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Ulthera vs. Mini Facelift: Just the Key Points! Your Guide to the Final Choice

Written by: Dr. Yeseul Moon / Published on: 2025-08-04

Hello, this is "pickls," cheering you on for your radiant youth. Are you worried about how to manage your sagging jawline and sagging facial contours? Today, we'll delve into the essentials of the two major lifting procedures: Ulthera and minilifting. While the goals of these two procedures are similar, the processes and results are completely different. Let's quickly and accurately determine which option is right for you.

If you want natural-looking firmness, Ulthera

Ultherapy is a leading non-surgical lifting procedure. Without making any incisions, it delivers high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) energy to the deepest layer of the skin, the SMAS layer, to contract loose tissue and stimulate new collagen production. The principle is that elasticity gradually and naturally builds up from within the skin.
Recommended for: Those with early or mild sagging, or those who are concerned about surgery, scars, or a long recovery period.
Pros: The procedure is short, around 1 hour, and there is almost no scarring or recovery time, allowing an immediate return to daily life. The results are very natural.
Cons: The effects appear gradually over 2-3 months, and the results last for about 1 to 1.5 years. If sagging is already severe, the level of satisfaction may be lower.

For a dramatic change, the mini facelift

A mini facelift is a surgical lifting procedure. Through small incisions around the ears, the sagging SMAS layer is directly pulled and secured, and excess skin is removed. It provides a much stronger and more definite effect because it physically resolves the root cause of sagging.

Recommended for: Those with moderate to severe sagging, those who feel non-surgical methods are insufficient, and those who want dramatic and long-lasting results.

Pros: The facial contour is noticeably improved, and the effect lasts for a very long time, typically 5-10 years.

Cons: As it is a surgery, a recovery period of 1-2 weeks is necessary (for swelling and bruising),

What's your choice? Key Summary

Ultimately, the choice depends on very clear criteria.

'No disruption to daily life, YES to naturalness' → Ultherapy

It's a 'well-aging' management method that strengthens the skin's foundation from within to slow down the aging process.

'Recovery period OK, YES to definite results' → Mini Facelift

It's a 'fundamental' solution that rebuilds the loosened structure to turn back time.

It cannot be said that one procedure is unconditionally better than another. The priority is to consider your current skin condition, lifestyle, and what results will be most satisfying for you. And the most important final step is to have a thorough consultation with a trusted specialist to create an optimal plan that is perfect for you.
Please know that PICKLS supports your wise choice! If you have any questions, please contact the PICKLS team!