Shurink vs Ultherapy in Korea: Which Skin‐Lifting Technology is Right for You?

In Korea’s aesthetic clinics, two of the most popular non‐surgical lifting treatments are Shurink and Ultherapy. Both use ultrasound energy to lift and firm skin — but they differ in technology, precision, cost, downtime, and ideal indications. Understanding how they compare helps you choose the right one for your face and goal.

What Is Shurink?

Shurink is a Korean version of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) designed for skin lifting and tightening. It uses cartridges that target various depths (for example 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 4.5 mm) including the SMAS layer. Seoul Guide Medical+2Renovo Skin Clinic+2
Key features of Shurink include:

• Non-surgical, minimal downtime. Seoul Guide Medical+1
• Customizable depth of energy based on skin area and condition. Toxnfill Global : Brand+1
• More affordable in Korea compared to premium international devices. Forena Clinic+1
  Shurink is often marketed as an efficient “lunch-break” lift for mild‐to‐moderate sagging.

What Is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is a global brand of micro‐focused ultrasound (MFU) that also targets deeper skin layers, including the SMAS, to lift and tighten skin. It is known for its precision and for being an “industry standard” in non‐surgical lifting. The Cosmetic Skin Clinic+1
Important aspects of Ultherapy:

• Uses real‐time ultrasound imaging to ensure correct depth and position of energy. 신 메디컬+1
• Generally higher cost but strong clinical evidence for results. 오즈헨 조이+1
• Longer‐lasting effect in many cases, especially when performed by experienced practitioner.

Key Differences Between Shurink and Ultherapy

Precision & Imaging

Ultherapy has the advantage of imaging guidance, enabling the clinician to visualise the target tissue layers and aim ultrasound energy accurately. The Cosmetic Skin Clinic+1
Shurink offers good results but may not always include the same imaging guidance; success depends more on practitioner technique and device settings. Primi clinic+1

Depth & Energy Delivery

Both target deep layers (including SMAS) for lifting effect. Shurink’s cartridges allow various depths (1.5, 3.0, 4.5 mm). Seoul Guide Medical+1
Ultherapy can deliver energy at precise depths and is known for being more aggressive in some settings.

Cost & Accessibility

Shurink is typically more budget‐friendly in Korea and more commonly offered for “maintenance” lifts or younger patients. Forena Clinic+1
Ultherapy tends to cost more but may deliver a more durable result — making it more suitable for those who want a stronger lift and are willing to invest more. 오즈헨 조이+1

Ideal Candidate & Skin Conditions

• Choose Shurink if you have mild to moderate skin laxity, are in your late-20s to 40s, and you want a non‐surgical lift with minimal downtime.
• Choose Ultherapy if you have more advanced sagging, want maximum non-surgical lift, are comfortable with cost and possible longer recovery.
  Korean clinics often recommend Ultherapy for “deeper lifting” and HIFU/Shurink for “surface or moderate tightening.” 강남여성건강위원회+1

Downtime & Recovery

Both treatments are non‐invasive with minimal downtime. With Shurink you may resume daily activities almost immediately. Seoul Guide Medical
With Ultherapy you might experience more discomfort (because of deeper energy) and subtle swelling or tenderness for a day or two. 신 메디컬+1

Longevity of Results

Ultherapy tends to have a longer lasting effect due to deeper tissue targeting and precision. Primi clinic+1
Shurink may require more frequent maintenance sessions. Some sources say Shurink might need start-though sessions compared with Ultherapy’s more “once a year” approach. Primi clinic

Which Should You Choose: Summary

• If your goal is contouring, mild lift, minimal downtime, and you are in earlier stages of sagging, Shurink is a very good choice.
• If your goal is maximum lift, you have more advanced sagging (jawline, neck), you value precision and long term effect, go with Ultherapy.
• Always choose a clinic with a board‐certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, ask for before/after photos for similar skin types, ask what depth and cartridge will be used, ask about cost (lines, cartridges), and realistic outcome.
• Consider your budget, downtime tolerance, face shape, skin thickness, and sagging severity.

Final Takeaway

Both Shurink and Ultherapy are excellent non‐surgical lifting treatments offered in Korea.

• Shurink = accessible, effective for mild-to-moderate laxity, less cost, quicker recurrence.
• Ultherapy = gold standard, high precision, stronger lift, higher cost, possibly longer downtime.
  Your decision should be guided by your skin condition, goals, budget and the expertise of the clinic.