If you have recently been researching Korean cosmetic treatments, you must have come across the term “Ultherapy.” Especially on various Korean plastic surgery forums and communities, Ultherapy from NANA Plastic Surgery is mentioned in almost every recommendation post. So, is Ultherapy from NANA Plastic Surgery really worth trying? What makes it different from what is available elsewhere? And how much does it cost? Today, we will discuss all these questions in detail.
First, let’s clarify what Ultherapy is.
Ultherapy, developed by the American company Ulthera, uses focused ultrasound technology. Simply put, it delivers ultrasonic energy deep into the skin—reaching the SMAS fascia layer and dermis—causing these deeper layers to contract and stimulating the production of collagen. It might sound a bit complicated, but all you need to know is that it is currently the only FDA-approved device for lifting the skin that delivers such deep-reaching energy.
Many people confuse Ultherapy with Thermage. Here’s a quick way to distinguish between them:
- Ultherapy: Uses ultrasonic energy to reach a depth of 4.5 mm, focusing on lifting facial contours and reducing sagging.
- Thermage: Uses radiofrequency energy to target the dermis, improving skin texture and shrinking pores.
In fact, the two treatments complement each other rather than competing. If you have issues like loose cheeks or a less defined jawline, Ultherapy is more suitable; if you just want to tighten your skin and increase its elasticity, Thermage may be enough.
Why do so many people choose NANA for Ultherapy?
There are countless hospitals and dermatology clinics offering Ultherapy in Korea, but NANA Plastic Surgery is repeatedly mentioned for several key reasons:
The treatment is performed by a doctor in person, not by an assistant.
This is a common issue for many people. In many places, you might assume it’s a doctor performing the procedure, but once you lie down, you find it’s actually an assistant operating the equipment. At NANA, however, high-energy devices like the ultrasound gun are always operated by experienced doctors. The effectiveness of the ultrasound gun depends greatly on the operator’s expertise—how many pulses to deliver, at what intensity, where to apply more pressure, and where to avoid it—all these decisions need to be made based on your specific facial features.
Use the genuine American version of the Ulthera ultrasound gun.
⚠️ This point is extremely important. There are many counterfeit and imitation ultrasound guns on the market, and their effects and safety levels are completely different from the genuine ones. NANA uses officially certified original equipment from Ulthera in the United States, and each probe is numbered for traceability. Regular hospitals will have you verify the probe packaging before the procedure and may even require you to scan a QR code to confirm its authenticity. This is not just a formality; it directly affects the results and safety of your treatment.
Customized energy plans
Everyone’s facial sagging conditions are different, so the number of pulses and energy levels required also vary. At NANA, a doctor will conduct a face-to-face consultation before designing a personalized plan—determining, for example, how many pulses to use on each side of the cheeks, whether to enhance the jawline, whether to include the neck area, and how to lift the apple muscles. It’s not a standardized process; it truly takes into account individual differences.
💰 Prices for NANA’s American version of the ultrasound gun
Price is probably what everyone is most concerned about. NANA’s ultrasound gun prices are considered mid-to-high in the Korean plastic surgery industry, but considering that the procedures are performed by doctors using genuine equipment, the value for money is actually very good. Here are the reference prices (subject to the actual rates quoted by the clinic):
Full-face ultrasound treatment
- Korean won: Approximately ₩1,800,000 to ₩2,200,000
- Taiwan dollars: Approximately NT$42,000 to NT$52,000
- HKD: Approximately HK$10,400 to HK$12,700
Whole face + neck
- Korean won: Approximately ₩2,500,000 to ₩3,000,000
- Taiwan dollars: Approximately NT$59,000 to NT$71,000
- HKD: Approximately HK$14,400 to HK$17,300
Whole face + enhanced jawline
- Korean won: Approximately ₩2,200,000 to ₩2,800,000
- Taiwan dollars: Approximately NT$52,000 to NT$66,000
- HKD: Approximately HK$12,700 to HK$16,200
The price may vary depending on the doctor you choose, the additional services added, and whether there are any promotional offers. If you visit during a specific month, foreign tourists may be eligible for special discounts, so it’s advisable to ask directly when making your reservation.
The complete process of undergoing ultrasonic treatment
If this is your first time visiting NANA for ultrasonic treatment, the overall process is roughly as follows:
Step 1: Online reservation
First, make a reservation through the BeautsGO platform, the official website, or the LINE official account. Let them know that you want to undergo ultrasonic treatment, and they will arrange a consultation appointment for you. If you have language barriers, you can request a Chinese-speaking consultant to accompany you during the appointment.
Step 2: In-person consultation at the clinic
Upon arriving at NANA, you will be greeted by a Chinese-speaking consultant who will help you fill out basic information and questionnaires. Then, a doctor will examine your face and discuss with you the areas you would like to improve and the expected results. The doctor will use a mirror to explain in detail where the treatment will be applied, how many sessions will be needed, and approximately how much improvement can be achieved. Feel free to ask any questions at this time—don’t hesitate.
Step 3: Washing face and applying numbing agent
After confirming the treatment plan, you will be taken to prepare for the procedure. First, remove your makeup and wash your face thoroughly, then apply a topical anesthetic. Although ultrasonic treatment is not as painful as Thermage, there may still be a noticeable stinging sensation in bony areas such as below the cheekbones or on the forehead, so it’s important to use a numbing agent.
Step 4: Actual treatment
The doctor will mark the areas on your face with lines that indicate the path of the ultrasonic waves. The treatment usually takes around 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated. During the procedure, you will feel intermittent stinging and mild pain, especially near the bones, but most people find it tolerable. If it becomes too uncomfortable, you can let the doctor know, and they will adjust the intensity accordingly.
Step 5: Post-procedure cooling → Discharge
After the procedure, we will apply cold compresses to help you relax. You can leave around 15 to 20 minutes later. The entire process, from entry to exit, takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
When can I see the results after the treatment?
The effects of ultrasound therapy are not immediate; they are “gradual.” You need to be patient:
- Within 1–2 weeks: Some people may notice a slight swelling in their face. This is actually a good sign, indicating that collagen production has begun. At this stage, you might feel that your skin has become slightly tighter.
- 1–3 months: This is when the main effects begin to appear. You will gradually notice that your jawline becomes clearer and your cheek muscles appear more defined.
- 3–6 months: By this time, the optimal results will have been achieved. Collagen regeneration will be complete, and your overall facial contours will be significantly improved.
✨ Generally speaking, the effects of ultrasound therapy last for 1 to 2 years, but this also depends on an individual’s lifestyle and skin condition. With proper care—such as avoiding late nights and excessive sun exposure—the results may last even longer.
Post-procedure precautions
After undergoing ultrasound therapy, there are several things you must pay attention to:
- Within one week: Avoid saunas, hot yoga, hot springs, and direct sunlight.
- Within one week: Do not use any skincare products containing acids or retinol.
- Within two weeks: Avoid any other invasive cosmetic treatments.
- For daily care: Focus on hydration and sun protection—these steps will help maintain the results longer.
- Drink plenty of water: It helps with metabolism and collagen production.
Additionally, the face may become slightly red and swollen after the procedure, but this usually subsides within a few hours to a day and does not affect daily activities. You can wear makeup the next day.
Who is suitable for ultrasound therapy? Who is not?
Who is particularly suitable for ultrasound therapy?
- People over 30 who notice sagging skin or a blurred jawline.
- Those who prefer non-surgical methods to improve their facial contours.
- People with sagging apple cheeks and deepening nasolabial folds
- Those who want natural results and a short recovery period
Groups not recommended to undergo this treatment
- People with metal implants on the face (special attention required near orthodontic devices)
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Individuals with severe inflammation or infections on the face
- Minors under 18 years of age (since the body is still developing)
A summary of the several advantages of using the ultrasonic knife
- Certified by regular hospitals, using genuine American-made Ulthera equipment
- Operated by experienced doctors who ensure precise and controlled energy delivery
- Thorough pre-operative consultations; treatment plans vary from person to person.
- Chinese-speaking consultants are available throughout the process, ensuring no language barriers.
- Two convenient locations: Cheongtan-dong and Nonhyang-dong.
- Comprehensive services dedicated to foreigners.
🗓️ How to schedule a NANA ultrasound treatment?
There are several ways to make an appointment:
- BeautsGO Platform: Download the app or use the WeChat mini-program, search for “NANA Plastic Surgery,” and select the desired date and time. This is the most convenient option, with a Chinese interface and real reviews from other users.
- LINE Official Account: Search for NANA’s official LINE account to consult and schedule appointments in Chinese.
- WeChat: NANA has a dedicated WeChat customer service account; you can add them as a friend directly.
- Online Appointment via Website: Fill out the reservation form on NANA’s official website.
It is recommended to book at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons. If you have a specific doctor in mind, arrange your appointment even earlier.
Some tips for your first ultrasound therapy session in Korea
Here are a few practical reminders from people who have experienced it:
- Ensure it’s the genuine device: Upon arrival, ask to check the Ulthera probe packaging and the QR Code.
- Don’t go for cheap options: Prices significantly lower than market rates are likely to indicate counterfeit devices or inadequate treatment.
- Be clear about your needs during the consultation: Bring a photo of yourself without makeup and directly tell the doctor what areas you want to improve.
- Post-treatment care is just as important: Proper hydration and sun protection are essential to maintain the results.
- Plan at least 2 days for the process: It’s best to schedule the consultation and the procedure on different days to give yourself enough time to consider your options.
In summary, NANA Plastic Surgery has an excellent reputation in Korea for ultrasound therapy—high-quality equipment, experienced doctors, and personalized treatments. These three factors alone make it a top choice. If you are considering ultrasound therapy in Korea, NANA is definitely worth adding to your list.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about other treatments, feel free to leave a comment or send a private message. I’ll do my best to help you 💛
