Subtle face lifting without surgery: How Ultherapy Prime works

The first step in any aesthetic journey is rarely a decision; it is a conversation. One that begins with observation, curiosity and questions. 

Most patients who step into The Elan Clinic are not seeking reinvention, but clarity around subtle shifts in their face they are beginning to notice, says its medical director Dr Summer Zhang. This could be anything from a slight heaviness around the lower face to a jawline that looks less sculpted.

One of the technologies she introduces during these conversations is Ultherapy Prime, the next-generation evolution of the Ultherapy platform.

Ultherapy Prime is a non-invasive ultrasound treatment used to support skin lifting and firmness by stimulating collagen at specific depths beneath the skin. A key aspect of the treatment is that it allows doctors to visualise the layers being treated, rather than working solely by estimation.

“It allows us to use real-time ultrasound imaging to see the skin layers we’re treating and design specific lifting vectors before delivering energy,” Dr Zhang explains.

Ultherapy Prime gives doctors more flexibility to tailor each treatment to your unique skin structure, working at multiple depths for more targeted results. Real-time imaging guides every step, and updated technology makes the process smoother and more comfortable throughout.

The intention, Dr Zhang adds, is always restraint and proportion – “while still maintaining a natural, not overtreated, look”.

For her, the decision to bring this technology into her clinic was driven less by novelty, and more by evidence and visibility.

What stood out was that it is a well‑studied micro‑focused ultrasound system, supported by published clinical research, and equipped with real‑time ultrasound visualisation that shows the tissue layers being treated.

A treatment for all skin types

One misconception Dr Zhang often encounters is that Ultherapy Prime is only suitable for older patients with very saggy skin.

“In reality, surgery may better suit those with severe laxity. The Ultherapy Prime treatment can be suitable across different age groups, depending on goals and skin condition,” she says.

Suitable candidates are those with “mild to moderate skin laxity – for example, a softer jawline, slight heaviness around the lower face, or a mild drop in the brows or cheeks”. This tends to depend less on age than on what the skin itself is doing.

Among younger patients, the focus is usually structural support rather than visible correction. “It’s often used to support collagen levels and deeper skin structures earlier on, before more visible laxity develops,” explains Dr Zhang.

“This kind of early intervention can help maintain the facial definition they already have – preserving a lifted, natural-looking contour before more visible changes occur.”

It is also a practical consideration for those with demanding schedules. Unlike surgical options, Ultherapy Prime requires no downtime, meaning patients can return to work, exercise or daily commitments immediately after treatment – making it well-suited to the pace of life many younger women in Singapore are navigating.

For more mature patients, the aim shifts toward gentle lifting of areas such as the jawline, cheeks or brows, without surgery. 

She also notes that outcomes are not determined by the device alone. “Results also depend on who’s performing the treatment and how they approach the treatment customisation that includes device settings, targeting collagen rich layers and pattern of energy delivery,” she adds.

Inside a session: How does Ultherapy Prime work?

When it comes to planning the treatment, it starts with a consultation, where Dr Zhang takes time to understand what the patient is noticing, what bothers them most, and what kind of change they are realistically hoping to see.

Skin quality, facial structure and the degree of laxity are then assessed, followed by ultrasound mapping of the face and neck. This allows her to choose the right handpieces, depths and treatment vectors, then “adjust the number of lines delivered to different areas for a more tailored lift”.

A strong topical numbing cream is used before the treatment and oral pain relief is prescribed post-treatment if the patient needs it. According to Dr Zhang, cold air is also used during treatment to make the experience more comfortable.

Follow‑ups are scheduled to review progress and refine the treatment plan in line with the patient’s desired outcomes.

Whether Ultherapy Prime is used alone or combined with other treatments depends on the individual. Some patients see their desired results on its own, while others may need to pair it with lasers, RF microneedling or injectables.

“The treatments are arranged according to the sequence necessary rather than stacked for the sake of it,” says Dr Zhang. 

“Results vary between individuals,” she further notes, adding that improvements tend to appear gradually rather than all at once, often becoming noticeable over time rather than dramatic shifts.

“Patients will see the change for several months to over a year, depending on factors such as genetics, lifestyle and sun exposure.

“The goal isn’t instant transformation – it’s supporting the skin’s own repair process in a way that looks and feels natural over time.”

Visit The Elan Clinic for more information on Ultherapy Prime.