Ultherapy PRIME and EmFace are non-invasive treatments that work differently to improve facial firmness and contours. Ultherapy PRIME uses focused ultrasound to stimulate collagen remodeling in selected tissue layers. EmFace combines radiofrequency heating with electrical stimulation of targeted facial muscles.
At Skinstitute, these treatments are offered as UltraLift, powered by Ultherapy PRIME, and EmLift, powered by EmFace.
Which one suits you depends on what is contributing to the changes you see: skin laxity, changes in muscle support, facial volume loss, or a combination. Our approach is Intentional Treatment—understanding your concerns before recommending a procedure.
What Is Ultherapy PRIME? Focused Ultrasound for Skin Firmness
Ultherapy PRIME uses microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V). Its DeepSEE ultrasound imaging helps your doctor assess tissue layers and guide treatment according to your anatomy.
How it works: Focused ultrasound creates small thermal treatment points beneath the skin to stimulate collagen remodeling. Treatment depths are 1.5, 3.0, or 4.5 mm, depending on the transducer selected. The 4.5 mm depth can reach deeper supporting tissue, including the SMAS where appropriate to the anatomy. Imaging extends up to 8 mm; this is the viewing depth, not the treatment depth.
The goal: Gradual improvement in skin firmness and lifting. Visible changes usually develop over 2–3 months and may continue improving for up to 6 months. Results can last a year or more, depending on your skin, treatment plan, and individual response.
Who may benefit: Patients with mild to moderate skin laxity, including concerns around the brows, lower face, jawline, under the chin, and neck. Treatment commonly begins with one session, with follow-up and maintenance tailored to your response.
What Is EmFace? Skin Firmness and Muscle Support
EmFace combines synchronized radiofrequency (Sync RF) with HIFES—High-Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation. At Skinstitute, this treatment is offered as EmLift.
How it works: Radiofrequency heats tissue to support collagen and elastin remodeling, while HIFES stimulates contractions in targeted facial muscles. The treatment area and applicator determine which tissues and concerns are addressed.
The goal: Improvement in skin firmness, muscle tone, wrinkles, and facial contours. EmFace does not replace lost facial fat or provide the same volume correction as an injectable treatment.
Who may benefit: Patients seeking improvement in forehead lines, brow position, or cheek support. Dedicated Eye and Submentum applicators address selected under-eye concerns and fullness beneath the chin. These concerns require assessment because hollowness, eye bags, pigmentation, fat, and loose skin have different causes.
Treatment usually involves warmth and muscle contractions, without numbing cream. Changes develop during the treatment course and in the weeks afterward; the extent and timing vary.
Ultherapy PRIME vs. EmFace at a Glance
| Ultherapy PRIME — UltraLift | EmFace — EmLift | |
|---|---|---|
| What does it do? | Helps tighten loose skin and improve lifting through collagen stimulation | Helps firm skin and improve facial muscle support |
| What concerns can it address? | Loose skin around the brows, jawline, under the chin, and neck | Forehead lines and cheek support; dedicated applicators for under-eye concerns and double chin |
| How does it work? | Focused ultrasound, guided by live imaging beneath the skin | Radiofrequency warmth combined with facial muscle stimulation |
| How many sessions? | Usually one initial session | Usually four initial sessions |
| How long per session? | Around 45–60 minutes, depending on the area | Around 20 minutes per treatment application |
| What does it feel like? | Heat or brief discomfort; pain relief options are available | Warmth and muscle contractions; usually no numbing needed |
| When will I see results? | Gradually over 2–3 months, with further improvement possible up to 6 months | Gradually during the treatment course and in the weeks afterward |
| Is there downtime? | Usually little to none; temporary swelling, tenderness, or bruising may occur | Usually none; temporary redness or discomfort may occur |
| How much does it cost? | ₱10,000–₱120,000, depending on area and line count | 1 session: ₱15,000 for 1 area / ₱25,000 for 2 areas. 4 sessions: ₱54,000 for 1 area / ₱85,000 for 2 areas |
Results vary. Your dermatologist will recommend the treatment and maintenance plan suited to your concerns.
Which Is Better for Sagging Skin?
The better choice depends on the cause and location of the concern.
Ultherapy PRIME may suit you if skin laxity is the main issue, especially around the lower face, jawline, under the chin, or neck.
EmFace may suit you if muscle support and skin firmness are part of the concern, including forehead lines or cheek support. Dedicated applicators may also be considered for suitable under-eye and submental concerns.
Neither treatment replaces lost facial fat or produces the same result as a surgical facelift. Significant sagging or volume loss may need a different approach.
Can You Benefit From Both?
Some patients have concerns involving both skin laxity and muscle support. Your dermatologist may recommend UltraLift and EmLift as part of a combined plan when their different mechanisms address your specific needs.
A combination is not automatically necessary or better. The choice and timing depend on your assessment, previous treatments, goals, and budget.
The Skinstitute Approach: Intentional Treatment
At Skinstitute in Quezon City, treatment planning begins with a consultation and skin analysis with Dr. Charlene Palafox, PDS board-certified dermatologist.
She assesses your facial structure, skin quality, and treatment goals, then explains suitable options, expected benefits, limitations, and costs.
Skinstitute is an Official Clinic Partner of Ultherapy. To check a clinic’s provider listing, visit the official Ultherapy Asia Certified Treatment Provider directory.
Skinstitute is also an Official Clinic Partner of EmFace by BTL Aesthetics. You can check EmFace providers through the Find a Clinic section on the official BTL Philippines website. EmLift treatments use authentic EmFace applicators under the supervision of Dr. Charlene Palafox.
Book a consultation and skin analysis to find out whether UltraLift, EmLift, a combination, or another approach suits your skin goals.
References
- Ultherapy PRIME Instructions for Use — imaging depth, treatment safety, and adverse effects.
- Ultherapy: A Deeper Nonsurgical Lift — treatment depths and tissue targeting.
- Ultherapy: Mechanism of Action — collagen remodeling and expected result timeline.
- BTL: EmFace — mechanism, applicators, and session duration.
- BTL: EmFace Eye and Submentum — applicator-specific descriptions.
- BTL Philippines: EmFace Submentum — local manufacturer description of the submental application.