When people consider a lifting treatment, Ultherapy is a name that always comes up. But even with the same Ultherapy device, the process and the results can differ depending on how the treatment is performed. This article explains how Ultherapy works, and why Skinique Clinic combines it with Core Lifting.
How Ultherapy works
Ulthera (Ultherapy) is a US FDA-approved ultrasound lifting device made by Merz.
Without any incisions, it delivers micro-focused ultrasound selectively to depths of 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm beneath the skin. The ultrasound converts to heat inside the skin, creating tiny coagulation points in the targeted layer. As these points heal, collagen is re-synthesized and remodeled, and the resulting tightening of the tissue is the principle behind Ultherapy lifting. Since its introduction to Korea in 2009, many similar devices have appeared, but Ultherapy remains a consistent choice for its ability to deliver strong energy precisely to the intended skin layer.
Why one-size-fits-all treatment is risky
With strong energy comes the need for caution. Treating with maximum intensity and as many shots as possible, without regard for the condition of the skin, can raise the risk of side effects such as fat atrophy. That is why distributing energy precisely to the depths and areas your skin actually needs matters more than competing on shot counts or output.
The method Skinique Clinic has chosen is a combination treatment with Core Lifting. Standard 200-shot and 300-shot treatments focus mainly on the 3.0mm and 4.5mm depths; adding Core Lifting allows the shallower 1.0-1.5mm layer to be treated as well. The result is a composition that delivers even thermal stimulation from the skin's surface down to the SMAS without excessive output or shot counts. Having followed the progress of many treatments, we concluded that the two procedures complement each other well, so we perform them together even though it takes more time.
Skinique's treatment process
The overall flow is consultation → anesthesia → Core Lifting → Ultherapy → finishing care. Let's look at the three key steps.
The first step is the consultation with the doctor. Rather than a long session with a coordinator followed by a brief appearance from the doctor, the doctor personally listens to your skin concerns before the treatment and reflects them in the treatment plan. Because understanding which areas you want lifted and the characteristics of your skin has a major impact on Ultherapy's results, we put particular care into this step.
The second is Core Lifting. Before the main treatment, we take ample time to raise the temperature of the skin's surface layers, promoting tightening and improving skin texture at the same time.
The third is the main Ultherapy treatment. We do not simply apply a preset formula — so many shots to this area for 200 shots, so many to that area for 300 shots.
Based on the skin condition observed during the consultation, we identify the points that need lifting and distribute the energy accordingly — an approach that also helps reduce unnecessary shots. Of course, the degree and duration of results vary from person to person.
In addition, Ultherapy at Skinique Clinic is performed only with authentic devices and authentic tips, and an authenticity certification sticker is issued after the treatment.
Wrapping Up
Ultherapy is not about competing on shot counts — what matters is how precisely the energy is delivered to the depths and areas that suit your skin. Skinique Clinic upholds this principle through doctor-led consultations and combined treatment with Core Lifting. You can find detailed pricing on our price guide. If you would like to know which lifting composition suits your skin, start a chat consultation about the right approach for your skin.
This article was written by Dr. Tae-Hyung Park, Chief Director of Skinique Clinic and Senior Director of the Korean Society for Laser, Dermatology and Trichology. First published Oct 17, 2022 · Last reviewed Aug 24, 2026
This article provides general medical information. Skin conditions and responses to treatment vary from person to person. Please decide whether and how to proceed with treatment through a medical consultation.