Body Ultherapy PRIMEin Gangnam, Seoul
Body Ultherapy PRIME uses focused ultrasound on areas of body skin laxity — commonly the abdomen, the upper arms, the knees or above the elbows. Because body skin is thicker and the areas larger, the doctor plans the depths and the number of lines for each zone. At QD Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, a session usually takes about 45–60 minutes or more depending on the area, with little downtime. (Results vary by individual.)
Who it’s for
- Mild skin laxity on the abdomen or upper arms
- Crepey skin above the knees or elbows
- People who want to firm body skin without surgery
- Anyone who prefers little downtime for body areas
Body Ultherapy PRIME addresses skin firmness, not weight or fat volume — it is not a fat-reduction or weight-loss treatment. Whether it suits you is confirmed during consultation.
How it works
Focused ultrasound warms the dermis of the body area at depths chosen for that zone, prompting the skin’s own collagen renewal over the following months so the skin may feel firmer. PRIME’s real-time imaging helps the doctor confirm the layers on thicker body skin before delivering energy. Ultherapy PRIME is an ultrasound technology cleared by the US FDA for improving the appearance of skin laxity on the abdomen and the arms.
THE MECHANISM, STEP BY STEP
01Focused, not spread out
Instead of heating the surface broadly, the ultrasound is focused to precise points within the skin, leaving the surface largely untouched.
02Depths chosen for thicker skin
Body skin is thicker than facial skin, so the doctor selects the working depths within the dermis for each zone rather than using one fixed setting.
03Guided by real-time imaging
With PRIME, the doctor confirms the actual layers on ultrasound before delivering energy — useful on thicker, larger body areas where depth matters.
04Your own collagen responds
The controlled heat prompts the skin’s natural repair, and new collagen forms gradually over the following months. This is why body skin may feel firmer only over time.
Treatment areas
- Abdomen
- Loose or crepey skin on the tummy.
- Upper arms
- Laxity along the back of the arms.
- Above knees / elbows
- Fine crepey skin over the joints.
What the procedure is like
- 1Consultation and assessment of the body area
- 2Cleansing and mapping of the treatment zone
- 3Ultrasound delivery by depth across the area
- 4Cooling and aftercare guidance
Time: A body session takes about 45–60 minutes or more, depending on the area.
Recovery & aftercare
- Little to no downtime; most people return to daily activities the same day.
- Temporary redness, mild swelling or tenderness in the treated area may occur.
- Use sun protection on exposed areas and follow the aftercare guidance we provide.
What to expect over time
A general guide to how the days and months after treatment usually unfold. Results vary by individual.
DAY 0 Treatment day
Warmth as the ultrasound is delivered across the body area; afterwards mild redness or a flushed feeling that usually settles within hours. Most people return to daily activities the same day.
DAY 1-3 Settling
Any redness, mild swelling or tenderness in the treated area generally eases. Normal activity and skincare can usually resume as advised.
WEEK 2-6 Early firming
Some people notice the body skin feeling a little firmer. This varies from person to person.
2-3 MONTHS Collagen renewal
As new collagen forms, a gradual firmness in the treated body area becomes more noticeable for many people. This is typically when results are assessed. (Results vary by individual.)
~6 MONTHS Review
Your doctor reviews the outcome and, if appropriate, discusses whether to repeat treatment for that area based on your skin.
Sessions & results
Many people have a single session per area, with changes appearing gradually over about 2–3 months as collagen renews. Whether to repeat is decided at consultation. (Results vary by individual.)
How it compares
On the body, several energy treatments address different things — skin firmness versus fat. They are not interchangeable, and the right choice depends on your goal.
| Comparison | Ultherapy PRIME | Thermage FLX | ONDA Lifting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | Focused ultrasound (imaging-guided) | Monopolar radiofrequency | Microwave (Coolwaves) |
| Main target | Skin firmness in the dermis | Skin tightening across the dermis | Selective targeting of deeper fat |
| Often chosen for | Crepey or lax body skin | Overall skin tightening | Localized fat with some laxity |
| Sensation | Brief warmth at each point | Warm heating cycles with cooling | Deep warmth over the area |
| Downtime | Little to none | Little to none | Little to none |
Neither is “better” — they work differently and suit different goals. The right choice is decided after we assess your skin.
Safety & considerations
Possible reactions
- Temporary redness, a flushed feeling, or mild swelling
- Tenderness or a tingling sensation in treated areas for a short time
- Occasionally small areas of bruising
- Rarely, temporary numbness or nerve-related sensations that typically settle
When to take extra care
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding — let us know at consultation
- Active skin infection, inflammation or open lesions in the treatment area
- Implanted electrical devices, or metal implants in the area — tell your doctor
- Recent fillers, threads or other energy treatments — tell your doctor so timing can be planned
- A history of keloid or difficulty with wound healing
Body Ultherapy PRIME addresses skin firmness, not fat volume or weight, and it does not suit every degree of laxity. Whether it is right for you is confirmed during consultation. Effects and downtime vary by individual, and side effects may occur.
Your care at QD Clinic
Performed by a board-certified doctor
Your treatment is performed and medically reviewed by a board-certified doctor, not delegated unsupervised.
Depth confirmed on body skin
With PRIME, the doctor confirms the layers of thicker body skin on real-time ultrasound before delivering energy, so depths suit the area being treated.
Care in your language
Consultation in English, with 中文 and 日本語 support arranged on request — including questions before you travel.
A short walk from Gangnam Station
Central Seoul location with guidance from the airport and nearby hotels, and hours shown in KST.
Pricing
Pricing depends on the area and the number of lines. Please consult us for a personalized quote.
Frequently asked questions
Common areas include the abdomen, the upper arms, and the skin above the knees or elbows. The suitable areas are decided at consultation.
No. It addresses skin firmness, not fat volume or weight. If fat is your main concern, we discuss other options at consultation.
Some warmth or brief discomfort can occur as ultrasound is delivered. Comfort options are discussed at consultation. (Results vary by individual.)
Changes appear gradually over about 2–3 months as collagen renews. (Results vary by individual.)
Little to none. Temporary redness or mild swelling may occur and usually settles quickly.
Yes. Our doctors consult in English directly, and 中文 / 日本語 can be arranged in advance. Tell us your language on WhatsApp before your visit.
Often considered together
Treatments that are sometimes planned alongside this one, decided at consultation.
+Body ONDA Lifting
If localized fat rather than skin laxity is the main concern, ONDA uses microwave energy to target deeper fat — a different aim from skin firmness. Sequencing is decided by your doctor.
+Body Thermage FLX
Radiofrequency tightening heats the dermis broadly and can also be considered for body skin firmness — which approach suits you is decided at consultation.
For international patients
Consultation in English / 中文 / 日本語 · WhatsApp · WeChat · KakaoTalk · a 4-minute walk from Sinnonhyeon / Nonhyeon Station (hours in KST) · card payment.
For International PatientsMedically reviewed by Dr. Sahyeok Hong, board-certified plastic surgeon and Director of QD Clinic.