Shurink vs Ultherapy vs InMode in Korea

Korea is widely known for advanced non-surgical face lifting treatments, and among the most frequently compared options are Shurink, Ultherapy, and InMode.

Although all three aim to improve facial laxity and contour, they use different technologies, target different skin layers, and produce distinct results. Choosing the right treatment depends on your age, degree of sagging, pain tolerance, and aesthetic goals.

What Is Shurink?

Shurink is a Korean-developed HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) lifting treatment. It is often considered a more affordable and gentler alternative to Ultherapy.

Shurink is widely used in Korea for facial contouring, jawline tightening, and skin firmness, especially in patients with mild to moderate laxity.

How Shurink Works

Shurink delivers focused ultrasound energy into the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production. While it does not penetrate as deeply as Ultherapy, it provides noticeable tightening with less discomfort.

What Is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is a premium ultrasound lifting treatment that uses micro-focused ultrasound energy to reach the SMAS layer, the same layer targeted in surgical facelifts.

Ultherapy is best known for its strong lifting effect, especially in the lower face, jawline, neck, and brow.

How Ultherapy Works

Ultherapy delivers ultrasound energy at precise depths under real-time imaging guidance. This controlled thermal stimulation triggers long-term collagen regeneration and structural lifting.

What Is InMode?

InMode is a radiofrequency-based lifting and tightening system. In Korea, InMode is commonly used for facial tightening, fat reduction, and contour improvement rather than deep lifting.

Depending on the handpiece used, InMode can address skin laxity, facial fat, and jawline definition.

How InMode Works

InMode uses bipolar or minimally invasive radiofrequency energy to heat tissue, stimulate collagen, and in some cases reduce unwanted fat. The result is tighter skin and improved facial contours.

Key Differences Between Shurink, Ultherapy, and InMode

Treatment Depth

Shurink targets mid-to-deep dermal layers using ultrasound.
Ultherapy reaches the deepest layers, including the SMAS.
InMode mainly affects the dermis and subcutaneous fat layer using radiofrequency.

Main Treatment Goal

Shurink focuses on tightening and light lifting.
Ultherapy focuses on strong lifting and structural support.
InMode focuses on tightening, contouring, and fat reduction.

Pain and Comfort Level

Shurink is generally well tolerated with mild discomfort.
Ultherapy can be more intense due to deeper energy delivery.
InMode is often considered comfortable, depending on the handpiece and settings.

Results Timeline

Shurink results appear gradually over one to three months.
Ultherapy results peak around three to six months.
InMode results can appear sooner, especially for tightening and contouring.

Longevity

Shurink typically lasts six to twelve months.
Ultherapy often lasts twelve months or longer.
InMode results vary but commonly last six to twelve months.

Shurink Pros and Cons

Shurink Pros

• More affordable than Ultherapy in Korea
• Less painful with minimal downtime
• Suitable for early sagging and facial maintenance
• Popular for jawline and cheek tightening

Shurink Cons

• Less lifting power than Ultherapy
• Not ideal for severe sagging
• Results may require more frequent sessions

Ultherapy Pros and Cons

Ultherapy Pros

• Strong lifting effect without surgery
• Targets deep structural layers of the face
• Long-lasting collagen stimulation
• Effective for jawline, neck, and brow lifting

Ultherapy Cons

• Higher cost compared to Shurink
• More discomfort during treatment
• Results take time to fully develop

InMode Pros and Cons

InMode Pros

• Excellent for skin tightening and contour refinement
• Can help reduce facial fat in specific areas
• Comfortable with minimal downtime
• Good option for double chin and lower face contouring

InMode Cons

• Limited deep lifting compared to Ultherapy
• Results depend heavily on technique and settings
• Not a replacement for SMAS-level lifting

Who Is Each Treatment Best For?

Shurink is best for patients with mild to moderate laxity who want affordable lifting and skin tightening with minimal discomfort.

Ultherapy is best for patients with noticeable sagging who want deep lifting and longer-lasting results without surgery.

InMode is best for patients who want skin tightening, facial contouring, or fat reduction rather than deep lifting.

Can These Treatments Be Combined?

Yes. Many Korean clinics combine these treatments for customized results.

Ultherapy can be used for deep lifting, Shurink for overall tightening, and InMode for contour refinement or fat reduction. When combined strategically, patients often achieve more balanced and natural outcomes.

Cost Considerations in Korea

In general, Shurink is the most affordable option, Ultherapy is the most expensive, and InMode falls in between depending on the handpiece and treatment area.

Final pricing depends on energy level, shot count, treatment area, and clinic expertise.

Expert Verdict

There is no single “best” lifting treatment.

Shurink is ideal for maintenance and early aging.
Ultherapy is ideal for strong lifting and structural improvement.
InMode is ideal for tightening, contouring, and fat management.

The best results come from proper diagnosis and a customized treatment plan rather than choosing a device alone.

Final Tips Before Treatment in Korea

• Ask which device version is being used
• Confirm shot count or energy settings
• Discuss pain management options
• Choose experienced medical providers