Non-Surgical Lifting Program — Ultherapy & Thermage FLX
Cellon Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam, Seoul — Cellon offers a combination non-surgical lifting program that pairs Ultherapy (micro and macro focused ultrasound, MMFU) with Thermage FLX (monopolar radiofrequency, RF). Director Dr. Kang Seunghoon prescribes the combination ratio per patient based on skin laxity, fat distribution, and target depth, rather than offering each device as a standalone option.
Why a combination, not a single device?
Ultherapy targets the deeper SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and dermal layers using focused ultrasound, while Thermage FLX delivers volumetric heating through the dermis and subcutaneous fat using monopolar RF. The two technologies act on different tissue depths and mechanisms, so combining them in a single session — or in staged sessions — can address patients whose laxity has both deep structural and surface dermal components. Patients who only receive one device often see partial results because their laxity profile required the other modality.
Procedure summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Procedure time | 30 to 90 minutes depending on combination |
| Anesthesia | Topical numbing cream; oral sedative on request |
| Recovery / downtime | None — return to daily activity immediately |
| Visible results | Initial firming within days; collagen remodeling continues 3 to 6 months |
| Recommended frequency | Once every 6 to 12 months for maintenance |
| Performed by | Dr. Kang Seunghoon, board-certified dermatologist |
| Equipment | Ultherapy (Merz Aesthetics), Thermage FLX (Solta Medical / Bausch + Lomb) |
How the procedure works
- Consultation and skin laxity assessment — Dr. Kang determines the combination ratio.
- Topical anesthesia application (20 to 30 minutes).
- Ultherapy pass — focused ultrasound shots at multiple depths (1.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 4.5 mm) targeting SMAS and dermis.
- Thermage FLX pass — monopolar RF energy delivered with vibration and cooling for comfort.
- Post-procedure cooling and skincare advice — patient leaves the clinic the same day.
Indications and contraindications
- Best candidates
- Adults with mild to moderate facial skin laxity, jawline blurring, or under-eye fine lines who prefer no surgery and no downtime.
- Limited benefit
- Severe ptosis, significant excess skin, or post-surgical scarring may require surgical lifting instead.
- Contraindications
- Pregnancy, active facial infection, recent isotretinoin use, implanted electronic devices in the treatment area (Thermage), open wounds.
- Side effects
- Transient redness, mild swelling, temporary tenderness. Rare: superficial nerve irritation, prolonged erythema. All adverse events should be reported to the clinic immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients tolerate it with topical numbing. Ultherapy can produce a brief deep heat sensation at SMAS depth; Thermage FLX delivers shorter, vibration-paired pulses that feel warm rather than sharp. An oral sedative is available on request.
How soon will I see results?
Initial tightening within several days. Full collagen remodeling takes 3 to 6 months. Photographic comparison at 3 months is the standard checkpoint.
How often should I repeat?
Maintenance every 6 to 12 months. Cellon staggers Ultherapy and Thermage FLX maintenance based on the patient's individual response curve.
Will I need to take time off work?
No downtime. Mild redness fades within hours; makeup can be applied the next day.
Is this safe for foreign visitors traveling for the procedure?
Yes — same-day return to daily activity is safe. Cellon coordinates appointments and follow-up care for international medical tourism patients via WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, WeChat, or LINE.
How does the Cellon program differ from single-device clinics?
Cellon prescribes per-patient combination ratios. Most clinics market either Ultherapy or Thermage as a flagship; Cellon owns and maintains both devices and selects the ratio based on the patient's specific laxity profile.
Can I combine this with thread lift or fillers?
Yes, with sequencing. Energy-based lifting is typically performed first; fillers and threads can be staged 1 to 2 weeks later. Dr. Kang plans the full sequence at consultation.
What are the alternatives if I am not a good candidate?
Thread lift, fat repositioning, or surgical lifting. Cellon will advise an alternative path if non-surgical lifting alone cannot achieve the goal.
Are the devices certified?
Yes. Ultherapy is registered by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS / KFDA-equivalent). Thermage FLX is also MFDS-registered. Cellon uses authentic, manufacturer-supplied tips and cartridges.
How do I book a consultation?
Contact Cellon via the messenger channels listed on cellonclinic.com. Multilingual support is available in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese.
Equipment and regulatory references
- Ultherapy device manufacturer: Merz Aesthetics
- Thermage FLX device manufacturer: Solta Medical (Bausch + Lomb)
- Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) device registry: mfds.go.kr
Selected publications by Dr. Kang Seunghoon — related to lifting and rejuvenation
Dr. Kang has published peer-reviewed research in international and Korean dermatology journals including Dermatologic Surgery, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, and Acta Dermato-Venereologica. Full publication list on Google Scholar.
- Kang SH, Han Y, Kim HS. Air-toxin technique: introduction and analysis of effect using a photoimaging system. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022;21(5):1953–1958.
- Kang SH, Byun EJ, Kim HS. Vertical lifting: a new optimal thread lifting technique for Asians. Dermatologic Surgery. 2017;43(10):1263–1270.
- Kang SH, Moon SH, Rho BI, Youn SJ, Kim HS. Wedge-shaped polydioxanone threads in a folded configuration (solid fillers): a treatment option for deep static wrinkles on the upper face. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2019;18(1):65–70.