How Long Do Swelling and Bruising Last After Ultherapy? Gangnam Clinic Methods and Aftercare Compared

Key Summary

Swelling after Ultherapy ranges from 2-3 days to 2 weeks according to the clinic information, and washing and makeup is divided into the period from immediately after the procedure to the second day. Each clinic differs in how they group the period among swelling, bruising, and pain, so it is wrong to compare the numbers side by side.

• If you want to know the swelling period Eugens Clinic said it would be 2-3 days, Mods Clinic Cheongdam said it would improve from the 3rd day, and SeoulLeaguer Dermatology Clinic said it would be 2 weeks for pain and swelling.
• If you are curious about the procedure sequence and anesthesia Reberry Clinic Gangnam discloses the 4-step procedure and topical anesthetic cream, and V&MJ Dermatology Clinic discloses the 3-step design and sedation.
• If you have a schedule to use saunas, drink alcohol, or exercise SeoulLeaguer Dermatology Clinic and Eugens Clinic recommend refraining from using them for one week. Reberry Clinic Gangnam varies the drinking period from 24 hours to 1 week on each page, and Mods Clinic Cheongdam has no exercise restrictions for Ultherapy.

Reviewers described almost no swelling at V&MJ Dermatology Clinic and Reberry Clinic Gangnam, minor swelling without downtime at Eugens Clinic, and swelling subsiding within 2-3 days at Mods Clinic Cheongdam. These are individual experiences, and the clinics' stated durations are not comparative measurements of recovery speed.

How long does swelling, bruising, and pain last after Ultherapy?

Clinic information varies between swelling from 2-3 days to 2 weeks, and pain ranging from a few days to a week or more. Ultherapy is a procedure that delivers ultrasound energy to the deep layers of the skin, so clinics wrote that temporary swelling, tenderness, and throbbing may occur in the treatment area.

SeoulLeaguer Dermatology Clinic's 2 weeks is a period that includes pain and swelling, and Eugens Clinic's 2-3 days is a period that only covers swelling. You should not read that clinics with shorter records mean faster recovery. This is because different symptoms were written down using different criteria.

Mods Clinic Cheongdam explains that Ultherapy is a procedure that induces regeneration by applying heat to the inside of the face, so swelling may be worse on the second day than the first. Ask before the procedure whether swelling the day after the procedure is normal according to the clinic.

One-line summaryThe scope of swelling, bruising, and pain varies from clinic to clinic, so you need to ask about each symptom separately.

In what order is Ultherapy performed and how is anesthesia performed?

Reberry Clinic Gangnam and V&MJ Dermatology Clinic have disclosed the procedure sequence in stages, and anesthesia is divided into topical anesthetic cream and sedation.

SeoulLeaguer Dermatology Clinic explains that Ultherapy PRIME's shot speed is 20% faster than before, reducing treatment time and pain. V&MJ Dermatology Clinic announces that the intensity, shot, and line are determined through Metascan AI skin analysis before the procedure, and that the use of authentic devices is guaranteed by MERZ, Ultherapy headquarters.

Preparation depends on the anesthesia selected. Mods Clinic Cheongdam's Ultherapy instructions state that patients undergoing sedation should fast for 6 hours before treatment. Ask about fasting and the trip home when booking.

One-line summaryThe scope of disclosure regarding procedure procedures and anesthesia varies from clinic to clinic, so you must ask questions about items not listed on the website directly during the consultation.

When can I wash my face, put on makeup, sauna, and exercise?

SeoulLeaguer Dermatology Clinic and Eugens Clinic allow washing and makeup immediately after treatment; Reberry Clinic Gangnam lists the next day. Mods Clinic Cheongdam allows washing on the treatment day and makeup from day two. V&MJ Dermatology Clinic does not specify these times.

Even within the same clinic, guidance varies. Reberry Clinic Gangnam's dedicated page for the Gangnam branch and the Ultherapy page for all branches are different, so there is a message to refrain from drinking for 24 hours and a message to refrain from drinking for one week. SeoulLeaguer Dermatology Clinic also wrote on the post-procedure precautions page to avoid massage and exercise, and on the introduction to Ultherapy PRIME, it said that you can wash your face right away. The two guides cover different topics, so you can read them together.

Mods Clinic Cheongdam writes differently for each procedure. The Ultherapy plus Thermage guide on the same website said to avoid sweaty exercise for a few days, but the Ultherapy guide did not impose any exercise restrictions. Both articles were posted in 2021, so ask if they are still of the same standard.

One-line summaryClinic instructions vary from immediately after the procedure until the second day, so listen to the clinic's instructions one more time before the procedure.

1. How does SeoulLeaguer Dermatology Clinic guide post-Ultherapy care?

SeoulLeaguer Dermatology Clinic allows washing and makeup immediately, advises avoiding saunas and alcohol for 1 week, and describes pain and swelling lasting about 2 weeks. Its instructions appear in the Ultherapy PRIME introduction image and on its post-treatment precautions page.

Ultherapy PRIME introduces customized treatment using three transducers ranging from 1.5mm, 3.0mm dermis and 4.5mm fascia layer. Genuine products are identified with a promise to use only genuine tips and perform honest procedures. Ask about the procedure sequence, anesthesia method, and time required during the consultation.

There are five things to note about the introductory image. You can wash your face and make up right away, use a hypoallergenic cleanser, and are advised to wash your face with lukewarm water for 3 days, and to refrain from saunas, drinking, peeling, and scrubbing for 1 week. You may experience throbbing pain, slight swelling, bruising, and redness for a few days, and it is also advised to take sun protection and moisturize. The post-procedure precautions page states that you will experience stiff pain and slight swelling for about two weeks, avoid meridians and massages, and avoid saunas and strenuous exercise. The effects begin to appear after one month, and the maintenance period of Ultherapy PRIME is said to be 8 to 10 months.

Ask if the pain and swelling listed as 2 weeks will interfere with going to work or appointments, and what kind of anesthesia will be used.

Naver Visitor Review, written May 23, 2023, Ultherapy

오늘 울쎄라, 하트주사, 턱보톡스까지 하고 왔어요:) 리뷰 잘 안 남기는 편인데 친절하게 시술더 잘 해주셔서 기쁜 마음으로 남깁니다🩷
울쎄라 아프다고 해서 걱정 많았는데 에어눅스랑 하니까 거의 통증없이 했어요!
한달 뒤에 어떻게 될지 기대가 됩니당

English translation:
I had Ultherapy, heart injections, and chin Botox done today :) I don't usually leave reviews, but I'm leaving this with a happy heart because they were so kind and gave me a better treatment🩷
I was worried because I heard Ultherapy would hurt, but after using Airnux, I had almost no pain!
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in a month.

One-line summarySeoulLeaguer Dermatology Clinic allows washing and makeup immediately, advises avoiding saunas and alcohol for 1 week, and describes pain and swelling for about 2 weeks.

2. How does V&MJ Dermatology Clinic explain the Ultherapy treatment method?

V&MJ Dermatology Clinic discloses skin analysis and design before the procedure in three stages, and sedation announces that an anesthesiologist is always present. Post-treatment care is limited to an explanation that daily life can be resumed immediately and information on side effects.

The three stages of the AIUltherapy page are Metascan AI skin analysis, doctor custom chart design, and additional AI recommendation booster design. Determine the intensity, shot, and line of Ultherapy, and explain that even with the same 500 shots, the results will vary depending on where and how you shoot them. The Deep Cheek Ultherapy page states that the treatment time is 40 minutes, the maintenance period is 1 year, the anesthesia is sedation, and daily life can be resumed immediately.

It is said that authentic devices are guaranteed by MERZ, the head office of Ultherapy, and if they are not genuine, 100% compensation is provided, and patients can check the amount of shots used. There is also a re-treatment coupon that gives you a 40% discount on 300 shots 8 months after the procedure.

Aftercare, temporary redness, swelling, and heat may occur, and the degree of asymmetry, bruising, and swelling varies depending on the individual. Ask about when to wash your face, apply makeup, sauna, and exercise during your consultation.

Gangnam Unni treatment review, written on July 14, 2026, Ultherapy PRIME

통증이 진짜 생각보다 훨씬 적었어요! 크림 마취만으로도 충분했고 시술 중간중간 선생님이 괜찮은지 확인해주셔서 덜 긴장됐어요. 시술 끝나고도 붓기가 거의 없어서 그냥 외출하고 귀가했어요. 1주일도 안 돼서 얼굴이 탱탱해지는 느낌이 오더니 지금은 거울 보는 게 즐거워졌어요.

English translation:
The pain was actually much less than I thought! The cream anesthesia was enough, and the doctor made sure I was okay during the procedure, so I was less nervous. There was very little swelling after the procedure, so I just went out and returned home. In less than a week, my face felt plump and I now enjoy looking in the mirror.

One-line summaryV&MJ Dermatology Clinic discloses the 3 stages of design and sedation before the procedure, and the timing of face washing and makeup must be heard during the consultation.

3. How does Reberry Clinic Gangnam guide you through the procedure and return to daily life?

Reberry Clinic Gangnam divides the treatment into 4 stages and discloses topical anesthetic cream, treatment time, and return to daily life. Ultherapy information is available on both the Gangnam branch page and the common page for all branches.

The Gangnam page describes four stages. First, the lead doctor assesses skin thickness and sagging and uses real-time ultrasound to check SMAS depth and plan shots and energy. Second, the treatment lines are marked and topical anesthetic cream is left for about 30 minutes. Third, ultrasound-guided treatment takes about 30-60 minutes depending on shots and area. Fourth, soothing care follows immediately; the clinic describes temporary swelling and tenderness resolving within days, usual return to daily life after 1-2 days, and follow-up at 2-4 weeks. Ask whether the authentic tip can be checked before treatment.

The common page for all branches states that you can resume your daily life immediately after the procedure on the first day, but to avoid saunas, steam rooms, and strenuous exercise. In the first week, most of the swelling and tenderness subsides, so take sunscreen and avoid strong massages. The FAQ on the same page states that saunas, steam baths, and vigorous exercise should be avoided for 3 days, drinking and smoking should be avoided for 24 hours, and facial washing and daily makeup can be done from the next day. The text says to abstain from drinking for one week, but the FAQ says it's 24 hours, so ask when you can drink and use the sauna.

Naver Visitor Review, written in November 2025, Ultherapy

얼굴선이 점점 처지는 게 신경 쓰였는데, 울쎄라 시술 후 확실히 변화가 느껴졌습니다.
원장님이 시술 전 제 얼굴 구조를 세밀하게 분석해주셔서 안심하고 받을 수 있었어요.
시술 직후에도 붓기나 불편감이 거의 없었고, 시간이 지날수록 탄력이 살아나는 게 보입니다.
자연스럽고 단정한 리프팅 효과, 기대 이상이었습니다.

English translation:
I was concerned about my facial lines becoming more and more saggy, but I definitely felt a change after the Ultherapy treatment.
The director analyzed my facial structure in detail before the procedure, so I was able to receive it with peace of mind.
There was little swelling or discomfort immediately after the procedure, and the elasticity appears to be improving over time.
The natural and neat lifting effect exceeded my expectations.

One-line summaryReberry Clinic Gangnam discloses the 4-step procedure, topical anesthetic cream, and return to daily life after 1-2 days, and the drinking period varies depending on the page.

4. How does Eugens Clinic explain swelling and pain?

Eugens Clinic states that the swelling will subside after 2-3 days, and that face washing and makeup can be done immediately after the procedure. It is in the Ultherapy and Ultherapy for the eye area section of the website's precautions page.

The procedure description explains that it is a method of correcting changes in the SMAS layer and gradually increasing the elasticity of the dermal layer by focusing ultrasound waves at a depth of 3 to 4.5 mm under the skin, and that a lifting effect can be achieved for more than a year. This is a clinic that introduces itself under the name Painless Ultherapy, so ask about the anesthesia method, time required, and procedure sequence during consultation.

Follow-up care includes slight swelling the next day, which subsides after 2-3 days, and depending on the individual, a headache or slight pain. Redness usually disappears in 30 minutes to 1 hour, and it is said to avoid saunas, jjimjilbang, drinking alcohol, and smoking for one week. They recommend consistently applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and add that there may be a dull pain in the jawline and upper eyebrows for about a week. The effects are said to appear gradually after 90 days and last for over 1 year to 1 year and 6 months.

The duration varies from 2 to 3 days for swelling and about a week for pain, so ask how long it will affect your daily life.

Gangnam Unni treatment review, written on August 9, 2024, Ultherapy lifting

울쎄라는 뭔가 큰 시술 같은 느낌이여서 받을까 말까 몇년동안 고민만 하다가
친구기 리프팅 주기적으로 받는 병원이 있다고 해서
온다리프팅 맞으러 간겸 원장님이 상담으로 이거저거 추천 잘해주셔서
필요한건 이거고 이거까찐 안해도 될거같다고 하셔서 울쎄라+온다 이렇게 두가지 조합으로
리프팅 받구왓습니당. 당일에 받고 벌써 이주?정도 된 모습인데 처음엔 잔붓기
살짝 잇엇고 다운타임은 없었는데 이주된 지금은 사람들이 살빠졋냐고 엄청 물어봐요
유진스원장님 실력 말모.... 디자인 해주시는건 물론이고 안아프게 시술도 잘해주시는거같아요
다른 병원에서 한 친구 후기 듣고 아파서 못하겠다 싶었는데
이건 그냥저냥 참을만한 통증이였습니당 원장님믿고 주기적으로 1년이나 6개월정도 받으려구요
한달째부터 더 좋아진다니 기대중입니다. .. ㅎㅎ

English translation:
Ultherapy felt like a big procedure, so I debated for years about whether or not to get it.
I heard that there is a clinic where friends receive lifting regularly.
I went to get Onda lifting and the director was great at recommending various things during the consultation.
He said this is what I need and I don't think I need to do this, so I used a combination of Ultherapy + Onda.
I got some lifting. I received it on the same day and it looks like it's already been about 2 weeks, but there was some swelling at first.
There was slight residual swelling but no downtime. Now, two weeks later, people keep asking whether I have lost weight.
Dr. Eugene's skills are unbelievable... I think he's not only good at designing, but he's also good at performing pain-free procedures.
After hearing a friend's review from another clinic, I thought I couldn't do it because of the pain.
This was just a tolerable pain. I will trust the director and get treatment periodically for about a year or six months.
I'm looking forward to seeing it get better in a month. .. lol

One-line summaryEugens Clinic states that swelling should last for 2-3 days, sauna and drinking for 1 week, and washing face and makeup starting immediately after.

5. How does Mods Clinic Cheongdam explain the course of swelling after Ultherapy?

Mods Clinic Cheongdam gives the most detailed day-by-day description among these clinics, stating that swelling improves after day 3 and major swelling decreases by day 7. Its website has a pre- and post-treatment precautions article.

Ultherapy PRIME is introduced with a treatment time of 1 hour, anesthesia using sedation or ointment anesthesia, and treatment intervals of 10 to 12 months. When performing sedation, there is also a pre-procedure guide that states that you must fast from 6 hours prior to the procedure.

The aftercare article explains that symptoms such as facial tingling, mild erythema and swelling, and streaky or round swelling on the skin can last from 3 days to 2 weeks. The swelling may get worse than the first day and improve after the third day. In severe cases, it lasts for about two weeks before it gets better, and after seven days, the major swelling subsides significantly. It is said that you can wash your face from the day of the procedure, put on makeup from the second day after the procedure, and you do not need to be particularly careful about exercising. The effect will appear after 2-3 months, and if you have an important schedule, it is written to receive it at least a week in advance. Since the guide was posted in 2021, ask if the standards are still the same and what precautions should be taken after returning home after sedation.

Gangnam Unni treatment review, written on August 20, 2026, Ultherapy PRIME, partial excerpt

시술 시작하니까 피부 안쪽 깊은 곳으로 찌릿하게 열감이 꽂히는 느낌이 들었고
원장님이 샷 하나하나 일정한 간격으로 정말 꼼꼼하게 쏴주셔서
울쎄라 시술 받는 동안 견디느라 힘들긴 했지만 제대로 효과 보겠다 싶었어요!!
시술 직후에는 살짝 붓기랑 붉은 기가 있었는데 2~3일 정도 지나니까 금방 가라앉았고
일주일차쯤부터 슬슬 변화가 보이는 거 같긴 해요!

English translation:
When the treatment started, I felt a tingling sensation of heat deep inside my skin.
The director shot each shot very meticulously at regular intervals.
It was hard to endure the Ultherapy treatment, but I thought it would really work!!
Immediately after the procedure, there was slight swelling and redness, but it quickly subsided after 2-3 days.
I think I started to see changes starting about a week ago!

One-line summaryMods Clinic Cheongdam explains that swelling improves after the 3rd day, major swelling subsides on the 7th day, and makeup can be used from the second day.

Where can I see prices, equipment, and clinic information?

This article only covers the treatment method and follow-up care, and does not include the price. The price for 300 shots, event composition, equipment, and authentic device information can be found in Gangnam Ultherapy Price and Equipment Checklist. The specialist notation, treatment hours, and original reviews of SeoulLeaguer Dermatology Clinic, V&MJ Dermatology Clinic, and Reberry Clinic Gangnam can be found in Gangnam Ultherapy Recommendation TOP3 Checklist.

If you are worried about the number of shots, see Ultherapy 300 shots vs. 600 shots for reviews by number of shots.

One-line summaryFor prices and equipment, please refer to the existing price article, and for specialists and treatment hours, please refer to the existing TOP3 article.

What should I ask the clinic if I have an important appointment?

Your questions will become more specific if you tell them whether your schedule involves going to work, filming, or whether you need to show your face up close. The dates posted by clinics on their websites are different, so listen to the standards of the clinic you are going to.

• If you are concerned about swelling: Ask whether the swelling will get bigger the next day or if it will noticeably decrease from the next few days. Mods Clinic Cheongdam wrote that swelling may increase on the second day.
• If you need makeup: Consult first to see if it is possible to wash your face on the day of the procedure and apply makeup the next day. SeoulLeaguer Dermatology Clinic recommends washing your face with lukewarm water for 3 days.
• If you have a sauna, drinking, or exercise schedule: Clinic information may vary from 24 hours to a week, so please make your schedule based on the clinic you are receiving from.
• To choose sedation: Ask about fasting and returning home before the procedure. V&MJ Dermatology Clinic has a resident anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist, and Mods Clinic Cheongdam provides fasting guidance.
• If redness or pain persists: Do not wait until the specified period and contact the clinic where the procedure was performed. If you are taking any medications, you must first inform your clinicians.

One-line summaryTalk about your schedule and previous treatment experience first, and discuss swelling, makeup, and sauna standards.

In summary

Ultherapy follow-up care is more important than how many days the swelling lasts, but rather what symptoms the clinic describes and how it provides guidance on washing the face, sauna, and anesthesia.

1. Describe swelling, bruising, and pain and ask for the duration.
2. Wash your face, apply makeup, sauna, drink alcohol, and exercise according to the instructions provided by the receiving clinic.
3. If the anesthesia method and procedure sequence are not on the website, ask directly during the consultation.

You can see the price in Gangnam Ultherapy price and equipment checklist, and the number of shots in Ultherapy 300 shots vs. 600 shots. If you are curious about care after a similar procedure, please also see How long do Rejuran injection bumps last?.

One-line summaryIf you put the procedure and follow-up care disclosed by the clinic in the same category, it becomes clear which questions fit your schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and verification dates

1. SeoulLeaguer Dermatology Clinic Post-Procedure PrecautionsUltherapy PRIME Pain and swelling, massage and exercise information. Confirmed 2026-10-21.
2. SeoulLeaguer Dermatology Clinic Ultherapy PRIMETransducer, genuine tips, 5 precautions after treatment (image guide). Confirmed 2026-10-21.
3. V&MJ Dermatology Clinic AIUltherapy3-step design, guidance on swelling and redness. Confirmed 2026-10-21.
4. V&MJ Dermatology Clinic Deep Cheek UltherapyTreatment time, sedation, genuine guarantee, re-treatment coupon. Confirmed 2026-10-21.
5. Reberry Clinic Gangnam Ultherapy4-step procedure, topical anesthetic cream, and guidance on returning to daily life. Confirmed 2026-10-21.
6. Reberry Clinic shared Ultherapy guideTreatment stages and post-treatment FAQ. Checked 2026-10-21.
7. Eugens Clinic PrecautionsInformation after Ultherapy and Ultherapy for the eye area treatment. Confirmed 2026-10-21.
8. Precautions before and after Mods Clinic Cheongdam Ultherapy treatmentPosted on 2021-05-24. Information on swelling progress, face washing, makeup, and exercise. Confirmed 2026-10-21.
9. Precautions before and after Mods Clinic Cheongdam Ultherapy plus Thermage treatmentPosted on 2021-09-28. Ultherapy plus Thermage exercise guide. Confirmed 2026-10-21.
10. Mods Clinic Cheongdam Ultherapy PRIMEProcedure time, anesthesia, procedure interval. Confirmed 2026-10-21.
11. Gangnam UnniReview of V&MJ Dermatology Clinic, Eugens Clinic, Mods Clinic Cheongdam Ultherapy. Confirmed 2026-10-21.
12. Naver PlaceVisitor reviews of SeoulLeaguer Dermatology Clinic, Reberry Clinic Gangnam. Confirmed 2026-10-11.