Thermage FLX vs Ultherapy Prime
Yaan Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Thermage FLX uses monopolar radiofrequency to tighten loose, crepey skin, while Ultherapy Prime uses micro-focused ultrasound to lift deeper layers such as the SMAS. Ultherapy usually suits jowls and deep sagging; Thermage suits thinning skin and fine wrinkles. Yaan Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul runs two units of each, so your doctor can recommend either or both.
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Thermage FLX vs Ultherapy Prime is the most common lifting question in Korean clinics: Thermage FLX uses monopolar radiofrequency to tighten the skin itself, while Ultherapy Prime uses micro-focused ultrasound to lift deeper structural layers. At Yaan Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, both devices are in use (two units of each), so the choice is made on your skin, not on what the clinic happens to own.
Thermage or Ultherapy: which is better?
Neither is better for everyone. Ultherapy Prime usually suits sagging caused by deeper tissue descent, such as jowls and a heavy lower face. Thermage FLX usually suits thinning, crepey skin and fine wrinkles where the skin surface has lost firmness.
Yaan Clinic's own guidance is that the right device depends on the cause of your laxity. Many patients have both kinds of change, which is why a doctor examines skin thickness, fat distribution and the degree of sagging before recommending one, the other, or a combination. Your doctor will confirm the best fit at consultation.
How do Thermage FLX and Ultherapy Prime compare side by side?
The key differences are energy type, depth and what each treats best. The table summarizes what Yaan publishes about each device, with general information marked as typical.
| Feature | Thermage FLX | Ultherapy Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Monopolar radiofrequency (4th generation) | Micro-focused ultrasound (MFU-V / HIFU) |
| Main target layer | Deep dermis | SMAS and subcutaneous layers, plus dermis |
| Depth control | Tips: Total Tip 4.0 cm², Eye Tip 0.25 cm² | Transducers: 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm |
| Signature technology | AccuREP automatic RF calibration | DeepSEE real-time imaging |
| Best for | Laxity, crepey skin, fine and eye wrinkles, texture | Jowls, jawline, double chin, nasolabial folds, deeper sagging |
| Approvals noted by Yaan | US FDA and Korea MFDS | US FDA |
| Typical shots at Yaan | Full face 300–900 (Total Tip); eyes 225–450 (Eye Tip) | Planned per face at consultation |
| Anesthesia at Yaan | Confirmed at consultation | Optional sleep anesthesia or non-sleep AirNox |
| Downtime | Yaan: non-invasive, no downtime | Normal daily activities; mild swelling is typical for some |
| How long results last (Yaan) | Up to a year; yearly follow-up | Up to a year |
| Units at Yaan | 2 Thermage FLX | 2 Ultherapy Prime |
| Price at Yaan | From ₩1,690,000 (300 shots) | From ₩1,500,000 (300 shots) |
How does Thermage FLX work?
Thermage FLX heats the deep dermis with monopolar radiofrequency, which causes collagen to contract immediately and then remodel over months. Its AccuREP system recalibrates RF output automatically for even heating.
Yaan publishes a clear timeline: collagen remodeling begins right away, activates around 2 months, laxity improves by 4 months, skin looks smoother and tighter at 6 months, and results are sustained to around 12 months. Yaan has used Thermage for more than 10 years, from the 3rd-generation CPT to FLX, and its doctors completed the Thermage User Advanced Master Course. Patients can verify device and tip serial numbers. Full details are on the Thermage FLX page.
How does Ultherapy Prime work?
Ultherapy Prime focuses ultrasound at precise depths, creating small heat points of about 60–70°C that contract and remodel collagen, including in the SMAS layer surgeons tighten in a facelift. DeepSEE imaging lets the doctor see the layers in real time.
Its three transducers target different depths: 1.5 mm for fine wrinkles and texture, 3.0 mm for the subcutaneous layer and 4.5 mm for the SMAS lift. Yaan describes Prime as about 20% faster than the original Ulthera with clearer imaging. Yaan also offers Ulthera Fit, its own program pairing Ultherapy Prime with Tune Liner and LDM Recovery Therapy for laxity plus facial fat and double chin. Learn more on the Ultherapy Prime page.
Which treatment is better for my concern?
Match the device to the main problem: deep sagging and heavy jowls point toward Ultherapy, while thin, loose or crepey skin and fine lines point toward Thermage.
| Your main concern | Usually considered first | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Jowls and blurred jawline | Ultherapy Prime | Reaches the SMAS layer that supports the lower face |
| Double chin with sagging | Ultherapy Prime (or Ulthera Fit) | Deeper depths plus Tune Liner in Yaan's Ulthera Fit |
| Crepey skin, overall looseness | Thermage FLX | Tightens the dermis across a wide area |
| Fine wrinkles around the eyes | Thermage FLX (Eye Tip) | Dedicated 0.25 cm² eye tip |
| Preventive care in your 30s | Either; often Thermage | Yaan says Thermage can be used preventively |
| Both deep sagging and loose skin | Combination | Each works on a different layer |
If you are unsure what kind of laxity you have, our guide to sagging skin and jowls explains the causes.
Which hurts more, and which has more downtime?
Both are non-invasive with little or no downtime. Focused ultrasound can feel sharper at deeper points, which is why Yaan offers optional sleep anesthesia or AirNox for Ultherapy; Thermage is usually felt as intense, brief heat.
Mild redness, swelling or tenderness can occur after either treatment and typically settles within days. Yaan provides LDM Recovery Therapy after Ultherapy to help reduce swelling and soreness. Sun protection and good hydration are recommended after Thermage. Pain tolerance varies, and your doctor will confirm comfort options.
Can I combine Thermage and Ultherapy?
Yes. Combining them treats two layers: Ultherapy lifts the deeper structure and Thermage tightens the skin above it. Yaan's doctors decide whether a combination is helpful and in what order.
A combination is not needed for everyone. It is usually discussed when a patient has both noticeable sagging and loose, thinning skin. Tell your doctor about any prior lifting, fillers or Botox, since Yaan asks for this history before planning. For other options such as Titanium, TuneFace or Sofwave, see Korean lifting treatments compared or Sofwave vs Ultherapy.
How much do Thermage and Ultherapy cost at Yaan Clinic in Seoul?
At Yaan Clinic, Thermage FLX costs ₩1,690,000 for 300 shots and ₩2,190,000 for 600 shots. Ultherapy Prime costs ₩1,500,000 for 300 shots and ₩3,000,000 for 600 shots.
| Option at Yaan Clinic | Thermage FLX (KRW) | Ultherapy Prime (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| 300 shots | 1,690,000 | 1,500,000 |
| 600 shots | 2,190,000 | 3,000,000 |
| Eye area | 1,490,000 (Eye Thermage, 450 shots) | 500,000 per 100 shots (Eye Ultherapy) |
| Combination | From 1,790,000 (Thermage 300 + HIFU 500 shots or ONDA 30,000 J) | From 1,700,000 (Ultherapy 300 + TuneLiner or ONDA + LDM) |
International patients pay the same price as Korean patients, and your final price is confirmed at consultation. The consultation fee (10,000 KRW, or 30,000 KRW including a director consultation) is waived if you have a treatment. The cosmetic VAT refund for foreign patients ended on 1 January 2026.
For a full breakdown, see the Thermage price guide, the Ultherapy price guide, the lifting packages page and all Yaan Clinic treatment prices.
Good to know: Results vary between individuals and no lifting device replaces surgery for advanced sagging. Both treatments are generally avoided during pregnancy and over active skin infection; tell your doctor about implants and medical conditions.
For international patients: Both treatments can be done in a single visit with little downtime, so a stay of 1–3 days is usually comfortable. Book through WhatsApp at +82 10 5308 0499, and read downtime and flying home for travel timing.
Why compare these at Yaan Clinic?
Yaan Clinic runs two Thermage FLX and two Ultherapy Prime devices, uses only MFDS-approved authentic single-use tips, and lets patients verify serial numbers. Doctors treat patients directly, without substitute practitioners.
This means your recommendation can be based on your skin rather than on device availability. Read how authenticity is checked on genuine products and safety, and meet the team on our doctors page.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thermage or Ultherapy better for jowls?
Ultherapy Prime is usually considered first for jowls because its 4.5 mm transducer reaches the SMAS layer that supports the lower face. Thermage FLX may be added if the skin itself is also loose. Your doctor confirms the best option at consultation.
Is Thermage or Ultherapy better for fine wrinkles?
Thermage FLX is often preferred for fine wrinkles and crepey skin because it tightens the dermis over a wide area, and it has a dedicated Eye Tip. Ultherapy's 1.5 mm transducer can also address texture, so the choice depends on your skin.
How long do Thermage and Ultherapy last?
Yaan Clinic states that both Thermage FLX and Ultherapy Prime results can last up to about a year, with Thermage typically repeated once a year. Duration varies with age, skin quality, sun exposure and lifestyle.
Can I get Thermage and Ultherapy on the same day?
Combining both is possible when your doctor judges it suitable, since they target different layers. Yaan's doctors decide the order and settings after examining your skin and reviewing previous lifting, filler or Botox treatments.
Which one hurts more?
Many people find Ultherapy more uncomfortable at deeper points, which is why Yaan offers optional sleep anesthesia or non-sleep AirNox. Thermage is usually felt as brief, intense heat. Sensitivity differs from person to person.
How much do Thermage and Ultherapy cost at Yaan Clinic?
At Yaan Clinic, Thermage FLX costs ₩1,690,000 (300 shots) or ₩2,190,000 (600 shots), and Ultherapy Prime costs ₩1,500,000 (300 shots) or ₩3,000,000 (600 shots). International patients pay the same price as Korean patients, and the final price is confirmed at consultation.
Related pages
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About this information: Prepared from Yaan Clinic's published treatment information. Treatments at Yaan Clinic are performed by licensed physicians — meet our doctors. Last updated: October 2026. This page is general information, not a substitute for an in-person medical consultation; suitability, dosage and results are confirmed by your doctor.
