Thinking about skin lifting?
If you’ve been looking into non-surgical ways to firm things up, you’ve almost certainly come across Ultherapy. It’s been a bit of a staple in Singapore for years. But recently, the technology has moved on with the arrival of Ultherapy Prime.
It’s not just a minor tweak; it’s a fairly significant jump in how we can actually see and treat the layers of the skin. If you are wondering about its suitability for you or why there is so much buzz around Prime lately, the following context will help you decide.
What is Ultherapy Prime and what is it for?
This treatment is a way to tighten sagging skin without surgery. It does not involve fillers or toxins that freeze muscles. Instead, it uses ultrasound energy to heat the deep layers of your skin.
It targets the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer, which is the same tissue doctors tighten during a facelift surgery. This heat makes your body produce new collagen and elastin. These proteins create a support structure that firms your skin from the inside.
Ultherapy Prime is particularly useful for:
✅ Lifting sagging jowls or a softening jawline.
✅ Raising heavy or hooded brows to open up the eyes.
✅ Tightening the skin under the chin and along the neck (the turkey neck concern).
✅ Softening smile lines (nasolabial folds).
✅ Smoothing fine lines on the chest (décolletage).
The Benefits of Ultherapy Prime
While ultrasound skin tightening has been an established option for years, the Ultherapy Prime system introduces technical refinements designed for greater accuracy and patient suitability. This updated technology focuses on the following:
| Benefit | How it Works | Why it Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Non-Surgical Lift |
Targets the same deep tissue layers as a surgical facelift using ultrasound energy. |
No needles, no cutting, and zero scarring. |
|
Natural Collagen Stimulation |
Triggers neocollagenesis (the body’s natural collagen-building process). |
Results in a firming effect that looks natural, not filled. |
|
Real-time Ultrasound Imaging |
Provides high-definition visualisation of skin layers during the session. |
Ensures precision and safety by avoiding bone or blood vessels. |
|
Gradual Result |
Lifts and tightens over several months as new collagen grows. |
Sustained results for a year or more with no sudden “work done” look. |
|
Tailored to You |
Adjusts energy depth based on skin thickness (e.g., eyes vs. jawline). |
A tailored approach for different facial zones and skin types. |
How Ultherapy Prime Differs from Ultherapy?
The Ultherapy Prime uses advanced micro-focused ultrasound with visualisation (MFU-V) to reach the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer. However, the hardware has been given a proper overhaul.
More Precise
The new system features a screen that’s about 35% larger than the older models. For a practitioner, this is quite a big deal. It allows for a much clearer, real-time view of the tissue, which means we can be far more precise about where the energy is being delivered.
Faster
Sessions are now roughly 20% to 30% faster. A full-face treatment might take closer to 45 or 60 minutes now, which is helpful if you’re trying to squeeze a session into a busy afternoon.
Less Painful
While pain-free is a bit of an exaggeration for any effective ultrasound treatment, the Prime system appears to be more comfortable for most. The energy delivery is more targeted, which may suggest a smoother experience than the legacy machines.
Comparison: Ultherapy Prime vs. Ultherapy
| Feature | Ultherapy | Ultherapy Prime |
|---|---|---|
|
Technology |
Micro-focused Ultrasound (MFU-V) |
Advanced MFU-V (Next Generation) |
|
Treatment Duration |
Approximately 60–90 minutes |
45–60 minutes (Up to 30% faster) |
|
Visualisation Depth |
Standard real-time imaging (up to 4.5mm) |
Vivid imaging (up to 8mm deep) |
|
Ultrasound Imaging |
Standard medical monitor |
35% Larger, 19-inch high-def screen |
|
Patient Experience |
May involve significant heat |
Refined delivery for improved comfort |
|
Target Areas |
Full face, neck, and brow |
Enhanced precision for delicate eye areas |
|
Clinical Precision |
Manual tissue assessment |
Real-time automated accuracy |
Note: Ultherapy Prime is only available at certified medical clinics.
Why Choose Dr Shane for Ultherapy Prime
It’s easy to think the machine does all the work, but that’s not quite how it goes. Since Ultherapy Prime relies heavily on the doctor’s ability to interpret live ultrasound images, the skill of the person holding the transducer is everything.
Dr Shane is a key opinion leader for MERZ, teaching the safe and artful use of its broad repertoire of modalities. When you’re dealing with something as delicate as facial anatomy, having someone who knows the maps inside out is probably a good place to start.
Dr Shane tends to take a rather measured approach, looking at how the face moves naturally rather than just following a standard protocol.
Never worry about authenticity of cartridges with Dr Shane
We occasionally hear concerns about the safety of ultrasound treatments, particularly regarding the use of cartridges. This is a technical issue that many patients aren’t aware of, but some clinics have been known to utilise recycled or counterfeit cartridges to reduce their expenses.
At Dr Shane’s practice, there’s a very strict policy here: every cartridge used is brand new and authentic. This isn’t just about being proper; it’s about ensuring the energy is delivered exactly as the manufacturer intended. If a cartridge is compromised, the results can be unpredictable, and that’s a risk we simply don’t take.
Managing expectations of Ultherapy Prime (The Natural Lift)
It’s worth noting that Ultherapy Prime isn’t an overnight fix. Because it works by stimulating your own body to produce collagen, the results tend to appear gradually.
- 2 to 3 months: This is typically when you’ll start to notice a bit of a lift or a firmer feel.
- Longevity: Depending on how your skin naturally ages, you might find the effects last anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
It’s a subtle change. You won’t look like a different person, but you might look like a slightly more rested version of yourself.
How much does Ultherapy Prime cost in Singapore?
In Singapore, a half-face treatment of Ultherapy Prime starts at $1,500. The final price depends on the clinic and the number of energy shots used.
Dr Shane has decided not to increase the price for the Ultherapy Prime upgrade. Even though the technology is newer and more advanced, the investment for the patient remains the same as the previous generation treatment.
Is Ultherapy Prime right for you?
Everyone’s skin laxity is different. What works for a friend might not be the most sensible route for you. Perhaps you’re a better candidate for a different approach, or maybe Ultherapy Prime is exactly what’s needed.
The best way to figure that out isn’t by reading more articles, but by having a proper look at your skin with a specialist. Dr Shane is quite keen on providing clear options rather than a one-size-fits-all sales pitch.
Why Trust Dr Shane?
Dr Shane Tan is a highly qualified aesthetic doctor who graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor’s in Medicine and Surgery and later earned his postgraduate surgical membership at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
As the President of the Society of Aesthetic Medicine, Singapore, he plays a key role in advancing aesthetic medical standards in the country.
With more than a decade of experience in aesthetic practice since 2015, Dr Shane has presented at international conferences and published research in plastic and reconstructive surgery, basic science, and medical education.
His philosophy is rooted in patient education and involvement, helping you make informed decisions about your treatment in a way that is both transparent and tailored to your unique needs.