Medical Q&A | Ultherapy, Thermage, Botox & Filler | LIV Clinic

Question 1

What is the difference between Ultherapy Prime and Thermage?

Accepted Answer

Ultherapy uses ultrasound for deep layers, Thermage uses RF for elasticity. Ultherapy Prime uses HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) technology to deliver energy deep into the skin's SMAS layer. Thermage uses RF (radiofrequency) energy to contract and promote regeneration of collagen in the dermal layer. Ultherapy Prime is effective for lifting sagging skin, while Thermage is effective for overall skin elasticity improvement. Combining both treatments can produce synergistic effects.

Question 2

How painful are lifting treatments?

Accepted Answer

Treatment is performed after numbing cream, and most people can tolerate it. The pain level of lifting treatments varies depending on the treatment type and individual tolerance. Both Ultherapy Prime and Thermage FLX are performed after applying numbing cream for about 30 minutes. Thermage FLX in particular uses vibration technology (Vibrating Tip) that significantly reduces discomfort. Most patients can receive treatment comfortably. If you are sensitive to pain, additional pain control is available - please let us know during consultation.

Question 3

How often should I get lifting treatments?

Accepted Answer

Ultherapy is recommended once every 1-2 years, Thermage once every 6 months to 1 year. Ultherapy Prime is recommended once every 1-2 years, and Thermage once every 6 months to 1 year. Maintenance treatments like Shurink or InMode can be done every 3-6 months. The treatment cycle may vary depending on your skin condition and desired results, so it's best to determine the exact frequency through consultation.

Question 4

How long do lifting results last?

Accepted Answer

Ultherapy lasts about 1-2 years, Thermage about 6 months to 1 year. Ultherapy Prime results last about 1 year, while Thermage lasts 6 months to 1 year. However, the duration may vary depending on individual skin condition, age, and lifestyle. Regular maintenance treatments can help extend the results.

Question 5

Will Botox make my facial expressions look unnatural?

Accepted Answer

Proper dosage at correct injection sites maintains natural expressions. When the proper amount is injected at the correct locations, natural expressions are maintained while only improving wrinkles. Unnatural expressions typically occur from overdosing or incorrect injection sites. At LIV Plastic Surgery, our experienced specialists inject appropriate amounts tailored to each individual's muscle characteristics, so you can expect natural results.

Question 6

How long does Botox last?

Accepted Answer

Usually 3-6 months, lasting longer with regular treatments. Botox results vary by individual but typically last 3-6 months. With regular treatments, muscles gradually weaken, making results last longer and extending the interval between treatments. A touch-up may be needed 2-3 weeks after the first treatment, so it's good to check progress.

Question 7

Can fillers be dissolved?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hyaluronic acid fillers can be safely removed with dissolving injections. Yes, hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase (dissolving injection). If you're not satisfied with the results or experience side effects, they can be safely removed. This is one of the major advantages of hyaluronic acid fillers. However, non-reversible fillers (e.g., Artecoll) cannot be dissolved, so consider this when choosing fillers.

Question 8

Can fillers cause lumps or unevenness?

Accepted Answer

This rarely occurs when experienced doctors use genuine products. When genuine fillers are used in appropriate amounts by experienced medical professionals with anatomical knowledge, these problems rarely occur. Occasional unevenness can usually be resolved with massage, and if necessary, can be adjusted with hyaluronidase. If you experience any discomfort after treatment, please consult us immediately.

Question 9

How many sessions of skin boosters are needed for results?

Accepted Answer

A basic course of 3-4 sessions is recommended, with maintenance every 2-3 months. Skin boosters are recommended as a basic course of 3-4 sessions at 2-4 week intervals. You may notice hydration improvement after one session, but the optimal effect requires completing the full course. Afterward, maintenance treatments every 2-3 months are recommended.

Question 10

Should I avoid sunlight after laser treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, SPF 50+ sunscreen is essential for at least 2-4 weeks. Yes, sun protection is very important after laser treatment. After treatment, your skin becomes sensitive and the risk of pigmentation from UV exposure increases. For at least 2-4 weeks, apply sunscreen (SPF 50+) thoroughly and use hats or parasols. It's best to avoid laser treatment during seasons with a lot of outdoor activities.

Question 11

What is the downtime after laser treatment?

Accepted Answer

Toning has no downtime, pigment lasers take about 3-5 days. It depends on the type of laser. Laser toning has almost no downtime, allowing immediate return to daily activities. When treating surface pigmentation with Clarity II laser, the pigment may darken or thin scabs may form for 3-5 days before naturally falling off.

Question 12

How long do thread lift results last?

Accepted Answer

PDO threads last 6-8 months, PCL threads last 12-18 months. It depends on the type of thread. PDO (dissolvable threads) last 6-8 months, while PLLA or PCL threads last 12-18 months. As threads dissolve, they promote collagen regeneration, so effects continue for some time even after threads are completely absorbed. Regular maintenance treatments can extend the results.

Question 13

Can I just have a consultation? Is there a fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes, consultation fee is 10,000 KRW, fully deducted if treatment is done same day. Yes, you can have just a consultation. The 1:1 professional consultation fee is 10,000 KRW, which is fully deducted from the treatment cost if you proceed with treatment on the same day. Our board-certified plastic surgeon will personally diagnose your skin condition and recommend the optimal treatment plan. You can take your time to decide after the consultation.

Question 14

Can I pay for treatments in installments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, credit card installments are available, with interest-free options varying by card. Yes, credit card installment payments are available. Interest-free installment benefits may vary by credit card company and payment amount, so please inquire during consultation. There are also various promotions and package discounts available for different treatments.

Question 15

Can I receive treatment while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

No, most cosmetic treatments are not recommended during pregnancy/breastfeeding. Most cosmetic treatments are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The safety of Botox, fillers, and lifting treatments on the fetus or breast milk has not been sufficiently verified. We recommend receiving treatment after pregnancy and breastfeeding are complete.

Question 16

What does LIV Plastic Surgery specialize in?

Accepted Answer

We are certified for Ultherapy Prime and Thermage FLX, specializing in non-surgical lifting. LIV Plastic Surgery is an official Ultherapy Prime certified clinic and Thermage FLX partner hospital, specializing in non-surgical lifting treatments. Our board-certified plastic surgeon provides customized treatments based on academic experience with 4 SCI publications. We are located just 1 minute walk from Sinsa Station Exit 4.

Question 17

What happens on my first visit?

Accepted Answer

After booking by phone or KakaoTalk, you'll receive a 1:1 consultation with our specialist. Please make a consultation appointment by phone (02-797-2773) or KakaoTalk. During your visit, our board-certified plastic surgeon will personally diagnose your skin condition and recommend the optimal treatment plan based on your concerns and desired results. You can take your time to decide on treatment after the consultation.

Question 18

Do you offer consultations in English, Japanese or Chinese?

Accepted Answer

Yes — consultations in English, Japanese and Chinese are available, and interpretation is arranged free of charge. Yes. We support consultations in English, Japanese and Chinese, and interpretation is arranged free of charge. You can book easily via WhatsApp, LINE, WeChat or the live chat on our website, and we match your language for the in-person consultation as well.

Question 19

How do I book an appointment from overseas?

Accepted Answer

Book via live chat, WhatsApp, LINE, WeChat or our contact form — we reply within one business day. From overseas you can book through the live chat on our website, WhatsApp, LINE, WeChat or the online contact form. We reply within one business day. No deposit is required to reserve a consultation.

Question 20

Do foreign patients pay more?

Accepted Answer

No — foreign patients follow the same price list as Korean patients. No. Foreign patients are charged the same price list as Korean patients. Treatment prices are published on our pricing page so you can check them before your visit. There is also no extra charge for language support or interpretation.

Question 21

How many days should I stay in Seoul for treatment?

Accepted Answer

Most non-surgical lifting and anti-aging treatments are same-day, so no extended stay is needed. Most non-surgical lifting and anti-aging treatments take about 30–90 minutes, are done in a single day and require no hospitalization. Ultherapy Prime and Thermage are completed in one session with no revisit needed. For a thread lift, an optional check-up after one week is recommended but not required.

Question 22

Is aftercare possible after I fly home?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we provide follow-up by chat or messenger, including photo reviews. Yes. After you return home, you can send photos via chat or messenger and we will review your progress and guide your aftercare. We also provide a written aftercare guide in English, Japanese and Chinese. Feel free to reach out any time with questions.

Question 23

How do I get to the clinic from Incheon Airport?

Accepted Answer

Take the airport railroad or limousine bus to Sinsa Station (Line 3), Exit 4 — the clinic is a 1-minute walk. From Incheon Airport, take the airport railroad (AREX) or a limousine bus to Sinsa Station on Subway Line 3. The clinic is a 1-minute walk from Exit 4. Public transport takes about 70–90 minutes and a taxi about 60 minutes.

Question 24

What payment methods do foreign patients use?

Accepted Answer

International cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, UnionPay, JCB) and cash in Korean won are accepted. Foreign patients can pay with internationally issued cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay and JCB. Cash payment in Korean won (KRW) is also accepted. Let us know during your consultation if you have any questions about payment.

Question 25

Are the treatment devices authentic?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we are an official Ultherapy Prime and Thermage FLX partner clinic using only genuine certified handpieces. Yes. LIV is an official Ultherapy Prime certified clinic and a Thermage FLX partner clinic. We treat using only genuine, certified handpieces (tips). You are welcome to verify that authentic devices are used before your treatment.

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