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Ultherapy in Korea: Shot Plans by Area, Imaging and Discomfort (2026)
By Dr. IM JUNHYUNG · Updated
- Three depths: 4.5 mm (SMAS), 3.0 mm (deep dermis) and 1.5 mm (superficial dermis).
- A focused area such as the jawline often needs around 300 shots; a full face usually 600; face and neck together, more.
- Discomfort is rated 3 out of 5 after numbing cream; most people are back to normal the same day.
- Results build over 2–3 months and usually last 6–12 months.
- Session
- 60–90 min — full face
- Discomfort
- 3 / 5 — after numbing
- Downtime
- Same day — mild tenderness
- Lasts
- 6–12 months — varies
What Ultherapy Prime does
Ultherapy Prime converges ultrasound energy at a fixed depth under the skin. At each point the tissue heats briefly, contracts and then rebuilds collagen over the following weeks. Nothing cuts the skin, and the surface is left intact.
The deepest line sits at 4.5 mm, the level of the SMAS — the fibrous layer a surgeon tightens in a facelift. That is why Ultherapy is the device we reach for when sagging, not fine texture, is the main problem: jowls, a blurred jawline, loose skin under the chin.
How shot plans work by area
| Area | What we usually plan | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jawline and lower face | About 300 shots | Often the first area to sag |
| Full face | About 600 shots | Cheeks, jawline and under-chin |
| Full face, denser plan | About 900 shots | More lines where sagging is heavier |
| Face and neck | About 1,200 shots | Neck lines added separately |
| Brow or neck only | About 100 shots each | Small, separate areas |
These are starting points, not rules. Skin thickness, facial fat and how deep the sagging goes all change the plan. More shots are not automatically better: on a slim face, too many deep lines can take away fullness you want to keep.
A useful plan reads like “4.5 mm — jawline, 120; 3.0 mm — cheeks, 180”, not just a total. At Taut it goes on your paper record before we start.
Why the live imaging matters
The transducer shows the skin, fat, SMAS and bone on screen. Before each line, the doctor checks that the energy will land in the layer intended and away from bone. On faces where layers are thin or uneven — common around the jaw and temples — this is the part that matters most.
Ultherapy transducers carry a set number of lines that the device reads. The counter at the start and the end is what gets checked with you, and the difference is written on your record.
Discomfort and numbing
Most people describe deep lines as sharp, hot points, strongest near bone along the jaw. We rate it 3 out of 5 after numbing cream. If you are worried about pain, tell us beforehand: besides numbing cream and cooling, painkillers, anaesthetic injections or sedation can be added depending on the plan.
Results, repeats and aftercare
Some firmness can show early, but the main change builds over two to three months as collagen remodels. Results usually last 6–12 months, so most people repeat about once a year.
Mild redness, swelling or tenderness for a few days is common; temporary numbness or bruising can occur and burns are rare. Avoid saunas and alcohol for about a week. Most people fly the next day. We wait in pregnancy, with infection in the area, or soon after filler or threads in the same place.
FAQ
How many Ultherapy shots do I need?
It depends on the area and how deep the sagging goes. A focused lower-face plan is often around 300 shots and a full face around 600. The exact plan, by depth and area, is written down before treatment.
Does Ultherapy hurt?
It can feel sharp near bone. After numbing cream we rate it 3 out of 5. Painkillers, anaesthetic injections or sedation can be added if you are worried about pain.
When will I see results?
Some firmness early, with the main change over two to three months. Results usually last 6–12 months and vary by person.
Do I need a consultation first?
Yes. We check skin thickness, fat and the depth of sagging in person, and we never ask you to decide on the day. Bookings for international visitors open in December — message us your Seoul dates now.
General information, not medical advice. Your plan is set at an in-person consultation; results vary by individual.
Representative Director of Taut Clinic, Gangnam. Full member of the Korean Aesthetic Surgery & Laser Society (ASLS), the Korean Association for Laser Dermatology and Trichology (KALDAT) and the Korean Society of Filler Medicine. Commendation from the Minister of Health and Welfare.
Treatments in this article
See how each treatment mentioned here is done at Taut Clinic, with options and prices.
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