Ultherapy, Thermage, Softwave & ONDA Aftercare · Cheongdam & Apgujeong, Seoul

Why aftercare is similar — and where it differs

Energy-based lifting devices deliver controlled heat to specific depths beneath the skin. The tissue responds by tightening and producing new collagen over the following weeks and months. Because the skin surface is not broken in the way it is with ablative lasers, recovery is usually quick.

The devices differ in the type of energy and the depth they target. At Doje, Dr. Byun Jeik chooses between them — or occasionally combines them — according to the depth of laxity, the degree of sagging, the amount of fat and skin elasticity. Doje explicitly avoids applying every device as a package.

Timeline: what is typical

1. Same day: redness and warmth that usually fade within hours; some swelling or tenderness, more noticeable with deeper treatments.
2. Days 1–7: tenderness on pressing or chewing (after lower-face Ultherapy), slight puffiness, occasional small bruises or tingling. Most people carry on with work and social life.
3. Weeks 2–4: early tightening may be noticed; any numb or tender patches gradually resolve.
4. Months 2–3 and beyond: collagen remodelling continues, so improvement tends to build gradually. Results vary between individuals.

Aftercare checklist

• Cool and calm: a cool (not icy) compress can ease warmth in the first hours.
• Hydrate and moisturise: use gentle, fragrance-free products for a few days.
• Sun protection: broad-spectrum SPF daily and shade outdoors.
• Avoid heat: saunas, steam rooms, hot baths and hot yoga for the period advised.
• Exercise: light activity is usually fine; leave intense workouts for a day or two.
• Skip harsh actives: pause retinoids, exfoliating acids and scrubs briefly if the skin feels sensitive.
• Alcohol: limit it for the first day or two to reduce swelling.
• After body ONDA: stay hydrated and keep up gentle movement; wear comfortable clothing over treated areas.

When to contact the clinic

• Blistering, a burn-like mark or broken skin.
• Pain that increases rather than eases.
• Numbness, weakness or altered movement that does not improve over the following weeks.
• Lumps or firmness in a treated body area that persist or become painful.

Combining with other treatments

Energy devices are often combined with threads, filler or skin boosters in a staged plan, such as within the Mid-Face or Jawline programmes. The order and spacing are decided individually — see combining treatments on the same day.

Cost

Fees are quoted after the 1:1 consultation according to the device and plan chosen. Korean non-covered (비급여) aesthetic fees are set per plan.

Frequently asked questions

Is there downtime after Ultherapy or Thermage?

Usually minimal. Most people return to daily life the same day, with mild redness, swelling or tenderness that settles.

Why is my jaw tender after Ultherapy?

Deeper focused ultrasound can leave tenderness along the jaw or under the chin for days to a few weeks; it usually resolves on its own.

When will I see results from energy-based lifting?

Improvement tends to build gradually over weeks to months as collagen remodels; results vary between individuals.

Can I exercise after Thermage, Softwave or ONDA?

Light activity is usually fine; avoid intense workouts and heat for a day or two, or as advised.

Does Doje use all devices together?

No. Devices are chosen by depth, sagging, fat and elasticity, and combined only when needed.

Related at Doje Clinic

• Ultherapy Prime
• Thermage FLX
• Softwave
• ONDA lifting
• Energy device depths
• Ultherapy vs Thermage
• Collagen stimulation explained

Medical information on this page is general education, not a diagnosis. Suitability, risks and the final plan are confirmed in a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Byun Jeik. Last updated 17 October 2026.