Kkeuthan Clinic's Shurink Universe

*What is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Lifting?

HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) treatments utilize high-intensity focused ultrasound energy. This energy is precisely delivered to a specific depth within the skin to help stimulate collagen production and is an expected non-surgical lifting method for improving skin elasticity.

Similar to how a magnifying glass focuses sunlight to a single point, ultrasound energy is concentrated at a predetermined depth within the skin. During this process, a momentary high-temperature state is created, leading to the formation of tiny thermal coagulation points (TCPs) within the skin tissue.

These formed coagulation points are exposed to high heat, approximately 60-70 degrees Celsius. At this time, while causing minimal damage to surrounding tissues, only the targeted area where the heat is concentrated is stimulated, which can activate the denaturation and regeneration process of collagen.

HIFU is a non-invasive treatment method that can reach the SMAS layer (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), which is a deep layer of the skin. This SMAS layer has the same anatomical structure as the area targeted for lifting in surgical facelifts.

When energy is delivered to the SMAS layer, the tissue immediately contracts, and the collagen fibers undergo a remodeling process. Through this, long-term lifting effects can be expected.

HIFU causes minimal damage to the epidermis during the procedure, which can reduce the burden of recovery time after treatment. It also has the advantage of being considered for various skin types.

*Effects by Cartridge (1.5mm/ 3.0mm/ 4.5mm)

1.5mm (Upper Dermis)

It can help improve fine wrinkles on thin skin.

It is intensively applied to specific areas such as wrinkles around the eyes, glabella, and mouth.

It can help improve skin texture, reduce pore size, and correct skin tone.

3.0mm (Lower Dermis)

It targets improving elasticity in the cheeks and nasolabial folds.

It can be applied to early-stage skin sagging and pore tightening.

It can contribute to restoring inner skin elasticity.

4.5mm (SMAS Layer)

It can be used for improving lifting in the deep cheek, jawline, and double chin areas.

It can help improve tissue contraction and sagging in deeper areas.

It can be considered for moderate to severe skin sagging.

6.0mm (Fat Layer)

It can be considered for areas with deep fat layers, such as the double chin.

This cartridge can also be utilized for body treatments on areas like the abdomen, thighs, and arms.

By delivering energy to the fat layer, it can induce fat cell contraction and improve volume in specific areas.

Each cartridge targets a different skin layer, and accordingly, the treatment objectives also vary.

The 1.5mm cartridge primarily focuses on improving fine wrinkles and skin texture, while the 3.0mm focuses on skin elasticity and tightening. The 4.5mm is used for lifting effects in deeper layers, and the 6.0mm aims for fat layer reduction.

*DOT Mode and MP Mode

DOT mode is designed to precisely deliver energy point by point. This method is advantageous for intricate treatment design and can provide immediate tissue contraction effects.

Precise application is possible even on curved or sensitive areas such as around the eyes, mouth, chin, and nasolabial folds. When performed by experienced medical staff, a more detailed lifting effect tailored to each individual patient can be planned.

MP mode delivers energy in a line at regular intervals, acting quickly on relatively large areas. This can help induce an overall facial lifting effect.

It is efficient when aiming for quick lifting improvement over large areas, and the perceived pain during the procedure is relatively low.

Using both DOT mode and MP mode together can yield complementary effects. MP mode can be used for overall facial contour lifting, while DOT mode can focus on specific points to achieve more refined results.

*Kkeuthan Clinic's Shurink Universe

The core of Shurink Universe is

1. the organic use of various handpieces.

2. combining DOT mode and MP mode according to the treatment plan.

It is when these two elements harmonize that the completeness of the treatment is enhanced.

Areas with many curves or contours can be meticulously treated using a pen-type handpiece, while larger areas can be efficiently targeted with energy using MP mode.

This is a delicate treatment approach where DOT mode is intensively applied to areas crucial for lifting, creating harmonious lines across the entire face.

Customized lifting is achieved through a harmonious blend of energy depth, precise handpiece control, and various modes. This is an area that requires a sophisticated approach beyond simple treatment.

Shrink Universe treatment can be a good option for those who desire natural and subtle lifting without significant disruption to daily life, or those concerned about overall skin elasticity loss and sagging.

Is Shrink Universe less effective than Ultherapy?

To put it simply,

When treated under the same conditions (output, depth, number of shots),

The effects of Shrink Universe and Ultherapy can be considered not significantly different.

Both devices use High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU),

delivering thermal energy to the deep SMAS layer of the skin.

This promotes collagen contraction and regeneration, leading to an expected lifting effect.

Let me explain with an example.

Shrink Universe (dot mode) 1.0j x 300 shots

In the case of Ultherapy 1.0j x 300 shots, both cases accumulate a total of 300j of energy.

The duration of HIFU treatment effectiveness depends less on the name of the device used,

and more on how well the patient's skin tissue responds to thermal coagulation.

The degree of thermal coagulation response in skin tissue,

is determined by the total amount of focused ultrasound energy.

Treatment Information

1. Shrink Universe utilizes High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) to deliver energy to the SMAS layer of the face, which has lost elasticity and sagged due to aging. This treatment helps regenerate collagen and contract loose tissues, contributing to overall elasticity improvement, and is known as the 2nd generation version of Shrink.

2. It boasts approximately twice the treatment speed compared to the original Shrink, and with the Ultra Booster pen-type handpiece, it can delicately deliver ultrasonic energy not only to the V-line, cheeks, and cheekbones but also to curved areas and around the eyes, enabling more meticulous lifting.

3. Due to the faster treatment speed, treatment time can be shortened, and the burden of pain is reduced, allowing for a more comfortable experience. Additionally, with an energy delivery method that creates approximately 400 thermal coagulation points per shot, improved results can be expected.

Treatment Advantages

·         01. Effective energy delivery through approximately 400 thermal coagulation points

·         02. Customized treatment possible according to skin condition and area using two ultrasonic modes

·         03. Delicate lifting can be expected even in small, curved areas

·         04. Bidirectional irradiation method allows for shortened treatment time, reduced pain, and improved skin elasticity

Recommended for

·         01. Those concerned about changes in facial impression due to sagging facial lines

·         02. Those who desire delicate lifting in curved areas along with overall facial elasticity improvement

·         03. Those concerned about wrinkles caused by aging

·         04. Those expecting more thorough and effective lifting than traditional Shrink treatments

Treatment Process

·         STEP 01. Self-cleansing

·         STEP 02. Gel application

·         STEP 03. Shrink Universe procedure

·         STEP 04. Finishing

Post-Treatment Precautions

ㆍIf your skin is thin, tip marks may appear on the treated area. These marks usually subside naturally within 1 to 2 weeks, so there's no need to worry excessively.

ㆍAfter the procedure, mild symptoms such as slight redness, warmth, throbbing, swelling, pain, toothache, or tooth sensitivity may occur in the treated area. While there are individual differences, most symptoms improve within 1-2 weeks, so there's no need to worry unduly.

Customized Output Adjustment – Treatment Considering Pain and Efficacy

·         Considering the basic output characteristics compared to Ultherapy, it is important for Shrink to meticulously adjust the output intensity according to each individual's skin condition to enhance treatment satisfaction.

During the procedure, we maintain continuous communication with the patient and adjust the device output according to their pain response. This careful approach helps minimize discomfort while achieving the treatment's objectives.

Careful Difference 2: We utilize Ultherapy's dot mode to achieve concentrated effects

In a typical Shurink Universe procedure, thermal energy is delivered linearly. This differs in heat dispersion patterns when compared to Ultherapy, which delivers energy in a dot-like manner.

However, the Shurink device also has a dot output mode similar to Ultherapy. Using this mode, we can attempt more concentrated lifting in the desired areas.

While the dot output method may slightly increase the treatment time, when necessary, we aim for a more delicate procedure by combining it with Ultherapy mode on specific areas where lifting is desired.

Careful Difference 3: The Importance of Precise Design – Treating the necessary areas accurately, regardless of the number of shots

Even with a small number of shots, we always undergo a pre-design process, considering facial asymmetry and the patient's desired lifting direction.

Beyond simply delivering a predetermined number of shots, we strive to enhance treatment satisfaction by planning where to concentrate energy and meticulously designing the procedure.

Careful Difference 4: The Importance of Tip Direction Adjustment

* Precise adjustment of tip direction

Considering the characteristics of facial contours and the effects of gravity, we design the treatment to deliver the tip in a diagonal or upward direction.

This adjustment helps the energy act in the direction intended to induce lifting.

This allows for a more natural yet effective tightening effect.

During Shurink treatments, we carefully consider even the direction of the tip.

* Utilizing the 'Tilt & Push-up' technique

It's not simply a method of applying the tip perpendicularly to the skin.

We use a technique where the tip is tilted, treating the skin tissue as if pushing it upwards.

This treatment method helps guide the coagulation points of ultrasonic energy in an upward direction.

Through this, we can expect a lifting effect that makes the overall facial structure appear to be pulled upwards.

According to some research, this technique has also been reported to help induce statistically significant lifting.

By considering such detailed aspects, we meticulously proceed to ensure that the treatment goes beyond simple design and translates into actual results.