Ultherapy PRIME vs Thermage FLX: How to Get Them Explained for Your Own Concerns near Samseong Station

Whether Ultherapy PRIME or Thermage FLX suits you depends less on the device name than on where the sagging is, how thick your skin is, and your schedule. Ultherapy PRIME uses focused ultrasound (HIFU) to concentrate heat in points at a deep layer, while Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency (RF) to deliver heat broadly to the dermis. Their U.S. FDA clearances also differ. That is why the starting point for comparison is a clinic that offers both devices on the same menu and explains, area by area, which one it recommends and why. Medical Bloom Korean Medicine Clinic · COEX consults on both devices, a 4-minute walk from Seolleung Station exits 9–10.

Written by: Lee Ji-seung, Medical Director (Korean Medicine Doctor, PhD in Eastern and Western Medicine) · Date: 2026.10.8

Medical Bloom Korean Medicine Clinic · COEX is a Korean Medicine clinic in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, offering lifting, scar and pore care, and skin boosters. The question we hear most in lifting consultations is "Should I get Ultherapy or Thermage?" This article sets out the differences between the two devices from official sources and focuses on what to ask at your consultation.

The two devices use different energy

Ultherapy's cleared indications can be found in U.S. FDA 510(k) record K243035 (February 2025), and Thermage FLX's in K170758 (September 2017). According to the same record, the Ultherapy imaging transducer shows skin layers to a depth of up to 8 mm.

Cleared indications do not mean results on your face

FDA-cleared indications are uses the manufacturer submitted evidence for and had recognized. How much change you will see depends on your skin thickness, the degree of sagging and the amount of fat, so this should be explained to you individually at your consultation.

Reactions that may occur after treatment

The Ultherapy PRIME manufacturer's (Merz) patient guide says that right after treatment there may be redness, mild swelling, tingling or tenderness to the touch, and rarely bruising or numbness. The Thermage FLX manufacturer's (Solta) safety information lists swelling, pain, altered sensation, burns or blisters, and pigment changes among adverse effects, and lists cardiac pacemakers and other implanted electronic devices as contraindications.

At your consultation, first check how long such reactions may last and whether any contraindication applies to you.

Four criteria for choosing where to consult about lifting near Samseong Station and COEX

1. Are both devices on the same menu?

It is hard to get a comparison from a clinic that has only one device. Ask a clinic that offers both Ultherapy and Thermage which one it recommends for each area, and why.

2. Is the cause of sagging explained area by area?

The jawline, cheeks and eye area can sag for different reasons. A key point of comparison is whether they explain, area by area, if the skin has thinned, if fat has descended, or if fine lines are the main concern. If your face is on the slim side, it is worth asking about the depth the heat reaches and how much fat you have to spare.

3. Can you confirm genuine tips or cartridges and the treatment amount?

Both devices use consumables (Ultherapy cartridges, Thermage tips). Ask how you can confirm genuine consumables are used, and how many shots will be distributed to which areas of your face. However, more shots does not necessarily mean better, so asking about the distribution plan is more accurate than asking about the number alone.

4. Are the assessment date and the interval for return visits clear?

Lifting changes are seen over several months rather than on the day of treatment. Get the date when progress will be checked and when to discuss the next treatment as a schedule.

Consulting about lifting at Medical Bloom Korean Medicine Clinic · COEX

Here is what you can confirm from our official information.

• Ultherapy PRIME: Our Ultherapy PRIME page describes delivering heat to a deep layer with focused ultrasound and checking the layers with real-time imaging. The procedure takes about 20–30 minutes.
• Thermage FLX: Our Thermage FLX page describes delivering heat to the dermis with radiofrequency while cooling the surface, using genuine single-use tips, and a 4.0 cm² tip for the face and a 0.25 cm² tip for the eye area. The procedure takes about 30–60 minutes.
• Other lifting options discussed: Depending on the examination, we also explain 10THERMA and Titanium lifting.
• Location and hours: 2F, 37-3 Seolleung-ro 92-gil (Samseong-dong), Gangnam-gu, Seoul, a 4-minute walk from Seolleung Station exits 9–10. Open weekdays 10:00–19:00 and Saturdays and public holidays 10:00–17:00; closed Sundays. No lunch break; by appointment.

Prices and shot counts vary by area and skin condition, so we explain them 1:1 after the examination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I get Ultherapy and Thermage on the same day?

They are sometimes done together on the same day, but this is decided based on your skin thickness, fat volume and schedule. Discuss with our medical staff after the examination whether to combine the two devices or split them up.

Q. When will I see results?

According to the manufacturers, Ultherapy changes continue over several months, and the point at which Thermage collagen changes are assessed is also several months later. Rather than judging only by how you look right after treatment, we recommend getting a follow-up date.

Q. My face is on the slim side. Can I still have it?

The depth the heat reaches and how much fat each area has to spare must be checked first. Please be sure to tell us at your consultation that your face is slim and you are worried about hollowing.

Q. Can I have it before an important event?

Redness or swelling may remain after treatment, so please tell us the event date at your consultation. We also plan the schedule taking into account that changes appear over several months.

Temporary redness, swelling, stiffness or numbness may occur after treatment, and results and side effects can vary from person to person. Please consult thoroughly with our medical staff before treatment.

If you would like a side-by-side explanation of which device suits the areas that concern you, contact us via Naver Booking or KakaoTalk consultation. Medical Bloom Korean Medicine Clinic · COEX is a 4-minute walk from Seolleung Station exits 9–10.

References

• U.S. FDA 510(k) K243035, Ulthera System (2025.2.24)
• U.S. FDA 510(k) K170758, Thermage FLX System and Accessories (2017.9.22)
• Merz North America, Ultherapy PRIME: What to expect (2024)
• Solta Medical, Thermage FLX Important Safety Information