Korea Ultherapy and shurink, What's the difference?
- Author : プリミクリニック
- Date : 2024.11.26 16:26
- Views : 505
Hello, this is Primi Clinic, a skin beauty clinic in Seoul.
Today, we’d like to introduce HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound), a treatment using advanced ultrasound devices.
Popular HIFU Devices: Ulthera and Shurink
In Korean skin beauty clinics, there are various HIFU devices, including Ulthera, Shurink, LinearZ, VRO, and Liftera, all of which share the same basic principles.
For example, you may often hear the following explanation:
“Ulthera has long-lasting effects, so it’s recommended once a year. For Shurink, three sessions at one-month intervals are ideal. If budget allows, choose Ulthera.”
However, such explanations might not fully clarify the actual differences in effects or features. This time, we’ll take a closer look at the comparison between Ulthera and Shurink, as well as the reasons behind their varying results.
Which is More Effective?
Based on my experience using all the major HIFU devices on the market,
Ultherapy delivers the best results in terms of effectiveness.
(Ulthera’s cost is more than three times that of Shurink.)
Does this mean other HIFU devices are ineffective?
Absolutely not.
The key difference in effectiveness between Ulthera and Shurink lies in the devices’ default energy settings.
Ultherapy’s higher default energy settings naturally result in better effects. However, with proper energy adjustments, other HIFU devices can also deliver excellent results at a fraction of Ultherapy’s cost.
In short, the skill and understanding of the practitioner in adjusting energy settings for devices like Ultherapy or Shurink are more crucial than the devices themselves.
Why Is Shurink Perceived as Less Effective?
Shurink has lower default energy settings compared to Ultherapy.
Additionally, the older Shurink model has been discontinued and replaced with the upgraded Shurink Universe.
The main upgrade is the inclusion of MP mode, which uses a linear beam instead of the traditional dot-based beam (Normal mode).
Manufacturers claim that MP mode provides more even energy distribution across the treated area, but I disagree. The linear beam structure inherently limits the default energy level.
(Linear mode increases the risk of side effects at higher energy levels due to closer spacing of heat points.)
Why Is Ultherapy More Effective?
Looking at Ultherapy’s screen, the energy for the 3mm depth is similar to Shurink Universe, but the 4.5mm setting is higher, at 0.9J.
Unlike the linear mode in Shurink Universe, Ultherapy retains the dot-based heat point creation, allowing for higher energy levels without compromising safety.
How to Choose the Right Clinic?
Previously, some clinics used non-genuine or recycled HIFU tips. Thankfully, such practices are now widely exposed, and most clinics have stopped using recycled tips.
When choosing a clinic, start by comparing prices. (A low price does not necessarily mean the use of recycled tips.)
However, price alone doesn’t tell the full story. The skill and expertise of the practitioner play a significant role in the effectiveness of the treatment.
Why Does Effectiveness Vary Among Clinics Using the Same Device?
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Proper Energy Distribution Across Depths
HIFU devices typically use tips targeting different layers:- 1.5mm for the dermis
- 3mm and 4.5mm for the fascia layer
Since each patient has unique skin thickness and facial contours, using a single tip for the entire face may result in wasted shots. Proper energy distribution across depths and areas is crucial for effective results.
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Correct Use of the Handpiece
- For dermis-targeting 1.5mm tips, no additional pressure is needed.
- For fascia-targeting 3mm and 4.5mm tips, moderate pressure is required.
- Proper positioning (e.g., tilting the neck slightly, treating upward and outward) also affects outcomes.
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Appropriate Energy Settings
The principle of HIFU is to create thermal coagulation points (TCP) using ultrasound, generating 40–45°C heat damage to the targeted tissue to stimulate skin regeneration.
Insufficient energy or uneven heat distribution can render the treatment ineffective. -
As mentioned earlier, Ultherapy’s superior results stem from its higher default energy settings. A skilled practitioner with a deep understanding of HIFU devices can deliver outstanding results even with more affordable devices like Shurink, provided they use appropriate energy levels.
Key Points
- Ultherapy and Shurink are HIFU-based treatments effective for skin lifting and elasticity improvement.
- Effectiveness varies among clinics despite using the same device and number of shots, mainly due to differences in the practitioner’s understanding of HIFU technology.
- Ensure the treatment involves proper energy levels and targeted depth to avoid unnecessary expenses and maximize results.