Guide · reviewed by a dermatologist
Ultherapy, Thermage, Sofwave or Xerf?
Ultherapy lifts the SMAS with focused ultrasound (₩550,000 per 100 shots); Thermage FLX and Xerf tighten the dermis with monopolar radiofrequency (Thermage ₩2,500,000 per 600 shots on the face, Xerf ₩1,200,000 per 300 shots); Sofwave treats the mid-dermis at 1.5 mm for fine lines and early laxity (₩990,000 per 100 shots). Faces with structural descent need Ultherapy; faces with loose texture need an RF device; younger faces with fine lines do well with Sofwave. Many need two, which is why The Heal plans from a 3D Meta-Vu scan rather than from a menu.
- Written and reviewed by Dr. Byoungyong Koh, board-certified dermatologist, The Heal Dermatology Dongdaemun, Seoul
- Prices: The Heal's October 2026 list, KRW, before 10% VAT
- Last reviewed: 17 October 2026
| Treatment | Mechanism | Depth | Best for | Downtime | Lasts | Price at The Heal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultherapy Prime | Micro-focused ultrasound | SMAS (4.5 / 3.0 / 1.5 mm) | Jawline, cheek descent, brow | None | 12+ months | ₩550,000 / 100 shots |
| Thermage FLX | Monopolar RF | Dermis, volumetric | Loose texture, eyelids (eye tip) | None | 12+ months | ₩2,500,000 / 600 shots |
| Xerf | Monopolar RF | Dermis, with eye tips | Face and eye laxity, RF at a lower price | None | 12+ months | ₩1,200,000 / 300 shots |
| Sofwave | Parallel-beam ultrasound | Mid-dermis, 1.5 mm | Fine lines, early laxity, neck | None | About 12 months | ₩990,000 / 100 shots |
| Alltite | Monopolar RF | Dermis, face and body | Broad-area tightening on a budget | None | 6–12 months | ₩600,000 / 300 shots |
How a dermatologist chooses
A 3D Meta-Vu scan maps where the face has lost volume and where the skin itself has loosened. Descent of the deep layer points to Ultherapy; laxity within the skin points to Thermage, Xerf or Alltite; fine lines and early change respond to Sofwave. Where the issue is lost fullness rather than laxity, ONDA comes first. The clinic avoids stacking devices that the scan doesn't call for — one layer needing work means one device offered.
Pain and comfort
All four are done under numbing cream. Ultherapy is felt as brief deep heat; Thermage FLX vibrates to mask the pulses; Sofwave and Xerf cool the surface continuously. None requires sedation or recovery time.
Can they be combined on one visit?
Yes. Ultherapy and Thermage, or Ultherapy and Sofwave, are commonly done the same day in the Meta-Vu Design Lifting programme, with a skin booster or Botox placed afterwards.
Questions
Which is better, Ultherapy or Thermage?
Neither. Ultherapy works on the SMAS, Thermage on the dermis. The right one depends on which layer has aged, which the Meta-Vu scan shows.
How much does Ultherapy cost in Seoul?
At The Heal Dermatology Dongdaemun, Ultherapy Prime is ₩550,000 per 100 shots, ₩2,000,000 for 400 and ₩3,000,000 for 600 shots, before 10% VAT, as of October 2026.
How much does Thermage FLX cost in Korea?
At The Heal, Thermage FLX is ₩2,500,000 for 600 face shots; Eye Thermage is ₩1,200,000 for 225 shots and ₩2,200,000 for 450 shots.
Is Sofwave as good as Ultherapy?
Sofwave treats a shallower layer, so it suits fine lines and early laxity rather than structural lifting. For a 30-something face it is often the better choice; for marked jowling, Ultherapy.
All frequently asked questions →
Medically reviewed by Dr. Byoungyong Koh, board-certified dermatologist, Medical Director, The Heal Dermatology Clinic Dongdaemun
The information on this page is general and is not medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a dermatologist. Every procedure carries risk, suitability differs between individuals and an outcome cannot be guaranteed. Prices are list prices in Korean won, exclude VAT where it applies, and are confirmed at consultation.
Treatments mentioned
Read the treatment pages
Ultherapy Prime
Micro-focused ultrasound to the SMAS, with every line placed under live DeepSee imaging after Face Mapping.
100 shots ₩450,000Read more
Thermage FLX
Monopolar radiofrequency tightening of the dermis, with vibration and cooling built into the tip, by a Thermage FLX Master Course physician.
Face 300 shots ₩1,450,000Read more
Sofwave
Parallel-beam ultrasound at a fixed 1.5 mm depth for fine lines and early laxity, with no downtime.
100 shots ₩990,000Read more
Xerf
Next-generation monopolar radiofrequency tightening for face and eyes, taught by Dr. Koh at specialist lectures.
300 shots ₩1,200,000Read moreSend us your skin concern and your dates
Consultation is with a board-certified dermatologist. Message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk in English with what you want to change and how long you will be in Seoul; an interpreter is arranged when needed.