Summary
- Ultherapy Prime uses micro-focused ultrasound with real-time imaging to reach the SMAS — the same structural layer addressed in a surgical facelift — without cuts or needles.
- At Healthsprings, treatment is delivered at two depths, 4.5mm (SMAS) and 3.0mm (deep dermis), mapped and confirmed under live ultrasound imaging before any energy is delivered.
- Results are not immediate: new collagen forms gradually, with visible lifting and firming developing over 2–6 months, and minimal downtime required after treatment.
- A single 800-line session at Healthsprings is priced at $3,500 (before GST), performed under the direct care of Dr Soh Lea Sar, who has practised aesthetic medicine since 2000.
Ultherapy Prime isn't a one-setting-fits-all treatment — the imaging is what lets me confirm I'm treating the right layer for that patient's skin, before any energy goes in.
1. What Is Ultherapy Prime?
Ultherapy Prime is an FDA-cleared treatment that uses micro-focused ultrasound with real-time imaging (MFU-V) to deliver heat energy beneath the skin’s surface. This triggers the body’s natural collagen-production process, gradually firming and lifting treated areas over the following months.
It’s commonly used on the:
- Brow
- Cheeks and jawline
- Under-chin area
- Neck
- Décolletage
Unlike lasers or radiofrequency devices that mainly act on the skin’s surface, Ultherapy Prime bypasses the surface entirely and delivers energy into deeper tissue — including the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), the same supportive layer a surgeon tightens during a facelift. This is what allows it to address sagging at its structural source rather than just the surface.
It does not replace surgery, and it is not designed to produce a surgical-level lift. It’s positioned for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who want a gradual, non-surgical improvement.
2. How Ultherapy Prime Works
Ultherapy Prime uses real-time ultrasound imaging to see the layers of tissue beneath the skin before energy is delivered — so the doctor can confirm exactly which layer is being targeted, rather than treating blind.
At Healthsprings, treatment is delivered at two depths:
| Depth | Layer | What it targets |
|---|---|---|
| 4.5mm | SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) | The structural layer responsible for jawline and lower-face lifting — the same layer addressed in a surgical facelift |
| 3.0mm | Deep dermis | Contouring and refinement of facial shape |
What a session involves:
- Assessment and mapping — the doctor examines the treatment area and uses ultrasound imaging to identify the target tissue layers before any energy is delivered.
- Energy delivery — ultrasound energy is applied along the mapped lines at the 4.5mm and 3.0mm depths. Patients may feel brief warmth or tingling as the energy reaches the target layer.
- Recovery — most patients return to normal activities immediately after. A full-face session typically takes 60-90 minutes.
The lifting effect isn’t immediate. Energy delivered at these depths creates controlled heating that triggers a wound-healing response — new collagen is laid down gradually over the following months as the body repairs and remodels the treated tissue.
3. Am I Suitable for Ultherapy Prime?
Suitability depends on the degree of skin laxity, skin condition, and individual goals — this is assessed by the doctor at consultation, not by a checklist alone. As a general guide:
You may be a candidate if you have:
- Mild to moderate sagging of the brow, jawline, or neck
- Early loss of jawline definition
- Skin that has started to feel less firm, without significant looseness
- Realistic expectations of a gradual, non-surgical improvement — not a surgical-level result
Ultherapy Prime is generally not suitable, or requires further assessment, if you:
- Have significant, advanced skin laxity that would typically require surgical correction
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have active skin infections, open wounds, or severe active acne in the treatment area
- Have a pacemaker or certain implanted electronic devices
- Have metal implants in the treatment area
- Are prone to keloid scarring (assessed case-by-case)
This list is general guidance, not a substitute for consultation. Your doctor will assess your skin condition, medical history, and goals in person before confirming suitability and mapping a treatment plan.
4. Results and Risks
What to expect, timeline-wise:
| Timeframe | What may occur |
|---|---|
| Immediately after | Mild redness or warmth in the treated area, usually settling within hours |
| First few days | Some patients experience mild swelling or tenderness; this typically resolves within a few days |
| 2–3 months | Gradual firming as new collagen forms |
| Up to 6 months | Continued, gradual improvement as collagen remodelling completes |
Results develop gradually and vary between individuals — they depend on factors including skin condition, age, and lifestyle. Ultherapy Prime does not produce an immediate dramatic change; it’s a collagen-stimulating process that unfolds over months.
Possible side effects:
- Temporary redness, swelling, or tenderness
- Temporary tingling or numbness in the treated area
- Bruising or small welts (uncommon)
- Rare: temporary weakness of nearby facial muscles, which typically self-resolves
As with any energy-based treatment, individual response varies, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Your doctor will go through your personal risk profile during consultation.
5. Cost and Payment
Ultherapy Prime pricing depends on the treatment area(s) covered (e.g. brow only, full face, face plus neck) and the number of ultrasound lines delivered, which is customised to each patient’s anatomy and goals.
At Healthsprings: An 800-line Ultherapy Prime session is priced at $3,500 (before GST).
A note on Medisave/insurance: Ultherapy Prime is an elective aesthetic procedure and is generally not covered by Medisave or standard health insurance, which typically apply to medically necessary treatments. Patients should confirm their own coverage directly with their insurer if uncertain.
The exact quote for your treatment will depend on your consultation and treatment plan — this is confirmed with the doctor before booking, not estimated online.
6. Medical Aesthetic Doctor
Ultherapy Prime at Healthsprings is performed by Dr Soh Lea Sar, Founder & Director of Healthsprings Laser & Aesthetic Clinic — MBBS (NUS), Grad Dip Dermatology (Family Practice) (NUS), Grad Dip Geriatric Medicine (NUS).
Dr Soh has practised aesthetic medicine since 2000 and has more than 25 years of clinical experience across medical and aesthetic practice. Her clinical focus centres on non-surgical skin lifting, anti-ageing, skin tightening, and pigmentation. For facial lifting and tightening, she performs Ultherapy Prime, Thermage, and Ultraformer treatments; for pigmentation and skin concerns, she uses laser platforms including Sciton Forever Young BBL, Revlite, Pro Yellow Laser, and Fotona 4D.
Why the treating doctor matters more than the machine: Ultherapy Prime relies on the doctor’s ability to read real-time ultrasound imaging accurately and judge the correct depth, energy setting, and line placement for each patient’s anatomy. The device delivers the energy — but where and how it’s delivered is a clinical judgement, which is why it should always be performed by a trained doctor rather than a technician
Ready to Find Out If Ultherapy Prime Is Right for You?
Suitability, treatment area, and pricing are confirmed at an in-person consultation with Dr Soh — not estimated online. Book a consultation to have your skin assessed and discuss a treatment plan suited to your goals.
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FAQs On Ultherapy PRIME
Official Ultherapy Prime providers are issued an authenticity certificate for their clinic. Healthsprings holds this certification — if you have any doubts, you’re welcome to check directly with the clinic before your treatment.
the neck and décolletage are common treatment areas, in addition to the brow, cheeks, and jawline.
“HIFU” is a broad category of ultrasound-based skin-tightening devices. Ultherapy Prime is a specific FDA-cleared system that combines micro-focused ultrasound with real-time imaging, allowing the doctor to visualise tissue layers before and during treatment — not all HIFU devices offer this imaging capability.
Some patients notice an immediate “glow” or slight tightening, but the real results appear after 2 to 3 months as new collagen is produced. Improvements can continue for up to 6 months.
The results from Ultherapy® PRIME can last up to a year or more, depending on individual skin condition and lifestyle factors.
Most patients only require one session per year to maintain their results. Your doctor will advise if a touch-up is needed based on your skin laxity.
Yes, Ultherapy® PRIME can be strategically combined with other aesthetic procedures to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. At Healthsprings, our lady doctors often recommend a multi-layered approach to address different aspects of skin concerns simultaneously.
During your clinical assessment, our experienced lady doctors will determine the safest and most effective sequence of treatments based on your skin health and aesthetic goals.
Before the procedure, your doctor will assess your skin and numbing cream will be applied prior treatment.
During treatment, you may feel a warm or tingling sensation as ultrasound energy is delivered.
most patients return to daily activities right after. Mild redness or swelling may occur and usually resolves within a few days. Results develop gradually over the next 2–3 months.
Avoid harsh exfoliants, active skincare products (like acids or retinoids), and prolonged sun exposure for a few days before the procedure.Your doctor will advise if any additional preparation is needed.