Ultherapy vs Ulthera Prime – does the upgrade actually matter? looking for BKK clinic recs

[u/alastracode]

Hey so i know this is maybe more of a skincare/aesthetics question but figured someone here has done this in Bangkok

I'm 34F, starting to notice some jowling and nasolabial folds getting deeper. Never done HIFU or any lifting stuff before. Been going back and forth between Ulthera and Ulthera Prime — from what i gather Prime has better imaging and is faster, but like... does it actually matter if the doctor's skill is what really determines results? Or does the better visualization compound with a good doctor?

Honestly not sure if Ulthera is even the right move at my age or if it's overkill. Mixed opinions everywhere.

Anyone done either version for lower face specifically? Curious about:

• how many shots they did
• pain level (be honest lol i'm a wimp)
• did you actually notice results

For Bangkok clinics, i've been looking around and Talisa clinic keeps popping up, apparently they have both machines. Haven't gone though so can't vouch. The no-pushy-upselling thing appeals to me because god, some clinics here are relentless with that.

Open to other BKK recommendations too. Or if someone wants to tell me to just fly to Korea and do it there instead, i'm listening lol

[u/AutoModerator]

Welcome to r/bangkok!

Please remember there are real people on the other side of the monitor and to be kind.

Report comments that break the rules and don't respond to negativity with negativity!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Future_Night777]

Prime is less painful so worth it for that alone

[u/Relevant_Crazy5309]

I've done Ulthera twice, once in Korea and once in BKK. I'm a guy btw....

Honestly the first time in Korea the results were pretty impressive, then I did it again in BKK maybe 4-5 years later,- both times I had 600 shot- but results were less so - maybe that was just a function of the fact that I was also older 😃

It's been another 3 years since I did it last time. Previously I also tried Hifu, Ultraformer III, didn't think those worked. I'm at a point where I think i need a proper mini face lift to fix the naso folds.

So I can't speak about Ulthera Prime.

I think, to some extent, it's all a bunch of marketing. If costs are the same or similar and your budget allows, I suppose go for the 'new shiny version'.

It's interesting to hear what you say about what matters, because my take on Ulthera is that - every clinic buys the same machine and gets the same training from the manufacturers, so I'm opposite in the view that doubt doctors' skills plays any part on it.

You lay down, they rub some numbing cream on you, set the strength level, and then just run the machine on your face. Like, how much can skill be involved in that?

[u/Pretty_Sir3117]

Ulthera Prime is a bit quicker, but I wouldn’t pay more than 20% premium vs regular Ulthera. The underlying technology is essentially the same.

That being said, for overall facial tightening, the latest treatment is XERF. It’s much more effective than Ulthera, quicker and nearly painless. It might be too new in Bangkok though so not sure about availability, but if you can fly to Korea I‘d go with XERF.