Hongdae Ipgu Station dermatology clinic: Even with Ulthera or Thermage, you may get no effect if you miss 'this'

Tightening/Lifting
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October 23, 2026
AI Translated

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Mind Dermatology that changes the essence of the skin with sincerity

〈Customized care by a dermatologist with 17 years of experience〉

After accurately diagnosing the skin condition,

from skin diseases to anti-aging, pigmentation, and acne,

we propose treatments tailored to each patient's concerns.

〈Verified premium devices and various procedures〉

Ulthera Premium, Thermage FLX,

Onda, Soprano Titanium, Sofwave, Potenza, and others

based on a variety of premium devices,

we perform procedures suited to the skin condition and treatment goals.

〈Care that considers the patient experience〉

From thorough consultation to careful procedures and aftercare,

we provide a comfortable clinical environment,

and for foreign patients,

we also offer Chinese interpretation services.

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Hello.

Improving the essence of the skin with sincerity,

Medical Director of Mind Dermatology,

Hongseon Lee, a dermatologist with 17 years of experience.

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"Because I heard Ulthera-Thermage works well,

I decided to try it,

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but I didn't notice any difference at all..."

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Many patients who came in full of expectation after Ulthera-Thermage have been disappointed when they saw no apparent effect.

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Whenever I meet such patients, I always 'What consultation did you receive before the procedure?' I usually start by asking that.

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You had both Ulthera and Thermage—longstanding go-to lifting treatments—but didn't get any results?

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In most cases it's not an issue with the devices themselves, but rather that the procedures were performed without a proper diagnosis^^;

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From now on, I'll honestly point out the reasons Ulthera+Thermage might not be effective and the key points to get them done properly, so you can understand clearly!

Hongdaeipgu Station Dermatology Clinic

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Table of contents

  1. Why you can't guarantee 'results' without a diagnosis

  2. Poor treatment design that doesn't consider the direction of sagging

  3. So how should you receive Ulthera+Thermage?

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1. Without a diagnosis, 'results' cannot be

guaranteed

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First, let's review Ulthera and Thermage^^

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Both are lifting procedures, but they act on completely different layers.

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Ulthera uses HIFU, high-intensity focused ultrasound, to deliver energy down to the SMAS layer under the skin and focuses on lifting sagging tissue upward.

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Thermage, on the other hand, uses RF high-frequency energy to heat the entire dermis and aims to induce collagen regeneration for skin tightening,which is its purpose.

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< Differences between Ulthera and Thermage,

Want to know more? >

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Ulthera VS Thermage Are you deciding between Ulthera and Thermage? The most important question is "what does my face need right now?" - Ulthera (contour refinement & lifting) Recommended for: those concerned with jowls, deep cheeks, or sagging facial lines Ultrasound delivers energy to deep skin layers to lift sagging contours. - Thermage (skin elasticity & tightening) Recommended for: those with little facial fat, thin skin, or reduced elasticity Radiofrequency stimulates the dermis for firmer elasticity and improvement of fine wrinkles. #Ulthera #Thermage #MindDermatology #HongdaeUlthera #HongdaeThermage #MapoUlthera #MapoThermage

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Because their purposes are completely different, they can be performed together.

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Applying both treatments can stimulate the full thickness of the skin evenly, producing a more three-dimensional effect.

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Of course, that's assuming they are applied correctly^^

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However, because two different types of energy are used together, the process of clearly diagnosing the skin condition before treatment is more important than anything elseHowever.

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Each person has different skin thickness, fat volume, and degree of sagging, and even within the same face the skin structure varies by area.

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If energy is applied excessively to someone with little cheek fat and thin skin without considering this,

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side effects such as cheek depressions from fat atrophycan occur.

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Therefore, the diagnostic process is essential to correctly determine which areas to treat, what type of energy to use, and at what intensity.

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If you receive a package as-is based solely on others' reviews without a diagnosis,

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you may not notice any effect, or in severe cases suffer long-term from side effects.

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2. Incorrect design that does not consider the direction of sagging

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Also, the direction in which the skin sags differs among individuals.

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  • Some people experience deepening nasolabial folds as the midface tissues descend,

  • others have the jawline collapse and cheek fat spread outward,

  • and some have the entire cheek area sag downward.

  • For some people, the forehead and the outer corners of the eyes sag first.

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So even with the same 'sagging' problem, the areas that need concentrated shots differ depending on where and in which direction it has progressed.

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What happens if you don't assess this and simply divide a preset number of shots evenly across preset areas?

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The areas that actually need improvement won't receive enough stimulation, while areas that need it less will get the energy.

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Naturally, it will be difficult to achieve the intended results.

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And there's one more point I really want to mention.

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Sometimes patients ask to have the energy level reduced a lot because the pain is burdensome.

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But both Ulthera and Thermage are procedures that require delivery of energy above a certain threshold for an actual tissue response to occur.That's the case.

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Sufficient thermal denaturation in the fascia layer is needed for a lifting effect, and the dermal temperature must rise above a certain level for collagen fibers to contract and for regeneration to begin.

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If you lower the energy too much to avoid pain, you may only slightly stimulate the skin surface and fail to achieve a proper effect.

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I mention this out of concern because many people seem to overlook it, so please remember.

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3. So how should you receive Ulthermage?

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Before deciding on the procedure, there are two things I strongly recommend you check.

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1) Does the clinic have the head physician perform the consultation and diagnosis personally?

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Skin thickness, fat distribution, and the direction and cause of sagging must be assessed directly by the medical staff to determine the appropriate approach.

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Would the medical staff perform the procedure without even seeing my face in person?

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If so, the likelihood of a properly customized treatment is very low.

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2) Will they allocate shot counts and treatment areas between Ulthera and Thermage differently according to my facial condition?

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Even for the same Ulthermage treatment, whether to focus on the SMAS layer or place more emphasis on dermal collagen regeneration,

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which areas to target first, and how to perform the procedurevaries from person to person.

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So make sure they design the treatment to fit your face instead of applying a fixed package as-is.

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Since this is an expensive procedure that takes time out of your busy schedule, even if it is cumbersome, you should check these points carefully

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so you can expect a truly satisfactory result.

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Dermatology clinic near Hongik University Station


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That is why, when I perform Ulthermage, I always thoroughly check skin thickness, fat distribution, and the direction of sagging through an in-person examination.

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After my own assessment, I carefully determine how to allocate Ulthera and Thermage shots and what energy levels to use for each area.

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Depending on the design, the same procedure can produce very different results.

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Therefore, if you are planning to receive Ulthermage, I strongly recommend choosing a clinic where the medical staff personally diagnose and design the treatment.

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That will help prevent complications and make it easier to achieve the facial shape and firmness you truly want.

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I will provide care with sincerity.

Mind Dermatology, Head Physician

Hongseon Lee

Dermatology clinic near Hongik University Station

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< Ulthermage-related Q&A >

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Question

Answer

Q. Is Ulthermage enough with one session? How many sessions are needed?

A. It depends on each individual's skin condition. After the first treatment, collagen remodeling can take 3–6 months to be completed.

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During this period, it is recommended to assess the results and then decide whether an additional treatment is necessary.

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If there are no major issues, maintenance is usually considered on a 1–2 year cycle.

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Q. Can I return to my daily routine on the day of Ulthermage treatment?

A. Yes.

You can typically return to your normal activities on the same day as the procedure.

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However, temporary swelling, flushing, or redness may occur.

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These usually subside naturally within about 3–5 days, but if the area is further irritated they may last longer,

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so please minimize external irritation and manage the skin gently during this time.

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Q. Are there any special precautions after Ulthermage?

A. Because collagen remodeling is active after the procedure,

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be diligent with moisturization and sun protection,

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and try to avoid extreme weight changes, chronic sleep deprivation, and high levels of stress.

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Dermatology at Hongdaeipgu Station


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<Mind Dermatology Clinic Philosophy>

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Mind Dermatology Clinic Philosophy: Transforming the essence of skin with care

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<Recommended reading>

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Gongdeok Dermatology Ulthermage: Why you shouldn't decide based only on shot count

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Dermatology at Hongdaeipgu Station

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📢 Notice

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Always Mind Dermatologythank you for trusting and visiting us

We sincerely thank everyone.

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Mind Dermatology does not simply

stop at improving the skin,

but carefully examines the current skin condition first

and discusses the appropriate treatment direction together with the patient.

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Due to a recent increase in consultation and appointment inquiries,

schedules are filling up quickly.

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If you make a reservation before visiting,

we can provide a smoother consultation.

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P.S.

We appreciate those who read this post to the end,

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and if you tell us "I saw this on the blog!"

we will take that into account during your consultation.

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Hongik University Station Dermatology

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마인드피부과의원

Mind Dermatology Clinic

3rd Floor, KT Plaza Building, 3 Yanghwa-ro 18-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

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※ This post was prepared in compliance with Article 56(1) of the Medical Service Act.

All medical procedures may result differently depending on the individual's condition; please make decisions only after consulting with medical staff.

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Hongdae Ipgu Station dermatology clinic: Even with Ulthera or Thermage, you may get no effect if you miss 'this' | Mind Skin Clinic