Ultherapy FAQ: side effects, safety and what to expect in Korea

Reviewed by Dr. Ko Dong-il, Director · Updated Oct 1, 2026 · 7 min read

In short Most questions about Ultherapy side effects and safety come down to two things: how the session feels, and what a genuine cartridge actually changes. At Symphony Skin Clinic both are checked in the room before treatment starts.

The waiting lounge at Symphony Skin Clinic in Sinsa, Seoul

This page answers the practical and safety questions that come up most about Ultherapy, separate from how it works, what it costs, or how to choose a clinic, which are covered in our other guides.

If your question is not below, send it with a photo on WhatsApp and we will answer it directly.

Side effects and comfort during treatment

Most questions here come down to how the session feels and what keeps it safe. Both are covered in the answers below, and in more detail in our main Ultherapy guide.

Before your visit

A short list of what to mention at consultation and what to expect on the day, beyond what is already covered in our pricing and clinic guides.

Combining Ultherapy with other treatments

Ultherapy is often planned alongside other devices or a skin booster on the same trip. The questions below cover how that is decided.

Pricing and how many sessions

Our pricing guide covers the full range. Here we answer the shorter practical questions about session count and timing that come up alongside price.

What to send for a quote

A front-facing photo, a side profile photo, and your travel dates. Our doctors review the plan before a coordinator replies with a suggested shot count and an estimate. For a realistic timeline of change once treated, see Ultherapy before and after in Korea. Directions to Symphony are on our visit page.

Questions patients ask us

What are the side effects of Ultherapy?

The most common effects are mild tenderness, redness or swelling that usually settles quickly. Using a non-genuine cartridge raises the risk of a burn, which is why Symphony opens and verifies the cartridge in the room before treatment.

Is Ultherapy painful?

Focused ultrasound is felt as energy is delivered. A compounded topical cream is enough for most patients, and inhaled or IV sedation is available if you would prefer it.

What is the difference between Ultherapy and Ultherapy PRIME?

PRIME adds DeepSEE imaging with a higher-resolution screen and area design mapped to the body, plus lower operating noise, compared with earlier Ultherapy systems. Symphony uses Ultherapy PRIME.

Do I need to do anything to prepare before treatment?

Mention any recent injectable treatments, medications or skin conditions at consultation so the doctor can plan around them. No other special preparation is required.

Can I wear makeup after the session?

There is no wound and no dressing, so there is nothing stopping normal skincare and makeup the same day. We will tell you if your specific skin needs anything different.

How many sessions do I need in total?

Many patients plan for one session every 6 to 12 months, reassessed at consultation. The number depends on your face and what you are treating for.

Is Ultherapy a one-time permanent treatment?

No. Collagen regeneration from a single session generally holds for 6 months to a year, after which another session is usually discussed if you want to maintain the result.

Can I combine Ultherapy with a skin booster or Thermage on the same trip?

Yes, this is common. Combinations are planned and priced together at consultation rather than as separate full visits.

Is the treatment different for the eye area?

Yes. The eye area is treated with a dedicated 1.5 mm tip that works at a shallower depth than the standard 3.0 or 4.5 mm face tip, because the skin there is thinner.

What happens if I have had filler or Botox recently?

Tell us at consultation. The doctor reviews your recent treatment history before deciding on areas and timing.

Can I fly the same day after treatment?

There is no wound and no dressing, so same-day or next-day travel is usually fine. Let us know your flight time so sedation, if used, can be planned around it.

Who performs the treatment at Symphony?

The doctor who assesses your face at consultation also performs the session and answers your follow-up questions afterward, including after you fly home.

Sources

Treatment details: Symphony Skin Clinic treatment information, checked Oct 1, 2026.

This page is general information from Symphony Skin Clinic, not a diagnosis. Results, risks and recovery differ by person. Treatment is decided after an in-person consultation with a licensed doctor. Clinic and treatment photos on this page were taken at Symphony Skin Clinic.