Ulthera Lifting: How Does It Proceed, from Consultation to Aftercare?
Ulthera lifting proceeds in this order: tip depth and number of shots for each area are set during consultation, followed by cleansing, topical anesthesia, treatment, and finishing, taking about 1 hour in total.
Ulthera is a non-surgical lifting treatment that uses focused ultrasound to concentrate heat in the dermis and the fascia (SMAS) layer, helping lax tissue contract. You can return to daily activities right after treatment, and changes appear gradually over 1~2 months.
How Ulthera works
- Ultrasound focused on a single point: Ultrasound is focused on a single point within the skin to create tiny thermal coagulation points. Heat is delivered in dot-like patterns to the inner tissue without cutting the skin's surface.
- Focal depth by tip: Each tip has a set focal depth, such as 1.5mm, 3.0mm, or 4.5mm. Tips are switched according to the area to distribute heat between the dermis and the fascia layer.
- Real-time imaging: During treatment, ultrasound imaging is used to confirm that the tip is in proper contact with the skin and that the depth is appropriate.
What we look at during consultation
- The area where sagging is most noticeable and the direction it sags
- Skin thickness and firmness
- Fat under the chin and in the cheeks, and whether the cheeks are hollow
- Differences between the left and right sides of the face
- The type and timing of any previous lifting, filler, or thread lifting
- How sensitive you are to pain and your schedule after treatment
Based on this, the face is divided into areas such as the forehead and brows, cheeks and cheekbones, mouth area and jawline, and under-chin and neck, and the tip depth and number of shots are set for each. Intensity is set more cautiously around the thin-skinned eye area and in areas where cheek hollowing is a concern.
See why depth and intensity differ by area
Five steps on the day of treatment
| Step | What it does | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Personalized Consultation | Reconfirm areas of concern, number of shots per area, and tip depth | Let us know in advance about any areas that were painful in past treatments and any upcoming plans |
| Self-Cleansing | Makeup and sunscreen are removed | Even if you arrive wearing makeup, it is removed at this step |
| Numbing Cream | Numbing cream is applied to the treatment area, and we wait until it takes effect | Cleansing and numbing time are included, so please allow ample time for your visit |
| Treatment | Depth is checked on ultrasound imaging, and the tip is changed for each area | Performed according to the area-by-area plan set during consultation |
| Finishing Care | Your skin condition is checked and aftercare is explained | About 1 hour in total from consultation to this point; daily activities can be resumed right away |
Precautions on the day of treatment
- You can wash your face and wear makeup right away; use a gentle cleanser.
- Do not rub or press hard on the treated area.
Things to follow for one week
- For the first 3 days, wash your face with lukewarm water only.
- Avoid saunas and alcohol for about 1 week.
- Do not have peel treatments or use scrub products for about 1 week.
Care until the next session
- Apply sunscreen and moisturizer consistently.
- Take antioxidants such as vitamin C.
- The next treatment is usually scheduled at intervals of 6 months to 1 year, after reassessing your face once changes have appeared.
Throbbing, slight swelling, bruising, or redness may appear for a few days, and these are mostly temporary. In rare cases, marks resembling white lines (white striping) may appear, so please contact us right away if you notice white line marks or if numbness persists. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are taking any medication, have allergies, are prone to keloids, or have inflammation in the treatment area, please let us know before treatment.
FAQ
Q. Can I go to work the day after Ulthera?
A. You can resume daily activities right after treatment, so going to work the next day is usually not a problem. However, throbbing, slight swelling, bruising, or redness may remain for a few days, so if you have an important engagement where you will be meeting people, please let us know during consultation.
Q. Will I feel anything during treatment even with numbing cream?
A. Treatment begins after numbing cream has been applied and has taken effect, but how much you feel varies depending on the area, skin thickness, and the depth of the tip used. If you are sensitive to pain or have areas that were painful before, please let us know in advance.
Booking and consultation
Face Filter Clinic Suwon offers Ultherapy PRIME in 300-shot, 600-shot, and 1200-shot packages, and the 1200 shots can be split across 2 sessions. In a personalized consultation, we first assess your facial structure and areas of concern, then plan by area.
This content is provided as general treatment information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a medical professional to decide whether and how to proceed with a treatment.