Everything You Need to Know About Ultherapy Prime and Thermage FLX

"Everything You Need to Know About Ultherapy Prime and Thermage FLX"

Hello,

This is nBom Clinic.




 

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive in the dermatology consultation room is,

“Doctor, which should I choose — Ulthera or Thermage?”

Both devices have been well-validated in the field of lifting for many years. 

However, many patients are not fully aware of the exact differences between them or which option would be more suitable 

for their individual concerns.

Today, I would like to provide a detailed explanation of these two leading devices that are shaping the lifting market.

Leading Devices in the Lifting Market

Currently, the non-surgical skin lifting market is largely dominated by two energy-based technologies.

One is Ultherapy Prime, which utilizes High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), and the other is Thermage, which uses

Radiofrequency (RF) energy.

These two devices were developed by Merz (USA) and Solta Medical (USA), respectively, and have established themselves as

global standards in lifting procedures.

There are clear reasons why Ultherapy and Thermage hold such a distinctive position in the market:

First, both have received approval from the U.S. FDA and the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for safety and efficacy.

Second, they are supported by extensive clinical data and long-term research.

Third, their high satisfaction rate — reaching approximately 95% — reflects their effectiveness.

With such strong clinical foundations, these devices have become synonymous with non-surgical lifting.

Synergy Effect and the Importance of Pre-Treatment Diagnosis

In consultation, I am often asked,

“Would it be better to receive both Ultherapy and Thermage?”

To answer directly: they are not substitutes — they are complementary.

Ultherapy Prime targets the deeper layer of the skin, specifically the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System),

lifting and redefining facial contours.

Thermage, on the other hand, targets the more superficial dermal layer, improving surface firmness and elasticity.

Because they differ in penetration depth, heat delivery method, and treatment coverage, combining the two can create a

synergistic effect.

For example, in cases of upper and lower facial sagging, Ultherapy Prime can first lift the deeper structural layer. 

Thermage can then tighten the skin surface, resulting in a more refined and complete outcome.

In other words, it provides dual benefits — structural lifting from within and tightening on the surface.

This combined approach can be particularly effective for patients with complex and multifactorial aging concerns.



 

However, there is an important point I would like to emphasize.

No matter how advanced a device may be, if it is not suited to the individual’s skin condition, optimal results are difficult to

achieve.

Each person has different skin thickness, fat distribution, SMAS positioning, and degree of aging. A uniform treatment approach

cannot produce personalized results.

Therefore, a precise pre-treatment assessment is essential. Determining which device is appropriate, which areas to target, 

at what depth, and with how much energy requires careful planning.

Complications such as volume loss or burns often arise from standardized treatments that do not consider individual anatomical

differences.

The practitioner’s anatomical knowledge, experience, and customized treatment design are key factors that determine patient

satisfaction.

"Ultherapy Prime — The Evolution After 15 Years"

Ultherapy was first approved by the U.S. FDA in 2009 and has since maintained a strong presence in the lifting market.

Recently, the next-generation model, Ultherapy Prime, has been introduced.

Ultherapy Prime is based on HIFU technology.

Like focusing sunlight through a magnifying glass, ultrasound energy is concentrated at specific depths within the skin to create

precise thermal coagulation points.

At these points, collagen contracts immediately, and new collagen formation follows, leading to natural lifting effects over time.

Its key strength lies in its ability to deliver energy to the SMAS layer — the same layer tightened during surgical facelift 

procedures. 

Since the SMAS layer is a fundamental contributor to facial sagging, targeting it non-surgically offers significant structural

improvement.

One of the most notable upgrades is the enhanced real-time ultrasound imaging system, DeepSEE™.

While previous models could visualize up to 4.5 mm in depth, Ultherapy Prime can now provide high-resolution imaging up to 

8 mm, allowing for more precise assessment of individual skin structures and better customized planning.

Additionally, it features a 35% larger and clearer display, processing speeds up to 10 times faster, and an ergonomically

improved handpiece — all contributing to greater procedural precision.

By delivering energy more accurately to the intended layer, unnecessary stimulation is minimized, reducing discomfort and

potential side effects compared to previous models.

It is particularly effective for sagging cheeks, loss of jawline definition, and double chin concerns.

“Thermage FLX — 20 Years of Technological Refinement”       

Thermage was first approved by the FDA in 2003 and has undergone over 20 years of research and development

as a pioneer in RF lifting.

The current 4th-generation model, Thermage FLX, represents a significant technological advancement.

Thermage operates based on the principle of Reverse Thermal Gradient.

In simple terms, the skin surface is protected with a cooling system while RF heat energy is delivered to the 

dermal layer beneath.

This heat causes collagen fibers to contract and stimulates new collagen production, improving skin firmness.

One of its core technologies is the AccuRep™ algorithm.

With each shot (REP), automatic tuning pulses adjust energy delivery to ensure consistent and uniform treatment

according to the skin’s thickness and condition.

Additionally, Thermage incorporates multi-directional vibration to disperse pain signals to the brain, significantly

reducing discomfort compared to earlier generations.

Because Thermage targets the dermis and superficial subcutaneous layer, it is particularly effective for improving

surface elasticity, fine lines, pore size, and overall skin texture.

Patients often feel immediate tightening after treatment, followed by gradual collagen remodeling over several

months.

Structural Lifting with Ultherapy Prime & Thermage FLX

In summary, both Ultherapy Prime and Thermage FLX are well-validated lifting devices with distinct advantages.

Ultherapy Prime focuses on deep structural lifting, while Thermage FLX enhances surface firmness and skin texture.

Both provide natural anti-aging benefits without surgery and allow for a quick return to daily activities.

Skin aging is influenced by multiple factors — collagen loss in the dermis, loosening of the SMAS layer, and descent of 

fat tissue. 

Addressing the underlying causes through individualized planning is essential for meaningful and long-lasting improvement.

Through thorough consultation and personalized assessment, these two devices can play a pivotal role in resolving your skin

concerns.

We are committed to helping you maintain youthful and firm skin for as long as possible.

Thank you.