How does HIFU (ultrasound) lifting work?
HIFU (ultrasound) lifting is a non-invasive treatment that focuses ultrasound energy at set depths beneath the skin to create tiny thermal coagulation points.
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Shurink Universe: Korean-Made HIFU Lifting Device
Question: What is Shurink Universe and how does it work?
Short answer
Shurink Universe is a non-invasive high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) lifting device made by the Korean company CLASSYS. The manufacturer explains that it focuses ultrasound energy at set depths beneath the skin to create tiny thermal coagulation points, and that this heat helps collagen regeneration. Reactions such as redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness can occur and vary from person to person, so suitability is checked during the consultation.
Key points
- Made by CLASSYS Inc. in Korea
- MFDS manufacturing approval 21-831, focused ultrasound stimulation system
- Two modes: MP mode and normal (Dot) mode
- Face cartridge depths of 1.5, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.5 mm
- Reactions such as redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness vary by person
How does Shurink Universe work?
Shurink Universe is a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) device that focuses ultrasound energy on a single point at a specific depth to create thermal coagulation points (TCPs).
The manufacturer explains that the curved focus of the transducer concentrates energy to create thermal coagulation points, and that this heat causes tissue coagulation that promotes collagen regeneration. It is a non-invasive method that does not involve cutting the skin or inserting needles.
HIFU review papers explain that the epidermis between these thermal coagulation points is unaffected and that the heat acts on collagen in the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and deep dermis.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | CLASSYS Inc. (Seoul, Korea) |
| Approval in Korea | Manufacturing approval 21-831, focused ultrasound stimulation system, Class 3 (as of 2026) |
| Approved intended use | Coagulating tissue for use in eyebrow lifting |
| Modes | MP mode, normal (Dot) mode |
| Face cartridges | 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 4.5 mm |
| Booster cartridges | 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 mm |
What is the difference between MP mode and normal mode?
Shurink Universe creates thermal coagulation points in two ways: MP mode and normal (Dot) mode.
The manufacturer explains that MP mode allows treatment 2 times faster than normal mode. This is the manufacturer's description of treatment speed and is separate from the size of the result.
Which mode to use is decided by the medical team considering the area, skin thickness and level of discomfort.
What cartridge depths are available?
The Face cartridges come in depths of 1.5, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.5 mm, and the Booster cartridges in 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mm.
Cartridges of different depths are used to deliver energy to different layers beneath the skin. Shallower depths are described as targeting layers close to the skin surface, and deeper depths as targeting the SMAS layer.
At CELITA Clinic, skin condition is checked before treatment with an AI skin analysis device and an ultrasound probe (Sono Finder), and this is used as a reference to decide the depth and number of shots for each area.
What reactions can occur after Shurink Universe?
After HIFU treatment, erythema (redness), edema, swelling, bruising and tenderness are commonly reported, and they were generally mild to moderate.
This comes from a meta-analysis of HIFU treatments in general, and the manufacturer's page does not separately present side effect information for Shurink Universe. The degree and duration of reactions vary from person to person, and precautions for each device are explained during the consultation.
Papers explain that HIFU lifting is suited to mild to moderate skin laxity and that surgery should be considered when laxity is severe.
FAQ
Is Shurink Universe the same device as the earlier Shurink?
The earlier product, SHURINK, is a separately approved device under MFDS manufacturing approval 14-1422 (2014-08-01). Shurink Universe is the successor product, approved on 2021-10-06 under manufacturing approval 21-831.
Is there FDA clearance information for Shurink Universe?
No clearance record under the name Shurink or Ultraformer was found in the FDA 510(k) database. Only the MFDS approval information in Korea was confirmed.
How painful is the treatment?
Pain during HIFU treatment is reported in studies as moderate, and it varies widely from person to person. CELITA Clinic does not routinely offer sedation, and the use of numbing cream is considered depending on the type of treatment.
Important
This article is general medical information, not a diagnosis or treatment. Results, recovery time and side effects vary with each person's skin, and whether a treatment suits you is decided after consultation with a doctor. If you notice unusual symptoms, contact the clinic that treated you right away.
Sources
All questions in Understanding Lifting
- Q8. How does HIFU (ultrasound) lifting work?
- Q9. What is Ultherapy PRIME and how does it work?
- Q10. What is Thermage FLX and how does it work?
- Q11. What is Onda lifting and how does it work?
- Q12. What is Shurink Universe and how does it work?
- Q13. How is the number of shots for a lifting treatment decided?
- Q14. Does a lifting treatment hurt a lot, and how is numbing done?
- Q15. When do lifting results appear and how long do they last?
- Q16. How is a thread lift different from device-based lifting?