“How many shots do I need?” It is a common question in an Ultherapy consultation. Before answering it, V Clinic Gangnam uses SKENA to measure beneath the skin.
Are more shots really better?
Medical Director 유동균 does not answer this question with a number right away.
“The same number of shots, the same tip… can, of course, produce different results.”
Results depend not only on the number of shots, but also on the depth and area where the energy is delivered. One reference point is the SMAS, a fascial layer beneath the skin associated with sagging.
Someone concerned about their jawline and someone with little cheek volume are unlikely to get the same result from the same number of shots.
Reading the layers beneath the skin before treatment
SKENA is the AI skin-analysis device used at V Clinic Gangnam.
Structure — Ultrasound shows skin thickness, fat-layer thickness, and the position of the SMAS layer.
Indicators — Numerical readings are provided for regeneration, elasticity, lifting, hydration, and brightening.
The analysis takes around 10 minutes.
Looking at the face area by area
Once the measurements are complete, the analysis screen divides the face into several zones. Skin and fat-layer thickness vary from one area to another, even on the same face.
Consultation tip: Look at the analysis screen together and ask about the condition of each area of your face.
Using measurements to allocate shots by area
After locating the SMAS layer on the ultrasound image, the clinician decides which tip depth to use in each area and how many shots to deliver.
“We first design which tip and how many shots each area needs… and then proceed with treatment.”
Even with the same 400 shots, the number allocated to each area differs from person to person.
The AI Fit Ultherapy PRIME process
1. Pre-treatment AI skin analysis: SKENA measures skin structure and condition indicators.
2. Examination and treatment planning: Measurements and examination findings guide the choice of tips and the allocation of shots by area.
3. Anesthesia: The method is decided in consultation with the clinical team, taking your health and treatment plan into account.
4. Ultherapy PRIME treatment: A standard 400 shots are distributed across the treatment areas according to the plan.
5. Recovery care: Post-treatment care supports skin recovery.
6. Post-treatment AI skin analysis: Measurements are repeated and compared with the pre-treatment record.
Treatment time: Approximately 20–30 minutes
Return to daily activities: Timing may vary depending on your skin’s response and the anesthesia method.
Recommended interval: 6 months to 1 year
The treatment components and time required may vary with individual circumstances.
What does the research say?
“…MFU-V treatment can be customized to meet the unique physical characteristics of each patient…”
In other words, MFU-V treatment can be adjusted to each patient’s individual physical characteristics.
• Ultherapy (MFU-V) combines focused ultrasound with ultrasound imaging, allowing the clinician to view tissue layers up to 8 mm deep during treatment.
• Changing the tip adjusts the focal depth, with the facial SMAS layer as a target.
• Temporary pain, redness, swelling, and, less commonly, bruising have been reported.
Fabi SG. Noninvasive skin tightening: focus on new ultrasound techniques. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:47–52. PMID 25709486 · doi:10.2147/CCID.S69118 ( https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S69118 )
This paper discusses Ultherapy (MFU-V), not the SKENA device. These findings come from the cited research and are not results from V Clinic Gangnam.
Frequently asked questions
How many Ultherapy shots are appropriate?
There is no single correct number for everyone. Analysis and examination guide the choice of tips and shot counts for each area.
How long does the SKENA analysis take?
Around 10 minutes. AI Fit Ultherapy PRIME includes analysis both before and after treatment.
When can I assess the results?
Changes are assessed over time rather than immediately after treatment. Some people notice changes over 1–3 months, but individual experiences vary.
Can I have Ultherapy if I have little facial fat?
Having little facial fat does not automatically rule out treatment. However, cheek hollowing may become more noticeable depending on the area and depth, so treatment requires careful planning. Part 2 explores this in detail.
Before treatment: what to know
• Results and their duration vary with skin condition, age, and lifestyle.
• Redness, swelling, and, less commonly, bruising may occur and are usually temporary. If unusual symptoms persist, return to the clinic promptly for advice.
• Avoid cooling or cold-soothing care after treatment. Makeup may be applied from 4 hours after treatment.
• Avoid alcohol, smoking, saunas, and strenuous exercise for 1–2 weeks after treatment.
• If sagging is severe, nonsurgical lifting alone may not achieve the change you want. Other options can be discussed during consultation.
References
Fabi SG. Noninvasive skin tightening: focus on new ultrasound techniques. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:47–52. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S69118
The clinician
유동균, Medical Director · V Clinic Gangnam. Allergan Juvéderm Key Doctor. Full member of the Korean aesthetic surgery and laser medicine, clinical aesthetic medicine, and filler societies.
This content provides information to help readers understand treatment and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Whether to proceed and which method to use are decided after a clinical examination. For aftercare, follow the instructions given by the clinical team on the day of treatment.
Continue the Ultherapy series
Part 2 · Can You Have Ultherapy If You Have Little Facial Fat? — https://vclinicfitnote.com/en/m/beui/articles/ultherapy-for-lean-faces
Part 3 · Can You Have Ultherapy After Work? — https://vclinicfitnote.com/en/m/beui/articles/ultherapy-after-work
Medical Director of V Clinic Gangnam. Juvéderm Key Doctor. Full member of the Korean aesthetic surgery and laser medicine and clinical aesthetic medicine societies.
Can You Have Ultherapy If You Have Little Facial Fat?
Consult with V Clinic Gangnam
Every skin has its own story. Explore the right approach for yours with our medical team.
15F Seosan Building, 441 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea
Mon–Fri 10:00–20:00; Sat–Sun 10:00–17:00; no lunch break
This content provides general health information. Treatment results and effects vary with individual skin conditions. Side effects may occur. Consult a qualified medical professional before making treatment decisions.
