Many people confuse sagging and laxity, but the distinction between these two devices lies precisely here – Ultraformer III is designed to “lift” sagging tissues upward, while Thermage FLX is designed to “tighten” lax skin back into place. One uses point‑focused energy on deep layers, the other uses volumetric heating across the entire skin layer. Costs are tied to shot counts, and recovery is quick for both. Understanding what you actually need is far more important than asking “which is better.” This article helps you sort it out.
Ultraformer III and Thermage FLX are two of the most sought‑after non‑invasive anti‑ageing devices in the Korean aesthetic market. Although both achieve tightening and lifting, their core technological pathways are fundamentally different.
Ultraformer III uses HIFU (High‑Intensity Focused Ultrasound) technology, developed by Korean medical device manufacturer Classys, specifically designed for the facial features of East Asian individuals. Its core principle is to precisely focus thermal energy at 65‑75°C deep into the skin, creating multiple micro‑thermal coagulation points in the SMAS layer. This causes the fascia to contract immediately upon heating, producing a “linear focused heating” lifting effect. This heating method is analogous to “driving nails” at specific depths, precisely targeting the target layer with point‑focused energy.
Thermage FLX uses Monopolar RF technology and is the fourth‑generation Thermage flagship device. It delivers 6.78MHz high‑frequency RF energy in a 3D volumetric heating manner, uniformly distributing heat into the dermis and subcutaneous tissues, reaching up to 75°C. Rather than focusing on a single “point,” RF energy heats the skin tissue comprehensively from the outside in, and from superficial to deep, in a “volumetric” fashion.
In one sentence: Ultraformer III is “point‑focused” – precisely targeting the SMAS layer to produce contraction and lifting; Thermage FLX is “volumetric heating” – uniformly heating the dermis and subcutaneous tissue for comprehensive tightening.
The two devices differ fundamentally in how energy density is delivered – and this is the core difference that determines treatment outcomes and ideal candidates.
Ultraformer III delivers energy in “shots,” with each shot focused on a tiny point. Its output power is adjustable from 0.1J to 3.0J (in 0.1J increments). Because the energy is focused, each point has extremely high energy density, instantly creating thermal coagulation points at 65‑75°C in the target tissue (e.g., the SMAS layer). This high energy density makes point‑specific contraction very pronounced, especially suitable for deep tissue lifting. The physician adjusts energy intensity and shot density according to the treatment area and skin thickness.
Thermage FLX delivers energy very differently. It uses AccuREP™ smart energy optimisation technology, with built‑in sensors that measure skin impedance in real time and automatically adjust the RF energy output for each shot, ensuring precise and uniform energy delivery. Instead of being “focused” on a single point, Thermage FLX energy is delivered via 3D volumetric heating that covers the entire treatment area. Its new‑generation Total Tip 4.0 delivers RF energy up to 4.3mm deep, with a treatment area 33% larger than the previous generation. While this heating method has less “concentrated” energy density than focused ultrasound, its advantage lies in being uniform, comprehensive, and seamless, simultaneously stimulating collagen neogenesis in both the dermis and subcutaneous tissue.
Key energy density difference: Ultraformer III = high‑energy‑density “point‑focusing” – each shot is highly concentrated, instantly creating thermal coagulation points; Thermage FLX = uniform‑energy “volumetric heating” – energy is dispersed but covers the entire area for comprehensive tightening.
Handpiece configuration is one of the areas where these two devices differ most, directly determining treatment precision and applicable scope.
Ultraformer III features an industry‑leading handpiece lineup using MMFU (Micro‑Focused and Macro‑Focused Ultrasound) dual‑focusing technology. It is compatible with up to 7 treatment depths, including 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 3.0mm, 4.5mm, 6.0mm, 9.0mm, and 13.0mm. Among these:
This “multi‑depth, multi‑area” handpiece design enables Ultraformer III to address everything from periorbital fine lines, facial lifting, and double chin lipolysis to body tightening.
Thermage FLX uses 4 specialised handpieces, each dedicated to a specific area:
Although Thermage FLX has fewer handpiece types, each is meticulously engineered – especially the Total Tip 4.0, whose 4.3mm depth simultaneously covers the dermis and superficial fascia, achieving a “one‑tip, multi‑effect” tightening result.
| Comparison | Ultraformer III | Thermage FLX |
|---|---|---|
| Core Technology | HIFU (High‑Intensity Focused Ultrasound) | Monopolar RF |
| Heating Method | Linear focused heating (point‑focused) | 3D volumetric heating (volumetric) |
| Depth of Action | 1.5mm – 13.0mm (7 depths) | 1.1mm (periorbital) / 4.3mm (face) |
| Main Target Layer | SMAS layer (deep lifting) | Dermis + subcutaneous tissue (comprehensive tightening) |
| Immediate Effect | Lifting and firming sensation right after treatment | Firming sensation right after treatment |
| Peak Effect | 3‑6 months post‑treatment | 1‑2 months post‑treatment |
| Duration | 1‑2 years | 12‑18 months |
| Main Benefits | Deep lifting + contour sculpting + localised lipolysis | Comprehensive tightening + fine line improvement + enhanced skin elasticity |
Ultraformer III primarily focuses on “lifting and sculpting” – by tightening the SMAS layer, it lifts sagging cheekbones and jowls upward, while improving double chin and jawline definition. Its 6.0mm and deeper handpieces can also perform lipolysis and tightening on the body.
Thermage FLX primarily focuses on “tightening and skin quality improvement” – through 3D volumetric heating of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, it comprehensively stimulates collagen neogenesis and remodelling, making skin firmer, more elastic, while improving fine lines and pores.
Selection advice: If your main concern is “sagging” (e.g., jowls, double chin, blurred jawline) → prioritise Ultraformer III. If your main concern is “laxity and fine lines” (e.g., thinning skin, decreased elasticity, deepening nasolabial folds) → prioritise Thermage FLX.
Pain level is one of the most important factors for many patients.
Ultraformer III has been significantly optimised for comfort. Its patented MMFU dual‑focusing technology, combined with an ultra‑fast shot delivery mode, injects energy precisely into the target layer in an extremely short time, preventing heat from spreading or accumulating on the epidermis. This “fast, precise, and powerful” delivery means pain nerves do not have time to transmit strong signals before the treatment ends, so pain is greatly reduced – most report only mild soreness.
Thermage FLX has also seen significant comfort upgrades. It features Comfort Pulse Technology™ with multi‑directional vibration, which cools the epidermis while delivering RF energy. Additionally, AccuREP™ technology adjusts energy output in real time based on skin impedance, avoiding discomfort from excessive energy. Overall pain is greatly reduced, although some patients may still feel deep warmth and burning sensation.
Below are reference prices from mainstream clinics in Seoul Gangnam (in KRW only, no currency conversion):
| Device | Treatment Plan | Reference Price (KRW only) |
|---|---|---|
| Ultraformer III | Full face (~400‑600 shots) | ₩1,200,000 – 2,500,000 |
| Ultraformer III | Full face + neck (~800‑1200 shots) | ₩2,000,000 – 4,000,000 |
| Thermage FLX | Face 300 shots (Total Tip 4.0) | ₩1,250,000 – 1,500,000 |
| Thermage FLX | Face 600 shots (Total Tip 4.0) | ₩1,890,000 – 3,000,000 |
| Thermage FLX | Face 900 shots (Total Tip 4.0) | ₩2,690,000 – 4,500,000 |
| Thermage FLX | Eyes 225 shots (Eyes Tip) | ₩1,090,000 – 1,500,000 |
Actual costs vary by physician experience, clinic positioning, shot count, and whether combined with other treatments. Ask for a detailed quote during consultation.
Q1: Can Ultraformer III and Thermage FLX be combined?
A: Yes. Since they target different layers – Ultraformer III focuses on the deep SMAS layer (lifting), and Thermage FLX targets the dermis and subcutaneous tissue (tightening) – they are complementary rather than conflicting. Many Korean clinics offer combined “Thermaformer” or “RF+HIFU” packages for one‑session deep lifting and comprehensive tightening.
Q2: Which one is better?
A: There is no absolute “better” – it depends on your needs. Ultraformer III excels at “lifting” – improving sagging, double chin, and jawline. Thermage FLX excels at “tightening” – improving laxity, fine lines, and skin elasticity. If you have both concerns, combination therapy is the optimal choice.
Q3: How long is the recovery period?
A: Both are non‑invasive with virtually zero downtime. Mild redness may occur after Ultraformer III and subsides within hours to days. Thermage FLX may cause temporary redness or swelling. Both allow immediate makeup and normal work on the same day.
Q4: How long do results last?
A: Ultraformer III results last 1‑2 years; Thermage FLX results last 12‑18 months. Annual maintenance sessions are recommended for both.
Q5: Which clinics in Korea are professional for these treatments?
A: Gangnam, Seoul, is the heart of Korean medical aesthetics, with many KFDA‑certified plastic surgery and dermatology clinics. Choose institutions with authorised original equipment and genuine handpieces, and have a qualified physician tailor the treatment plan to your individual skin condition.
All medical procedures carry side effects:
Possible risks with Ultraformer III: Mild redness, temporary bruising, or numbness; in very rare cases, burns or nerve injury (related to improper technique).
Possible risks with Thermage FLX: Temporary redness, swelling; in very rare cases, blisters, pigment changes, or localised depressions (related to improper energy settings).
Rational advice:
1. Choose a certified medical institution accredited by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare, and confirm the device and handpieces are KFDA‑certified genuine products.
2. Clearly communicate your needs – whether “sagging” or “laxity” is your main concern – so the physician can select the most suitable device or combination plan.
3. Stop aspirin, vitamin E, and fish oil 2 weeks before treatment to reduce bleeding risk.
4. Focus on moisturising and sun protection after treatment, and avoid high‑temperature environments (sauna, hot baths) for 1 week.
5. This article is for educational reference only; final decisions should be based on an in‑person consultation with a Korean clinic and the physician’s diagnosis.
All content translated from the original Chinese article. No alterations have been made to the content.