Curious about Ulthera? A Seoul National University-trained specialist breaks it all down.
Insufficient number of shots
No custom design plan
Low energy levels
How many of these apply to you?
Let us explain more below.

Reference study: PMID: 22537784
"Does Ulthera really lift the skin?"
"Exactly how many shots do I need?"
(It varies for everyone, but at least 300 shots
are needed for a single area!)
These are the questions I hear several times a day during consultations.
Many of our guests arrive with a mix of
high expectations and gentle worries about Ulthera.
Some come in feeling half-doubtful after reading reviews
claiming "it didn't work,"
while others have incredibly high expectations after hearing
that "it completely transformed my face in one go."

Today, we want to share an honest, realistic look at the actual effects of Ulthera that we observe in our daily practice.
1. Ulthera: How exactly does it lift the skin?
Simply put, it delivers focused ultrasound
energy deep into the skin layers to encourage the
regeneration of collagen
(the protein responsible for skin elasticity).
What truly sets it apart from standard lasers or radiofrequency treatments
is that the energy reaches directly down to the SMAS layer
(the deep connective tissue layer above the muscle, which is also tightened during surgical face lifts).
→ This layer is the key.
Just like how abdominal sagging happens
when this supportive tissue weakens, facial sagging occurs here too!
Many of our patients describe the result not as a tight pull on the cheeks,
but as a natural, beautiful lifting
of the entire facial contour.

Treatment Type | Ulthera | Shurink | Thermage |
|---|---|---|---|
Method | HIFU Ultrasound | HIFU Ultrasound | Radiofrequency (RF) |
Target Layer | SMAS (Deep Fascia) | SMAS, Dermis | Dermis |
Key Strength | Lifting deep sagging | Cost-effective lifting | Elasticity & fine lines |
Duration | 12 to 18 months | 6 to 12 months | Around 12 months |
Primary Benefit | Lifting sagging contours | Gentle tightening | Firming skin texture |
[If you are wondering whether this treatment is scary
or painful, please take a moment
to read our FAQ below]
❓ FAQ 1 — Who is the ideal candidate for Ulthera?
Q. I am in my early 30s. Will Ulthera be effective for me?
A. Absolutely. You can start seeing wonderful benefits from Ulthera
starting in your early 30s when skin elasticity begins to decline.
In fact, because your skin's natural collagen regeneration is still very active
in your 30s, the results can often be even more pronounced and beautiful.
For patients in their 40s and 50s, we carefully customize the treatment plan,
adjusting the shot count and energy level based on the degree of sagging.
Q. Is Ulthera effective for men too?
A. Yes, we welcome many male patients for this treatment.
It is highly effective when you feel your jawline losing its definition
or when your cheeks begin to look a bit heavy.
Since male skin is typically thicker,
we carefully customize the energy settings and laser lines for the best results.

2. When do the results of Ulthera appear, and how long do they last?
While some of our patients see a noticeable difference right after the treatment
as the initial mild swelling subsides,
others might only notice the change after about 3 months,
thinking, 'Oh wow, my skin really looks lifted!'
The timeline for Ulthera results
can vary slightly from person to person.
[Immediately after treatment]
A gentle lifting sensation alongside slight temporary swelling
[1 to 2 months after]
As collagen begins to actively regenerate,
you will start to feel your skin becoming firmer.
[3 to 6 months after]
This is when you will enjoy the absolute peak of your lifting results.
In terms of duration,
the wonderful results generally last between 1 to 1.5 years.
Of course, this can vary based on individual skin conditions,
lifestyle habits, and sun exposure.
Instead of treating it as a one-time procedure, scheduling regular maintenance
tailored to your age and skin needs
will help maintain a beautifully natural, youthful look over time.
❓ FAQ 2 — Why are there reviews claiming it had no effect?
Q. I have seen several posts online saying Ulthera didn't work. Why is that?
A. This usually comes down to two major reasons.
First, a difference between expectations and how the treatment works.
Ulthera is not a surgical facelift that instantly pulls the skin.
Because it naturally regenerates collagen over time,
those who expect instant, dramatic changes
might feel disappointed at first.
Second, the customization of the treatment design.
Even with the exact same Ulthera device, whether the energy is delivered to the cheekbones
or just below the cheekbones
can lead to completely opposite results.
If the treatment is performed uniformly without a customized design,
it might yield great results for one person
while causing hollow cheeks for another.

Q. How can I ensure the best possible results?
A. A detailed, in-depth consultation before the treatment to pinpoint
your specific areas of sagging,
followed by choosing the correct number of lines and depth (Ulthera tips), is crucial.
After your treatment, wearing sunscreen and keeping your skin well-hydrated
will help maximize and prolong your beautiful results.
How many shots do I need? A 30-second self-assessment
Let's help you apply the "300 shots per area" guideline
directly to your own face.
Step 1. Check your face in the mirror
Look closely to see if your jawline has lost definition,
if your cheeks are starting to sag slightly,
or if the area below your cheekbones looks hollow.
Step 2. Number of areas × 300 shots
Since we recommend a minimum of 300 shots per area,
if both your jawline and cheeks are areas of concern,
your personalized design plan will start from at least 600 shots.
Step 3. Identify areas to avoid
If you have a slim face with very little subcutaneous fat,
or are worried about hollow cheeks,
we must reduce the shots in those areas or adjust the depth.
We never apply the laser uniformly to everyone.
If you feel unsure after trying this self-test,
I will personally guide you through each area during your detailed consultation.
3. Essential things to check before your Ulthera treatment
Though we perform up to 2,000 shots daily and remain highly experienced,
we never skip the precise design process for each individual guest.

While Ulthera is an exceptionally safe treatment,
special care is needed for certain individuals:
Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Those with metal implants (such as dental implants)
in the treatment area
Those experiencing severe active dermatitis or acne breakouts
Those with a very lean face
and minimal subcutaneous fat
On the day of your Ulthera treatment, it is best to avoid drinking alcohol
or engaging in strenuous exercise.
For 2 to 3 days after the procedure, you may feel mild swelling
or a gentle, tight sensation in your skin.
This is a perfectly natural response
and is part of the beautiful rejuvenation process.
Whether you are traveling from Hongdae, Hapjeong, Mapo, or anywhere in Seoul and Gyeonggi,
please remember that a thorough consultation prior to your treatment
is what makes all the difference in achieving the best results.
❓ FAQ 3 — Can I return to my daily routine right after Ulthera?
Q. Can I go straight to work after my Ulthera session?
A. Yes, in almost all cases,
you can return to your normal daily activities immediately.
However, since there can be slight temporary swelling
or mild redness right after the procedure,
we suggest avoiding scheduling any major social events on the same day.
You can wash your face and apply gentle skincare
on the very same day,
but please avoid vigorous facial massages or hot saunas
for about a week.
Q. Can I combine Ulthera with other lifting treatments?
A. It depends entirely on your skin condition.
For instance, combining Ulthera with Thermage (radiofrequency lifting)
can stimulate both the deep and superficial layers of your skin,
creating a wonderful synergistic effect.
We will carefully assess your skin to decide whether to perform them on the same day
or space them out for your safety and comfort.
Q. I had Ulthera at another clinic before but didn't see results. Can I get it again?
A. Yes, definitely.
If you let us know your previous shot count and treatment design,
we will analyze whether the lack of results was due to an insufficient shot count
or a design issue, and then create a brand-new, customized plan
just for you.
Our approach to Ulthera at Beauty stone
We offer both Ulthera Prime and Shurink Universe
As shown in the comparison table, these two treatments serve different purposes.
If Ulthera is not the perfect match for you,
we will happily recommend Shurink instead.
We are fully equipped with both advanced devices to give you the most honest advice.
We are fully transparent about shot counts and pricing beforehand
We will always clearly explain the distribution of shots for each area
and provide the exact pricing before your treatment begins.
Every single treatment is designed directly by the director
Because choosing whether to treat the cheekbones or the area below them
completely changes the outcome of your lift,
I personally design the line distribution and select the proper tip depths for every session.
We are located within easy walking distance of Hapjeong Station,
and you are more than welcome to reach out to us with any questions on WhatsApp first.
[Conclusion]
Ulthera is a beautiful, highly effective treatment
only when it is guided by a precise, customized plan
and a thorough, caring consultation.
There is always a clear reason behind a result that feels "ineffective,"
and as a specialist,
I believe it is my responsibility to identify that reason for you.
Please don't worry about your skin concerns all on your own.
Reach out for a light, comfortable chat with us anytime.
👉 Inquire today at Beauty stone Hongdae for
your complimentary Ulthera consultation.
At hongdae beautystone (Hongdae Beauty stone),
our experienced specialist will personally analyze and design your perfect lifting plan.
[Read more from Beauty stone]
🔗 Recommended Articles
▶Thermage: Does it really work? An honest review
▶Sofwave vs Ulthera: What is the difference?
▶Shurink: How often should you receive the treatment?
▶Why does sagging cheek skin look the same even after 600 shots?
▶Managing Ulthera pain: Tolerating extreme pain does not mean a better lift
Consult with us via WhatsApp
If you are wondering if this treatment is right for you, our director will personally assist you.

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