Ulthera vs. Thermage: How They Work and How Often to Repeat

Ulthera and Thermage are both lifting treatments that use heat energy to stimulate collagen renewal, but they use different types of energy and heat different depths of skin, so they suit different concerns. As we age, the jawline starts to sag and fine lines deepen, and ahead of a busy holiday season many people look for a lifting treatment that delivers clear results in one session.

Because neither is inexpensive, choosing the one that fits your skin type and concerns matters most. Ruby Plastic Surgery in Gangnam compares how Ulthera and Thermage work, how long results last, how often to repeat them, price ranges, and who each one suits best.

Different Energy, Different Target Depth

Both treatments work on the same principle: delivering heat energy into the skin to stimulate collagen renewal. The difference lies in the type of energy and the skin layer the heat reaches, and understanding that difference is the starting point for the right choice.

Ulthera uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to create thermal coagulation points in the deep SMAS (fascia) layer. It excels at V-line lifting, raising sagging tissue without surgery.

Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to deliver heat throughout the dermis. By densely stimulating collagen in the dermis, it focuses on fine lines, skin tightening, and pore refinement.

So if your goal is improving overall facial sagging, meaning your contours, Ulthera may be the better fit. If your skin is thin or your goal is fine lines, pores, and firm, bouncy skin, Thermage may suit you better.

In short, Ulthera is closer to a lift that pulls up deep layers to raise your contours, while Thermage is closer to tightening that firms the shallower dermis to refine skin texture. Even though both use heat energy, the changes you can expect differ, so the first step is deciding whether you want to improve a sagging jawline and cheeks, or fine lines, pores, and skin firmness.

How Long Results Last and When to Repeat

Because both Ulthera and Thermage work by stimulating collagen renewal, results build over time rather than appearing right after treatment. Collagen production is generally most active over the 2–3 months following treatment, and the best results are known to last until around 6 months. After that, results vary depending on your skin condition and aftercare, but in most cases they last about a year.

To slow skin aging and maintain elasticity, a regular touch-up treatment once a year is recommended. Home care such as moisturizing and sun protection after treatment also affects how long results last, so make it part of your routine.

Price Ranges and Who Each Treatment Suits

Prices vary widely depending on the number of shots, the clinic, and whether a promotion applies. The figures below are approximate ranges for the Gangnam area as of when the original article was written in 2025; please confirm current pricing during your consultation.

Prices can vary significantly by region and clinic policy.

If your face is fuller and your concern is a double chin or sagging jowls, Ulthera, which also helps reduce fat, is effective. On the other hand, if your face is slimmer and you're worried about hollow cheeks, or you want to improve fine lines around the eyes and skin firmness, Thermage is the better choice. If you have both concerns, you can also consider combining Ulthera and Thermage in one session.

Key Takeaways

Ulthera is a lift that uses ultrasound to raise the SMAS layer, while Thermage is a tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency to firm the dermis. Since results from both last about a year, plan on a yearly cycle, and for the most effective lift, start with an accurate skin assessment.

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Last reviewed: 2026-10-07

This article provides general medical information. Individual diagnosis and treatment plans are determined through an in-person consultation.