[Doctor's Column] CoolSonic and Ulthera, What Is the Difference?

What is the difference between CoolSonic and Ulthera?

CoolSonic and Ulthera are both HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) lifting devices that share the same principle: they penetrate the skin surface to create thermal coagulation points in the inner SMAS (fascia) layer, inducing tissue contraction and collagen regeneration. The differences lie in the method of energy delivery and pain management. CoolSonic is a device that reduces the burden of pain by cooling the contact surface, whereas Ulthera is a device that irradiates while verifying the target layer using real-time ultrasound imaging.

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Are the principles of the two procedures the same?

It is the same. Just as a magnifying glass focuses sunlight onto a single point, this method concentrates ultrasonic energy onto a specific spot within the skin. During this process, the energy passes through the epidermis and the upper dermis without obstruction, creating a thermal coagulation point of over 60 degrees Celsius only at the target location.

The SMAS layer and dermis contract upon receiving this thermal stimulation, and elasticity improves as new collagen is produced during the subsequent recovery process. This is why the changes become more pronounced after 2 to 3 months rather than immediately after the procedure.

Then what is different?

Coolsonic This is a HIFU device released by Asterasys, featuring a cooling system that keeps the temperature of the tip in contact with the skin low. Since it reduces heat sensation while protecting the epidermis, the perceived pain is relatively low. You can select from three depths: 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm, and thanks to its pen-type structure, it can be used on curved areas such as around nasolabial folds.

 

Ulthera This device from Merz is the prototype of ultrasound lifting. Its most significant feature is that it allows users to visualize cross-sections of the skin using real-time ultrasound imaging during the procedure to confirm the treatment point. This enables users to visually confirm that the device has accurately penetrated the target layer. However, since it delivers intense heat without a cooling device, the pain is relatively severe.

If you compare at a glance

If the pain is minimal, isn't the effect weaker?

This is a frequently asked question. It is difficult to say that the intensity of pain is proportional to the lifting effect.

Pain mostly arises from thermal stimulation received by the epidermis and nerve endings, whereas the lifting effect is created by thermal coagulation points formed in deeper layers. Cooling the surface reduces pain in the front but maintains the energy delivered to the deeper layers. In other words, a reduction in pain does not necessarily mean a reduction in energy.

However, what determines the actual results is more than the equipment itself How many shots, at what depth, and on which area were irradiated? Even with the same equipment, results vary depending on the procedure design.

Which one is right for me?

The general standards are as follows. However, as these vary depending on individual skin thickness, fat volume, and degree of sagging, confirmation is required during a medical consultation.

• If you are sensitive to pain or are receiving a lift for the first time — Coolsonic is less burdensome.
• Cases where pain is felt strongly due to thin skin and fat layers — Having cooling is advantageous for completing the procedure.
• In cases where sagging is pronounced and there is a amount of fat — It can be helpful to proceed while verifying the investigation location.
• If you want to treat curved areas such as the area around the nasolabial folds. — Pen-type investigation is advantageous for access.

When can I start seeing changes after the procedure?

You may feel a temporary tightening sensation due to thermal contraction immediately after the procedure, but this is not the intended effect. Since collagen regeneration takes time, changes usually begin around 4 weeks and become most pronounced at 2 to 3 months. While the duration of the effect varies from person to person, it is generally estimated to last between 6 months and 1 year.

What are the side effects or precautions?

Temporary redness, swelling, and a pressing sensation may occur after the procedure, but they usually subside within a few days. Rarely, if excessive energy is delivered to the nerve pathway, temporary sensory loss or muscle weakness may occur, so it is important to design the irradiation to avoid anatomical risk areas.

This procedure is not performed if you are pregnant or if there is acute inflammation or infection at the treatment site. You must inform us in advance if you have previously received fillers or threads.

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organize

Coolsonic and Ulthera are not so much in a competitive relationship, but rather Two options that implement the same principle in different ways CoolSonic has its strengths if minimizing pain is the priority, while Ulthera has its strengths if verifying the irradiation location is the priority.

In either case, the investigation design tailored to skin thickness and sagging patterns determines the results. Rather than the name of the equipment Is this plan suitable for my skin condition? We recommend that you receive counseling based on this.

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This article is written for the purpose of providing information about the procedure, and indications and results may vary depending on the individual's condition.

 

write Maypure Clinic Yeonsinnae Branch Chief Director Shim Dong-kyu Graduated from Korea University College of Medicine · Master of Medical Science from Korea University Graduate School of Medicine Room 4, 3F, 856 Tongil-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul (Yeonsinnae Station)