Ultherapy vs Thermage | Complete Comparison of Principles, Results, Pain, and Duration

Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to lift sagging areas,
while Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to tighten and firm the skin.

Let’s compare their results, goals, duration, pain, downtime, and side effects in detail.

Hello,
I’m Dr. Dohoon Kim from ODE Clinic.

Many people call the combination of Ultherapy and Thermage “Ulthermage.”
Based on our extensive experience performing both treatments,
I’ll explain the key differences between the two.

🔹 Comparison Chart

Mechanism and Treatment Goals

1. Lifting vs Tightening

People often refer to all anti-aging procedures as “lifting,”
but in reality, they fall into several categories: lifting, tightening, and volumizing.

Lifting improves sagging areas such as smile lines and jawlines
by physically lifting or tightening deeper tissues.

Tightening focuses on strengthening the upper skin layers
to maintain elasticity and prevent sagging.

Rather than sticking to one, combining both treatments gives better results for your investment.

2. How Each Treatment Works

Ultherapy delivers focused ultrasound energy into the subcutaneous and SMAS layers,
creating thermal coagulation points that tighten deep tissues.

Thermage, on the other hand, uses radiofrequency energy
that spreads through the skin and stimulates collagen remodeling,
making the skin firmer and more elastic.

Results and Duration

• Ultherapy:
  Noticeable improvement right after treatment,
  with optimal results appearing after swelling subsides in 1–2 weeks.
  The effect continues to develop for up to 6 months
  and typically lasts 9–12 months.

  The Complete Ultherapy Guide | Mechanism, Results, Duration, Number of Shots, and Comparison with Thermage

  From the science behind Ultherapy to how long the results last, recommended shot counts, and how it differs from Thermage—here’s everything you need to know. | Lifting

  

  https://blog.odeclinic.co.kr/ultherapy-guide-results-comparison

  

• Thermage:
  Works gradually over about 6 months as collagen regenerates.
  Most patients don’t feel immediate tightening,
  but skin analysis devices often reveal visible improvement.
  Results last around 9–12 months.

💬 Recommended treatment interval: every 6–12 months.

Treatment Time, Pain, and Downtime

1. Treatment Time

   Ultherapy (400 shots): about 20 minutes

   Thermage (600 shots): about 40 minutes

2. Pain

   Ultherapy: sharp, tingling pain

   Thermage: hot and deep soreness

   Both can be painful, but Ultherapy is generally considered more uncomfortable.

3. Downtime

   Ultherapy: mild to moderate swelling for 1–2 weeks

   Thermage: slight redness that subsides within a day

Possible Side Effects

1. Ultherapy

• Temporary nerve irritation: due to high heat near nerve pathways
  (especially around the mouth or deep cheek area)

  

• Volume loss (hollowing): may occur if energy is applied to fat-rich areas

  

2. Thermage

• Burns or blisters: caused by excessive energy on the skin surface
  or too much heat delivered deep inside.
  Most heal without scarring,
  but severe cases can leave permanent marks —
  this is why clinician skill and device settings are critical.

Ideal Candidates

• Ultherapy: people with fuller faces or sagging along the jawline

• Thermage: people with thinner skin and reduced elasticity
  (Men with thicker skin often experience less visible change)

Summary

Ultherapy and Thermage each serve different purposes,
so ideally, they should be viewed as complementary treatments rather than competitors.

If you must choose only one,
it’s best to consult with an experienced specialist
to decide which is more suitable for your skin condition.

Thank you —
This was Dr. Dohoon Kim from ODE Clinic.

Author: Dr. Dohoon Kim, Chief Director of ODE Clinic
Specialty: Anti-aging (Lifting, Volumizing, etc.)