Ultherapy Prime
HIFU Lifting
Next-generation ultrasound lifting without surgery or downtime
Ultherapy Prime is the latest FDA-cleared HIFU lifting system with over 15 years of clinical data worldwide. A 2024 Aesthetic Surgery Journal study showed 92 percent of HIFU lifting patients reported satisfaction, with results lasting 18 to 24 months. RE:BERRY Clinic Gangnam is an official Ultherapy Prime certified clinic, where Dr. Ryu performs all treatments personally.
What Is Ultherapy Prime HIFU Lifting?
Ultherapy Prime uses focused ultrasound energy (HIFU) to stimulate the SMAS layer deep beneath your skin without cutting or injecting. It triggers collagen regrowth in the same tissue layer that surgeons tighten during a facelift. Compared to standard Ultherapy, Prime delivers 35 percent sharper imaging and reaches depths up to 8 millimeters for personalized lifting precision.
Ultherapy Prime is the only non-surgical HIFU lifting system FDA-approved in its class. It delivers thermal energy deep into the skin without damaging the surface. The SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) is the exact tissue layer that surgeons lift during a facelift—Ultherapy Prime tightens it without surgery.
Three upgrades distinguish Prime from earlier models: 35 percent sharper real-time ultrasound imaging, adjustable depths from 1.5 to 8 millimeters for individual customization, and improved energy delivery that shortens treatment time while reducing discomfort.
RE:BERRY Clinic Gangnam is officially certified by Merz Aesthetics. Dr. Yoon-Gon Ryu holds Key Opinion Leader (KOL) status with over 2,000 sessions of Ultherapy experience—meaning he trains other physicians on technique and has early access to next-generation cartridge technology.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Ultherapy Prime?
Best suited for adults in their 30s through 60s with mild to moderate skin laxity along the jawline, chin, brow, and neck. Not a replacement for surgical facelifts in severe sagging cases, but the gold-standard non-surgical option for noticeable lifting without incisions. For international patients, the single-visit treatment with zero downtime makes it ideal—fly home the same day and resume activities immediately.
Official Ultherapy Prime Certified Clinic — Issued by Merz Aesthetics
Ultherapy Prime device with DeepSEE visualization at RE:BERRY Clinic
Treatment in progress — handpiece delivery guided by real-time ultrasound imaging
How Ultherapy Prime Works: Step by Step
Ultherapy Prime treatment follows four stages: consultation, marking and numbing, ultrasound energy delivery, and post-care. The entire appointment takes 60 to 90 minutes. A topical anesthetic cream is applied before treatment. You can resume daily activities immediately afterward—there is no recovery period required.
Dr. Ryu personally evaluates your facial structure, skin elasticity, and fat distribution. Using real-time ultrasound imaging, he views your skin in cross-section and sets personalized energy depths—choosing from 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, or 8.0 millimeters.
Precise markings are drawn on treatment zones—forehead, under eyes, cheeks, jawline, and neck—to ensure even energy distribution. A topical anesthetic cream is applied and left to absorb for 20 to 30 minutes.
The handpiece is held firmly against your skin while real-time ultrasound confirms tissue structure. Focused ultrasound energy creates thermal coagulation points at 60 to 70 degrees Celsius, triggering natural collagen remodeling.
Minor redness and warmth typically fade within one to two hours. No downtime needed—return to daily life and apply makeup right away. RE:BERRY provides a complimentary hydration mask and sunscreen. A follow-up at 4 to 6 weeks evaluates early collagen response.
The Science Behind Ultherapy Prime: HIFU Technology Explained
Ultherapy Prime uses focused ultrasound (HIFU) to create microscopic thermal points at precise depths between 1.5 and 8 millimeters beneath the skin. These thermal coagulation points (TCPs) trigger the body’s natural collagen regeneration cascade, rebuilding the SMAS layer—the same deep fascia that surgeons manipulate during a surgical facelift—without incisions. Peak collagen remodeling occurs over 12 weeks, with results lasting 18 to 24 months.
The Physics of Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
Ultherapy Prime uses an acoustic lens principle to converge ultrasound waves at a precise focal point beneath the skin, generating 60–70°C temperatures in milliseconds. This creates thermal coagulation points (TCPs) approximately 1.5mm in diameter while leaving surrounding tissue untouched. The FDA-approved system targets four depths from 1.5 to 8mm, reaching the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous fat, and the SMAS layer.
The SMAS Layer: Why It Matters for Lifting
The SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) is the fibromuscular layer that plastic surgeons tighten during a surgical facelift. It lies beneath the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat—connective tissue interwoven with facial muscles. Ultherapy Prime accomplishes similar remodeling non-surgically: HIFU energy at the 4.5–8mm SMAS boundary triggers fibroblasts to synthesize new collagen bundles, lifting the facial structure from within.
Collagen Biology: The Neo-Collagenesis Process
Collagen remodeling occurs in three stages: thermal denaturation contracts existing collagen helices (immediate tightening), heat shock proteins HSP47/HSP70 activate wound-healing cascades guiding new type I and III collagen synthesis, and neo-collagenesis completes over 90–180 days. Results peak at week 12 with final cross-link stabilization by week 16.
Prime’s 35% Imaging Upgrade: DeepSEE Visualization
Ultherapy Prime’s key advancement is DeepSEE visualization—a real-time B-mode ultrasound imaging system integrated into the handpiece. This 35 percent sharper imaging lets the physician see exact tissue layer boundaries while delivering energy, avoiding surface burns (too shallow) or waviness (too deep in fat layer). Dr. Ryu uses this real-time imaging to place each TCP precisely at the SMAS-fat interface, maximizing lifting effect while minimizing complications.
DeepSEE real-time visualization guiding precise HIFU energy placement
Dr. Ryu performing Ultherapy Prime with real-time facial mapping
Clinical Evidence and Safety Data
HIFU lifting technology has accumulated over 15 years of clinical data across 7 million treatments worldwide. A 2024 Aesthetic Surgery Journal meta-analysis found 92 percent satisfaction rates with results maintained at 12-month follow-up. Serious adverse events remain below 2 percent, with most (temporary numbness, mild bruising) resolving within two weeks. Long-term studies confirm no fibrosis or chronic inflammation—collagen remodeling is entirely physiologic and naturally reverses over 18 to 24 months.
Ultherapy Prime Results and Recovery Timeline
Results from Ultherapy Prime begin appearing two to four weeks after treatment as new collagen forms. Collagen remodeling peaks at 12 weeks. A 2024 clinical study found 92 percent of patients reported satisfaction, with lifting effects lasting an average of 18 to 24 months.
| Timeline | What Happens | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Immediately After | Instant collagen contraction | Heat-induced collagen shrinkage begins. Mild swelling may occur. |
| Weeks 2–4 | Early lifting starts | New collagen formation begins. You notice improved skin firmness. |
| Weeks 8–12 | Peak results arrive | Collagen remodeling completes. Jawline definition and V-shape are maximized. |
| 6 Months | Stable plateau | Results remain steady. Overall skin texture continues improving. |
| 18–24 Months | Gradual decline | Effects gradually diminish with natural aging. Maintenance treatment recommended. |
Key Advantages of Ultherapy Prime
- Non-surgical and non-invasive: No incisions or anesthesia—lifting results without surgical risks.
- Zero downtime: Resume daily activities immediately. Ideal for medical tourists between flights.
- FDA-approved safety: 15+ years of clinical data, 7 million treatments worldwide.
- Natural-looking outcomes: Stimulates your own collagen for gradual, organic results.
- Personalized treatment: Real-time ultrasound imaging enables precise energy depth and shot count adjustment.
Before and After Results
Actual Patient Before & After Results — Ultherapy Prime HIFU Lifting
These before-and-after photos show real patients treated with Ultherapy Prime HIFU at RE:BERRY Clinic. Results photographed at standardized intervals using consistent lighting and positioning. Individual outcomes depend on skin condition, age, and treatment protocol.
Ultherapy Prime — jawline and lower face lifting, male patient
Ultherapy Prime — facial contouring and skin tightening, female patient
Additional patient results at 4, 8, 12, and 24-week intervals are available during your consultation.
Before-and-after photos from actual patients at RE:BERRY Clinic Gangnam are shown during consultation appointments. Individual results vary depending on skin condition, age, lifestyle, and shot count. These photos are for educational purposes and do not guarantee results for every patient.
Ultherapy Prime vs. Thermage FLX vs. Sofwave
Ultherapy Prime, Thermage FLX, and Sofwave are all non-surgical lifting treatments but work differently. Ultherapy Prime uses HIFU energy to reach the deep SMAS layer for structural lifting. Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency for overall skin tightening. Sofwave uses mid-depth ultrasound for light skin texture refinement. Ultherapy Prime results last longest—18 to 24 months.
| Factor | Ultherapy Prime | Thermage FLX | Sofwave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Type | Focused ultrasound (HIFU) | Monopolar radiofrequency (RF) | SUPERB™ ultrasound |
| Target Depth | SMAS layer (4.5 to 8 mm) | Dermis to fat (2 to 4 mm) | Mid-dermis (1.5 to 2 mm) |
| Primary Effect | Lifting and tightening | Tightening and texture | Texture and fine lines |
| Treatment Duration | 60 to 90 minutes | 45 to 60 minutes | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Discomfort Level | Moderate to high (with anesthetic) | Moderate (vibration mode) | Low to moderate |
| Results Duration | 18–24 months | 12–18 months | 6–9 months |
| Downtime | None to mild swelling (1–2 days) | None | None |
| Price Range in Korea | ₩490,000 to ₩4,410,000 | ₩600,000 to ₩2,500,000 | ₩400,000 to ₩1,500,000 |
| Best For | Moderate to severe sagging | Mild sagging, overall lift | Early aging, texture issues |
RE:BERRY Gangnam offers all three systems. Dr. Ryu recommends a tailored option based on your individual goals. Combination treatments like Ultherapy Prime paired with Thermage FLX are also available.
Ultherapy Prime Pricing and International Tax Refunds
Ultherapy Prime at RE:BERRY Gangnam starts at ₩490,000 for 100 shots. Full face treatment (600 shots) costs ₩2,940,000, roughly 40 to 50 percent less than the same procedure in the United States ($2,200 to $3,300). International patients qualify for 10 percent VAT tax refund, with documents issued on the same day.
| Treatment Area | Shots | Price (₩, VAT included) | US Comparison ($) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Point area (forehead or jawline) | 100 shots | ₩490,000 | ~$370 | ~45% |
| Lower face | 300 shots | ₩1,470,000 | ~$1,100 | ~42% |
| Full face | 600 shots | ₩2,940,000 | ~$2,200 | ~40% |
| Full face and neck | 900 shots | ₩4,410,000 | ~$3,300 | ~38% |
Price Comparison by Country (Full Face, 600 shots)
| Country | Average Price | vs. Korea |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea (RE:BERRY) | ₩2,940,000 (~$2,200) | Baseline |
| United States | $4,000–$5,500 | 1.5–2x higher |
| United Kingdom | £2,500–£3,500 (~$3,200–$4,500) | 1.2–1.7x higher |
| Japan | ¥350,000–¥600,000 (~$2,300–$4,000) | 0.9–1.5x |
| Singapore | SGD 3,500–5,000 (~$2,600–$3,700) | 1.0–1.4x |
Combination Package Deals
Premium packages combining complementary technologies for maximum lifting, tightening, and collagen stimulation.
프리미엄 리프팅 Package
Approximately $4,500 USD
Includes:
- Ultherapy Prime 300 shots (lower face, jawline, and neck lifting)
- Sofwave 200 shots (mid-dermis texture refinement)
- ONDA 120KJ (radiofrequency body contouring option)
- Revinas 12,000 shots (collagen-boosting injections)
- LDM (laser-assisted skin resurfacing for surface glow)
- Complimentary post-care hydration and sunscreen
Ideal for visible lifting with skin texture enhancement.
시그니쳐 리프팅 Package
Approximately $7,500 USD
Includes:
- Ultherapy Prime 600 shots (full face and neck comprehensive HIFU lifting)
- Sofwave 300 shots (full face mid-depth ultrasound refinement)
- ONDA 160KJ (extended radiofrequency treatment for enhanced tightening)
- Revinas 12,000 shots (maximum collagen regeneration)
- Titanium 80KJ (advanced skin tightening and pore refinement)
- Comprehensive aftercare package with premium hydration masks
- Complimentary follow-up assessment at 4, 8, and 12 weeks
Signature package for dramatic results—optimal for mature skin and severe sagging.
Packages available exclusively during event periods. Pricing valid for April 2026. Customization available upon consultation with Dr. Ryu.
International Patient Tax Refund (VAT)
Foreign medical tourists in Korea qualify for 10 percent VAT refund on aesthetic procedures. RE:BERRY Gangnam issues tax refund documentation on the same day. You process the refund at Incheon Airport upon departure. For a 600-shot treatment, approximately ₩267,000 (~$200 USD) is refunded.
- Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, WeChat Pay, Alipay, or cash (KRW)
- Included: Consultation, anesthetic cream, treatment, post-care hydration, one follow-up assessment
- Not included: Additional local anesthesia (if selected), package discounts (discussed during consultation)
Dr. Yoon-Gon Ryu’s Expert Perspective on Ultherapy Prime
“The single biggest advancement in Ultherapy Prime is imaging clarity. With standard Ultherapy, the ultrasound screen was grainy, making it hard to distinguish the boundary between fat and fascia. Prime’s 35 percent sharper resolution lets me see the SMAS layer precisely and deliver energy exactly where it counts.”
“I emphasize to every patient that skin thickness and fat distribution are unique to each person. Ultherapy Prime offers four cartridge depths—from 1.5 to 8 millimeters—so I can treat thin areas like the forehead and thick areas like the cheeks and jawline with completely different settings. That personalization is the heart of true customized lifting.”
“After 2,000-plus Ultherapy treatments, the most effective combination is Ultherapy Prime 600 shots plus collagen-boosting injections—structural lifting combined with collagen regeneration. A personal consultation is essential to determine the right approach for each patient.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Ultherapy Prime
Q1: Is Ultherapy Prime painful?
A slight tingling sensation occurs during energy delivery. RE:BERRY applies topical anesthetic cream for 30 minutes beforehand plus cooling gel. Most patients report less pain than expected.
Q2: What are the side effects?
Mild swelling and redness fade within one to three days. Rarely, temporary numbness or bruising resolves within two weeks. Serious complications are extremely rare across 15-plus years of clinical use.
Q3: How long do results last?
Lifting effects persist 18 to 24 months. A 2024 study found 92 percent satisfaction at 12-month follow-up. Maintenance every 12 to 18 months is recommended for sustained results.
Q4: How is Ultherapy Prime different from Thermage?
Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency to heat the dermis for skin tightness. Ultherapy Prime uses focused ultrasound reaching the deeper SMAS layer for structural lifting. Mild sagging suits Thermage; moderate to severe favors Ultherapy Prime.
Q5: Can international patients receive treatment in Korea?
Yes. RE:BERRY has coordinators fluent in English, Japanese, and Mandarin. We arrange online pre-consultation, hotel recommendations, and airport pickup. Foreign patients qualify for 10 percent VAT tax refund with same-day paperwork.
Q6: Can I fly the same day as treatment?
Yes—zero downtime means same-day flights are possible. One to two days buffer is ideal for mild swelling. Use sunscreen and keep skin hydrated during your flight.
Q7: How many shots do I need?
Depends on area: forehead/jawline 100-200 shots, lower face ~300, full face 600, full face plus neck 900. Dr. Ryu recommends based on real-time ultrasound assessment.
Q8: Can Ultherapy Prime be combined with other treatments?
Yes. The most popular combination at RE:BERRY is Ultherapy Prime plus collagen-boosting injections for synergistic results. The right combination is determined during consultation.
Book Your Free Ultherapy Prime Consultation
Schedule Your Expert Consultation with Dr. Ryu
Receive a personalized treatment plan and accurate pricing estimate during a direct consultation with our medical director
What to Expect During Your Free Consultation
Your free Ultherapy Prime consultation at RE:BERRY Gangnam takes 30 to 45 minutes. Dr. Ryu performs a facial analysis using real-time ultrasound imaging, then designs a personalized shot plan targeting your specific concerns—jawline definition, double chin, forehead lifting, or full-face rejuvenation. You receive a written treatment quote on the spot. International patients should bring their passport for VAT refund documentation; translators available in English, Japanese, and Mandarin.
📞 WhatsApp (English): +82-10-4201-9133
✉️ Email: [email protected]
8 Gangnam-daero 69-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
⏰ Hours:
Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM KST
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM KST
Sunday: By appointment only
Closed on Korean public holidays
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RE:BERRY Clinic Gangnam – Luxury Medical Facility
Our Gangnam clinic features dedicated consultation suites and VVIP treatment rooms designed for comfort and privacy.
RE:BERRY Gangnam is located on Gangnam-daero 69-gil, two minutes from Sinnonhyeon Station (Line 9) and five minutes from Gangnam Station (Line 2). The two-floor clinic includes separate international patient waiting areas, private VVIP treatment suites each equipped with its own Ultherapy Prime system, and post-care recovery lounges. We provide complimentary translation in English, Japanese, Mandarin, and Vietnamese. Wheelchair-accessible entrance available. Airport pickup from Incheon can be arranged upon request.
Related Treatments & Synergistic Services
Combine Ultherapy Prime with complementary treatments for three-dimensional results.
Dr. Ryu’s most-recommended protocol pairs Ultherapy Prime with Revinas collagen-boosting injections at the same session—structural HIFU lifting plus accelerated collagen synthesis. For patients with surface texture concerns, adding Sofwave four to six weeks later addresses depth, mid-layer, and surface simultaneously.
| Treatment | How It Works | Synergy with Ultherapy Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Thermage FLX | Radiofrequency-based tightening. Improves overall skin texture and firmness. | Ultherapy Prime (deep lifting) plus Thermage (surface tightening) equals three-dimensional results. |
| Sofwave | Mid-depth ultrasound. Designed for light maintenance between major treatments. | Perfect for maintenance appointments scheduled between Ultherapy Prime sessions, approximately six months apart. |
| Revinas Lifting Collagen | Collagen-boosting injections that trigger long-term regeneration. | Dr. Ryu’s recommended pairing—structural lifting from Ultherapy plus collagen acceleration from injections. |
| Thread Lifting | Dissolving threads provide mechanical lifting support. | Ultherapy Prime rebuilds elasticity; thread lifting adds structural support for enhanced definition. |
Discover more treatments on our RE:BERRY Gangnam clinic overview. Your personalized treatment combination is discussed during a free consultation with Dr. Ryu.
Patient Reviews and Video Testimonials
English-speaking patients from the US, UK, Australia, and Southeast Asia have shared their Ultherapy Prime treatment experiences at RE:BERRY Gangnam. These video reviews are published with the patients’ written consent for secondary use. Each review includes treatment footage, pain assessment, and follow-up results.
Ultherapy Prime at RE:BERRY Gangnam — Full Treatment Vlog
Honest English review covering consultation, pain level during treatment, immediate results, and 12-week follow-up comparison.
Ultherapy Prime 3-Month Results — Before and After
Detailed progress diary with weekly skin texture photos, collagen remodeling timeline, and side-by-side comparison at week 12.
RE:BERRY Gangnam maintains a library of over 50 English-language patient video testimonials. During your consultation, Dr. Ryu can show additional patient experiences relevant to your specific concerns—whether jawline lifting, double chin reduction, forehead tightening, or full-face rejuvenation. Seeing cases that match your age, skin type, and treatment goals helps set realistic expectations.
These videos are from patients who received treatment at RE:BERRY Clinic and provided written consent for secondary use. Some content may include sponsored partnerships, clearly marked as “Sponsored” or “Ad.” Individual results vary depending on age, skin condition, lifestyle, and shot count.
Watch more English-language treatment videos on our official channels:
Related Articles About Ultherapy Prime
Explore in-depth guides, price comparisons, and treatment tips from our medical team’s blog.
Ultherapy Prime Cost in Korea 2026: Complete Pricing Breakdown
Detailed shot-by-shot pricing, package deals, insurance, and tax refund guide for international patients.
Treatment ComparisonUltherapy Prime vs. Thermage FLX: Which Lifting Treatment Is Right for You?
Side-by-side analysis of energy type, target depth, results duration, and ideal patient profiles.
Treatment ComparisonUltherapy Prime vs. Sofwave: HIFU vs. Mid-Depth Ultrasound Compared
When to choose deep SMAS lifting versus surface-level ultrasound refinement.
Patient GuideIs Ultherapy Prime Painful? Side Effects, Recovery, and What to Expect
Honest pain assessment with patient quotes, anesthesia options, and day-by-day recovery timeline.
Comprehensive GuideBest Non-Surgical Lifting Treatments in Gangnam 2026
Complete ranking of lifting technologies available in Seoul’s medical district, with insider pricing.
Expert AdviceUltherapy Prime Combination Protocols: What Dr. Ryu Recommends
Why combining Ultherapy with Revinas or Thermage yields synergistic results, with real case studies.