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Kim Ga-eul

Jul 12, 2025

Comparison of Shrink Effect and Ulthera Effect

Comparison of Shrink Effect and Ulthera Effect

Comparison of Shrink Effect and Ulthera Effect

Ultherapy VS Shrink Effect Summary






Hello.

This is Kim Ga-eul from Beauty Doctors.

When you look into lifting procedures,

the first names you encounter are

exactly Ultherapy and Shrink.

Even if you search, both are said to use ultrasound lifting,

or specifically, the HIFU principle.

For those encountering this for the first time,

it can be confusing to figure out what the difference is.

Some people say Ultherapy is better,

while others recommend Shrink effects for its cost-effectiveness.

So many people are curious about how much the actual effects differ,

how long the maintenance period lasts,

and why the price difference

is 3 to 4 times greater.

So today, I will clearly summarize

the differences between Ultherapy and Shrink.





💡 Ultherapy, Shrink Principles and Effects




Both devices

deliver high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) energy

to the deep layers of the skin

to form thermal coagulation points.

Through this process,

protein denaturation and tissue contraction occur,

which pulls sagging skin upwards,

promoting collagen regeneration and improving elasticity.









Ultherapy allows you to see real-time ultrasound images

to check the skin structure,

so it is capable of accurately delivering energy

to the desired layer.

Using tips of 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm

allows for targeted treatment by layer,

especially the 4.5mm tip can reach the SMAS layer

to provide deep lifting effects.

The application method is dot type,

and since uniform energy is delivered,

over time after the treatment,

elasticity gradually increases,

and the effect lasts long.









Shrink follows the same principle, but

the energy density and precision are

lower than Ultherapy.

Using the linear irradiation method (MP mode) allows you to

cover a wide area at once,

which has the advantage of less pain.

However, rather than strongly lifting to deep layers,

it is more focused on improving skin texture or light elasticity management.

In other words, the Shrink effect is

more about gentle and natural elasticity improvement than deep lifting.





⚖️ Summary of Differences Between Ultherapy and Shrink






Ultherapy can provide a more precise and

stronger lifting effect.

Rather than immediately after the treatment,

the lifting gradually increases over time,

and that change tends to last longer.






On the other hand, the Shrink effect

appears immediately but is cumulative.

Regular maintenance is needed, and

after about 2 to 3 months,

you might feel sagging again.

In terms of the maintenance period alone,

Ultherapy is relatively longer, while

Shrink is shorter.

However, both devices

go through a collagen remodeling process

that induces gradual improvement.









In terms of price,

the difference is notable.

Ultherapy is a genuine device approved by the FDA,

and the cost for one treatment

is over 4 times higher than Shrink.

However, the Shrink effect

is less burdensome and more accessible,

making it a cost-effective lifting option.

In summary, Ultherapy offers excellent effects and

durability but is expensive,

while Shrink allows for soft and reasonable cost

repeated treatments is the main difference.





💬 Ultherapy Shrink Selection TIP






If your skin is thick and sagging noticeably

and you want to define your contours clearly,

Ultherapy is more suitable.

Because it can reliably deliver energy to deep layers.

Conversely, if you have thin skin or

worry about losing fat due to a fuller face,

or if you are sensitive to pain,

then the Shrink effect which can be managed gently is a better fit.

Additionally, depending on age,

the approach varies.

If sagging is apparent in those over 30, Ultherapy is recommended,

but those in their 20s, who do not have significant elasticity loss,

may be sufficiently satisfied with just the Shrink effect.

Ultimately, the important thing is

to accurately diagnose your skin condition

and choose the right lifting.





💬 Frequently Asked Q&A



Q1. Can I receive Ultherapy and Shrink

simultaneously?

Yes, it is possible.

Both devices use HIFU lifting, but

due to differences in energy intensity and depth,

you can expect a synergistic effect with combined lifting depending on your skin condition.

For example, using Ultherapy to pull the deep layers and

Shrink effects to refine the skin texture

can yield more natural and balanced lifting results.









Q2. When will the Shrink effect

appear?

From immediately after the treatment, you can feel

the skin texture being refined

with a slight increase in elasticity,

which is the immediate Shrink effect.

However, after about 2 to 4 weeks, when the collagen regeneration process

is fully underway,

you will experience smoother and denser changes.









Q3. How long does the Ultherapy effect

last?

The effect of Ultherapy increases gradually

after 1 to 2 months compared to right after treatment.

With one treatment, it often lasts about 1 to

1.5 years,

and there is individual variation depending on skin condition or lifestyle habits.



Thank you for reading.


This has been Kim Ga-eul.


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Direct Columns Written by Directors Wi Young-jin, Kim Jang-ju, Kim Ha-won, and Kim Ga-eul

Honest and sincere description of skin beauty treatments

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Wi Young-jin, Kim Jang-joo, Kim Ha-won, Kim Ga-eul
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