How painful is Ultherapy, what aftercare is needed, and how long do results last?

Key summary

Ulthera is often performed after applying numbing cream, but it is not a painless procedure. In studies of ultrasound lifting treatments including Ulthera, pain scores averaged close to 5 out of 10, and some clinics offer sedation as an option. In the days right after the procedure, redness and tenderness continue, and the point at which washing your face, applying makeup, using a sauna, or exercising is allowed varies by clinic. Changes appear over several months, so you should look separately at when results become fully visible and how long they are maintained. Clinics give different guidance on anesthesia, recovery, and maintenance periods. For that reason, before you get the treatment, ask the clinic performing it directly about the anesthesia method, the aftercare period, and the basis for its claims about results.

01 At what depth in the skin does Ulthera deliver energy?

Ulthera is a lifting procedure that focuses ultrasound energy at a single point beneath the skin to create a thermal point. As the heated tissue contracts and recovers, collagen is produced, and sagging areas gradually lift. The manufacturer describes the procedure as being carried out while checking the layers of the treatment area using real-time ultrasound imaging.

Clinic guidance describes tip depths divided into 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm. Lumiin Dermatology Clinic explains these three depths and states that it uses ultrasound imaging to avoid structures such as bones and blood vessels. Cheongayeon Dermatology Clinic also states that it performs the procedure while measuring skin thickness in real time with ultrasound.

In Korea, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety import permit number Import permit 09-1024 registers both the Ulthera System and Ultherapy Prime models together. A 2018 U.S. FDA document (K180623) describes indications including the eyebrows, sagging under the chin and neck, and wrinkles on the upper chest. This older U.S. document alone cannot be used to determine the current scope of domestic approval. Check during your consultation which treatment area and which domestic intended use applies to the equipment model you will receive.

02 How much pain is there during the procedure, and how is anesthesia handled?

Clinic-published anesthesia guidance starts with numbing cream. Cheongayeon Dermatology Clinic says numbing cream is the default and patients can opt for sedation if they prefer, and recommends sedation when pain is severe. Lumiin Dermatology Clinic states that after applying numbing cream, additional pain-relief methods are used depending on the treatment area, and explains that patients may feel a dull ache or stinging sensation when energy is delivered.

Source basis: 2026-10-20, the Ulthera guidance pages on each clinic's official website.

In a paper reviewing 42 studies on ultrasound lifting, the pooled analysis of pain scores covered 18 studies and 785 patients. Pain averaged 4.85 out of a 0 to 10 scale, and 4.62 for the face and neck. Devices other than Ulthera were included as well, so this cannot be taken as the pain average for Ulthera alone. Anesthesia methods and assessment conditions varied, and most of the studies lacked a control group. This analysis was funded by the manufacturer, Merz, and several authors served as consultants to the manufacturer.

There are also reports that pain differed by device generation. At one clinic in Bangkok, Thailand, 231 patients received both a previous-generation Ulthera and Ultherapy Prime and rated their pain, and the average score dropped from 5.59 to 2.75. Because this was a retrospective survey at a single clinic and patients knew which device they were receiving, it is difficult to use this as evidence that Prime is less painful for everyone.

If you are sensitive to pain, ask beforehand about the anesthesia and additional pain-relief methods that will be used. If you are undergoing a sedation procedure, also make sure to get an explanation of the clinic's required preparations, such as fasting and how you will get home afterward.

03 When can I wash my face, apply makeup, use a sauna, or exercise after the procedure?

Placing clinic guidance side by side shows that even for the same procedure, the allowed timing differs.

Source basis: 2026-10-20, each clinic's official website.

Some clinics allow washing and makeup on the same day, while another allows them from the following day. Cheongayeon Dermatology Clinic advises avoiding saunas and strenuous exercise; Apgujeong PHD Dermatology Clinic advises avoiding saunas. Neither specifies the number of days. Before treatment, ask when makeup can be resumed and how many days to avoid saunas and strenuous exercise.

Some clinics also recommend moisturizing and recovery care after the procedure. Apgujeong PHD Dermatology Clinic advises using a skin regeneration serum and moisturizing products.

04 How long do redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness last?

The reactions and recovery times described vary by clinic. Apgujeong PHD Dermatology Clinic says immediate redness improves within 2~3 hours and that redness and peeling can occur. Cheongayeon Dermatology Clinic says red marks or aching usually improve within a few days, while Lumiin Dermatology Clinic says mild redness and swelling may remain for a few days.

The Cleveland Clinic in the United States notes that bruising and tenderness can occur in areas of the face and neck close to the bone, and that tenderness can last up to a month in some cases. This is longer than the "few days" mentioned in the clinics' guidance, so keep in mind that a tender feeling when pressed can sometimes remain for several weeks.

The manufacturer's product information lists temporary nerve effects as side effects, along with redness, swelling, and pain. The ultrasound lifting literature review introduced earlier also commonly reported redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness. The fact that the included studies reported no long-term nerve or muscle function abnormalities does not mean these side effects cannot occur.

05 What areas and how many shots were used in actual published cases?

These are Ultherapy cases published by the three clinics. The cases do not name the treating physician, so they are not attributed to a particular doctor.

Source date: 2026-10-20, the clinics’ official case pages. The clinics selected the cases they published.

Each case supports a different scope of interpretation.

• Cheongayeon Dermatology Clinic: These photographs were taken about 15 days after treatment. They show early follow-up, not the appearance several months later or long-term persistence.
• Cheongayeon Dermatology Clinic: No photo date is given, so the time since treatment cannot be determined.
• Lumiin Dermatology Clinic: Ultherapy and laser were combined, so the disappearance of lentigines cannot be attributed to either treatment separately.
• Apgujeong PHD Dermatology Clinic: The captions do not identify which photos correspond to each age group.

Both Cheongayeon Dermatology Clinic cases received 300 shots to the jawline and double chin. The clinic describes about 20 minutes for 300 shots. When reviewing cases, check the treatment area, shot count and time between treatment and photography. Ask how many shots would be distributed across your own treatment area so quotes can be compared on the same basis.

06 When does the effect start showing, and how long does it last?

When results become fully visible and how long they persist are different questions. Cheongayeon Dermatology Clinic describes a usual duration of 6 months to 1 year. Lumiin Dermatology Clinic says changes develop over 3~6 months, usually plans 1 session and decides the retreatment interval during consultation. Apgujeong PHD Dermatology Clinic describes customized treatment as offering firmness for more than 1 year.

The manufacturer’s website states in a footnote that facial results can last 1 year or more. Cleveland Clinic says full results appear over 3~6 months and that future touch-up treatments may help as aging continues.

In the review of 42 ultrasound lifting studies, about 80% of studies completed follow-up within 6 months; the longest follow-up was about 1 year. Follow-up is the period during which patients were observed, not a date when everyone’s results end. Many studies lacked a control group, so this evidence alone cannot guarantee persistence beyond 1 year.

07 What should I discuss first if this is my situation?

• If you're sensitive to pain: ask first whether numbing cream is enough or whether you can choose sedation, and what the added cost would be.
• If you have plans the day after the procedure: check when you can wash your face and apply makeup, and how long the redness takes to settle.
• If you exercise or use saunas often: nail down exactly how many days the clinic says you need to rest.
• If your jawline and double chin are your concern: ask to see shot counts and timing of photos from cases treating the same area.
• If you're hoping for long-lasting results: ask whether the duration the clinic states is based on the observation period and outcomes of research, or is simply the clinic's own explanation.

Common misconceptions

The claim that "it's non-surgical, so it barely hurts" isn't accurate. In studies of ultrasound lifting procedures including Ulthera, pain was reported at an average of about 5 out of 10 points. Some clinics do offer sedation for the procedure.

It's easy to assume that "every clinic has the same aftercare instructions," but clinics are split between those that allow washing your face and applying makeup starting the same day and those that say to wait until the next day. Follow the guidance given by the clinic where you have the procedure.

It's hard to say definitively that "the effect lasts a year or more for everyone." Most studies included in the literature review ended their observation within 6 months, and the longest follow-up was about one year. The length of the observation period and how long the effect lasts for any given individual are two different things and should be kept separate.

In summary

Ulthera is a procedure where pain, the length of aftercare precautions, and how long results last are explained differently from clinic to clinic. Ask in advance about anesthesia and additional pain-relief options, and plan your schedule right after the procedure according to the guidance from the clinic where you're treated. For how long results last, set your expectations by distinguishing between the basis for the clinic's explanation and the actual observation period of the research.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ulthera not hurt at all if I just apply numbing cream?

Even with cream anesthesia, a sense of heat and stinging can remain. In studies of ultrasound lifting procedures including Ulthera, the average pain score was about 5 out of 10 points, and Cheongayeon Dermatology Clinic states that sedation can be chosen as an option. If you're sensitive to pain, ask during your consultation whether sedation is available.

Can I put on makeup right after getting Ulthera?

It varies by clinic. Cheongayeon Dermatology Clinic and Lumiin Dermatology Clinic state that it's possible the same day, while Apgujeong PHD Dermatology Clinic states that it's possible starting the next day. Follow the guidance from the clinic where you have the procedure.

How long should I avoid saunas and exercise after Ulthera?

Cheongayeon Dermatology Clinic advises refraining from saunas and intense exercise, while Apgujeong PHD Dermatology Clinic advises refraining from saunas. Neither clinic specified an exact number of days, and Lumiin Dermatology Clinic has no guidance on this item. Ask the clinic performing your treatment how many days you should avoid saunas and exercise respectively.

How long do bruising and swelling last after Ulthera?

Clinic guidance explains that redness improves within hours to days. Cleveland Clinic advises that there may be bruising and tenderness near bony areas, and that the tenderness can linger for up to a month. If you experience pain that is hard to tolerate or numbness that lasts a long time, notify the treating clinic right away.

How many months after Ulthera does the effect start to show?

Changes appear over the course of several months. Lumiin Dermatology Clinic explains that changes from collagen regeneration appear over 3 to 6 months, and Cleveland Clinic also advises that the full result appears over 3 to 6 months. Be sure to distinguish between photos taken right after the procedure and photos from the follow-up months later.

Is it true that Ulthera's effect lasts more than a year?

The manufacturer and some clinics advise more than a year. However, most studies included in the literature review followed patients for 6 months or less, and the longest follow-up was about a year, so this is not data that guarantees long-term maintenance for everyone. Ask during your consultation which area and what evidence this duration is based on.

Pre-consultation checklist

• □ Have you checked whether only numbing cream is used, whether you can choose sedation for the procedure, and whether there is an additional cost?
• □ Were you told when you can wash your face and apply makeup again?
• □ Have you decided how many days you need to avoid saunas, drinking, and intense exercise?
• □ Were you explained how many shots will be applied and how they will be distributed across your area of concern?
• □ Did you ask what evidence the stated duration of effect is based on?
• □ Have you confirmed where to contact if you develop bruising, pain, or abnormal sensation?

Sources and verification date

• Ultherapy official patient site: Confirmed 2026-10-20. This is manufacturer guidance, and the claim that facial results last more than 1 year is not independent verification.
• FDA 510(k) K180623: Confirmed 2026-10-20. This is the clearance document for the Ulthera System from 2018, not a separate document for Ultherapy Prime.
• Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Medical Device UDI Lookup Import permit 09-1024: Confirmed 2026-10-20. Only the fact of approval was confirmed; this does not guarantee efficacy or safety.
• Cleveland Clinic Ultherapy guide: Confirmed 2026-10-20. This is a patient guide from a medical institution, and no medical reviewer or review date is indicated.
• PMID 39540440, public full text: Read the full text in full at 2026-10-20, including methods, results, limitations, and conflicts of interest. This is a systematic review of 42 ultrasound lifting studies. Other devices are also included, the review was funded by manufacturer research funding, and most of the studies had no control group.
• PMID 40965929, public full text: Read the full text in full at 2026-10-20. This is a retrospective survey from a single clinic in Bangkok, and it compared pain and swelling scores rather than lifting effectiveness.

• Cheongayeon Dermatology Clinic Ulthera SPT, medical staff, case 2043, case 2125: confirmed as of 2026-10-20. This is guidance and cases that the clinic chose to disclose.
• Lumiin Dermatology Clinic Ulthera, medical staff: confirmed as of 2026-10-20. This is the clinic's guidance and one publicly disclosed case.
• Apgujeong PHD Dermatology Clinic Ulthera SPT: confirmed as of 2026-10-20. This is the clinic's guidance and two before-and-after photos.

Editorial responsibility and interests

• Writing and editorial responsibility: Korea Beauty Report Editorial Team
• Review scope: The editorial team prepared this content from published research and public data. It was not separately reviewed by a medical professional and does not replace individual diagnosis or treatment.
• Conflicts of interest: We have no contract, advertising, or financial relationship with the clinics introduced in this article.
• First published: 2026-10-20. Latest material check: 2026-10-20.
• Revision history: After the initial writing on 2026-10-20, we corrected the equipment scope and follow-up period of the studies and each clinic's precautions, excluding confirmed statements from papers for which only the abstract had been checked, before publishing.