- What is Ultraformer III? Why it's called "lifting the face with ultrasound"
- How it works — sound that reaches the same layer surgeons lift
- Ultraformer vs Thermage vs Ulthera — what's the difference?
- How many months until you see results, and how long they last
- Does it hurt? And what about downtime
- Who it's right for, and who should consult first
- Ultraformer III vs the newer model (MPT) — what's the difference
- What the Ultraformer price is based on
- Getting Ultraformer in Phitsanulok — Depry Clinic
- Frequently Asked Questions
- References & how to verify
What is Ultraformer III? Why it's called "lifting the face with ultrasound"
Many patients walk in with almost the same sentence — "Doctor, my cheeks are starting to droop, a double chin is forming under my jaw, and when I look in the mirror my face doesn't look as sharp as it used to, but I'm not ready for surgery." I understand that feeling well. It's the point where many people start looking for a "face-lifting helper" that doesn't involve any incision, and Ultraformer III is one of the most talked-about answers.
Ultraformer III is a skin-tightening device in the HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) family, or more precisely Microfocused Ultrasound — it uses high-frequency sound waves to focus energy into tiny points deep within the skin, stimulating tightening and the production of new collagen. The result is a face that looks lifted, with a sharper contour, without surgery and without any incision.
What makes Ultraformer III stand out is that it has cartridges at multiple depths to choose from, allowing the doctor to fine-tune the treatment — shallower in some areas, deeper in others, according to each part of the face, rather than firing at a single depth across the whole face. This is exactly the kind of flexibility I appreciate.
- Uses focused ultrasound to deliver energy into deep layers, including the SMAS layer that surgeons use to lift the face
- Excels at "lifting" the facial contour, double chin, and drooping cheeks to make them sharper (unlike Thermage, which excels at smooth, firm skin)
- Single session, no incision, go straight home; results come on gradually over 2-3 months and last around 12-18 months
- Has cartridges at multiple depths, so the treatment can be fine-tuned point by point
How it works — sound that reaches the same layer surgeons lift
Got questions? Dr. Time offers personalized, honest consultations — no upselling.
Consult via WhatsAppMany people are puzzled about how "sound waves" can lift the face. Let me paint a picture for you. Think of using a magnifying glass to concentrate sunlight into a tiny point until it's hot enough to start a fire — Ultraformer does something similar, but with sound waves instead of light. It concentrates ultrasound energy into a tiny focal point at a precise depth, creating tiny points of heat called Thermal Coagulation Points (TCP) in the desired skin layer, while the surface of the skin is left undamaged.
What's special is that Ultraformer can deliver energy down to the SMAS layer (the fibrous and muscular layer beneath the skin, at a depth of about 4.5 mm) — which is the very same layer surgeons pull on during a surgical facelift. When this layer receives controlled heat, it contracts and stimulates the production of new collagen. The result is a "lift" coming from the deep layer upward, not just surface tightening. This is why HIFU excels at lifting and tightening more than procedures that only work on the shallow surface.
Ultraformer III's cartridges usually come in several depths, such as 1.5 mm (shallow skin / around the eyes), 3.0 mm (the middle layer), and 4.5 mm (the SMAS layer). The doctor mixes the depths to suit each area — for example, deep under the chin and shallow around the eyes — to achieve both safety and good results.
Ultraformer vs Thermage vs Ulthera — what's the difference?
These are the three names patients confuse the most, and the advertising loves to make you feel you have to pick the "best" one. First, I'd like you to understand that they fall into 2 big families by type of energy — Ultraformer and Ulthera are in the ultrasound family (focused on lifting), while Thermage is in the radiofrequency RF family (focused on smooth, firm skin).
| Topic | Ultraformer III | Ulthera (Ultherapy) | Thermage FLX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy type | Ultrasound (HIFU/MFU) | Ultrasound (MFU-V) | Monopolar RF radiofrequency |
| Strength | Lifts the facial contour, double chin, jaw | Lifts the facial contour, precise with ultrasound imaging | Smooth, firm skin, tightening across the whole face |
| See the layer before firing | No imaging (relies on the doctor's technique) | Sees the real skin layers (DeepSEE) | No imaging |
| Cartridge/depth | Multiple levels to choose, highly flexible | Standard, covers the SMAS | Heats the dermis |
| Clear results | 2-3 months | 2-3 months | 2-6 months |
| Right for | Want a face lift, reasonable budget | Want a face lift + the highest precision | Want firm, smooth skin |
To put it simply: if your concern is "sagging" (a blurred facial contour, double chin, drooping cheeks), think first of the ultrasound family like Ultraformer or Ulthera. But if the concern is "skin that isn't smooth and firm," rough skin, or large pores, think of Thermage. Ulthera differs from Ultraformer in that it shows the real skin layers before firing, so it's very precise but usually more expensive. For all of this, I'll help look at your real concern before making a recommendation.
How many months until you see results, and how long they last
Patients often ask hopefully, "Will my face lift right away after the treatment?" I have to tell you honestly so you'll have the right expectations — HIFU isn't a thread lift that shows results instantly; it stimulates your skin to build collagen on its own, so it needs time.
- Day one — some people feel their face is slightly tighter right away, possibly with a bit of redness or swelling
- 2-4 weeks — the initial tightness may fade; don't lose heart, your body is just starting to build collagen
- 2-3 months — the lifting and tightening effect starts to become clear; the facial contour looks sharper and the double chin looks tighter
- 3-6 months — results reach their peak; this is when you see the difference most clearly
The results of Ultraformer III usually last around 12-18 months — this number isn't fixed; it depends on your age, skin quality, and lifestyle. People who take good care of themselves, wear sunscreen, don't smoke, and get enough rest tend to keep their results longer. And when the result starts to fade, repeating once a year helps preserve the firmness better than letting things sag all the way back before starting over.
If 2-3 weeks after the treatment you feel the initial tightness has gone — that's completely normal. That was temporary tightness from the heat, while the real, lasting result is still forming. Wait until 2-3 months, then take a side-profile photo and compare it with before the treatment, and you'll see the sharper facial contour for yourself.
Does it hurt? And what about downtime
Let me talk about this directly, because it's what people fear most — HIFU has a "deep, sharp" pulse each time energy is delivered, especially in areas where the skin is thin and close to bone, such as the jaw, forehead, and temples. Some people describe it as a deep electric jolt, but it's only momentary as each point is fired and then it's gone — it's not a lasting ache.
How much it hurts depends on 3 things — the energy level set, the depth of the cartridge, and how thick or thin the skin is at each point. At my clinic, before we start I always apply numbing cream first, and during the treatment I keep asking, "Is this level okay?" and can adjust it up or down at any time. I don't rush to fire harder just to finish faster, because your comfort matters more. And setting the energy just right actually gives better results than blasting at full power to the point of unnecessary pain.
And what about downtime?
The good news is that Ultraformer has almost no downtime — you can go straight back to work afterward. The side effects you might see are usually mild redness, slight swelling, or tenderness for 1-2 days. Some people may get small bruises, but it's not common. There's no wound and no scab, and you can wear makeup the next day. It suits working people who don't have time to take off.
Who it's right for, and who should consult first
I'd like you to know yourself first, because HIFU is great at "lifting skin that's starting to sag," but it isn't a fix for every problem. If you come in with the wrong expectations, you might feel it wasn't worth it — when in fact it simply didn't match your particular concern.
Right for
- Starting to see facial sagging, a blurred facial contour, drooping cheeks, a double chin under the jaw
- Want a face that looks lifted and sharper, without surgery and without an incision
- Working people who don't have time for downtime and want a one-and-done treatment
- Afraid of needles or don't want any substance injected into the skin
- Want to start caring for the skin before it sags a lot (prevention is better than catching up)
Should consult the doctor first
- Skin that sags a lot with excess loose tissue (may need to consider surgery or other options as well)
- Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have an infection, a wound, or severe inflamed acne in the area to be treated
- Have filler or certain augmentation substances in that area (must tell the doctor first)
- Expecting a surgical-level lift in a single session
If you're in the left-hand group, Ultraformer should suit you well. But being in the right-hand group doesn't mean you can't do it — it just means I'd like to talk it through clearly first, to plan around your real concern and make it as safe as possible.
Ultraformer III vs the newer model (MPT) — what's the difference
When you read reviews, you may come across the name Ultraformer MPT mixed in and get confused. Here's my short summary: MPT (Micro Pulsed Technology) is a further-developed model whose main selling point is a continuous-firing mode that makes the treatment faster and more comfortable, along with a shallow-skin mode that helps with smooth, firm skin in addition to the lifting.
If you're asking whether you have to choose the very newest model — I see both models as giving good lifting and tightening results. The newer model has the edge in comfort and speed, but what matters more than the model number is the person holding the cartridge and choosing the right depth and energy for your face. A good machine in the hands of someone who doesn't assess properly won't produce results. So don't choose by model name alone — look at who's doing the treatment too.
What the Ultraformer price is based on
I understand that price is something you want to know from the start, but I won't just toss out a random number, because HIFU can be priced according to factors that vary quite a bit, and I want you to understand what you're paying for.
What is the price based on?
Mainly it's priced by the number of "shots (shots/lines)." The wider the area you treat (the whole face + under the chin + the neck), the more shots are used, and the higher the price. This is why treating just under the chin versus treating the whole face costs differently. It also depends on the model of the machine and the number of depth levels used.
Why should you be cautious of an unusually low price?
Two things I'd like to warn you about — one is the actual number of shots. Some very cheap promotions may give fewer shots than they should, and when there aren't enough shots, the results don't come out. The second is whether the cartridge is genuine and whether the person performing it is a doctor, because HIFU fired at the wrong layer or with too much energy can cause swelling or damage the skin. So the cheapest option isn't always the most worthwhile.
- They openly show the actual number of shots used and which areas are treated
- The cartridge is genuine, and the person performing it is a doctor who can assess depth and energy
- There's consultation and aftercare — not just done and forgotten
At Depry, I want you to know the price clearly before the treatment, along with how many shots are used and which areas are treated, so you can decide based on real information. Feel free to ask for updated prices and promotions via LINE.
Getting Ultraformer in Phitsanulok — Depry Clinic
If you live in Phitsanulok or a nearby province and you're looking for somewhere to get HIFU to lift and tighten your face, I'd like to invite you to come and talk first. There's no need to rush the decision. Dr. Time will actually look at your face, listen to what concerns you and what kind of result you want, and tell you honestly whether Ultraformer is right for you, how many shots you should use, where to fire, or whether there's another option that's more worthwhile.
I believe good lifting and tightening doesn't start with the name of a machine — it starts with understanding your facial structure and your concerns, then planning just right, without overselling. And whatever the result, I'll be right here to keep caring for you. I'm not going anywhere.
- It excels at "lifting" the facial contour because it reaches the SMAS layer — if you want "smooth, firm skin," think of Thermage alongside it
- Results come on gradually over 2-3 months and last around 12-18 months; a single session, with almost no downtime
- Safety and results depend on "the person holding the cartridge" more than the brand of machine — choose somewhere where a doctor performs it
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ultraformer III a HIFU device?
Yes. It's a device in the HIFU/focused-ultrasound family, popular out of Korea. Its strength is having cartridges at multiple depths so the treatment can be fine-tuned more precisely than regular HIFU.
Does Ultraformer III hurt?
You feel a deep, sharp pulse each time it fires, especially near bone, but it's momentary and then it's gone, and it's tolerable. The doctor applies numbing cream and adjusts the energy to suit you.
How many months until results, and how long do they last?
The lifting effect becomes clear over 2-3 months and lasts around 12-18 months, depending on how you care for yourself.
What's the difference between Ultraformer and Thermage?
Ultraformer (ultrasound) excels at lifting the facial contour; Thermage (RF) excels at smooth, firm skin. Many people do both to complement each other.
How many sessions are needed, and how often?
Usually a single session shows results, then you leave it around 1-1.5 years before repeating to maintain the result.
Is there any downtime?
Almost none. You may have mild redness/swelling/tenderness for 1-2 days, and you can wear makeup the next day.
Is Ultraformer III dangerous?
It's safe when performed by a doctor who can assess depth and energy. The most important thing is the person doing it, not the brand of machine.
What age is it right for?
Facial sagging usually starts to appear from the late 30s through 50+, but it depends on each person's skin condition. The doctor will give you an honest assessment.
References & how to verify
I'd like you to be able to check the information I used to write this article yourself — click through to read the originals:
- PubMed Central (PMC) — Microfocused Ultrasound (MFU) for skin lifting and tightening: the principle of creating thermal points in the SMAS layer and clinical results: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed Central (PMC) — Review of the efficacy and safety of HIFU for laxity of the face and neck: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed Central (PMC) — Data on the outcomes and time-to-result of focused ultrasound for lifting and tightening: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed — Clinical research on microfocused ultrasound and collagen stimulation: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Thai FDA (อย.) — Verify the medical-device registration before deciding to have the treatment: oryor.com
Interested in consulting Dr. Time at Depry Clinic, Phitsanulok? If you want to talk about Ultraformer / HIFU face lifting, or to find out which kind of lift suits your face, talk with Dr. Time at Depry Clinic in Phitsanulok. I'm glad to give you an honest assessment, with no pressure.
