Ulthera Prime vs Shurink Universe at a glance

These are close relatives: both focus ultrasound into tiny heated points beneath the skin. The differences lie in imaging, energy delivery, longevity and price. Ulthera Prime is the imaging-guided original; Shurink Universe is the widely used Korean alternative.

Feature	Ulthera Prime	Shurink Universe
Technology	Microfocused ultrasound with visualization (Merz)	High-intensity focused ultrasound, HIFU (Classys, Korea)
How it works / target depth	Thermal points at about 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mm, guided by live imaging of the tissue layers	Thermal points delivered through cartridges set at fixed depths up to 4.5 mm; no on-screen imaging
Best for	A deeper, longer-lasting lift of jowls, brow, jawline and under-chin	Affordable contour definition, V-line shaping and regular maintenance
Comfort	Deep, sharp heat over bone; numbing cream used	Often described as milder at typical settings; numbing cream available
Downtime	None to mild swelling or tenderness	None
Sessions	Usually one per year	Often repeated every few months
Results appear	Gradual; peak at 2–3 months	Gradual over 1–3 months
Results last	About 12 months or longer	About 3–6 months
Price from at Dernia	₩390,000 (100 lines)	₩149,000 (300 shots)

How Ulthera Prime works

Ulthera Prime is the newest Ultherapy platform. Its transducers focus ultrasound into rows of small thermal coagulation points at chosen depths, including the 4.5 mm level of the SMAS, the supportive layer a surgeon tightens in a facelift. The skin surface stays intact while the treated points contract and then remodel with new collagen over two to three months.

The defining feature is real-time imaging: your doctor sees the skin, fat and SMAS on screen and adjusts depth where tissue is thinner, such as along the jawline and neck.

How Shurink Universe works

Shurink Universe is the latest generation of Shurink, a HIFU device made by Classys in Korea and sold internationally under the Ultraformer name. It also focuses ultrasound into small thermal points, using interchangeable cartridges set to different depths from the superficial dermis down to 4.5 mm. Without on-screen imaging, your doctor relies on facial anatomy, cartridge choice and technique to place the energy.

Sessions are quick and settings usually gentler, so Shurink tends to feel more comfortable and costs less, while results are shorter-lived and often repeated every few months. In Korea it is a go-to for V-line contouring and a tighter look under the chin and jaw.

Choose Ulthera Prime if…

You want one strong treatment a year rather than frequent visits
Your jowls or brow have started to descend noticeably
You want imaging-guided precision on the neck and jawline
You are visiting Seoul once and want the longest-lasting single-session lift

Choose Shurink Universe if…

Your sagging is mild and you want contour definition on a budget
You are in your 20s or 30s and want preventive maintenance
You live in or visit Seoul regularly and can repeat it every few months
You prefer a quicker, usually more comfortable session

Can you combine them?

You would not normally have both on the same area on the same day, because they do the same job. They do work well in sequence. A common pattern is Ulthera once a year as the main lift, then Shurink four to six months later as a lighter top-up to extend the result. Our answer to whether Shurink is the same as Ulthera covers the details, and the V-Line Contour Package combines Shurink with jaw Botox and fat-dissolving injections.

Cost comparison

At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, Ulthera Prime starts from ₩390,000 for 100 lines and Shurink Universe from ₩149,000 for 300 shots. Lines and shots are different units on different devices, so do not compare the numbers directly; our guide to shots, lines and cc explains how Korean clinics price these treatments. A full-face Ulthera plan costs more per visit but is usually done once a year; Shurink costs less but is often repeated two or three times a year. See current plans on the Ulthera Prime price page and the Shurink Universe price page. Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation.

How our doctors decide

Your doctor looks at how much tissue has descended, how thick your skin and fat layers are, your age and how often you can come back. Noticeable jowling, a heavy lower face or a single trip to Seoul usually points to Ulthera. Mild laxity, a wish for a slimmer jawline, or regular visits often point to Shurink. Very thin faces need careful energy choices with either device, because too much heat over thin fat can cause a hollow look.

Neither is done during pregnancy, over active skin infection or over open wounds, and your doctor will ask about recent fillers or threads. Browse more matchups on our comparison hub, or book a consultation and a licensed doctor will examine your face and recommend the right ultrasound plan.

Is Shurink just a cheaper Ulthera?

They share the same principle, focused ultrasound, but they are different devices. Ulthera adds real-time imaging and is typically used for a deeper, longer-lasting annual lift, while Shurink is usually set for gentler, more frequent sessions. Neither is simply a copy of the other.

Which hurts more, Ulthera or Shurink?

Ulthera usually feels more intense, especially over bone, because of the energy it concentrates at depth. Shurink is often described as milder at typical settings. Numbing cream is available for both.

How often should I repeat Shurink?

Many people repeat Shurink every three to six months, depending on their skin and goals. Your doctor will suggest an interval once they see how your skin responds.

Can I have Shurink a few months after Ulthera?

Yes. A Shurink top-up four to six months after Ulthera is a common way to extend the lift. Your doctor will check how your result is holding before choosing settings.

Is either suitable for a very slim face?

Both can be used, but with care. If you have very little facial fat, your doctor will choose depths and energy to avoid a hollow look, and may suggest radiofrequency or skin boosters instead.

Treatments compared

Ulthera Prime — imaging-guided ultrasound lifting
Shurink Universe — Korean HIFU for contour and maintenance
Thermage FLX — RF tightening that pairs with ultrasound

Price, results and reviews

Ulthera Prime price in Seoul — line-based plans
Shurink Universe price in Seoul — shot-based plans
Shurink Universe results — timeline and expectations
Ulthera Prime review — our medical team's verdict

Concerns and guides

Jowls — treatment options for lower-face sagging
How long do Korean lifting results last? — longevity by device
How long does Ulthera last? — the short answer

More comparisons

HIFU vs RF lifting — ultrasound vs radiofrequency explained
Shurink Universe vs InMode — two ways to define the jawline

Dernia Clinic Myeongdong

Ulthera Prime vs Shurink Universe: Which Is Right for You?