Ultherapy vs Shurink
How They Differ, Which Suits You, and What to Expect
Both Ultherapy and Shurink are popular non-surgical lifting treatments offered in Korea that use focused ultrasound energy (HIFU) to stimulate collagen and firm skin — but they differ in precision, experience, comfort, cost, and how results develop.
What Ultherapy Is
Ultherapy (Ulthera) is a U.S.-developed micro-focused ultrasound treatment that targets the deep structural layers of the skin — including the SMAS layer (similar to where surgical facelifts work). It uses real-time imaging so clinicians can see exactly where the ultrasound energy is delivered.
✔
FDA-cleared “gold standard” HIFU with extensive clinical study behind it.
✔ Targets depths like
1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm for precise collagen stimulation.
✔ Best for
deep tightening, lifting, and sagging (e.g., jawline, neck, brow).
✔ Results
build over 2–3 months and can last
12–18+ months.
✔ Tends to be
more intense / stronger sensation during treatment.
✔ Often recommended as a
yearly or yearly-plus plan due to longevity.
Best For
➡ People with
moderate to advanced skin laxity
➡ Those who want
deeper structural lift and tightening
➡ Patients okay with
higher cost and stronger sensation for longer results
What Shurink Is
Shurink is a Korean-made HIFU device also designed to heat deep tissue to stimulate collagen. It’s widely used across Korea (often including Shurink Universe, a newer generation with multiple cartridges for different depths).
✔ Uses
focused ultrasound (HIFU) to contract tissue and promote collagen.
✔ Multiple depth cartridges (e.g., 1.5mm–4.5mm or more in advanced models).
✔ Treatment is often
faster and more comfortable than Ultherapy.
✔ Typically
more affordable per session, popular as a
routine maintenance treatment.
✔ Results develop over
weeks to months, often noticeable in about 2–3 months
✔ Results may last
~4–12 months depending on frequency and device.
Best For
➡ Mild to moderate sagging and
preventive tightening
➡ Those who want
comfort and regular maintenance
➡ More budget-friendly HIFU lifting
Head-to-Head: Key Differences
Technology & Precision
- Ultherapy: Micro-Focused Ultrasound with imaging lets doctors see and target specific layers precisely.
- Shurink: Traditional HIFU without real-time imaging — still effective but relies on practitioner skill and preset depths.
Precision matters most when treating deeper tissue with minimal side effects and avoiding unintended areas.
Comfort & Experience
- Ultherapy: Often described as more intense, especially for deep treatments.
- Shurink: Generally more comfortable, with a gentler sensation during and after treatment
Depth & Lifting Power
- Both can reach deep tissues, but Ultherapy’s imaging and energy focus can provide deeper, more consistent lift for moderate sagging.
- Shurink is effective but typically marketed as gentler and more suited for routine tightening.
Results & Longevity
- Ultherapy: Results often last 12–18+ months after one session, with deep collagen remodeling.
- Shurink: Results may fade earlier and are often maintained every 6–9 months (or sooner depending on aging and maintenance routine).
Cost & Frequency
- Ultherapy: Higher cost per session, with fewer treatments needed per year.
- Shurink: Lower cost per session, often repeated more frequently as part of anti-aging maintenance.
Which Should You Choose?
📌
Choose Ultherapy if:
✔ You want
strong lifting and tightening
✔ You have
moderate to advanced sagging
✔ You prefer
deeper energy and imaging precision
✔ You want results lasting
~12+ months with fewer visits
📌
Choose Shurink if:
✔ You have
mild to moderate laxity
✔ You want
comfortable, budget-friendly tightening
✔ You prefer
regular maintenance treatments
✔ You’re earlier in your aging journey and want routine collagen stimulation
Popular Ways They’re Used in Korea
In many Korean clinics, specialists may recommend
Ultherapy first for structural tightening and then
Shurink as a
maintenance tool or booster in between major sessions — blending longevity with ongoing collagen stimulation.
