At Min Clinic in Gangnam, Cheongdam, a doctor evaluates the patient’s facial structure, skin thickness, degree of laxity, and treatment goals before designing the treatment areas, depths, and number of shots. Patients can generally return to normal daily activities on the same day, although individual recovery may vary.
Ultherapy PRIME in plain language for first-time patients
Min Clinic uses Ultherapy PRIME with the Ulthera System — UC-1 Control Unit PRIME, manufactured by Ulthera, Inc., a Merz Aesthetics company.
Ultherapy PRIME uses microfocused ultrasound with visualization, also known as MFU-V. Ultrasound energy is focused at selected points beneath the skin to create small thermal coagulation zones. The subsequent collagen-remodeling process is intended to support improvements in skin laxity and lifting.
The treatment uses real-time DeepSEE ultrasound visualization. This allows the doctor to view the tissue layers and confirm the target depth on the screen before and during energy delivery. This visual guidance helps the doctor select the appropriate treatment layer rather than relying only on surface landmarks.
The available treatment depths include 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm. The tissue corresponding to each depth varies by facial area, so the doctor evaluates the layers on the ultrasound image and adjusts the treatment design accordingly.
Ultherapy PRIME is FDA-cleared to:
* Lift the brow * Lift the skin on the neck and under the chin * Improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the décolletage * Improve the appearance of skin laxity on the abdomen * Improve the appearance of skin laxity on the front and back of the upper arms
The cleared wording is “lift” and “improve the appearance.” It should not be described as reversing all sagging or replacing surgery.
Deciding whether you need Ultherapy PRIME in your 20s
Age alone does not determine whether Ultherapy PRIME is appropriate. What matters is the degree and location of skin laxity, facial structure, skin thickness, fat distribution, and the change you want to address.
If you are unsure whether treatment is necessary, a consultation may also conclude that treatment should be postponed or that another approach is more appropriate.
At Min Clinic, the consultation process includes:
* An initial consultation with a senior consultation manager * Skin assessment using the EVE V MUSE analyzer * Facial and skin-laxity assessment by the doctor * Selection of treatment areas, depths, and planned shot count * Explanation of expected changes, downtime, and possible risks
Consultation time varies depending on the patient’s condition and questions, but patients should generally allow approximately 15 to 30 minutes. International consultations may take longer when interpretation or a more detailed explanation is required.
Same-day treatment may be possible depending on appointment availability and the doctor’s assessment.
How Min Clinic designs Ultherapy PRIME treatment
The treatment plan is not determined by age or shot count alone. At Min Clinic, the doctor considers:
* Facial structure * Skin thickness * Degree and location of laxity * Fat and volume distribution * Previous procedures in the same area * Treatment goals * Appropriate treatment depths * Number and distribution of shots
The doctor selects and combines the 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm transducers according to the tissue layers shown on the DeepSEE ultrasound image.
Treatment may begin from approximately 100 shots for a small, targeted area and may extend to 800 shots or more for the face and neck, depending on the treatment plan. This describes the possible range by treatment area and does not mean that every patient receives a separate 100-shot treatment.
During the procedure, the shot count is shown on the device monitor, and the final count can be checked after treatment.
Pain management and treatment process
The Ultherapy PRIME treatment process at Min Clinic includes:
* Cleansing * Skin assessment * Exfoliation * Topical anesthetic cream * Local anesthesia * Ultherapy PRIME treatment * Soothing mask
An oral analgesic may also be used when appropriate, depending on the patient’s condition and sensitivity to discomfort.
The procedure itself generally takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes, although the total visit time varies according to the treatment area, planned shot count, anesthesia, and individual treatment plan.
Ultherapy PRIME is not performed under sleep sedation. If a separate soothing laser treatment is requested, an additional charge may apply.
Expected changes and recommended interval
Some patients may notice a mild tightening sensation shortly after treatment. The main changes generally develop gradually as collagen remodeling progresses.
A general timeline is:
* Immediately after treatment: A mild tightening sensation may be noticed * Approximately 4 to 12 weeks: Gradual lifting and firmness may become more noticeable * Approximately 2 to 3 months: Changes may become more apparent as remodeling progresses * Duration: Results may last approximately one year, although this varies according to skin condition, degree of laxity, aging, and lifestyle
At Min Clinic, Ultherapy PRIME is generally recommended approximately once a year. The appropriate interval may vary according to the patient’s skin condition and aging process.
Downtime and daily activities
Individual recovery varies. Temporary reactions may include redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, or a tight sensation.
* Redness: Temporary redness may occur and, when present, often improves within several hours. * Swelling: Swelling generally improves within approximately three days but may take up to approximately two weeks, depending on the individual. * Bruising: Bruising is uncommon but, if it occurs, may remain for approximately two weeks. * Tenderness: Mild soreness or tenderness when the area is pressed may continue while the tissue recovers and generally improves gradually within approximately one month. * Cleansing and makeup: Generally possible on the day of treatment if there is no skin injury or unusual reaction. * Daily activities: Light daily activities are generally possible immediately. * Exercise: If heat, tenderness, or swelling is present, postpone intense exercise until the symptoms improve. * Sauna and strong heat exposure: Avoid while heat or swelling remains and follow the clinic’s aftercare instructions. * Flying: Generally possible on the day of treatment if there is no skin injury or unusual reaction. * Skincare: Avoid excessive rubbing, strong massage, and irritating skincare products during the early recovery period. Use sunscreen and maintain hydration.
Contact the clinic if you experience persistent or severe pain, significant weakness, increasing swelling, skin injury, or another unusual symptom.
Risks to understand before treatment
Common temporary reactions include:
* Discomfort during treatment * Redness * Swelling * Tenderness * Warmth or tightness
Less common but important adverse effects include:
* Bruising * Numbness or tingling * Temporary localized muscle weakness * Temporary facial asymmetry * Burns * Scarring * Unwanted fat or volume loss * Changes in pigmentation
Risk depends on the patient’s anatomy, treatment depth, energy delivery, and treatment design. DeepSEE visualization allows the doctor to inspect the tissue layers and select the appropriate treatment depth before and during energy delivery.
What to tell the clinic before treatment
Tell the clinic before treatment if you:
* Are pregnant or may be pregnant * Have an open wound, active skin lesion, inflammation, or infection in the treatment area * Have a pacemaker, defibrillator, or another active implanted medical device * Have metal, filler, or another implanted material in the treatment area * Received fillers, threads, surgery, or another treatment in the same area * Received an injectable treatment earlier on the same day * Take anticoagulants, isotretinoin, immunosuppressants, or other medication that may affect treatment * Have an autoimmune condition or a history of slow healing * Have a history of thyroid treatment when the neck is being considered * Recently had significant sun exposure
Min Clinic does not perform medical aesthetic procedures, including Ultherapy PRIME, during pregnancy. Skincare treatments may be available after consultation.
Ultherapy PRIME is not performed over open wounds or active lesions or in patients with active implanted devices such as pacemakers. Other conditions should be discussed with the doctor before treatment.
How to compare Ultherapy PRIME clinics in Gangnam or Cheongdam
When comparing clinics, ask the same questions at each location:
* Is the clinic using Ultherapy PRIME? * Does the doctor use real-time ultrasound visualization? * Who performs the consultation, treatment design, and procedure? * How are the 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm depths selected? * How are the treatment areas and shot allocation determined? * Can the planned and final shot counts be confirmed? * What pain-management methods are included? * What aftercare is provided? * Is VAT included or charged separately?
Min Clinic uses the authentic Ultherapy PRIME system. A doctor personally evaluates the patient, designs the treatment, and performs the procedure using DeepSEE real-time ultrasound visualization.
Ultherapy PRIME is an equipment-based procedure, so its authenticity should not be described using language about opening a product package in front of the patient. The exact device, ultrasound visualization, treatment screen, and shot count are the relevant points to confirm.
Pricing
Ultherapy PRIME pricing is based on the treatment area and planned number of shots.
Before treatment, confirm:
* Treatment areas * Planned number of shots * Included anesthesia * Included treatment steps * Additional care, if requested * VAT
VAT is charged separately from the listed price at the applicable statutory rate.
In accordance with Korean tax law, VAT refunds for cosmetic medical services provided to foreign visitors are no longer available for treatments received on or after January 1, 2026. Min Clinic therefore does not process VAT refunds for treatments received from that date onward.
Getting here from Hakdong Station
Min Clinic is located on the fourth floor of Daedong Tower at 326 Dosan-daero. The building is near Hakdong Intersection, with an Olive Young store on the ground floor.
Hakdong Station and Hakdong Intersection are different locations. Gangnam-gu Office Station and Apgujeong Rodeo Station provide convenient access to the clinic.
* From Hakdong Station: Take Line 7 to Gangnam-gu Office Station and walk to the clinic. Travel time varies depending on the route and waiting time. * From Gangnam-gu Office Station: Use Exit 3 or 3-1. * From Apgujeong Rodeo Station: Use Exit 5 of the Suin–Bundang Line. * Taxi: Travel time and fare vary depending on traffic, route, tolls, and late-night surcharges. * Parking: Parking is available in the outdoor lot on the first floor of Daedong Tower. Enter from the alley to the right of the Olive Young store. Valet parking is also available. Contact the clinic for current parking information.
Who performs Ultherapy PRIME?
At Min Clinic, the doctor conducts the medical assessment, treatment design, and Ultherapy PRIME procedure.
Medical aesthetic procedures are performed by a doctor, while skincare treatments are provided separately.
Three doctors practice at Min Clinic:
* Young Soo Min, chief medical director * Min Ji Kim, medical director * Chan Ho Jung, medical director
Two of the doctors are board-certified specialists.
Language support and contact information
English consultations are available by appointment with a senior consultation manager and an interpreter. Chinese and Japanese language assistance is also available.
WhatsApp messages are answered during clinic hours, and the clinic responds as promptly as possible.
Clinic hours:
* Monday–Thursday: 10:00–19:00 * Friday: 10:00–20:00 * Saturday: 10:00–15:00 * Lunch break: 13:00–14:00 * Closed on Sundays and public holidays
Contact information:
* Website: https://www.min-clinic.co.kr/ * Clinic phone: +82-2-515-2119 * English WhatsApp: +82-10-3379-9350 * WhatsApp: https://api.whatsapp.com/message/2P2LPJESWKZTE1?autoload=1&app_absent=0 * KakaoTalk: https://pf.kakao.com/_pxgTqE * WeChat: minbeauty * LINE: minclinic
Bring a passport or another form of photo identification to the appointment.
Skin analysis results and treatment records are both available upon request. Skin analysis results can be sent by email, and treatment records can be provided as an itemized treatment statement.
Frequently asked questions
I’m in my 20s. Do I need Ultherapy PRIME now?
Age alone does not determine whether treatment is appropriate. The doctor assesses your facial structure, skin thickness, degree of laxity, and goals. A consultation may result in a targeted treatment plan, another option, or a recommendation to wait.
Who performs Ultherapy PRIME at Min Clinic?
A doctor evaluates the patient, designs the treatment areas and shot allocation, and personally performs the Ultherapy PRIME procedure. Skincare treatments are provided separately.
How are the treatment depths selected?
The doctor uses DeepSEE real-time ultrasound visualization to inspect the tissue layers. The 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm transducers are selected and combined according to the treatment area, skin thickness, anatomy, and degree of laxity.
How many shots will I need?
The appropriate number of shots depends on the treatment area, facial structure, skin thickness, and degree of laxity. Treatment may range from approximately 100 shots for a small, targeted area to 800 shots or more for the face and neck. The doctor determines the planned count after assessment.
What does Ultherapy PRIME feel like?
Discomfort may occur as ultrasound energy is delivered. Pain management includes topical anesthetic cream and local anesthesia. An oral analgesic may also be used when appropriate, depending on the patient’s condition and sensitivity to discomfort.
Can I return to work or study the next day?
Patients can generally return to normal daily activities on the same day, although recovery varies. Temporary redness, swelling, warmth, tightness, or tenderness may occur. Plan important events with enough time for these reactions to settle.
When will I notice changes?
A mild tightening sensation may be noticed shortly after treatment. Changes generally develop over approximately 4 to 12 weeks and may become more apparent at approximately 2 to 3 months.
How long may the results last?
Results may last approximately one year, although the duration varies according to skin condition, degree of laxity, aging, and lifestyle. Min Clinic generally recommends treatment approximately once a year.
Can I receive Ultherapy PRIME during pregnancy?
No. Min Clinic does not perform medical aesthetic procedures, including Ultherapy PRIME, during pregnancy. Skincare treatments may be available after consultation.
How is the price determined?
Pricing is based on the treatment areas and planned number of shots. Confirm the planned shot count, included anesthesia and care, listed price, and separately charged VAT before treatment.
Sources
* Merz Aesthetics — Ultherapy PRIME indication announcement — https://merzaesthetics.com/news/merz-announces-new-arms-abdomen-indication-ultherapy/ (checked 2026-09-05) * Min Clinic — Ultherapy PRIME official page — https://min-clinic.co.kr/treatment/en-ultherapy/ (checked 2026-09-16) * Min Clinic official website — https://min-clinic.co.kr/en/ (checked 2026-09-09) * Min Clinic contact page — https://min-clinic.co.kr/contact/ * Seoul Metropolitan Government transportation information — https://news.seoul.go.kr/traffic/archives/1659
