Shurink HIFU in Korea: Complete Guide, Prices & Best Clinics 2025

Shurink has become one of Korea's most popular HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) treatments, offering effective facial lifting and skin tightening at a fraction of the cost of premium alternatives like Ulthera. If you're considering Shurink in Seoul, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about this accessible yet effective treatment.

What is Shurink?

Shurink (슈링크 in Korean) is a Korean-manufactured HIFU device that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound energy to heat tissue beneath the skin's surface, triggering collagen production and resulting in skin tightening and lifting. As a more affordable alternative to FDA-cleared Ulthera, Shurink has gained massive popularity in Korea and throughout Asia.

The technology delivers focused ultrasound beams that penetrate to specific depths (1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm), heating tissue to 60-65°C to create controlled thermal injury points. This triggers the body's natural healing response, producing fresh collagen over the following months for gradual, natural-looking lifting and tightening.

Key Benefits:

• Non-invasive with no incisions
• No downtime required
• More affordable than Ulthera (1/3 the cost)
• Immediate tightening with progressive improvement
• Suitable for face, neck, and body

Shurink vs Shurink Universe

Understanding the evolution of Shurink technology helps you make informed treatment choices:

Original Shurink (Discontinued)

Technology: Traditional dot-based HIFU Status: Older model, largely replaced Characteristics:

• Standard HIFU with dot pattern energy delivery
• Fixed energy parameters
• Good results but limited customization

Shurink Universe (Current Model)

Technology: Advanced HIFU with linear MP mode Status: Latest generation, widely available Launch: Improved version replacing original Shurink

Key Improvements:

• MP (Multi-Point) Mode: Linear beam technology replacing dot-based
• Faster Treatment: Reduced procedure time
• More Comfortable: Linear mode generally less painful
• Better Coverage: More efficient energy distribution
• Customizable Settings: Adjustable parameters for different concerns

Treatment Modes:

• Standard Mode: Traditional dot-based for maximum lifting
• MP Linear Mode: Faster, more comfortable for larger areas
• Combination: Using both modes in one session for optimal results

Most Korean clinics now use Shurink Universe exclusively, though some may still operate older models. Always confirm which version the clinic uses.

How Shurink HIFU Works

The Technology

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU):

• Ultrasound energy bypasses skin surface
• Focuses at precise depths beneath skin
• Creates thermal coagulation points
• Triggers collagen neogenesis (new collagen production)
• Results in natural lifting and tightening

Treatment Depths:

Typical Treatment: 300-600 shots covering face and/or neck using multiple depths

Shurink vs Ulthera: Key Differences

Both are HIFU devices targeting similar outcomes, but important differences exist:

Technology Comparison

Clinical Differences

Ulthera Advantages:

• Real-time ultrasound imaging ensures precise depth
• Can avoid blood vessels, nerves, bones
• More clinical research and longer track record
• Generally stronger, more consistent energy delivery
• FDA-cleared with extensive safety data

Shurink Advantages:

• Significantly more affordable (1/3 the price)
• Faster treatment time (20-30 minutes)
• Less discomfort during procedure
• Accessible for regular maintenance
• Good results when performed by experienced practitioners

Results Comparison:

• Ulthera: Generally more dramatic, longer-lasting results (12-18 months)
• Shurink: Moderate to good results, often requires more frequent treatments (6-12 months)
• Treatment Protocol: Ulthera typically once yearly; Shurink often 3 sessions at 1-month intervals

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Ulthera If:

• You want maximum lifting effect
• Precision and safety are top priorities
• You have significant skin laxity
• Budget allows for premium treatment
• One-time annual treatment preferred

Choose Shurink If:

• Budget is a primary concern
• You want moderate lifting and maintenance
• Prefer less discomfort
• Comfortable with more frequent sessions
• Seeking preventative anti-aging

Expert Opinion: Skilled practitioners can achieve excellent results with Shurink using appropriate energy levels. The device itself is secondary to injector expertise.

Shurink Treatment Areas

Face

• Forehead: Lifting brows, smoothing horizontal lines
• Eyes: Lifting drooping eyelids (upper), tightening lower lid area
• Cheeks: Lifting sagging midface, defining contours
• Nasolabial Folds: Reducing depth of smile lines
• Jawline: Defining jaw, reducing jowls
• Chin: Tightening under chin, reducing double chin

Neck

• Neck Tightening: Improving turkey neck appearance
• Platysmal Bands: Reducing vertical neck lines
• Overall Neck Rejuvenation: Tightening loose neck skin

Body Applications

• Arms: Reducing arm flab (bingo wings)
• Abdomen: Tightening loose skin (post-pregnancy, weight loss)
• Thighs: Improving inner thigh laxity
• Knees: Tightening skin above knees

Shurink Prices in Korea (2025)

Price by Number of Shots

Package Pricing (Typical 3-Session Course)

Prices as of November 2025. Exchange rate: ₩1,300 = $1 USD. Prices vary significantly by clinic location, number of shots, and practitioner experience.

Event/Promotional Pricing

Korean clinics frequently offer first-time patient discounts:

• First-time trials: ₩14,900-₩39,000 ($11-$30) for limited shots
• Package discounts: 30-50% off when purchasing 3-5 sessions
• Combination deals: Shurink + other treatments at reduced rates

Warning: Extremely low prices may indicate:

• Very limited number of shots (insufficient for results)
• Less experienced practitioners
• Older equipment or poorly maintained devices
• Aggressive upselling once you arrive

Shurink Procedure: What to Expect

Before Treatment (15-30 minutes)

1. Consultation: Discussion of concerns and goals
2. Assessment: Skin laxity evaluation
3. Photography: Before photos for comparison
4. Cleansing: Face thoroughly cleaned
5. Marking: Treatment zones mapped
6. Ultrasound Gel: Applied to treatment areas
7. Optional Numbing: Cream or ice (varies by clinic)

During Treatment (20-40 minutes)

1. Energy Delivery: Ultrasound pulses delivered line by line
2. Multiple Depths: Different cartridges for 1.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.5mm
3. Sensation: Tingling, prickling, or heat during energy delivery
4. Coverage: Systematic treatment of marked areas
5. Adjustments: Energy adjusted based on tolerance

Pain Level: 3-4 out of 10 (moderate). Less painful than Ulthera but not painless. Bony areas (jawline, forehead) more sensitive.

Treatment Duration:

• 300 shots: 20-30 minutes
• 500 shots: 30-40 minutes
• 600+ shots: 40-60 minutes

After Treatment (Immediate)

• No downtime: Resume normal activities immediately
• Mild redness: Usually resolves within 1-2 hours
• Slight swelling: May last 1-3 days
• Possible tenderness: Light sensitivity for 1-2 days
• Can apply makeup: Usually after 2-4 hours

Results Timeline and Duration

Immediate (Day 1-7)

• Slight tightening sensation
• Mild swelling and redness
• No visible lifting yet
• Collagen production begins

Early Results (2-4 Weeks)

• Initial improvements appear
• Subtle tightening visible
• Skin texture improves
• Ongoing collagen production

Progressive Improvement (1-3 Months)

• Noticeable lifting and tightening
• Maximum collagen production
• Optimal results become visible
• Natural-looking enhancement

Duration of Results

Single Session:

• Initial effects: 3-6 months
• Best for maintenance or mild concerns

3-Session Course (Recommended):

• Combined effects: 6-12 months
• Better cumulative results
• More sustainable improvement

Factors Affecting Duration:

• Age and skin condition
• Degree of initial laxity
• Lifestyle (smoking, sun exposure)
• Skincare maintenance
• Natural aging process
• Energy levels used during treatment

Maintenance:

• Repeat treatment every 6-12 months
• Some clinics recommend 3 sessions annually (every 4 months)

Shurink vs Other Lifting Treatments

Shurink's Position in the Market

Most Similar To: Ulthera (both HIFU), but more affordable and less intense

Best For:

• Budget-conscious patients seeking HIFU lifting
• Mild to moderate skin laxity
• Preventative anti-aging (age 30-45)
• Regular maintenance
• Those seeking less painful alternative to Ulthera

Not Ideal For:

• Severe skin laxity (surgery or Ulthera better)
• Those wanting maximum single-treatment effect
• Patients prioritizing longevity over cost

Side Effects and Risks

Common (Temporary)

• Moderate discomfort during treatment
• Redness (1-3 hours)
• Mild swelling (1-3 days)
• Slight bruising (rare, 1 week)
• Tenderness (1-3 days)
• Tingling or numbness (temporary)

Uncommon

• More pronounced swelling (1 week)
• Temporary nerve effects (numbness)
• Welts or lines on skin (resolve within days)
• Uneven results (usually due to swelling)

Rare but Possible

• Burns or blisters (improper energy settings)
• Fat loss causing hollowing (over-treatment)
• Prolonged nerve effects (very rare)
• Skin irregularities

Important: Most side effects are mild and temporary. Choosing experienced practitioners minimizes risks.

Aftercare Guidelines

First 24-48 Hours

• ✅ Apply ice packs for swelling
• ✅ Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed
• ✅ Sleep with head elevated
• ✅ Gentle face washing
• ❌ Avoid hot water, saunas, steam
• ❌ No intense exercise
• ❌ Skip alcohol
• ❌ No pressure on face

First Week

• ✅ Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen daily
• ✅ Use gentle skincare
• ✅ Stay hydrated
• ✅ Allow skin to heal naturally
• ❌ Avoid direct sun exposure
• ❌ No other facial treatments (lasers, peels)
• ❌ Skip exfoliating products

Ongoing (For Best Results)

• ✅ Maintain healthy lifestyle
• ✅ Consistent sun protection
• ✅ Good skincare routine
• ✅ Adequate hydration
• ✅ Follow recommended treatment schedule
• ❌ Avoid smoking (impairs collagen)
• ❌ Minimize sun damage

Who is a Good Candidate?

Ideal Candidates:

• Age 30-60 with mild to moderate skin laxity
• Seeking non-surgical lifting alternative
• Budget-conscious patients
• Those uncomfortable with higher pain levels
• Wanting preventative treatment
• Regular maintenance seekers

Not Suitable For:

• Severe skin laxity (surgery recommended)
• Very thin skin with little tissue
• Active skin infections or inflammation
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Open wounds or severe acne
• Unrealistic expectations for dramatic immediate change
• Those with very low pain tolerance

Best Seoul Areas for Shurink

Gangnam District (강남구)

Average Price: ₩400,000-₩800,000 per session Best For: Premium service, experienced practitioners Popular Areas: Apgujeong, Cheongdam, Gangnam Station Pros: Higher energy settings, better technique, English support Cons: Most expensive, even for Shurink

Myeongdong/Jung-gu (명동)

Average Price: ₩250,000-₩500,000 per session Best For: International patients, central location Popular Areas: Myeongdong shopping district Pros: Tourist-friendly, competitive pricing, convenient Cons: Variable quality, verify Shurink Universe availability

Hongdae/Sinchon (홍대/신촌)

Average Price: ₩150,000-₩400,000 per session Best For: Budget travelers, students, younger demographic Popular Areas: University districts Pros: Most affordable, good promotional deals Cons: Verify practitioner experience and device condition

Maximizing Shurink Results

Energy Settings Matter

Unlike Ulthera, Shurink doesn't have real-time imaging, making practitioner skill and energy selection crucial:

Adequate Energy:

• Sufficient heat to trigger collagen response
• Noticeable sensation during treatment (shouldn't be painless)
• Some redness and tightness afterward

Insufficient Energy (Red Flags):

• Treatment feels comfortable or painless throughout
• No sensation during energy delivery
• No redness or reaction afterward
• Suspiciously low price
• Result: Waste of money, no collagen stimulation

Excessive Energy:

• Severe pain during treatment
• Significant burns or blisters
• Prolonged swelling and redness
• Result: Potential damage, side effects

Questions to Ask Your Clinic

1. Device Model: "Do you use Shurink Universe or older Shurink?"
2. Energy Levels: "What energy settings do you use at 4.5mm depth?"
3. Practitioner Experience: "How many Shurink treatments have you performed?"
4. Realistic Expectations: "What results can I expect from one session vs three?"
5. Before/After Photos: "Can I see results from actual patients?"

Tips for International Patients

Before Your Trip

1. Research Thoroughly: Check reviews from multiple sources
2. Book Consultations: Schedule 2-3 clinics for comparison
3. Verify Equipment: Confirm Shurink Universe availability
4. Understand Pricing: Get exact cost including all shots in writing
5. Plan Multiple Sessions: Consider staying for 2-3 treatments over several weeks

During Consultation

1. Discuss Experience: Ask about practitioner's Shurink experience
2. Request Portfolio: View before/after photos of real patients
3. Clarify Treatment: Understand exact number of shots, depths used
4. Set Expectations: Discuss realistic outcomes for your concerns
5. Energy Levels: Confirm they use adequate energy (not minimal settings)
6. Total Cost: Get written quote including any additional fees

Making the Most of Treatment

1. Choose 3-Session Package: Single sessions provide minimal long-term benefit
2. Don't Chase Cheapest Price: Adequate energy and experience matter more
3. Be Honest About Pain: Request adjustments if unbearable
4. Follow Aftercare: Essential for collagen production
5. Be Patient: Results develop over 1-3 months
6. Plan Maintenance: Schedule follow-up in 6-12 months

FAQ

Q: Does Shurink hurt? A: Moderately (3-4/10). Less painful than Ulthera but not painless. Bony areas like jawline are more sensitive. Tolerability varies by individual.

Q: How long does Shurink last? A: Single session: 3-6 months. Three-session course: 6-12 months typically. Less long-lasting than Ulthera.

Q: When will I see results? A: Initial improvements at 2-4 weeks, progressive enhancement through 1-3 months as collagen production peaks.

Q: How many treatments do I need? A: Most protocols recommend 3 sessions spaced 1 month apart for optimal results, then maintenance every 6-12 months.

Q: Is Shurink as good as Ulthera? A: Ulthera generally provides stronger, longer-lasting results with imaging precision. Shurink offers good results at 1/3 the cost but typically requires more frequent treatments.

Q: What's the difference between Shurink and Shurink Universe? A: Shurink Universe is the latest model with MP linear mode, faster treatment, and more comfort. It's replacing the original Shurink.

Q: Can I combine Shurink with other treatments? A: Yes. Often combined with Botox, fillers, or laser treatments. Recommended spacing: 2 weeks before/after Botox or fillers, 4 weeks before/after laser.

Q: Why is Shurink so much cheaper than Ulthera? A: Lower device cost, no imaging technology, Korean manufacturing, and market positioning as an affordable alternative.

Q: How many shots do I need? A: Minimum 300 for face, 400-500 for more comprehensive treatment, 600+ for face and neck together.

Conclusion

Shurink HIFU offers an accessible entry point into non-surgical facial lifting for patients seeking results without Ulthera's premium price tag. With costs ranging from ₩150,000-₩600,000 ($115-$462) per session in Seoul—approximately one-third of Ulthera's price—it provides good value for mild to moderate skin concerns.

While Shurink lacks Ulthera's real-time imaging and typically requires more frequent treatments, skilled practitioners can achieve satisfying results using appropriate energy levels. The latest Shurink Universe model offers improved comfort and efficiency over the original version.

The key to success with Shurink is choosing experienced practitioners who understand HIFU technology, don't skimp on energy settings to increase profit margins, and set realistic expectations. Committing to the recommended 3-session protocol rather than expecting dramatic results from a single treatment optimizes outcomes.

For budget-conscious patients wanting HIFU lifting effects, regular preventative maintenance, or an introduction to non-surgical treatments before investing in premium options, Shurink represents an excellent choice in Korea's competitive aesthetic market.

Ready for affordable HIFU lifting? Research reputable clinics, verify they use Shurink Universe, commit to a multi-session protocol, ensure adequate energy settings, and prepare for gradual natural-looking improvements that develop over 1-3 months.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Shurink HIFU treatments in Korea. It is not intended as medical advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Shurink is a medical procedure with potential risks and side effects. Individual results vary based on skin condition, age, degree of laxity, energy levels used, practitioner skill, and other factors. Always consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine if Shurink is appropriate for your specific situation and to understand all risks and benefits before undergoing treatment. Ensure treatment is performed with properly maintained equipment by experienced medical professionals.

Last Updated: November 10, 2025 Reading Time: 15 minutes