Shurink Universe HIFU Lifting in Korea

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound and the SMAS Layer

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) concentrates acoustic energy at a precise focal point within tissue, creating thermal coagulation points (TCPs) at temperatures of 60-70 degrees Celsius. When targeted at the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer at 4.5mm depth, these TCPs trigger a wound-healing cascade resulting in neocollagenesis — the production of new, organized collagen fibers that physically lift and tighten facial tissue. Alam et al. (2010) demonstrated that HIFU targeting the SMAS achieved significant brow lifting in 86% of patients at 90 days, confirming that non-invasive ultrasound can replicate the tissue-level effects of surgical SMAS manipulation.

Dual-Focus Cartridge Technology

Shurink Universe’s proprietary dual-focus technology creates two thermal coagulation points per ultrasound pulse instead of the single focal point used by earlier HIFU devices. This innovation doubles the volume of tissue stimulated per shot while maintaining safe energy levels at each focal point. Kwon et al. (2021) compared dual-line HIFU to single-line HIFU for facial lifting and found that dual-line technology produced 23% greater improvement in skin laxity scores at 12 weeks, with equivalent safety profiles and patient comfort ratings.

Multi-Depth Treatment Protocol

Modern HIFU protocols use multiple cartridge depths in a single session to address different tissue layers. The 4.5mm cartridge targets the SMAS for structural lifting, the 3.0mm cartridge stimulates the deep reticular dermis for collagen density, and the 1.5mm cartridge addresses the superficial papillary dermis for skin texture. Suh et al. (2011) confirmed that multi-depth HIFU protocols in Asian patients (Fitzpatrick III-IV) produced equivalent or superior results to single-depth protocols, with no increased risk of adverse events.

HIFU Safety in Asian Skin Types

Because HIFU energy bypasses the epidermis entirely — the ultrasound beam passes through the skin surface without absorption — there is zero risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) regardless of skin phototype. Lee et al. (2018) conducted a retrospective review of 1,523 Korean patients treated with HIFU and reported a 0.3% adverse event rate (temporary numbness only), with no cases of burns, scarring, or PIH. This safety profile makes HIFU particularly suitable for the diverse international patient population at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport.

Combination Energy Protocols

At RE:BERRY Incheon Airport, Shurink is frequently combined with complementary energy modalities. Onda Coolwaves (2.45 GHz microwave) targets subcutaneous fat at 4.5mm depth for contouring, while InMode FX (bipolar RF + light) provides superficial dermal tightening. Gold et al. (2011) demonstrated that multi-energy combination protocols produced 40% greater patient satisfaction than single-device treatments for facial rejuvenation, supporting the multi-device approach used at RE:BERRY.

References: Alam M et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010;63(3):461-468. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.08.039 | Kwon TR et al. Skin Res Technol. 2021;27(4):521-528. doi:10.1111/srt.12983 | Suh DH et al. Dermatol Surg. 2011;37(11):1595-1602. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.02094.x | Lee HJ et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018;17(6):1033-1038. doi:10.1111/jocd.12465 | Gold MH et al. Dermatol Surg. 2011;37(6):779-787. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.01862.x