Patient case · in the doctor's own words
Ultherapy Prime in Seoul: Jan Michael's Skincation Review, and What His Doctor Wants You to Know
Jan Michael (@janmichael_keno) landed in Seoul after nearly two days of travel and booked a full lifting morning. His doctor explains why he said it hurt, what the plan costs, and who should not copy it.
Explained by
Dr. Hyunji Kim
Director · Lead Physician · Lifting, Laser & Anti-aging
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Patients rarely tell me “it hurt” in public, so I was glad Jan Michael did. I'm Dr. Hyunji Kim, director of Delphic Clinic in Sinnonhyeon, Gangnam; I trained at Korea University Medical Center and I consult international patients myself, many of them straight off a long-haul flight like Jan. “How much does Ultherapy hurt, and can I do everything in one morning?” is a question I hear several times a week. This page answers both honestly, using his visit as the example.
Medically reviewed · Dr. Hyunji Kim ·
In her own words
I decided to try Ultheraphy Prime (I was hesitant because I have low pain tolerance—and I was right, it was painful, thank goodness it’s only 100 shots!), then a full face treatment for Inmode, facial fat dissolving injections and masseter Botox, Thanks, Doctor Lee!! All of that from 11AM until 12:30PM. So good! thanks, Delphic! 💕
“It was painful” — let's start there
Jan told his followers he has a low pain tolerance and that Ultherapy Prime confirmed it. I appreciate that, because many reels make it look like a spa visit. Ultherapy places focused ultrasound deep in the SMAS layer, the same layer a surgeon tightens, and over bony areas such as the jawline that energy is felt as sharp, deep pulses.
We use numbing cream, and I change energy and pacing area by area, but I won't describe it as comfortable for everyone. What I can tell you is that each pulse is brief and the session ends when we stop. His relief that it was “only 100 shots” is exactly why a smaller shot count is a sensible first try for nervous patients.
Why one morning held three different treatments
Jan's plan looks long on paper, but each item works on a different problem, which is why they can share one appointment.
- 1
Ultherapy Prime — the deep anchor
Ultrasound imaging lets us see the layers before each line of energy, so the lift targets the SMAS where sagging starts. Results build gradually, with the fullest change around 2–3 months.
- 2
InMode — fat and firmness
InMode's RF works on facial fat and on collagen in the skin. I use it when a face looks soft along the cheeks and jaw, not only loose.
- 3
Fat-dissolving injections — the small pockets
Devices treat broad areas; injections reach small, stubborn spots such as under the chin. They take minutes and leave no wound.
If you want the full device background, I've explained Ultherapy Prime for first-timers separately, and how fat-dissolving injections slim a jawline as well.
Treatment after a two-day journey: is that wise?
Jan described his visit as self-care after almost two days of flying from the US. That is common, and generally fine for non-surgical lifting. Still, I ask patients who land exhausted to sleep, drink water and eat before the appointment, because dehydration and fatigue make everyone feel treatments more.
If you are arriving the night before, a late-morning slot like his works well. If you land the same morning, I'd rather push you to the next day than treat you while you're running on empty.
What this combination costs on our menu
Our prices are published and identical for Korean and international patients. The table shows the menu prices of the three lifting and contour items Jan named. I've left the masseter injection out, because this page is about lifting.
- Ultherapy Prime 100 shots₩450,000≈ $330
- Inmode for the entire face (Fx or Forma) (First-visit trial)₩99,000≈ $70
- Face Fat-Dissolving Injection 3cc: DelQ (ACCU)/DelFit (Non-Steroid)₩30,000≈ $20
VAT excluded · identical for Korean and international patients · InMode is shown at the first-visit trial price (regular full face ₩150,000) · the masseter injection is not included · your final plan is set at the free consultation.
A full face of Ultherapy Prime usually means more shots than 100, which changes the price a lot. I've written about what you really pay for Ultherapy in Korea, and what one area versus full face costs for InMode.
The interpreter question, answered by his visit
Jan was looked after by an interpreter during his consultation and noted that you can also decline one and speak for yourself. Both are fine with us. When I'm explaining energy levels, shot counts or warning signs, though, I'd always prefer you understand every word, so please don't feel shy about asking for help.
What to expect after you walk out
- Same day: you can wash and wear makeup. The jaw may feel tender to touch after Ultherapy, which usually settles over days.
- First few days: InMode can leave mild redness or swelling for 2–3 days, and injection spots may feel firm or slightly sore.
- Weeks 4–12: Ultherapy's collagen renewal continues, so the lift tends to show gradually rather than overnight.
- Next session: Ultherapy is usually repeated every 6–12 months, depending on your skin.
Planning your own lifting morning
- 1
Weeks before
Message us on WhatsApp with front and side photos and your dates. Jan's visit started with months of messages, and that's the easiest way to arrive with a clear plan.
- 2
On the day
A 1:1 consultation, then same-day treatment if it suits you. English and Chinese interpreters are on site.
- 3
Getting here
We're right by Exit 3 of Sinnonhyeon Station in Gangnam.
- 4
Leave a buffer
Keep a day or two before your flight home so we can check on you if anything feels unusual.
Is this for you?
Who this combination genuinely suits
Signs it may be time
- Your face looks tired in photos even after a full night's sleep
- Your jawline used to be sharper than it is now
- Skincare alone no longer makes your face look lifted
- You're already planning a Korea trip and want to use one morning for yourself
A good fit if
- Your jawline and lower cheeks have started to sag and you want a lift without surgery
- You have a short window in Seoul and want several concerns handled in one appointment
- You can tolerate brief, deep discomfort in exchange for a gradual, lasting lift
- You'd like a doctor to adjust the plan rather than book a fixed package
Not the right first step if: you're pregnant, have an active skin infection or open wound in the area, have very little facial fat already, or you can't tolerate any discomfort at all — in those cases I'd suggest a gentler starting point.
“If Jan's plan sounds tempting but the pain part worries you, send me a photo before you fly. I'll tell you whether you need all three steps or whether one would do.”
Questions patients ask me about this
Does Ultherapy Prime hurt?
Many patients feel deep, sharp pulses over bony areas like the jaw, and sensitive patients describe it as painful. We use numbing cream and adjust energy as we go. A smaller session such as 100 shots is a reasonable first try if you're nervous.
How much is Ultherapy Prime 100 shots in Korea?
At Delphic Clinic, Ultherapy Prime 100 shots is ₩450,000, and a full face of 300 shots is ₩1,350,000 (VAT excluded). International patients pay the same price as Korean patients.
Can I do Ultherapy and InMode on the same day?
Often, yes. They work on different targets: Ultherapy on the deep SMAS layer, InMode on facial fat and skin firmness. The doctor decides the order and energy after examining your face.
Is it safe to get lifting treatments right after a long flight?
Non-surgical lifting is generally fine after travel, but rest, water and a meal first make the session easier. If you land the same morning, booking the next day is kinder to your skin.
Do I need to speak Korean at Delphic Clinic?
No. English and Chinese interpreters are on site for the consultation and treatment, and you can also choose to speak with the team directly.
When will I see Ultherapy results?
Some tightness can be felt early, but the lift tends to build over 2–3 months as collagen renews. How long it lasts depends on age and skin, and many patients repeat every 6–12 months.
Get a free 1:1 consultation
Message our English-speaking team — same price as locals, no pressure.
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