | Vary by device and country |
| Best used for | Precise deep lifting | Depends on device |
Its newer platform is covered on our Ultherapy PRIME page, and our device comparison places it next to RF options.
Is it right for you?
Is Ultherapy a good match for you?
Often a good fit
- Mild to moderate looseness under the chin or along the jaw
- A lower brow you would like slightly lifted
- Neck skin that has started to soften
- You want a lift without surgery or incisions
Talk to your doctor first
- Very thin faces with little fat
- Open wounds, acne cysts or infection in the area
- Metal implants or devices near the treatment zone
- Recent fillers or threads in the same area
- Pregnancy
Suitability is a medical decision made by your doctor after an in-person consultation and review of your health history.
Step by step
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Your Ultherapy visit, step by step
Doctor assessment
A medical director examines brow, jaw, chin and neck and decides whether Ultherapy fits.
Mapping and imaging
The face is marked, then the live image is used to confirm depth for each area.
Ultrasound session
Lines are placed area by area, with comfort checks as you go.
Aftercare
Written instructions in your language, plus the free 3-month follow-up once you are home.
Why Celliting
Why patients choose Gangnam Celliting Clinic
01
Government-designated
Named an Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institution by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in June 2026.
02
Built for international patients
A Gangnam-gu Official Partner Clinic with English, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese support.
03
Safety first, always
No serious complication since 2007. FDA/KFDA-cleared devices and verifiable, genuine consumables.
For international patients
Having Ultherapy during a visit to Seoul
Ultherapy suits travellers because it needs no incisions and usually allows you to go out the same day. Tenderness along the jaw can last a few days, so plan softer foods and avoid heavy massage. Since lifting develops over weeks to months, you will see most of the change after you return home. Our team speaks English, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese, and the clinic in Gangnam, Seoul is about 4 minutes from Gangnam Station Exit 12.
- Message us first Send photos and travel dates on WhatsApp before you fly.
- Doctor-reviewed plan Get a suggested plan in advance, confirmed in person.
- Your language English, 中文, 日本語 and Tiếng Việt support.
- Follow-up at home Free 3-month follow-up and a 24-hour line.
FAQ
Ultherapy: your questions, answered
Reviewed by Dr. Ho-chan Kim, MD, PhD · Updated October 2026
Is Ultherapy a type of HIFU?
Yes, in the broad sense. Ultherapy uses high-intensity focused ultrasound, but it is a specific branded system with live imaging and its own clearances. Other HIFU devices use similar physics with different designs, so it is worth confirming which device you are getting.
Which areas is Ultherapy cleared to treat?
In the United States, Ultherapy is cleared to lift the brow and lax tissue under the chin and on the neck, and to improve lines and wrinkles on the décolleté. Doctors may also use it around the jawline as part of a lower-face plan when suitable.
How long can an Ultherapy result last?
According to the manufacturer, results can last a year or more for some patients. How long yours last depends on age, skin quality, lifestyle and natural ageing. Some patients choose a repeat session later.
Can Ultherapy be used on a thin face?
It can, with care. On a thin face the doctor may reduce deep-layer energy or skip some areas, using the live image to avoid over-treating. In some cases a radiofrequency device may be a better first choice.
Should I choose Ultherapy or Ultherapy PRIME?
Both use the same core micro-focused ultrasound. PRIME is the newer platform with updated imaging and workflow. The doctor will recommend which system to use based on your areas and plan.
Explore more
Related pages in Gangnam, Seoul
Cell by cell
Ask whether Ultherapy fits your face
Message us on WhatsApp at +82-10-4567-3237 with your concern and travel dates, and a doctor will advise whether Ultherapy is right for you.
Medical information on this page is provided by Gangnam Celliting Clinic and reviewed by our medical directors. It is not a substitute for an in-person medical consultation. Individual results vary, and all procedures carry potential risks and side effects that your doctor will explain before treatment.
