HIFU Treatment in Korea: Ultherapy vs Shurink Complete Guide 2025
When it comes to non-surgical skin tightening and lifting, HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) technology has revolutionized aesthetic medicine. This powerful treatment penetrates deep into the skin's foundational layers, delivering targeted ultrasound energy that triggers collagen production and tissue contraction without any incisions, needles, or downtime.
Korea, known for its cutting-edge aesthetic technology, offers multiple HIFU devices including the gold-standard Ultherapy and the popular Korean-made Shurink. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about HIFU treatments in Korea, comparing devices, understanding the technology, pricing, results, and helping you choose the right treatment for your needs.
What is HIFU?
HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a non-invasive medical aesthetic treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to heat tissue at precise depths beneath the skin's surface. This controlled thermal injury triggers the body's natural healing response, resulting in collagen remodeling, tissue tightening, and visible lifting effects.
How HIFU Technology Works
The Science Behind HIFU:
-
Focused Ultrasound Energy:
- High-frequency sound waves (4-7 MHz) focused like a magnifying glass
- Passes through surface skin without damaging it
- Concentrates energy at specific depth (1.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.5mm)
-
Thermal Coagulation Points:
- Energy heats tissue to 60-70°C at focal point
- Creates tiny thermal injury zones
- Surrounding tissue remains unharmed
-
Biological Response:
- Body recognizes thermal injury
- Fibroblasts activated
- Collagen and elastin production increases
- Tissue contracts and tightens
-
Progressive Results:
- Immediate: Slight tightening from collagen contraction
- 2-3 months: Peak collagen production
- 3-6 months: Maximum lifting effect
- 6-12 months: Results plateau and maintain
Target Layer: SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System)
Why SMAS Matters:
- Deep fascial layer covering facial muscles
- Layer that surgeons manipulate during surgical facelift
- Key to achieving significant lifting
- Depth: Approximately 4.5mm below skin surface
HIFU's Advantage:
- Only non-invasive treatment that reaches SMAS layer
- Creates lifting effect similar to surgical approach
- No incisions or recovery needed
Popular HIFU Devices in Korea
Korean clinics offer several HIFU systems, each with unique characteristics:
1. Ultherapy (USA - Merz Aesthetics/Ulthera)
The Original and Gold Standard
FDA Clearance:
- First and only FDA-cleared device for non-invasive lifting (2009)
- Cleared for brow lift, neck lift, décolletage treatment
- Extensive clinical research and safety data
Technology:
- Real-time ultrasound imaging: See tissue layers during treatment
- Precise depth control: 1.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.5mm transducers
- Focused ultrasound: Most precise focal point
- Consistent energy delivery: Standardized treatment protocol
Characteristics:
- Lifting Power: Very Strong (★★★★★)
- Precision: Highest (★★★★★)
- Pain Level: High (7-8/10)
- Duration: 12-18 months
- Price (Korea): ₩500,000-1,000,000 ($385-770) for 300-600 lines
Best For:
- Maximum lifting effect
- Those wanting longest-lasting results
- Patients who prioritize proven technology
- Significant sagging requiring deep SMAS treatment
2. Shurink (Korea - Hironic)
Popular Korean Alternative
Korean Innovation:
- Developed in Korea for Asian skin
- More affordable than imported devices
- Widely available in Korean clinics
Technology:
- HIFU technology: Same principle as Ultherapy
- Multiple cartridges: 1.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.5mm depths
- No real-time imaging: Pre-set depth targeting
- Faster treatment: More shots per session
Characteristics:
- Lifting Power: Strong (★★★★☆)
- Precision: Good (★★★☆☆)
- Pain Level: Moderate (5-6/10)
- Duration: 6-9 months
- Price (Korea): ₩50,000-200,000 ($38-155) per session
Best For:
- Budget-conscious patients
- Mild to moderate sagging
- Those with lower pain tolerance
- Maintenance treatments
3. Doublo (Korea - Hironic)
Advanced Korean HIFU
Features:
- HIFU + RF combination
- More comfortable than traditional HIFU
- Faster treatment time
- Good balance of price and effectiveness
Characteristics:
- Lifting Power: Strong (★★★★☆)
- Pain Level: Moderate (5-7/10)
- Duration: 9-12 months
- Price (Korea): ₩300,000-600,000 ($230-460)
4. Ultraformer III / MPT (Korea - Classys)
Micro and Macro Focused Ultrasound
Technology:
- Combines HIFU + microfocused ultrasound
- Multiple cartridge options
- Faster treatment with less pain
Characteristics:
- Lifting Power: Strong (★★★★☆)
- Pain Level: Moderate (4-6/10)
- Duration: 9-12 months
- Price (Korea): ₩300,000-700,000 ($230-540)
Comparison Table
| Device | Origin | FDA | Imaging | Pain | Duration | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultherapy | USA | Yes | Real-time | High (7-8/10) | 12-18 mo | $385-770 |
| Shurink | Korea | No | None | Moderate (5-6/10) | 6-9 mo | $38-155 |
| Doublo | Korea | No | None | Moderate (5-7/10) | 9-12 mo | $230-460 |
| Ultraformer III | Korea | No | None | Moderate (4-6/10) | 9-12 mo | $230-540 |
Ultherapy vs Shurink: Detailed Comparison
Technology & Precision
Ultherapy:
- ✅ Real-time ultrasound imaging guides treatment
- ✅ Visualize exact depth and tissue layers
- ✅ Precise focal point placement
- ✅ Consistent energy delivery
- ✅ Extensive clinical validation
Shurink:
- ⚠️ No imaging system (blind treatment)
- ⚠️ Relies on practitioner experience
- ✅ Faster treatment time
- ✅ More shots per session
- ⚠️ Less clinical data
Pain & Comfort
Ultherapy:
- Pain Level: 7-8/10 (intense)
- Sharp, hot sensation with each pulse
- Bone areas (jawline, brow) most painful
- Numbing cream helps minimally
- Some patients require oral pain medication
- Pain is brief but intense during treatment
Shurink:
- Pain Level: 5-6/10 (tolerable)
- Less intense heating sensation
- More comfortable overall
- Numbing cream usually sufficient
- Most patients complete without oral medication
- Longer treatment but more tolerable
Efficacy & Results
Ultherapy:
- Lifting Effect: Superior (especially for SMAS)
- Results Timeline: 2-3 months for full effect
- Duration: 12-18 months average
- Consistency: More predictable results
- Clinical Evidence: Extensive studies
- Collagen Increase: 40-60% measured increase
Shurink:
- Lifting Effect: Good (but less dramatic)
- Results Timeline: 2-3 months
- Duration: 6-9 months average
- Consistency: More variable (depends on practitioner)
- Clinical Evidence: Limited published data
- Collagen Increase: 30-40% estimated
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Ultherapy:
- Higher upfront cost: $385-770 per treatment
- Longer duration: 12-18 months
- Cost per month: $21-64
- Best for: One-and-done approach
Shurink:
- Lower upfront cost: $38-155 per treatment
- Shorter duration: 6-9 months
- Cost per month: $5-26
- Best for: Regular maintenance approach
- Annual cost: May equal Ultherapy with multiple sessions
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Ultherapy if:
- You want maximum lifting effect
- You prioritize longest-lasting results
- You can tolerate higher pain
- Budget allows for premium treatment
- You want FDA-cleared proven technology
- You have significant sagging
Choose Shurink if:
- You have budget constraints
- You prefer lower pain levels
- You have mild to moderate sagging
- You don't mind more frequent treatments
- You're doing preventative maintenance
- You want to try HIFU without major investment
What Can HIFU Treat?
HIFU is versatile and effective for multiple aging concerns:
Facial Areas
✅ Brow & Forehead
- Brow lifting
- Hooded upper eyelids
- Forehead skin tightening
- Horizontal forehead lines
✅ Mid-Face
- Cheek lifting
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Tear trough (under-eye) sagging
- Loss of facial volume
✅ Lower Face & Jawline
- Jowl reduction
- Jawline definition
- Marionette lines
- Pre-jowl sulcus (indentation before jowl)
✅ Neck & Décolletage
- Turkey neck
- Neck bands (platysma)
- Horizontal neck lines
- Chest wrinkles and crepiness
Skin Quality
✅ Texture & Tone
- Overall skin tightening
- Pore reduction
- Improved skin texture
- Enhanced firmness
The HIFU Treatment Process
Pre-Treatment Consultation
Facial Assessment:
- Doctor evaluates degree of sagging
- Determines appropriate depths (1.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.5mm)
- Discusses realistic expectations
- Reviews medical history
Treatment Planning:
- Number of lines/shots: Based on treatment area
- Full face: 300-600 lines (Ultherapy)
- Full face: 400-800 shots (Shurink)
- Depth selection: Customized to concern
- Energy level: Adjusted for pain tolerance and skin type
Pre-Treatment Instructions:
- Arrive with clean face, no makeup
- Avoid blood thinners 1 week before
- Hydrate well before treatment
- Eat light meal (low blood sugar increases pain)
Treatment Day Procedure
Duration: 30-90 minutes depending on areas treated
Step 1: Preparation (10-15 minutes)
- Thorough cleansing
- Marking treatment areas
- Photography for before/after
- Application of ultrasound gel
- Numbing cream (optional, helps minimally)
Step 2: Treatment
Ultherapy Process (60-90 minutes):
- Transducer placed on skin
- Real-time imaging shows tissue layers
- Doctor confirms correct depth
- Ultrasound pulse delivered (brief intense heat)
- Multiple lines created across treatment area
- 300-600 lines for full face treatment
Shurink Process (30-60 minutes):
- Handpiece moved across treatment areas
- Multiple shots delivered rapidly
- 400-800 shots for full face
- Faster but more shots needed
What You'll Feel:
-
Ultherapy: Sharp, intense heating with each pulse
- Like hot needle briefly touching bone
- Pain varies by area (jawline, brow worst)
- Fleeting but strong discomfort
-
Shurink: Moderate warmth and pressure
- Less intense but longer overall
- More tolerable for most patients
- Cumulative mild discomfort
Step 3: Post-Treatment (5 minutes)
- Remove gel
- Apply soothing serum
- Sunscreen application
- Post-care instructions
- Follow-up scheduling
Immediately After
Appearance:
- Mild to moderate redness (looks sunburned)
- Possible slight swelling
- May have white lines where energy was delivered
- Rare: Small welts or raised areas
Sensation:
- Tenderness to touch
- Warmth in treated areas
- Mild throbbing possible
- Feels like mild sunburn
Activities:
- Can resume normal activities immediately
- Can apply makeup same day or next day
- No downtime required
Recovery & Results Timeline
Day 1-3: Initial Recovery
Appearance:
- Redness: Mild (resolves in 2-6 hours)
- Swelling: Possible mild puffiness (especially eyes, jawline)
- Skin feels tight
Discomfort:
- Tenderness when touching treated areas
- Mild soreness (like post-workout muscle soreness)
- Usually no pain medication needed
Activity:
- Normal activities resumed
- Can work immediately
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
Week 1-2: Settling Period
Appearance:
- Any redness/swelling fully resolved
- Skin may feel firmer
- Subtle immediate tightening visible (minor)
Sensation:
- Occasional awareness in treated areas
- Tingling or numbness possible (temporary)
- Normal facial movement
Month 1: Collagen Production Begins
Visible Changes:
- Slight improvement in skin firmness
- Beginning of lifting effect
- Subtle but progressive changes
Biological Process:
- Collagen synthesis ramping up
- Tissue remodeling active
- Ongoing improvement
Month 2-3: Peak Results Emerge
Maximum Lifting:
- ✨ Noticeable lift in cheeks and jowls
- ✨ Jawline more defined
- ✨ Brows appear higher
- ✨ Neck appears tighter
- ✨ Overall more youthful contour
Skin Quality:
- ✨ Firmer texture
- ✨ Improved tone
- ✨ Reduced appearance of lines
- ✨ Enhanced radiance
Month 3-12: Maintained Results
Ultherapy:
- Results continue improving through month 6
- Plateau at optimal level
- Maintain 12-18 months
- Gradual decline after peak
Shurink:
- Results plateau around month 3
- Maintain 6-9 months
- More gradual decline
- May need touch-up at 6-9 months
Factors Affecting Results
Better Results:
- Moderate sagging (not severe)
- Good skin quality with some elasticity
- Healthy lifestyle (non-smoker, sun protection)
- Realistic expectations
- Adequate number of lines/shots
- Experienced practitioner
Lesser Results:
- Severe sagging (better with surgery)
- Very thin or sun-damaged skin
- Excessive weight loss skin
- Unrealistic expectations
- Too few lines/shots for area
- Inexperienced practitioner
HIFU Prices in Korea (2025)
Korean HIFU treatments offer significant savings compared to Western countries:
Ultherapy Pricing
By Shot Count:
| Shots | Korean Won | USD | Typical Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 lines | ₩500,000-700,000 | $385-540 | Partial face (lower face) |
| 400 lines | ₩650,000-850,000 | $500-655 | Mid + lower face |
| 600 lines | ₩900,000-1,300,000 | $690-1,000 | Full face + neck |
| 800 lines | ₩1,200,000-1,800,000 | $925-1,385 | Full face + neck + décolletage |
Average: ₩800,000 ($615) for 400-600 lines
Shurink Pricing
Per Session:
| Treatment Area | Korean Won | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | ₩50,000-100,000 | $38-77 |
| Lower Face | ₩100,000-200,000 | $77-155 |
| Full Face | ₩150,000-300,000 | $115-230 |
| Face + Neck | ₩250,000-400,000 | $190-310 |
Average: ₩150,000 ($115) per session
Other HIFU Devices
| Device | Full Face | Face + Neck |
|---|---|---|
| Doublo | ₩300,000-600,000 ($230-460) | ₩400,000-800,000 ($310-615) |
| Ultraformer III | ₩300,000-700,000 ($230-540) | ₩500,000-900,000 ($385-690) |
Price Factors
What Affects HIFU Pricing?:
-
Device Type:
- Ultherapy: Premium (3x more expensive)
- Korean devices: Budget-friendly
-
Number of Lines/Shots:
- More coverage = higher cost
- Full face requires more lines
-
Clinic Location:
- Gangnam/Apgujeong: Premium pricing (+30-50%)
- Myeongdong: Moderate
- Other districts: Budget-friendly (-20-30%)
-
Practitioner Experience:
- Celebrity dermatologist: Premium
- Board-certified specialist: Standard
- General practitioner: Lower cost
-
Additional Services:
- Consultation usually included
- Pain medication may be extra
- Follow-up visits typically included
Prices current as of November 2025. Exchange rate: ₩1,300 ≈ $1 USD.
Price Comparison: Korea vs. Other Countries
| Location | Ultherapy Full Face | Savings in Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul, Korea | $690-1,000 | — |
| Los Angeles, USA | $2,500-4,500 | 70-80% |
| London, UK | £1,500-2,500 ($1,890-3,150) | 60-70% |
| Singapore | SGD $3,500-5,000 ($2,590-3,700) | 65-75% |
| Sydney, Australia | AUD $2,500-4,000 ($1,660-2,655) | 60-70% |
| Dubai, UAE | AED 7,000-12,000 ($1,905-3,270) | 60-70% |
Side Effects & Safety
Common Side Effects (Most Patients)
✓ Redness (90% of patients)
- Duration: 2-6 hours
- Severity: Mild
- Management: Resolves naturally
✓ Swelling (60% of patients)
- Duration: 1-3 days
- Severity: Mild to moderate
- Areas: Eyes, jawline most common
- Management: Ice packs, sleeping elevated
✓ Tenderness (100% of patients)
- Duration: 2-7 days
- Severity: Mild
- Management: Gentle handling, pain relievers if needed
✓ Tingling/Numbness (40% of patients)
- Duration: Days to weeks
- Cause: Temporary nerve sensitivity
- Resolves: Fully with time
Uncommon Side Effects (5-15%)
⚠️ Bruising
- Duration: 7-14 days
- Cause: Rare with HIFU (more common with high energy)
- Management: Arnica, concealer
⚠️ Welts or Raised Lines
- Duration: Few hours to days
- Cause: Energy concentration points
- Resolves: Naturally, no treatment needed
⚠️ Prolonged Swelling
- Duration: Beyond 1 week
- Cause: Individual response
- Management: Anti-inflammatory medication
Rare Complications (<5%)
❌ Nerve Damage (Temporary)
- Symptoms: Numbness, weakness, asymmetric smile
- Cause: Energy near nerve pathway
- Resolution: Usually resolves in weeks to months
- Rarely permanent
❌ Fat Loss/Volume Loss (Cheek Hollowing)
- Cause: Excessive energy destroying fat tissue
- Effect: Sunken or gaunt appearance
- Prevention: Conservative energy levels, experienced practitioner
- Treatment: May need filler to restore volume
❌ Burns or Blisters
- Cause: Incorrect technique, too high energy
- Very rare with proper settings
- Prevention: Choose experienced practitioner
❌ Paradoxical Sagging
- Cause: Very rare reaction
- Effect: Worsening of sagging
- Unknown mechanism
Contraindications
Do NOT undergo HIFU if you have:
- Open wounds or active infection in treatment area
- Severe or cystic acne
- Metal implants in treatment area
- Electrical implants (pacemaker)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Autoimmune connective tissue disease
- History of keloid scarring (caution)
Minimizing Risks
Choose Experienced Practitioner:
- Board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon
- Extensive HIFU experience (100+ treatments)
- Conservative energy levels for first-time patients
- Adjusts settings based on skin thickness and sensitivity
Follow Instructions:
- Disclose complete medical history
- Avoid blood thinners before treatment
- Hydrate well before and after
- Use sun protection post-treatment
Aftercare Instructions
First 24-48 Hours
DO:
- ✅ Apply ice packs if swelling (10 min intervals)
- ✅ Use gentle cleanser and moisturizer
- ✅ Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen if going outdoors
- ✅ Stay well-hydrated
- ✅ Sleep with head elevated if swelling
DON'T:
- ❌ Massage or manipulate treated areas
- ❌ Apply heat (hot showers, saunas, steam)
- ❌ Exercise intensely for 24 hours
- ❌ Consume alcohol (dehydrating)
- ❌ Direct sun exposure
First Week
Skincare:
- Gentle products only
- Avoid active ingredients (retinol, acids) for 3-5 days
- Moisturize well
- Daily sunscreen mandatory
Activities:
- Resume normal exercise after 48 hours
- Makeup application fine immediately or next day
- Normal work and social activities
Long-Term Care
Maximize Results:
- Excellent sun protection (UV degrades collagen)
- Quality skincare routine
- Healthy lifestyle (nutrition, sleep, hydration)
- Avoid smoking (destroys collagen)
- Maintain stable weight
When to Repeat:
- Ultherapy: 12-18 months
- Shurink: 6-9 months (or as maintenance every 3-6 months)
- Can be repeated safely: No limit on number of treatments
- Combining with other treatments: Enhances and prolongs results
Who is a Good Candidate?
Ideal Candidates
✅ Age: 30s-60s
- 30s-40s: Preventative, mild sagging
- 40s-50s: Moderate sagging, visible aging
- 60s+: May benefit but surgical option may be better for severe sagging
✅ Skin Concerns:
- Mild to moderate facial sagging
- Jowl formation
- Brow drooping
- Neck laxity
- Loss of definition
✅ Skin Quality:
- Some elasticity remaining
- Not paper-thin or severely sun-damaged
- Adequate collagen to respond
✅ Expectations:
- Realistic about non-surgical results
- Understand gradual improvement (2-3 months)
- Accept temporary results requiring maintenance
- Looking for alternative to surgery
Not Ideal Candidates
❌ Severe Sagging: Surgical facelift more appropriate ❌ Very Thin Skin: Higher risk of visible lines or marks ❌ Excessive Sun Damage: Poor collagen response ❌ Recent Filler: Wait 3-6 months after facial fillers ❌ Low Pain Tolerance (for Ultherapy): Consider Shurink instead ❌ Unrealistic Expectations: Expecting surgical facelift results
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How painful is HIFU really? A: Pain varies by device:
- Ultherapy: 7-8/10 - intense but brief with each pulse. Bone areas (jawline, around ears) most painful. Many describe as "hot needle touching bone."
- Shurink: 5-6/10 - more tolerable, longer treatment but less intense per shot.
- Pain is subjective - individual tolerance varies greatly.
Q: How soon will I see results? A: Timeline:
- Immediate: Minimal (slight tightening from collagen contraction)
- 2-4 weeks: Early subtle improvements
- 2-3 months: Peak results emerge as collagen matures
- 3-6 months: Maximum effect achieved
- Be patient - results are progressive, not instant!
Q: How long do HIFU results last? A:
- Ultherapy: 12-18 months average
- Shurink: 6-9 months average
- Factors: Baseline sagging, lifestyle, aging rate, skincare
- Can repeat: No limit on number of treatments over lifetime
Q: Can I combine HIFU with other treatments? A: Yes, often recommended:
- HIFU + Botox: Same day or any time (different mechanisms)
- HIFU + Fillers: HIFU first, fillers 2-4 weeks later
- HIFU + Thread Lift: HIFU first, threads 4-6 weeks later
- HIFU + RF (Inmode): Separate by 4-6 weeks
- Combination approaches provide comprehensive rejuvenation
Q: Is Ultherapy worth 3x the price of Shurink? A: Depends on priorities:
- Worth it if: You want maximum effect, longest duration, proven technology, can tolerate pain
- Not worth it if: Budget limited, maintenance approach preferred, lower pain tolerance
- Middle ground: Try Shurink first, upgrade to Ultherapy if underwhelmed
Q: Will HIFU make me look unnatural or tight? A: No. HIFU creates subtle, gradual lifting - not dramatic transformation. Results look natural because:
- Uses your own collagen
- Gradual improvement over months
- Modest lifting (not surgical-level)
- Most people say "you look refreshed" not "you had something done"
Q: Can HIFU damage fat or create hollowing? A: Rare but possible:
- Risk: <5% with experienced practitioners
- Cause: Excessive energy destroying fat tissue
- Prevention: Conservative settings, avoid treating areas with minimal fat
- Treatment: Filler can restore volume if occurs
- Choose experienced practitioner who understands facial anatomy
Q: How many treatments do I need? A: Typically one treatment provides full results lasting 6-18 months (depending on device). Then:
- Maintenance approach: Repeat when effects diminish
- Some patients: Do partial treatments every 6 months
- Not required: Multiple treatments per course (unlike lasers)
Q: Is HIFU safe for Asian skin? A: Yes, very safe:
- No risk of hyperpigmentation (energy bypasses epidermis)
- No downtime or crusting
- Works on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI)
- Korean devices like Shurink designed specifically for Asian skin
Q: Can I fly after HIFU? A: Yes, immediately. HIFU has no downtime restrictions. You can:
- Fly same day
- Return to work immediately
- Apply makeup right away
- Perfect for medical tourism - get treatment and continue travels
Finding the Right Clinic in Seoul
Essential Qualifications
Doctor Credentials:
- Board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon
- Specialized HIFU training
- Extensive experience (100+ treatments)
- Portfolio of before/after photos
Equipment:
- Genuine branded devices (not counterfeit)
- Well-maintained and calibrated
- Multiple transducer options
- Proper safety features
Facility:
- Licensed medical facility
- Clean, professional environment
- Emergency protocols
- English-speaking staff (for international patients)
Questions to Ask
About Experience:
- How many HIFU treatments have you performed?
- Which device do you use and why?
- Can I see before/after photos of similar cases?
- What's your complication rate?
About Treatment: 5. How many lines/shots do you recommend for my concerns? 6. What energy levels will you use? 7. What results can I realistically expect? 8. What are the risks for my specific face?
About Costs: 9. What is the total cost? 10. Are there package deals? 11. What's included in the price? 12. What happens if I'm not satisfied?
Popular Areas in Seoul
Gangnam (강남):
- Premium clinics with latest technology
- Experienced practitioners
- English-friendly
- Higher prices but excellent quality
- Subway: Line 2, Gangnam Station
Apgujeong (압구정):
- Luxury aesthetic clinics
- Celebrity clientele
- Both Ultherapy and Shurink available
- Subway: Line 3, Apgujeong Station
Myeongdong (명동):
- Tourist-friendly
- Moderate pricing
- Convenient location
- Subway: Line 4, Myeongdong Station
Red Flags
⚠️ Warning Signs:
- Prices 50%+ below market average
- Unclear about device type/brand
- No consultation before booking
- Pressure to buy packages immediately
- Can't show doctor credentials
- No before/after photos available
- "Guaranteed" or "permanent" results promised
Conclusion: Is HIFU Worth It?
HIFU treatment has earned its reputation as the premier non-invasive skin tightening and lifting solution, offering the only non-surgical way to target the SMAS layer - the same layer manipulated during surgical facelifts. For those with mild to moderate sagging who want noticeable improvement without surgery, HIFU delivers compelling results.
Key Takeaways:
- ✅ Non-invasive deep skin tightening reaching SMAS layer
- ✅ Multiple devices: Ultherapy (premium), Shurink (budget-friendly)
- ✅ No downtime - resume activities immediately
- ✅ Progressive results peaking at 2-3 months
- ✅ Duration: 6-18 months depending on device
- ✅ Proven technology with extensive clinical research (Ultherapy)
- ✅ Affordable in Korea: $385-1,000 Ultherapy, $38-230 Shurink
- ✅ 60-80% cheaper than US/UK
Is HIFU Right for You?
Consider HIFU if you:
- Have mild to moderate sagging (not severe)
- Want significant lifting without surgery
- Can accept gradual results (2-3 months)
- Don't mind pain (Ultherapy) or prefer comfort (Shurink)
- Seek temporary solution (not permanent)
- Have realistic expectations (subtle to moderate improvement)
- Want proven non-invasive technology
HIFU is especially appealing for international visitors to Korea due to significant cost savings (60-80% less than Western countries), access to both premium (Ultherapy) and budget-friendly (Shurink) options, and no downtime allowing you to continue your travels immediately.
Ready to lift and tighten without surgery? Research board-certified dermatologists in Seoul's major districts, compare Ultherapy vs Shurink based on your priorities and budget, and book consultations with 2-3 clinics. With proper device selection, experienced practitioner, and realistic expectations, HIFU can deliver natural-looking rejuvenation and turn back the clock on facial aging.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about HIFU treatments including Ultherapy and Shurink devices. It is not intended as medical advice. HIFU is a medical procedure that should only be performed by qualified, licensed dermatologists or plastic surgeons with specialized training. Individual results vary significantly based on degree of sagging, skin quality, age, device used, number of lines/shots, energy settings, practitioner skill, and individual healing response. While generally safe when performed correctly, all procedures carry risks including pain, swelling, nerve damage (usually temporary), fat loss, burns, and unsatisfactory results. Complications can require medical intervention or corrective procedures. Always consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon before undergoing HIFU. Discuss your complete medical history, current medications, realistic expectations, and all potential risks during consultation. Verify practitioner credentials, device authenticity, and facility licensing. Follow all post-treatment instructions carefully. Price information is current as of November 2025 and subject to change. Results mentioned represent individual cases and should not be considered guaranteed outcomes. HIFU provides temporary results and is not a replacement for surgical facelift in cases of severe sagging. Pain levels are subjective and individual tolerance varies greatly.
Last Updated: November 7, 2025 Reading Time: 18 minutes
