HIFU before and after photos are easy to misread. Some of the change appears the moment treatment ends, and the rest develops quietly over the following weeks. Ultherapy (made by Merz in the US) and Korean HIFU devices such as Shurink (made by Classys and sold abroad as Ultraformer) all work by focusing ultrasound into tiny heat points deep under the skin while leaving the surface untouched. Below is a real Shurink HIFU case treated at Kondae PPEUM Clinic in Seoul, what the photo does and does not tell you, how Ultherapy and Ultherapy Prime compare with Shurink, and the answers our medical director, Dr. Park Hwonham, gives patients in consultation.
Ultherapy & HIFU at a glance
- What it is: high-intensity focused ultrasound that heats small points to about 60°C or more under the skin
- Suited to: an early sagging jawline or cheeks, and skin that has lost firmness
- Results: many people look slightly tighter right away, then remodeling continues over about 1–2 months
- How long: many people feel it lasts about 3–6 months; there is no fixed interval
- Limits: a lot of loose skin may need more than ultrasound lifting
HIFU Before and After: A Real Shurink Case from Seoul
This patient was treated with Shurink HIFU at Kondae PPEUM Clinic. The photo is a Shurink result, not Ultherapy. Our records for this case do not include the number of shots, the depths used, the energy setting or how many sessions she had before, so we describe only what is visible. Lighting, head position, make-up and expression can all change how firm a jawline looks in a photo.
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Case: Shurink HIFU for the lower face and jawline (female)
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- Before: the photo is cropped from the nose to the neck. Soft fullness sits along the jawline on both sides of the chin, and faint lines run down from the corners of the mouth.
- After: the jawline beside the chin looks a little cleaner and the lower cheeks slightly slimmer, so the outline from cheek to chin reads a bit tighter.
- Keep in mind: the after photo is labelled “right after treatment,” and the red lipstick, clothing and head position differ, so it shows only the immediate effect, not the one-to-two-month remodeling.
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- Before:front view; the lower cheeks are full and the face looks wide below the cheekbones.
- After:the outline beside the lower cheeks and toward the chin looks a little tighter and the lower face slightly narrower.
- Keep in mind:this was taken right after treatment (small injection marks are still visible under the eyes), so part of what you see is the immediate effect. The under-eye area also had filler, so that area is not an Ulthera result. Hair band and clothing differ.
An immediate change like this fits how HIFU works: heat shrinks some fat under the skin and contracts collagen fibers, so many people look slightly slimmer straight after. How much of that holds, and how much the later collagen remodeling adds, varies from person to person and cannot be judged from a same-day photo. One case does not predict another. For a longer guide to the device side, see our Ultherapy Korea guide.
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DR.BAQUO’s Answers on Ultherapy and HIFU
These are the answers Dr. Park Hwonham, Medical Director of DR.BAQUO (Kondae PPEUM Clinic) and a surgeon trained at Seoul National University Hospital, gave in October 2026 to the questions patients ask most often about Ultherapy and Shurink.
How many shots do I need, and where do they go?
“There is no fixed number. Guidance built from feedback between clinicians and the manufacturer suggests starting with about 300 shots across the mid and lower face, but it depends on the case. Too few shots can give little change; too many can cause swelling from excess heat. We adjust the energy and spread the shots across depths and areas. I usually use 150–200 shots at 4.5mm on the deep cheeks and jawline, and 100–150 shots at 3.0mm above the smile lines and under the chin.”
When do I see results, and how long do they last?
“Because of how the device works, most people look a little slimmer and lifted right after treatment, as heat shrinks some fat under the skin. How long it lasts depends on the case, the area and the number of shots, so there is no fixed interval. Medically, remodeling of the SMAS and skin is known to show over about one to two months on average. For patients who want a number, I say most people feel it lasts about three to six months. Treating too often without enough time between sessions can strain the tissue and cause swelling or firmness. For a first course with a standard number of shots, I suggest about three sessions one to two months apart. After that, at least two to three months apart, whenever you feel firmness dropping.”
Does it hurt? Do you use numbing cream?
“You may feel a sharp or hot sensation near bone, along the jawline, under the cheekbones and on the forehead, and deeper layers can feel a little stronger. It is all bearable. Numbing cream is essential for needle treatments, but for devices that work with heat it usually makes little difference, and it fairly often causes swelling or redness that can reduce the effect or limit the treatment. So I do not recommend it, but if a patient really wants it, we apply it. After explaining this, we either apply numbing cream or, although I do not usually push it, offer sedation.”
Can I get fillers, Botox or Rejuran on the same day?
“Many people do. Fillers, Botox and Rejuran are substances injected into the skin that then settle and change, so HIFU should always be done first. Always the device first.”
What Is HIFU, and How Does Ultherapy Work?
Ultherapy and Shurink are both HIFU, high-intensity focused ultrasound. Like a magnifying glass focusing sunlight, the device focuses ultrasound at a set depth and briefly heats just that point to over 60°C. The layers the beam passes through on the way are left untouched, which is why the skin surface is not wounded. The cartridge sits flat on the skin over a thin layer of gel, and the transducer inside steps sideways, leaving one row of small heat points per shot.
- Right away: heat shrinks some fat under the skin and contracts collagen fibers, so many people look slightly slimmer and lifted straight after. This is the stage the case photo above shows.
- Repair: as the heat points heal, fibroblasts make new collagen and elastic fibers. The SMAS and skin remodel over about one to two months on average.
Each cartridge has a fixed focal depth, so changing depth means changing cartridges. Real layer thickness varies by area and by person, which is why depth is chosen in consultation rather than by a fixed recipe.
| Depth | Layer | Main goal |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5mm | Dermis | Fine lines, texture, thin skin |
| 3.0mm | Deep dermis | Firmness and tightening of the skin |
| 4.5mm | SMAS | Lifting sagging contours such as the jawline |
The SMAS is the fibrous layer between the skin and the muscle, the same layer a surgical facelift lifts. HIFU reaches it without an incision, but it does not reposition tissue the way surgery does, so expectations should match an early-sagging face rather than a heavily loose one.
Ultherapy: the US device with a live ultrasound image
Ultherapy is made by Merz in the US. During treatment it shows a live ultrasound image of the skin layers, so the doctor can see the depth before each line of heat. That visualization is what sets Ultherapy apart from most HIFU devices. It was first cleared by the US FDA for brow lifting in 2009 and for the area under the chin and the neck in 2012.
What Is Ultherapy Prime?
Ultherapy Prime is the newest Ultherapy platform from Merz, launched in 2024. The treatment principle is the same focused ultrasound. Merz describes a larger, sharper live ultrasound screen and faster treatment. In practice that means the same depth-by-depth approach, with the doctor still watching the skin layers on screen before placing each line. Kondae PPEUM Clinic offers Ultherapy Prime for the face and a separate eye-area option (see prices below).
Ultherapy or Shurink (Ultraformer)?
Shurink is made by Classys in Korea. Overseas it is sold as Ultraformer III, and its successor, Shurink Universe, is sold as Ultraformer MPT. It is the same company's newer device working on the same principle, with different modes and cartridges.
| Shurink (Ultraformer) | Ultherapy | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Classys, Korea | Merz, USA |
| Overseas name | Ultraformer III; Shurink Universe = Ultraformer MPT | Ultherapy, Ultherapy Prime |
| Key feature | Fast treatment, several cartridges | Live ultrasound image of the skin layers |
| Pain | Often felt as milder | Often felt as stronger |
| Cost per shot | Lower | Higher |
Dr. Park's view: rather than putting off a visit while comparing devices, start with an affordable treatment recommended at your consultation, see how your skin responds, and use that to decide which direction to take next.
Thermage Versus Ultherapy: Ultrasound or Radiofrequency?
Thermage is a radiofrequency (RF) device, while Ultherapy and Shurink use focused ultrasound. A common rule of thumb is "thick skin suits ultrasound, thin skin suits radiofrequency." Dr. Park notes that this is often true, but not always, so the choice is made after looking at your skin rather than from a chart. For a side-by-side discussion, read our Ultherapy vs Thermage guide and the Thermage FLX Korea guide.
How Many HIFU Shots Do You Need?
A shot is one pulse of ultrasound. What matters more than the total is how the shots are split across depths and areas. This is how Dr. Park's clinic typically splits about 300 shots; your face shape and degree of sagging will change it.
| Depth | Shots | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 4.5mm | 150–200 | Deep cheeks, jawline |
| 3.0mm | 100–150 | Above the smile lines, under the chin |
Too few shots can give little change, and too many can cause swelling from excess heat. A higher number on the quote is therefore not automatically a better plan; ask how the shots will be distributed.
When Do HIFU Results Show, and How Long Do They Last?
| Time | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Right after | Many people look slightly slimmer and tighter as heat shrinks some fat; redness and mild swelling are common |
| Hours to days | Redness and mild swelling usually fade |
| 1–2 weeks | Soreness or tenderness, if any, settles |
| About 1–2 months | Remodeling of the SMAS and skin shows on average |
| About 3–6 months | How long many people feel the effect lasts; varies by case, area and shots |
A 2025 tissue study (Marquardt et al.) found fibroblasts gathered, and new collagen and elastic fibers formed, where the heat points had been, about 90 days after treatment. That supports the slower phase of the change, but it does not tell you how visible the result will be on any one face. There is no fixed interval between sessions; treating too often without enough time in between can cause swelling or firmness in the tissue.
Before
3 months laterIs Ultherapy Worth It?
It depends on where you start. HIFU suits an early sagging jawline or cheeks and skin that has lost firmness. If you have almost no sagging, for example in your 20s, the change may be small; a consultation when you first notice firmness dropping is a better time to decide on depth and shots. At the other end, a lot of loose skin may need more than ultrasound lifting. Results vary, and the effect is not lasting without maintenance: many people feel it holds for about three to six months.
If you are unsure whether the higher cost of Ultherapy makes sense for you, Dr. Park's advice is to start with what is recommended at consultation, often a more affordable Korean HIFU such as Shurink, see how your skin responds, and decide from there. Our skin tightening Korea guide covers other non-surgical lifting options.
Korean Ultherapy and HIFU: Planning a Trip to Korea
- Both options in one clinic: in Korea you can get Ultherapy (made in the US) as well as Korean HIFU devices such as Shurink.
- One session per visit is normal: the first course is spaced one to two months apart, so most visitors do one session per trip.
- Little downtime: most people go straight back to sightseeing. Redness and mild swelling usually fade within hours to days.
- Combining treatments: if you also want fillers, Botox or Rejuran, the HIFU comes first and the injections after.
- Getting here: DR.BAQUO (Kondae PPEUM Clinic) is directly connected to Konkuk Univ. Station Exit 1.
If this is your first treatment abroad, our first-time Korean clinic guide explains booking, consultation and aftercare step by step.
Pain, Side Effects and Who Should Tell Us First
- Pain: a sharp or hot sensation near bone, along the jawline, under the cheekbones and on the forehead; deeper layers can feel a little stronger. Numbing cream makes little difference for heat-based devices and can cause swelling or redness, so it is not used routinely.
- Common: redness and mild swelling (hours to days), soreness or tenderness (one to two weeks).
- Rare: bruising, surface burn marks, temporary numbness, or fat loss that looks like a hollow. In faces with very little cheek fat, deep heat under the cheekbones can make the cheek look hollow for a while; it usually recovers except in older patients, and clinics adjust depth and shots to avoid it.
- Tell the clinic first if you have fillers or threads in the area, a skin condition or wound, metal implants, or are pregnant.
How Much Is Ultherapy in Korea? Shurink and Ultherapy Prices
DR.BAQUO's standing prices are: Shurink Universe Ultra, 100 shots, KRW 49,000; Ultherapy Prime, 100 shots, KRW 460,000 (this per-100-shot price applies when 300 shots or more are booked); and Eye Ultherapy Prime, 100 shots, KRW 460,000. Prices are subject to change. Your total depends on how many shots your face needs and how they are split across depths.
Ulthera and Shurink events in Korea
Kondae PPEUM Clinic regularly updates its events and packages, including first-visit prices and bundles with other treatments. The prices above are standing prices. For the latest Ulthera and Shurink event prices and conditions, check the packages page.
See current events →The same "300 shots" can be priced very differently between clinics because the conditions differ. Compare on the same basis:
- Total shots and how they are split across depths
- Whether genuine cartridges are used
- Who treats you (whether a doctor does it)
- Whether numbing or aftercare is included
Very cheap prices far below the market rate are best avoided. If price matters, try a standard treatment once or twice and, once you are happy with the clinic, look at its event periods.
FAQ — HIFU and Ultherapy Before and After
Q: Will I look slimmer immediately after HIFU?
A: Many people look a little tighter right after, because heat shrinks some fat under the skin, as in the same-day case above. Remodeling of the skin and SMAS continues over about one to two months, and how much changes varies between individuals.
Q: How much does Ultherapy cost compared with Shurink?
A: Ultherapy costs more per shot. At Kondae PPEUM Clinic, Ultherapy Prime is KRW 460,000 per 100 shots when 300 or more are booked, and Shurink Universe Ultra is KRW 49,000 per 100 shots. The total depends on the shot count your consultation recommends.
Q: Thermage versus Ultherapy: which suits me?
A: Thermage uses radiofrequency and Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound. "Thick skin suits ultrasound, thin skin suits radiofrequency" is often true but not always, so Dr. Park decides after examining your skin.
Q: Is HIFU worth it in your 20s?
A: If you have almost no sagging, the change may be small. A consultation when you first notice firmness dropping is a better time to decide on depth and shots.
Q: Is Shurink Universe different from Shurink?
A: It is the same company's newer device (sold as Ultraformer MPT abroad), working on the same principle with different modes and cartridges.
Q: Can I have filler or Botox on the same day as Ultherapy?
A: Many people do. Injected products settle and change in the skin, so the HIFU is always done first and the fillers, Botox or Rejuran afterwards.
Q: How do I see the full-resolution before and after photo?
A: Create a free DR.BAQUO account. Members can view the case in this post without blur.
Related Before & After Cases and Guides
- Hollow Temples Treatment in Korea: Gouri & HILO WAVE Before and After
- Skin Booster Before and After Korea — Gouri + HILO WAVE Results
- Lip Filler Before and After Seoul — DR.BAQUO Results
- Cheek Filler Korea: Get Natural Volume in One Day
- Double Chin Treatment Korea: Seoul's Most Effective Fix
- Before & After gallery (members)
Sources
- Marquardt K et al. Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization Induces Remodeling of Collagen and Elastin Within the Skin. J Cosmet Dermatol, 2025. PubMed 39545626
- Fabi SG. Noninvasive skin tightening — focus on new ultrasound techniques. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol, 2015. PubMed 25709486
- U.S. FDA 510(k) K121700 — Ulthera System (submental and neck indication, 2012). K121700
- Merz Aesthetics. Launch of the Ultherapy PRIME platform (press release, 2024). businesswire.com
- Classys. Ultraformer MPT product overview. classys.com
Photos are real DR.BAQUO patients, with eyes blurred where shown. Results vary between individuals and one case does not predict another. Doctor's answers: Dr. Park Hwonham, Medical Director, DR.BAQUO (Kondae PPEUM Clinic), October 2026.
DR.BAQUO | Hanlim Tower 2F, 229 Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul | Konkuk University Station Exit 1 (Line 2) | Google Maps | LINE: @364kbfyj | global.drbaquo.com
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Kondae PPEUM Clinic
Dr. Park Hwonham (DR.BAQUO), Medical Director
- Address
- Hanlim Tower 2F, 229 Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
- Subway
- Line 2 Konkuk Univ. Station Exit 1 (directly connected)
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 10:00–20:30 · Sat 10:00–16:30 (KST)
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