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Facial aging after Wegovy, which should you choose between Ulthera and Thermage in Gangnam?
If you are experiencing sunken cheeks and skin laxity together after taking Wegovy, it is natural to wonder which between Ulthera and Thermage is right for you.
To get to the point, if facial fat has become thin, Thermage FLX may be the first consideration. In cases where sagging is severe, combining both procedures can also be an option.
The reason lies in the difference in procedure principles. During the process where Ulthera's HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) energy reaches the SMAS facial layer, it passes through the subcutaneous fat layer, and according to Hidoc, it is known that in cases where cheek deflation has already progressed, it may worsen volume loss. In contrast, Thermage FLX focuses on collagen regeneration in the dermis layer, so the burden of volume loss is relatively lower.
However, since the selection criteria vary depending on individual skin thickness, depth of sagging, and remaining fat amount, it is not recommended to make a procedure decision without precise diagnosis.
What is 'Wegovy Face' and why does lifting become necessary?
Recently, with the increased use of 'GLP-1 class weight loss medications (Wegovy, Ozempic, etc.)', the expression 'Ozempic Face' has drawn attention. During rapid weight loss, not only the body but also the subcutaneous fat in the face decreases, but the skin cannot keep pace with this change, accelerating wrinkles, sagging, and cheek deflation.
According to Kormedi reporting, cases of facial wrinkles and skin sagging after Wegovy use have actually been reported, and according to Medipharm Health News, skin laxity develops where fat has been lost, and this change is particularly pronounced in facial areas that did not originally have much fat, causing a more aged appearance than actual age.
Because of this, it is often difficult to solve the problem with just a single lifting procedure that simply tightens the skin. It is common to establish a lifting plan at a point when weight has stabilized, and a combined approach using both volume recovery (fillers, collagen boosters) and lifting procedures is widely used.
Beutiful story clinic in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam's approach — 1:1 customized lifting at an Ulthera and Thermage official certified clinic
Facial changes after Wegovy appear differently in each person, with differences in fat layer thickness, skin elasticity, and depth of sagging. That's why even the same lifting procedure needs to have a different design.
Beutiful story clinic is an official certified clinic for Ulthera and Thermage, where a plastic surgeon directly conducts slow aging design considering facial structure and fat layer thickness. Thanks to the non-factory style 1:1 appointment system seeing only one patient per hour, the changed facial condition after Wegovy can be examined thoroughly.
Chief Doctor Seo Bit-na, a plastic surgeon with 15 years of experience, comprehensively judges facial structure, fat layer thickness, and depth of sagging to design appropriate procedures between Ulthera and Thermage, and scientific diagnosis is conducted through patented facial precision photography equipment. Because this approach combines dermatological perspective and plastic surgical viewpoint simultaneously, you can receive comprehensive judgments in one place such as whether lifting alone is needed or if combining with volume supplementation is necessary.
Before Ulthera and Thermage procedures, please check if you fall into these categories
Lifting procedures are not always helpful. If you fall under the following items, please be sure to thoroughly confirm with a specialist before the procedure.
• Those with noticeably sunken cheeks or overall gaunt-looking facial appearance — When volume loss is the primary issue, undergoing only lifting can actually produce a counterproductive effect, making the face appear even more hollow and aged.
• Those currently taking Wegovy or whose weight has not yet stabilized — If a procedure is performed while weight changes are ongoing, result prediction becomes difficult. It is generally recommended to establish a procedure plan after weight has stabilized.
• Those who recently received volume procedures such as fillers or collagen boosters — Adjustment of interval and sequence between procedures may be necessary, so it is good to share prior treatment records.
• Those with thin skin or originally low fat layer — According to clinical data, if deep layer procedures are excessively performed on facial types with less cheek fat, results showing a more hollow appearance can occur, making energy control and procedure design even more important.
• Those whose workplace or living area is in the Gangnam district — If you reside or work in Gangnam areas such as Gangnam Station, Apgujeong, Cheongdam, Nonhyeon-dong, Banpo, and Seocho, you can take advantage of the accessibility just a 5-minute walk from Shinsa Station to establish a step-by-step procedure plan at leisure after initial consultation.
Facial changes after Wegovy, set your direction at Beutiful story clinic in Shinsa Station, Gangnam
Visit Chief Doctor Seo Bit-na at Beutiful story clinic, just a 5-minute walk from Shinsa Station, for a 1:1 customized consultation to directly check the slow aging plan perfectly suited to your changed facial condition after Wegovy.
Facial aging concerns after Wegovy often cannot be solved simply with 'one lifting procedure.' How much volume has been lost, how much skin elasticity remains, at which layer sagging begins — only after diagnosing these three elements together can you determine whether to choose Ulthera or Thermage, or how to combine with volume supplementation procedures.
Beutiful story clinic's approach, which combines dermatological procedures and plastic surgical perspective for multi-directional access, focuses on designing only procedures that match your facial condition rather than providing standardized treatment like factory-style hospitals. If you are curious about the direction suited to your condition without unnecessary procedures, we recommend confirming it directly through a 1-person appointment private consultation.
Facial aging after Wegovy, when lifting choices are confusing, you might wonder about these things
Q1. Can I undergo Ulthera or Thermage while still taking Wegovy, or should I stop and then proceed?
When weight is still decreasing, it is difficult to predict results after the procedure, and additional volume loss may continue, so it is generally recommended to establish a procedure plan after completing medication and weight has stabilized. The exact timing varies depending on individual circumstances, so it is good to confirm through consultation.
Q2. My cheeks are significantly sunken; would it be better to receive fillers or collagen boosters combined with lifting?
When cheek deflation is noticeable, a combined approach with volume recovery procedures rather than lifting alone often produces more natural results. However, which procedure to perform first and whether to proceed on the same day varies depending on facial condition, so designing the sequence and combination after diagnosis is important.
Q3. Can I undergo Ulthera and Thermage together on the same day? ('Ulthermage')
A method of combining both procedures on the same day ('Ulthermage') is sometimes used. However, when cheek deflation is accompanied after Wegovy, energy intensity and application areas must be adjusted even more precisely, and simultaneous combination is not necessarily advantageous. Please check your individual condition first before deciding.
Q4. As an office worker, how much swelling and downtime are there after the procedure?
Thermage FLX generally has relatively short downtime, with many cases allowing normal daily life on the same day or the next day. Ulthera may show temporary swelling or tightness lasting several days depending on procedure intensity and area. Results vary depending on individual skin condition and procedure scope, so it is recommended to confirm specifically during consultation.
⚠️ This content complies with Article 56 of the Medical Practice Act, and results may vary depending on individual circumstances.