2026-10-16
Ulthera vs. Thermage: What's the Real Difference?
Ulthera and Thermage aren't about which is better. They work on different layers of the skin. Learn how each treatment works, who it suits, and the best order to combine them, from 4.4 Clinic.
Hello :) This is 4.4 Clinic in Cheongdam.
A clinic lounge with backlit wooden shelves, a dark green sofa and soft bouclé armchairs.
There's a question we hear very often during lifting consultations.
“Should I do Thermage or Ulthera first?”
To cut to the chase, it's not that one is better than the other. They simply do different things.
Today, let me break down the difference between the two treatments and the order to do them in, in simple terms!
▶ Ulthera targets the “deep layers”
Ulthera uses focused ultrasound.
Rather than working on the skin's surface, it concentrates energy in the deeper layers beneath.
✔ When the jawline looks blurred and the face appears to sag
✔ When the cheeks or the double-chin line are a concern
▶ Thermage makes the “whole skin” firmer
Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF).
It delivers heat broadly across all layers of the skin, addressing firmness and skin texture together.
✔ When skin looks thinner and lacks vitality
✔ When fine lines around the eyes or mouth have increased
A simple way to think about it:
Ulthera is like rebuilding the pillars of a house,
while Thermage is closer to re-papering the walls so they look smooth and taut.
▶ If you're getting both, what's the order?
Typically, we address the deeper layers first and then tidy up the skin. This is the order most often followed.
It's the same logic as setting up the pillars before hanging the wallpaper.
Depending on skin condition, both can be done on the same day, or they can be spaced out and done separately.
▶ Why results differ even with the same device
Even with the same Thermage or the same Ulthera,
the feel of the result changes depending on which area is treated, at what depth, and how much energy is delivered.
That's why, for lifting, who designs the treatment matters just as much as the device itself.
▶ This is how we work at 4.4 Clinic
From consultation through treatment, Dr. Kim Su-hyun personally handles every case in a one-on-one setting.
✔ Advisory board member for Thermage manufacturer's selection (one of up to 30 nationwide)
✔ Dedicated attending physician for the Thermage model
✔ Official Thermage certified clinic
If you're unsure whether Thermage or Ulthera is right for you,
feel free to ask us during your consultation :)
📍 4.4 Clinic · 3F, 427 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
📞 Consultation booking: [Naver Booking Link]
※ Results may vary from person to person, and redness, flushing, or temporary pain may occur after treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Ulthera and Thermage?
Ulthera uses focused ultrasound to concentrate energy in the deep layers beneath the skin, while Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF) to deliver heat broadly across all layers of the skin. The article explains that the two aren't about which is better, but about the different roles they play.
What concerns is Ulthera suited for?
The article notes that Ulthera may be considered when the jawline looks blurred and the face appears to sag, or when the cheeks or double-chin line are a concern. If you're unsure which treatment is right for you, it suggests checking during a consultation.
When is Thermage considered?
The article notes that Thermage may be considered when skin looks thinner and lacks vitality, or when fine lines around the eyes or mouth have increased. Thermage delivers heat broadly across the skin's layers to address firmness and texture together.
If I get both treatments, what's the order?
The article explains that the deeper layers are typically addressed first, followed by tidying up the skin. Depending on skin condition, both can be done on the same day or spaced out.
Why do results differ even with the same device?
Even with the same device, results change depending on the treatment area, depth, and energy amount. That's why the article emphasizes that who designs the lifting treatment matters as much as the device itself.
What side effects may occur after treatment?
The clinic notes that redness, flushing, and temporary pain may occur after treatment. Results vary by individual, and you can ask any questions during your pre-treatment consultation.