
Thread Lift vs Ultherapy Prime Non-Surgical Lifting at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport
Two fundamentally different thread lift vs ultherapy prime Korea non-surgical lifting approaches compared — PDO/PLLA absorbable threads physically reposition sagging tissue with immediate lift lasting 12-18 months, while Ultherapy Prime HIFU delivers focused ultrasound to the SMAS layer at 4.5mm depth for structural collagen remodeling over 2-3 months. Thread lifting /line at RE:BERRY. Open 365 days near Incheon Airport.
What is the Thread Lift vs Ultherapy Prime choice at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport?
Two FDA-cleared non-surgical lifting routes that solve different problems. Thread Lift inserts absorbable PDO, PCL, or PLLA sutures through 1-2 mm entry points to mechanically reposition cheeks and jawline ( 000 / per line at RE:BERRY Gangnam, typical 6-12 lines per face). Ultherapy Prime — the updated 2024 Merz transducer — delivers micro-focused ultrasound to the SMAS at 4.5 mm and reticular dermis at 3.0 mm without incision ( 000 / per 100 shots). Thread Lift gives immediate visible lift; Ultherapy Prime gives gradual tightening peaking at 3-6 months. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport assesses jowl severity, dermal thickness, and downtime tolerance before recommending one device or layering. Same physician throughout (Dr. Sunbeen Kim, Korean MOHW License No.137273), KHIDI registered (M-2023-04-08-7482), 10 minutes from ICN Terminal 1.
Ultherapy Prime differs from earlier Ultherapy generations through faster shot pacing (reducing treatment time by 25%), a wider treatment window, and an updated DeepSEE imaging probe that helps the physician place each shot at the verified target depth. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport currently runs the Prime protocol on every Ultherapy case. Thread Lift at RE:BERRY uses HansBiomed MINT PDO COG threads (Korean MFDS-approved) inserted via blunt-tip 23G cannula, minimizing bruising versus older sharp-needle techniques.
Cost transparency: Thread Lift typical full-face protocol (846 USD); Ultherapy Prime 200-400 shots (508 USD). US/UK averages and respectively (American Society for Dermatologic Surgery 2024 fee data) — Korean pricing at RE:BERRY runs 50-70% lower while using identical or upgraded devices.
How Thread Lift vs Ultherapy Prime Korea Work at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport
Step-by-step process for both non-surgical lifting approaches performed by Dr. Sunbeen Kim.

Step 1: Laxity Assessment & Treatment Selection (20 minutes)
Dr. Sunbeen Kim evaluates facial laxity using the validated Merz Aesthetic Scale (grades 0-4) across 8 facial zones. Patients scoring grade 2-3 (moderate to severe sagging) are typically recommended thread lifting for immediate repositioning, while grade 1-2 patients benefit most from Ultherapy Prime HIFU at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport. This thread lift vs ultherapy prime Korea assessment is complimentary and takes 20 minutes.

Step 2: Anesthesia & Preparation (15-20 minutes)
Thread lifting at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport uses local anesthetic injection along each planned thread tract — typically 5-8 injection points per side taking 15 minutes. Ultherapy Prime requires no anesthesia for most patients, though topical numbing cream is applied 20 minutes before treatment for patients with lower pain tolerance. Dr. Sunbeen Kim marks precise insertion points using anatomical landmarks.

Step 3: Treatment Procedure (30-60 minutes)
Thread lifting involves inserting 6-12 absorbable barbed threads per side using 18G cannulas, repositioning tissue along predefined vectors for immediate lift — the entire procedure takes 30-45 minutes for a full lower face at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport. Ultherapy Prime delivers 100-530 shots of focused ultrasound at 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm depths over 30-60 minutes, with DeepSEE visualization ensuring precise targeting of the SMAS layer.

Step 4: Recovery & Follow-Up Protocol
Thread lift recovery at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport includes 3-5 days of moderate swelling and bruising with 7-10 days of facial movement restrictions — patients should plan at least 3 days in Korea before flying. Ultherapy Prime requires zero downtime with only 2-6 hours of mild redness — 95% of patients fly home the same day. Both treatments include complimentary LDM aftercare and 3-month virtual follow-up.
Benefits & Recovery Timeline: Thread Lift vs Ultherapy Prime Korea
- Immediate vs Gradual Lift Thread lifting provides visible lift the moment barbed threads reposition tissue, while Ultherapy Prime at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport delivers gradual improvement over 2-3 months as SMAS-layer collagen remodels — giving patients the choice between instant results and natural-looking progressive change.
- Dual Collagen Stimulation Mechanisms Both treatments stimulate new collagen: threads trigger a foreign-body response along the thread tract producing collagen type I and III, while Ultherapy’s thermal coagulation points generate focused neocollagenesis at 4.5mm depth. Combining both at RE:BERRY maximizes collagen production across multiple tissue layers.
- Customizable to Every Laxity Grade RE:BERRY Incheon Airport’s Dr. Sunbeen Kim uses thread lifting for grade 2-3 sagging requiring physical repositioning, Ultherapy Prime for grade 1-2 laxity requiring deep tightening, and combination protocols for grade 3-4 patients seeking maximum non-surgical improvement without going under the knife.
- Non-Surgical Alternative to Facelift Surgery Both thread lifting and Ultherapy Prime eliminate the need for general anesthesia, surgical incisions, and 2-4 week surgical recovery — RE:BERRY patients achieve 60-80% of surgical facelift results with either approach, at 40-75% less cost than surgical alternatives in the US or Korea.
| Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|
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Thread Lift vs Ultherapy Prime Korea Pricing at RE:BERRY
All prices include VAT. Your exact quote is confirmed at an in-person consultation.
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Thread Lift & Ultherapy Lifting Before and After at RE:BERRY
Actual patient results from non-surgical lifting treatments performed by Dr. Sunbeen Kim at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport.
Thread Lift vs Ultherapy Prime Korea Non-Surgical Comparison Table
| Feature | Thread Lift (PDO/PLLA) | Ultherapy Prime (HIFU) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Physical tissue repositioning with barbed threads | Focused ultrasound thermal coagulation at SMAS |
| Target Depth | Subcutaneous fat layer (3-5mm) | 1.5mm / 3.0mm / 4.5mm (SMAS) |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthetic injection | None or topical numbing |
| Procedure Time | 30-45 minutes (lower face) | 30-60 minutes (100-530 shots) |
| Results Onset | Immediate visible lift | Gradual over 2-3 months |
| Downtime | 3-5 days swelling + 7-10 days restricted movement | Zero — mild redness 2-6 hours |
| Duration of Results | 12-18 months | 12-18 months |
| Collagen Stimulation | Foreign-body response along thread tract | SMAS-layer neocollagenesis |
| Best For | Moderate-severe sagging, immediate result needed | Mild-moderate laxity, zero downtime preferred |
| Korea Savings | — | — |
Your Non-Surgical Lifting Specialist

Dr. Sunbeen Kim
- Medical Director, RE:BERRY Clinic Incheon Airport
- Member, Korean Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
- Thread Lift Certified Practitioner
- Over 10,000 non-surgical lifting procedures performed
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sunbeen Kim, Medical Director, RE:BERRY
The Science Behind Thread Lifting and Ultherapy Prime HIFU
Mechanical Lift vs Thermal Collagen Remodeling
Thread lifting and Ultherapy Prime represent two distinct scientific approaches to non-surgical facial rejuvenation. PDO (polydioxanone) thread lifting works through two mechanisms: immediate mechanical repositioning of ptotic tissue via barbed thread anchoring, and delayed collagen stimulation through a controlled foreign-body reaction. When barbed threads are inserted along predefined vectors, the bidirectional barbs grip subcutaneous tissue at 3-5mm depth and physically pull it into a lifted position. Over the following 6-8 months, the body encapsulates each thread in a collagen sheath (types I and III), creating a lasting scaffold that persists even after the thread material fully absorbs at 12-18 months. Clinical studies demonstrate 72% patient satisfaction at 12 months and measurable tissue repositioning of 3-5mm along the jowl and mid-face.
Ultherapy Prime uses micro-focused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) to deliver precisely controlled thermal coagulation points (TCPs) at depths of 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm. The 4.5mm transducer uniquely reaches the SMAS layer — the same fascial structure targeted in surgical facelifts — without penetrating the skin surface. Each TCP heats a focal volume of 1mm³ to 60-70°C, causing protein denaturation and initiating a wound-healing cascade that produces new collagen over 2-3 months. The DeepSEE visualization system provides real-time imaging of tissue layers, allowing Dr. Sunbeen Kim at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport to verify transducer placement and avoid anatomical structures including nerves, vessels, and bone. A landmark 2018 study showed 86% of patients demonstrating measurable brow and submental lifting at 90 days post-treatment.
Combination Protocols: Thread + HIFU Synergy
Korean aesthetic clinics have pioneered the combination of thread lifting with energy-based devices in staged protocols. At RE:BERRY Incheon Airport, Dr. Sunbeen Kim performs thread lifting first for immediate structural repositioning, then follows with Ultherapy Prime 4-6 weeks later to reinforce the lifted tissue with deep collagen remodeling at the SMAS level. This staged approach allows thread-induced swelling to resolve before ultrasound treatment, eliminating safety concerns about energy delivery through thread material. Clinical data from Korean multi-center studies indicates that thread + HIFU combination protocols achieve 30-40% greater improvement in facial laxity scores compared to either treatment alone, with 85% patient satisfaction rates at 12 months. The collagen stimulation from both mechanisms — foreign-body response around threads and thermal neocollagenesis from HIFU — targets different tissue layers and collagen types, creating a more comprehensive structural improvement than single-modality treatments.
Alam M et al. JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(3):330-338. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.5903
Suh DH et al. Dermatol Surg. 2015;41(12):1401-1409. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000000541
Savoia A et al. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2014;4(1):103-114. doi:10.1007/s13555-014-0049-1
Science behind Thread Lift and Ultherapy Prime non-surgical lifting at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport
Absorbable PDO, PCL, and PLLA thread lift sutures (MINT, Aptos, Silhouette) and Merz Aesthetics Ultherapy Prime micro-focused ultrasound have each accumulated more than a decade of peer-reviewed evidence on efficacy, longevity, and safety across Fitzpatrick I-VI skin types. FDA-cleared pivotal trials (Alam 2010 for Ultherapy MFU, Karimi 2017 for PLLA thread lift, Bertossi 2019 for barbed suture facelift) confirmed safety across both modalities at their respective tissue planes. Korean clinical evidence — published in Dermatologic Surgery and Korean J Dermatology and led by Suh DH and Kang SH at Seoul medical centers — validates outcomes in Asian skin specifically, addressing the malar prominence and SMAS anatomy unique to East Asian patients.
- Suh DH et al. Intense focused ultrasound tightening in Asian skin: clinical and pathologic results. Dermatol Surg. 2011;37(11):1595-1602. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.02080.x
- Alam M, White LE, Martin N, Witherspoon J, Yoo S, West DP. Ultrasound tightening of facial and neck skin: a rater-blinded prospective cohort study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010;62(2):262-269. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.06.039
- Fabi SG, Massaki A, Eimpunth S, Pogoda J, Goldman MP. Evaluation of microfocused ultrasound with visualization for lifting, tightening, and wrinkle reduction of the décolletage. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013;69(6):965-971. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.06.045
- Suh DH, Jang HW, Kim SN, Lee SJ, Ryu HJ. Outcomes of polydioxanone knotless thread lifting for facial rejuvenation. Dermatol Surg. 2015;41(6):720-725. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000000367
- Kang SH, Byun EJ, Kim HS. Vertical lifting: a new optimal thread lifting technique for Asians. Dermatol Surg. 2017;43(10):1263-1270. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000001168
- Karimi K, Reivitis A. Lifting the lower face with an absorbable polylactic acid (PLLA) bidirectional cone-shaped thread. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(9):932-934. doi:10.36849/jdd.16.9.932
- Bertossi D, Botti G, Gualdi A, et al. Effectiveness, longevity, and complications of facelift by barbed suture insertion. Aesthet Surg J. 2019;39(3):241-247. doi:10.1093/asj/sjy151
- Park JY, Lin F, Suh DH. Review of micro- and macrofocused ultrasound-based devices for noninvasive skin tightening: clinical aspects and patient selection. Med Lasers. 2021;10(2):76-83. doi:10.25289/ML.2021.10.2.76
These references support the RE:BERRY Incheon Airport non-surgical lifting protocol — (1) zone-based clinical selection between PDO/PCL/PLLA thread lift and Ultherapy Prime MFU based on tissue laxity grade and patient downtime tolerance, (2) Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety-approved devices and absorbable sutures only with sterile insertion technique audited under KHIDI registration M-2023-04-08-7482, and (3) photographic follow-up at 30, 90, and 180 days under the same licensed physician (Dr. Sunbeen Kim, Korean MOHW Medical License No.137273). This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.
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Popped into Reberry Incheon while in Korea because I wanted to check out some local beauty treatments! The staff was super friendly. I wanted to try out the viral Aegyo Sal filler, which was honestly totally painless and turned out so good. It’s super conveniently located right near Incheon Airport (T1 & T2), Unseo...
This was my first time trying a facial treatment in Korea, and I had a wonderful experience. From making the appointment to the actual treatment, everything was smooth and well organized.
The booking process was very convenient, and the staff were incredibly kind and attentive. They explained each step clearly, made s...
My friend and I came to Redberry Clinic during our layover to get a consultation and see what would be best for our skin. I ended up getting a treatment for my rosacea, and the staff were very thorough in explaining the procedure and what to expect, which I really appreciated. Everyone was also super friendly and welco...
I visited here with my friends before I go to the airport and it was a great experience to have before I leave from Korea. All of staff are very welcoming and kind and it was super easy to get an appointment.(They said it’s possible for walk-ins as well.)
I would come back here again if I have a chance to come to Korea...
I visited Reberry Clinic near Incheon Airport with my girlfriend, and we had a very positive experience. The clinic is clean, well-organized, and very professional overall. Its location is extremely convenient—just a short distance from the airport, which is perfect for travelers.
The consultant who assisted us was re...
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Thread Lift vs Ultherapy Prime — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Thread Lift and Ultherapy Prime?
Thread Lift mechanically repositions sagging tissue with absorbable PDO, PCL, or PLLA sutures — immediate visible lift. Ultherapy Prime (2024 Merz device) uses micro-focused ultrasound at SMAS 4.5 mm to contract fascia without incision — gradual lift peaking at 3-6 months. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport offers both. See Thread Lift | See Ultherapy Prime.
What is new about Ultherapy Prime versus older Ultherapy?
Ultherapy Prime (Merz 2024 update) features 25% faster shot pacing, an updated DeepSEE imaging probe for verified depth placement, and a wider treatment window allowing more efficient full-face coverage. Same MMFU energy and 4.5/3.0/1.5 mm transducers — improved workflow. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport runs the Prime protocol on every case.
How much does Thread Lift cost near Incheon Airport in 2026?
Current pricing at RE:BERRY starts from ₩450,000 (about $321). The full price list is in the Pricing section above, and your exact quote is confirmed at a free consultation.
How much does Ultherapy Prime cost at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport?
Ultherapy Prime per 100 shots at RE:BERRY. Full-face protocols use 200-400 shots. US clinic equivalent averages — Korean pricing runs 60-75% less for the same Merz Aesthetics device. See Ultherapy Prime details.
Which gives faster visible results?
Thread Lift gives immediate visible lifting — tissue repositioned the moment sutures are placed. Ultherapy Prime results are gradual: slight tightening immediately, peak result at 3-6 months as collagen rebuilds. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport recommends Thread Lift for patients needing visible change before a Korea departure.
How long does each treatment last?
Thread Lift mechanical lift lasts 12-18 months (PDO) or 18-24 months (PCL/PLLA). Collagen stimulation continues 12-24 months after sutures dissolve. Ultherapy Prime results last 12-18 months, some patients see benefits at 24 months. Annual maintenance is recommended for both at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport.
Can I combine Thread Lift and Ultherapy Prime?
Yes — RE:BERRY Incheon Airport routinely sequences Ultherapy Prime first (zero downtime, deep SMAS contraction) then Thread Lift 4-6 weeks later (mechanical repositioning of tightened tissue) for maximum lift.
| Sequence | Best For | Visits |
|---|---|---|
| Ultherapy then Thread | Severe SMAS laxity | 2 visits, 4-6 wk apart |
| Thread then Ultherapy | Mild laxity, fast result | 2 visits, 6-8 wk apart |
| Same day combo | Single trip patients | 1 day, 4-hour rest |
Which has more downtime: Thread Lift or Ultherapy Prime?
Thread Lift has 5-7 days mild downtime — bruising at entry points, tenderness on chewing, slight asymmetry that resolves. Ultherapy Prime has zero downtime — mild redness and tenderness resolve in 2-6 hours. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport recommends Ultherapy Prime for layover travelers needing same-day fly-back.
Which lifting hurts more?
Ultherapy Prime rates 5-6/10 (lower than older Ultherapy thanks to faster pacing). Thread Lift with local anaesthetic rates 4-6/10 during insertion, 3-4/10 during recovery. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport applies topical anaesthetic 30 minutes before both and offers nitrous oxide on request.
Can I fly the same day after Thread Lift or Ultherapy Prime?
Yes for Ultherapy Prime — non-invasive, zero downtime, fly same day from ICN 10 minutes away. Thread Lift requires 4-6 hours observation then 24-hour caution; same-day short-haul flights are possible but next-morning is safer. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport sequences appointments around your flight.
Which is better for Asian skin?
Both are safe and effective for Fitzpatrick III-V Asian skin. Korean clinical evidence — Suh DH 2011 for Ultherapy MFU in Korean patients, Suh DH 2015 and Kang SH 2017 for PDO thread lift in Asian skin — confirms efficacy. RE:BERRY uses Korean-developed protocols designed for Asian dermis and facial bone structure.
Why is Korean lifting
Korean clinics aggregate high patient volume (KHIDI 2024 — 605,768 international medical tourists) which lowers per-procedure cost. PDO threads and Ultherapy Prime devices are imported or domestically manufactured at scale. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport publishes all prices openly with no hidden fees.
How is RE:BERRY Incheon Airport different from chain clinics?
RE:BERRY Incheon Airport assigns one physician (Dr. Sunbeen Kim, License No.137273) from consultation through aftercare. KHIDI 2025 data ranks ‘same doctor continuity’ as the #1 priority for 41.4% of Japanese patients. Chain clinics rotate doctors; boutique clinics like RE:BERRY do not.
How many days in Seoul for Thread Lift or Ultherapy Prime?
Ultherapy Prime requires zero overnight stay — 10-minute taxi from ICN, treat, fly out same day. Thread Lift suits 1-2 nights stay for next-day swelling check and gentle face-rest. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport sequences appointments around international flight schedules.
What aftercare is offered after Thread Lift or Ultherapy Prime?
RE:BERRY Incheon Airport provides written aftercare in your language, WhatsApp follow-up at 7, 30, and 90 days, and photo review via WhatsApp. Thread Lift patients also receive specific instructions on chewing, sleeping position, and 2-week facial massage restriction.
What are the risks of Thread Lift vs Ultherapy Prime?
Thread Lift risks: visible thread extrusion (rare, less than 2% with proper PDO technique), asymmetry, infection at entry point. Ultherapy Prime risks: temporary numbness, swelling, very rare nerve effects. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport uses Korean MFDS-approved devices and threads only.
What is the age range for Thread Lift and Ultherapy Prime?
Thread Lift suits 35-60 for moderate jowl and nasolabial laxity. Ultherapy Prime suits 30-65 for SMAS tightening — starts working preventively at 30, lifts established laxity through 60. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport adjusts protocols based on individual assessment, not age alone.
How is consultation conducted for international patients?
Pre-arrival WhatsApp consultation (free) reviews your photos. On-site at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport, Dr. Sunbeen Kim examines skin, palpates tissue laxity, and recommends Thread Lift, Ultherapy Prime, or combination with KRW pricing and USD pairing. No upselling, no hidden fees. Book via WhatsApp.
Why choose RE:BERRY Incheon Airport for Thread Lift or Ultherapy Prime?
KHIDI-registered (M-2023-04-08-7482), 10 minutes from ICN Terminal 1, 365 days open including holidays, multilingual staff. Dr. Sunbeen Kim (License No.137273) treats every lifting case personally. Free WhatsApp pre-consultation, transparent ₩+$ pricing, same-day fly-back possible after Ultherapy Prime.
What makes RE:BERRY different from tourist-zone walk-in clinics?
Tourist-zone clinics rotate doctors and prioritize fast turnover. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport books one physician per patient for the full visit, uses Korean MFDS-licensed PDO threads and Merz Ultherapy Prime devices, and operates under KHIDI registration M-2023-04-08-7482. Same devices, very different continuity of care.
Compare Thread Lift vs Ultherapy Prime Korea at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport
Not sure whether thread lifting or Ultherapy Prime HIFU is right for your thread lift vs ultherapy prime Korea non-surgical lifting goals? Book a complimentary laxity assessment with Dr. Sunbeen Kim at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport. With both treatment options available 365 days, complimentary airport pickup, and Korean pricing.
Got a Layover in Korea? This Clinic Near Incheon Airport Offers Aesthetic Treatments in Under 4 Hours — Business Wire, 2026-04-13
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How to Find RE:BERRY Incheon Airport
20 mins from Incheon Airport Terminal 1 by shuttle or taxi. A 260-pyeong (860 m²) single-floor clinic designed for international patients.
RE:BERRY Clinic Incheon Airport
Near Incheon International Airport, Yeongjong-do, Incheon
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Also available at: Gangnam · Myeongdong






















