Ultherapy vs Ultherapy Prime: What’s the Difference and Which Is Better?

Since its introduction, Ultherapy has become the gold standard in non-surgical skin lifting treatments worldwide. First approved by the U.S. FDA in 2009 for brow lifts, and later for lifting under the chin, neck, and improving lines and wrinkles on the décolletage, Ultherapy has transformed the landscape of aesthetic medicine. Its ability to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin without requiring surgery or downtime made it a hit not only among doctors but also among the public, celebrities, and influencers.

In the age of social media, Ultherapy has gained further traction. Aesthetic influencers and celebrities have openly endorsed the treatment. Hollywood actress Salma Hayek recently became the global ambassador for Ultherapy Prime, expressing her personal success with the treatment. In Korea, influencers such as Jina Kim (@dearjinakim) and Risabae, a renowned beauty content creator, have also shared their positive experiences with Ultherapy. These endorsements have made Ultherapy a household name for those seeking effective, non-invasive skin rejuvenation.

But aesthetic technology never stands still. At the end of 2024, Merz Aesthetics launched Ultherapy Prime, a newer, more advanced version of the original Ultherapy device. Since its release, Ultherapy Prime has been taking the world by storm, offering both patients and doctors significant improvements over its predecessor.

What Makes Ultherapy Prime Unique?

Ultherapy Prime was designed to address patient and practitioner feedback accumulated over more than a decade of clinical use with the original Ultherapy device. The key enhancements include:

• 35% larger screen for better real-time visualization.
• 20% faster treatment time, reducing the overall session length.
• Sharper, more targeted imaging, allowing clinicians to accurately target the skin’s foundational layers, especially the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer, which is responsible for skin laxity.
• Improved ergonomics for both the practitioner and the patient, making the procedure more comfortable.

These enhancements mean more targeted energy delivery, leading to optimal lifting results, enhanced comfort during treatment, and quicker appointments for busy patients.

Ultherapy Research and the Importance of Visualization

Ultherapy is not just popular—it is one of the most clinically studied non-invasive lifting devices on the market.

Key Study 1: Werschler et al., 2016

A prospective, open-label pilot study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology demonstrated that 95-100% of patients reported improvements in skin lifting and tightening up to one year after treatment. The study confirmed that Ultherapy leads to collagen contraction and new collagen production, both essential for skin rejuvenation and lifting​.

Key Study 2: Pavicic et al., Consensus Review

An international panel of experts concluded that Ultherapy’s visualization technology dramatically improves treatment outcomes. By allowing clinicians to see exactly where the ultrasound energy is delivered, they can avoid under-treatment or over-treatment, ensuring consistent results and minimizing risks.

Key Study 3: Alam et al., 2010

A randomized controlled trial published in the Archives of Dermatology showed that ultrasound imaging contributes to better targeting and consistent results in non-invasive skin tightening procedures, reaffirming the importance of visualization in aesthetic ultrasound technologies.

Key Study 4: Brobst et al., 2014

Published in the Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, this study highlighted the efficacy of microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V), confirming that patients experience visible lifting and skin tightening, particularly when dual-plane treatments are used.

Ultherapy Prime: The New Gold Standard (Launched End 2024)

Ultherapy Prime was launched in late 2024 with substantial technological improvements. According to Merz Aesthetics, the platform delivers:

• Sharper and faster imaging capabilities.
• More accurate and consistent energy delivery.
• Reduced treatment time by up to 20%.
• Less discomfort due to improved energy modulation and faster protocols.

The visualization system has also been upgraded, enhancing the practitioner’s ability to accurately treat the SMAS layer while adjusting for patient-specific anatomy.

While long-term clinical studies are underway, early practitioner reports and case studies suggest that Ultherapy Prime offers not only enhanced results but also more pleasant patient comfort compared to the earlier Ultherapy model.

Clinical Experience Across the Ozhean Group

At Ozhean Zoey Medical & Aesthetic Clinic, we have been supporting Ultherapy treatments since the technology’s early days. With the introduction of Ultherapy Prime, our clinical experience has revealed several advantages:

• Significantly reduced discomfort compared to traditional Ultherapy.
• Faster treatment sessions, benefiting both patients and practitioners.
• Higher patient satisfaction, with the majority of patients preferring the new device.

We are also extremely proud to share that our Group Medical Director, Dr. Park Ji-Youn, has achieved a significant milestone. Dr. Park has been appointed to the Global Aesthetic Leaders Club for Ultherapy Prime — one of only six doctors in Korea to receive this prestigious recognition. Her appointment reflects not only her expertise but also Ozhean Group’s commitment to staying at the cutting edge of aesthetic medicine. This honor empowers our team to continue providing the most relevant, effective, and safe treatments for our patients.

As part of the Genuine Aesthetic Medical Group from Gangnam, Korea, Ozhean Zoey is proud to lead innovation in non-surgical skin lifting treatments throughout Singapore and beyond.

Cost Comparison: Ultherapy vs Ultherapy Prime

While Ultherapy Prime does come at a slightly higher price, the benefits of faster treatments, reduced discomfort, and more accurate results make it a worthwhile investment for many patients.

Should You Choose Ultherapy or Ultherapy Prime?

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal goals and comfort preferences.

If you are looking for an effective, proven treatment and are comfortable with standard treatment times and moderate discomfort, Ultherapy remains a good choice.

However, if you prefer a swifter, more efficient treatment with elevated comfort and potentially even more effective outcomes due to enhanced accuracy, Ultherapy Prime is likely the more ideal option. Many patients find that the slight increase in treatment price is easily justified by the significant improvements in their experience and results.

Consider Combining Treatments for Even Better Results

For patients seeking optimal lifting effects, Ultherapy Prime works exceptionally well in combination with collagen biostimulators or "liquid threads". These injectable treatments further boost collagen production, complementing the lifting effects of Ultherapy Prime.

Ready to Experience the Future of Skin Lifting?

At Ozhean Zoey Medical & Aesthetic Clinic, our team of experts — led by the internationally recognized Dr. Park Ji-youn — is committed to offering the most effective and modern aesthetic solutions tailored to your individual needs.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step towards a more youthful, lifted appearance.