Ulthera — Ultrasound Lifting for a Sagging Jawline: What to Know Before Having It in Korea

What is Ulthera? — Ultrasound lifting that pulls deep layers while you watch the image

Ulthera is a non-surgical lift that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). The ultrasound energy is focused like a magnifying glass at a specific depth under the skin, creating tiny thermal coagulation points. As the tissue there contracts and recovers, new collagen is produced. Because the skin surface is not cut or peeled, you can return to your normal routine right after treatment.

Its biggest feature is real-time ultrasound imaging (DeepSEE). During treatment, you can see the skin, fat and fascia layer (SMAS) on a screen while energy is delivered, so the depth can be matched to the different skin thickness of each area.

Who it suits

Concerns for which people often consider Ulthera

• The jawline is losing definition and a double chin is starting to form
• Cheek volume has shifted downward, making the nasolabial folds look deeper
• Drooping brows or outer eye corners make you look tired
• Neck lines and sagging neck skin bother you
• You want to avoid surgery and have no recovery time during a short trip

When other options may come first

• Early-to-mid 20s with almost no sagging yet — skin care or a lighter treatment may come first
• Slim face with little cheek volume — strong treatment at deep layers can make the face look hollow
• Advanced sagging — thread lifting or surgical options may also be considered alongside

Working depth — 1.5mm · 3.0mm · 4.5mm

The depth the energy reaches is set by the transducer (tip). The doctor layers several depths based on the area and skin thickness.

Shot count — more is not always better

• Ulthera delivers energy along a line, and each of these is commonly called a shot.
• The number of shots needed is decided by the doctor based on the treatment area, skin thickness, degree of sagging and cheek volume. There is no single correct number.
• More shots do not necessarily mean better results. If you have little cheek volume and receive too many shots at a deep layer, the face can end up looking sunken.
• What matters is not the total number of shots but how many shots, at what depth, in which area. Ask for the breakdown by area and depth to be written on your quote.
• Shot counts from other HIFU devices use different units and energy, so the numbers cannot be compared directly.

How to check it is genuine (essential)

With Ulthera, both the device and the transducer (tip) affect results and safety. Please check the following before and after treatment.

1. 1
   Before treatmentcheck that the quote names the device (Ulthera) and lists the shot count for each area.
2. 2
   Device checkconfirm that the device in the treatment room is a genuine Ulthera system and that the live ultrasound image is actually visible on screen during treatment.
3. 3
   Transducer checklook at the product name and the depth (mm) marking on the genuine transducer (tip). If there is an authentication screen or procedure, you can ask to see it.
4. 4
   Shot count checkbefore treatment, look together at the shot count on the device screen (remaining or used shots).
5. 5
   After treatmentcheck how the shots actually used are displayed on screen and whether it matches the shot count on your quote. Ask whether you may take a photo of it.

Pain and numbing options

Ulthera feels like a zing or a dull ache when energy gathers at the target depth. It tends to feel stronger near bone, such as the jaw and cheekbones, and at the deep 4.5mm layer, and thin areas like the forehead and around the eyes can feel prickly.

• Numbing cream: as a rule, it is applied for about 30–40 minutes before starting.
• Additional options such as oral painkillers: depending on the clinic, you can discuss painkillers before treatment, local anesthetic injections, or sleep/sedation anesthesia. Whether they are available and how is decided after the doctor's examination.
• Adjusting during treatment: if it hurts, tell us right away and the intensity or speed will be adjusted. Your interpreter manager is at your side to relay it immediately.

Step by step on the day

1. 1
   Consultation and design (20–30 minutes)the doctor checks the degree of sagging and skin thickness, decides the depth and shot count for each area, and draws the treatment lines on your face.
2. 2
   Cleansing and numbing cream (30–40 minutes)
3. 3
   Check the genuine device, transducer and shot count
4. 4
   Treatment (40–90 minutes)varies by area and shot count. It is done while checking the layers on the ultrasound image.
5. 5
   Calming care, then head outyou can go straight back to your day or sightseeing. Plan on about 1.5–2 hours in total including numbing cream.

When results show, how long they last, and the course of recovery

• Same day
  Slight redness and warmth. You may feel a slight tightening right after.
• Days 1–3
  Mild swelling is possible. Pressing under the chin or near the cheekbones may feel sore, but it rarely gets in the way of sightseeing.
• Weeks 1–2
  In rare cases, tenderness when pressed, a tingling sensation or small bruises may remain, but most go away on their own.
• Months 1–3
  Collagen builds up and changes in the jawline and firmness gradually become clearer. The full change appears over 2–3 months.
• Months 6–12
  The effect gradually fades. Maintenance is usually discussed around this time.

Results are generally said to last about 6 months to 1 year, but vary a lot with age, skin thickness, degree of sagging, shot composition, sun exposure and weight changes. If you have an important event (such as a wedding), it is best to have it 2–3 months beforehand.

Sample trip schedule and precautions

• Day 1 afternoon
  Arrive → consultation → Ulthera treatment
• Day 1 evening
  Rest at your hotel. Avoid saunas, jjimjilbang and alcohol
• Day 2
  Sightseeing and shopping are fine. You can fly home the next day.

• For a few days after treatment, avoid saunas, hot baths, intense exercise and alcohol; redness and swelling settle faster that way.
• Apply sunscreen thoroughly and wear a hat while sightseeing.
• Put off strong facial massage or meridian massage for about 1–2 weeks.
• Flying from the next day is fine for most people. Moisturize well on the plane.
• If numbness or pain lasts after you return home, send your manager a photo and we will check with the clinic together.

Side effects and who it may not suit

• In rare cases, temporary bruising, swelling, tenderness when pressed or a tingling sensation can occur. Most go away within days to weeks.
• In rare cases, a small burn mark or line-shaped mark can appear on the skin surface, which is why a genuine device and transducer and an appropriate intensity matter.
• If you have little cheek volume, strong treatment at a deep layer can make the cheeks look sunken.

Let us know in advance if any of these apply

• You are pregnant or may be pregnant
• Wounds, inflammation or severe acne in the treatment area, or a keloid tendency
• A pacemaker, or metal implants in the treatment area
• Recent filler, thread lift or Botox, and when you had it
• You take blood-thinning medication or have a bleeding tendency

If pain or swelling keeps getting worse or blisters appear, contact your manager right away.

Questions to ask at your consultation and how to choose a clinic

1. Is Ulthera right for my face? Is another option better for me?
2. How many shots, at what depth (mm), in which areas? And why did you decide on that?
3. Do you use a genuine device and transducer, and can you show me the shot count before and after treatment?
4. I am worried about pain — which numbing options are available?
5. When should I have my next treatment?

• Whether a dermatology or plastic surgery specialist examines you and decides the design and intensity
• Whether the depth and shot count for each area are written on your quote
• Whether they take individual differences into account, such as a slim face, and avoid recommending excessive shots
• Whether they offer foreign-language support and follow-up on your progress after you return home

KBEAU connects you with partner dermatology clinics in Gangnam and Apgujeong that perform Ulthera. Send us a photo of your face and we will tell you in advance whether Ulthera suits you, plus the shot composition for each area and the schedule. On the day, a dedicated manager stays with you, from confirming genuine devices to interpreting. We also arrange a stay near the clinic and an airport pickup car.