Most patients who visit our clinic in Gangnam say the same thing:
“I’m not looking to look different — just fresher. More lifted. Like I got a really good night’s sleep.”

That’s where Shurink comes in — a non-invasive skin tightening treatment that uses ultrasound technology to firm, lift, and contour the face without needles, downtime, or drastic changes.

At 1mm Plastic Surgery, we often describe Shurink as the aesthetic equivalent of tuning an instrument. The structure is already there — we’re simply refining the tension, smoothing the tone, restoring harmony. And just like music, a single millimeter can change everything.

Let’s take a closer look at what Shurink is, how it works, and why more patients — both Korean and international — are choosing this technology as a subtle, yet powerful, tool for non-surgical facial rejuvenation.

What Is Shurink?

Shurink is a non-invasive High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) device developed in Korea. It’s often compared to Ultherapy — a similar U.S. FDA-cleared treatment — but Shurink is designed with finer, customizable settings that align with Korean aesthetics and facial structures.

It works by delivering focused ultrasound energy deep into the skin’s foundational layers, particularly the SMAS layer — the same layer targeted in facelift surgery. But instead of using a scalpel, Shurink uses precise ultrasound heat to stimulate collagen production and contract the skin tissue.

The result? A natural lifting and firming effect that improves gradually over 2–3 months.

Why Patients Are Choosing Shurink Over Surgery

At 1mm Plastic Surgery, we specialize in both surgical and non-surgical options. While facelift surgery offers dramatic results, not everyone is ready for that step — especially patients in their 30s to early 50s who are just beginning to notice skin laxity.

Shurink is ideal for those who:

• Want visible lifting without incisions or recovery time

• Are looking to prevent sagging rather than correct severe aging

• Have already had surgery but want to maintain the results

• Prefer a gradual, natural improvement

• Feel nervous about anesthesia or downtime

What makes Shurink especially appealing in Korea — and increasingly among global patients — is its refined subtlety. It doesn’t freeze the face like Botox or drastically inflate features like filler can when overdone. Instead, it tightens what’s already there, preserving your unique expressions while enhancing definition.

The Science Behind Shurink: How It Works

Unlike treatments that work only at the skin’s surface, Shurink targets three different depths simultaneously:

1. 1.5mm – Superficial dermis (targets fine lines and texture)

2. 3.0mm – Deep dermis (stimulates collagen and elastin)

3. 4.5mm – SMAS layer (for structural lifting)

By delivering thermal coagulation points at these precise layers, Shurink creates controlled micro-damage zones. The body responds by healing and remodeling the tissue, which leads to:

• Tighter skin

• Improved elasticity

• More defined jawline

• Firmer cheek contours

• Reduced appearance of jowls and nasolabial folds

Think of it as a scaffolding reset — the skin is reminded how to hold itself up again.

The 1mm Perspective: Why Precision Matters

At our clinic, we don’t just perform Shurink sessions — we tailor them.

Each patient’s skin thickness, facial fat distribution, and aging pattern are unique. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. For example, someone with thinner skin may need a different depth or lower energy setting compared to someone with fuller cheeks.

We also assess facial harmony carefully before treatment. Lifting the midface too much without balancing the jawline can make a patient look tense or unnatural.

This is where millimeter-level judgment is key. In many cases, we combine Shurink with AccuSculpt laser contouring, Botox, or thread lifting to achieve soft, multidimensional results.

Our guiding principle? Don’t over-lift — refine.

What Does a Shurink Treatment Feel Like?

Patients often ask: “Will it hurt?”
The honest answer is — it depends on your sensitivity and the settings used.

Most patients describe Shurink as mild to moderately uncomfortable, especially when targeting the deeper 4.5mm layer. You might feel heat or slight pinching sensations along the jawline and cheeks.

At 1mm Plastic Surgery, we always:

• Apply a topical numbing cream beforehand

• Use cooling gel to protect the skin

• Adjust energy levels based on patient comfort

• Offer personalized protocols to minimize discomfort

A typical session takes 30–45 minutes, and there’s no downtime — you can return to work or daily activities immediately.

When Will I See Results? And How Long Do They Last?

Shurink results are not instant — and that’s a good thing.

Here’s the timeline most patients experience:

• Immediately after: Slight firmness, mild swelling or redness

• 1–4 weeks: Skin begins producing new collagen

• 2–3 months: Visible lifting and tightening peaks

• 6 months+: Gradual fading; repeat session may be recommended

Results typically last 6 to 12 months, depending on your age, lifestyle, and skin condition. Many patients choose to do Shurink once or twice a year as part of their anti-aging maintenance.

Think of it as a facial fitness routine — just like exercise, consistency over time keeps your results stronger and longer-lasting.

Shurink vs Other Non-Invasive Options

So how does Shurink compare to other non-surgical treatments?

While all these tools have their place, Shurink stands out for its ability to lift without adding volume or restricting muscle movement.

In fact, combining Shurink with Botox or filler can be incredibly effective — but only when done with care. Overfilling can create puffiness, while overtightening can cause an unnatural expression.

At 1mm Plastic Surgery, we balance all these tools using a layered, harmony-first approach.

Behind the Scenes: What Aesthetic Surgeons Really Notice

One thing we always look for when assessing a patient for Shurink is midface ptosis — the subtle descent of cheek fat that makes the face appear tired or heavy, especially in your late 30s and 40s.

It’s not just about sagging skin — it’s the angle of the face that changes.

If you’ve noticed that your once heart-shaped face is turning more square or bottom-heavy, that’s a key sign that Shurink could help. Especially when paired with gentle contouring or buccal fat refinement, the lifting effect can bring back that upward, youthful energy.

Another detail we watch closely? Skin thickness vs bone structure. A person with a delicate jawline and thin skin may see more obvious results from Shurink, while someone with fuller cheeks may need deeper settings or combined treatments to sculpt effectively.

These aren’t things patients often know how to ask about — but they’re crucial in choosing the right plan.

Who Is NOT a Good Candidate for Shurink?

While Shurink is safe and versatile, it’s not ideal for:

• Patients with severe skin laxity (where surgery may be more appropriate)

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

• Those with implanted electronic devices (e.g., pacemakers)

• Individuals with active infections or open wounds in the treatment area

If you're unsure, a consultation is essential. We always perform a full facial analysis, skin assessment, and medical review before recommending any procedure.

Why Patients Travel to Korea for Shurink — And Why Technique Matters

In Seoul, especially in Gangnam, aesthetic technology is evolving faster than almost anywhere in the world. But technology alone isn’t what creates beautiful outcomes — it’s how it’s used.

At 1mm Plastic Surgery, our board-certified surgeons oversee or perform all treatments — including Shurink — with an eye for facial balance, micro-changes, and long-term strategy.

We often see patients who had Shurink elsewhere but didn’t notice much improvement. In most cases, the issue wasn’t the device — it was the technique:

• Incorrect depth selection

• Poor energy calibration

• Overlapping lines or missed zones

• Lack of combination planning with other modalities

This is why aesthetic judgment matters more than machine power.

Final Thoughts: Small Lifts, Big Confidence

The magic of Shurink is that nothing looks obviously “done.”
You won’t walk out looking like someone else. You’ll just look… better. Clearer jawline, brighter eyes, smoother contour — like the best version of yourself after a vacation or a long rest.

At 1mm Plastic Surgery, we believe that beauty is measured in microns and moments. A millimeter of lift in the right place can restore not just facial symmetry — but self-confidence.

Considering Shurink? Here’s Our Advice

• Choose a clinic that customizes your settings based on skin type and structure

• Look for providers with deep knowledge of facial harmony, not just device training

• Think holistically — Shurink works best as part of a layered, long-term strategy

• Don’t chase trends — focus on natural balance over artificial change

If you’re considering Shurink or non-surgical lifting, we’d be honored to guide your journey. At 1mm Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, our goal is never to change who you are — only to reveal the most refined version of you, one subtle lift at a time.