[Segyebiz = Reporter Park Hye-seon] As interest in anti-aging continues to grow steadily, the range of anti-aging procedures that remove wrinkles or restore lost volume is also expanding. The methods available for anti-aging are far more diverse than expected, and the range of options is quite broad. This is because they span a wide spectrum — from relatively accessible injection treatments such as Botox and fillers, to various laser procedures with different functions, and all the way to thread lifting or facial contouring surgery, which can lift sagging muscle layers that have lost their elasticity.

Recently, medical staff note that combination treatments — which pair procedures such as Ulthera lifting, Thermage FLX, InMode, and Sculptra to compensate for each procedure's limitations while maximizing their respective strengths — are also attracting increasing attention.

However, medical staff caution that anti-aging procedures must be carried out only after accurately identifying the underlying causes and each individual's current skin condition, and after predicting how the patient's appearance may change afterward — making hasty decisions potentially dangerous.

Among combination anti-aging treatments, the Ulthermage combined procedure — in which Ulthera and Thermage are performed together — shares the commonality of being a lifting treatment, yet differences exist in the effects and areas to which each is applied. Ulthera lifting uses ultrasound to directly stimulate the SMAS layer, making it highly effective at lifting and tightening sagging skin, while Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to generate heat, stimulating stem cells to promote collagen production and making it highly effective at restoring skin elasticity.

When performing combined Ulthera treatments, there are many factors to consider — including each individual's current skin condition, degree of aging, and direction of wrinkles. Energy levels must be adjusted with precision and the handpiece pressure must be customized accordingly in order to prevent side effects such as burning sensations, heat, pain, swelling, blistering, or erythema. As a result, the experience and refined skill of the medical staff performing the procedure have a very significant impact on the outcome.

Furthermore, in cases of severe volume loss in the cheeks or deep nasolabial folds, combining treatments such as Sculptra, fillers, or Juvelook to restore appropriate volume can yield even more effective results.

Dr. Ryu Hyo-seop, Director of Well Dermatology Apgujeong Main Branch, stated: "Even though anti-aging combination treatments are offered at countless clinics, patients should not be swayed by discounted prices or promotional events. Above all else, for safety, it is crucial to consult and receive a diagnosis from a board-certified dermatologist who has extensive anatomical knowledge and broad clinical experience — one who can accurately identify the differences in effects and treatment areas and apply them in a personalized manner."

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