Ultherapy side effects are usually mild and temporary. Common effects include redness for a few hours, mild swelling, and tenderness along the jaw or cheeks that can last days to a few weeks. Less common effects include bruising, welts, tingling or temporary numbness. At Re:berry Hongdae, the doctor reviews risks at consultation. Results vary by individual.
Re:berry Clinic Hongdae · Information reviewed for accuracy · Results vary by individual.
What are the common side effects?
Ultherapy and the newer Ultherapy Prime use micro-focused ultrasound to heat deeper layers of skin and the SMAS. Because energy is delivered below the surface, the outer skin is usually unharmed. Common, temporary effects include:
- Redness: Usually fades within a few hours.
- Mild swelling: Can last a few days, especially under the chin or along the jaw.
- Tenderness: Soreness to the touch, particularly when chewing, may last several days to a few weeks.
- Tingling: A prickly sensation sometimes occurs as tissue settles.
What are the less common side effects?
- Bruising: Small bruises may appear and fade within a week or two.
- Welts or lines: Faint raised lines that follow the transducer path usually resolve in days.
- Temporary numbness: Small areas may feel numb for days to weeks.
- Temporary nerve irritation: Rarely, weakness affecting the smile or other movement can occur; it usually resolves over weeks.
- Burns or blisters: Rare and generally related to settings or technique.
How can side effects be reduced?
Careful assessment, correct depth selection and experienced technique all help. Ultherapy's real-time ultrasound imaging lets the practitioner see tissue layers before delivering energy. Tell the doctor about medications such as blood thinners, previous filler or threads in the area, and any history of keloids. Treatment is usually avoided during pregnancy and over open wounds or active infection. Read is Ultherapy good for thin skin? if you have very thin skin.
When should I contact the clinic?
Contact the clinic if you notice blistering, worsening pain, weakness in facial movement, or numbness that does not improve. For general aftercare, including when you can exercise and use saunas, see aftercare after Ultherapy and Thermage. Ultherapy is FDA-cleared for lifting the brow, under-chin and neck and improving lines on the décolletage, though individual results vary.
At a glance
- Common: Redness, mild swelling, tenderness
- Typical duration: Hours to a few days; tenderness up to a few weeks
- Less common: Bruising, welts or lines, tingling, temporary numbness
- Rare: Temporary nerve weakness, burns
- Good to know: Proper depth and technique reduce risk
Related questions
Is it normal for my jaw to hurt after Ultherapy?
Yes, tenderness along the jawline is one of the most common effects, especially when chewing. It usually eases over several days to a few weeks. Soft foods and gentle care help. Contact the clinic if pain increases or comes with swelling, redness or weakness.
Can Ultherapy cause fat loss in the face?
Ultherapy targets the SMAS and dermis rather than fat, and significant fat loss is not a typical effect when treatment is planned correctly. Concerns about facial volume should be discussed at consultation so the doctor can choose depths and areas suited to your face shape.
Does Ultherapy have long-term side effects?
Most side effects are temporary and resolve within days to weeks. Long-lasting complications are rare. Choosing a clinic that assesses your skin carefully and adjusts depth and energy to your anatomy helps reduce risk. Discuss your medical history openly at consultation.
Keep reading
Before you book
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Suitability, dose, number of sessions and expected results are decided by a doctor at consultation, and results vary by individual. Possible side effects include redness, swelling and bruising. Pricing is confirmed in writing before any treatment. See our medical disclaimer.
Still have a question?
A doctor at Re:berry Clinic Hongdae can answer it for your skin specifically. Multilingual consultation support is available.