How to choose between the American version of Ulthera and the Korean versions of Shurink/Linearfir? A comprehensive comparison of prices and treatment parameters for HIFU treatments in Myeongdong.

Are you the same too? Standing in front of the entrance of the Myeongdong subway station, you search your phone for information like “How much does an HIFU device cost?” and “Recommendations for HIFU treatments.” But the more you look, the more confused you become: some say the American version is better, others claim the Korean version is sufficient, and yet there are also mentions of Linearfir – but you have no idea what it actually is.

Actually, it’s not just you; many of my friends also had the same dilemma before coming to Seoul. To write this article, I spent an entire afternoon organizing the prices of 5 clinics in Myeongdong, comparing the technical specifications of three popular types of equipment, and carefully analyzing the logic behind hair transplantation procedures. What follows is my comprehensive summary, shared sincerely with those of you who are currently going through this process.

I. What is HIFU? A user-friendly explanation in 30 seconds

The principle of HIFU Lifting is actually quite simple: high-intensity focused ultrasound is used to penetrate the superficial layer of the skin and reach the deeper SMAS fascia layer (the same layer that is targeted during surgical facelifts). There, the ultrasound generates heat coagulation points, which stimulate the production of new Collagen and cause tissue contraction, thereby achieving a Lifting effect that works “from within out”.

To use an analogy: it’s like focusing sunlight through a magnifying glass. The light passes through the air (the epidermis) without causing any heat, but when it hits the paper (the SMAS layer), it can ignite it. Ultrasound works on exactly this principle – the epidermis remains unharmed while the energy is precisely delivered to the deeper layers. This is completely different from how lasers work (heating from the surface downwards) or radio waves function (RF, heating the entire tissue).

II. The complete specifications of the American version of Ulthera, the Korean version of Shurink, and Linearfir: details of these three devices

The American version of Ulthera (Ultherapy) – the gold standard for HIFU.

If you have only heard one name in this field, it is undoubtedly Ulthera. Developed by the American company Merz Aesthetics, Ulthera received FDA approval in 2009, making it the world’s first and only “non-invasive lifting” device to gain such certification. In South Korea, Ulthera is practically synonymous with HIFU – whenever you visit a Dermatology clinic and request HIFU treatment, the clinic will most likely use Ulthera.

• Technology: MFU (Micro-Focused Ultrasound) – micro-focused ultrasound technology, combined with real-time image guidance (DeepSEE) to allow visualization of subcutaneous structures.
• Probe depth: 1.5 mm (dermis), 3.0 mm (deep dermis), 4.5 mm (SMAS fascia layer)
• Number of hairs implanted (for a typical full face): 300-500 hairs, placed at a depth of 4.5 mm.
• FDA certification: ✅ Yes (in 2009)
• Results become apparent: noticeable effects start to appear after 2-3 months, and peak after 6 months.
• Effect duration: 1-2 years
• Prices in Myeongdong: ₩300,000 – ₩953,900 (varying depending on the number of treatments and the clinic)
• Suitable for: People over 30 years old who already have noticeable sagging and are looking for a quick and effective solution.

Korean version of Shurink (Shulink/Shulike) — the king of cost-performance ratios

Shurink is an HIFU device developed locally in South Korea (and has obtained the MFDS certification in South Korea). In recent years, it has become increasingly popular in Dermatology clinics in Seoul. The latest version, “Shurink Universe,” has seen significant improvements in terms of comfort and energy output. It has received very positive reviews from local users in South Korea – especially among those in their early 30s who are trying HIFU for the first time.

• Technology: HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) – multi-layer simultaneous irradiation
• Probe depth: 1.5mm / 3.0mm / 4.5mm – used simultaneously (three layers are treated in one session)
• Number of hairs (for a typical full face): 600 hairs or more, evenly distributed across three different depths.
• Certification: ✅ South Korea MFDS certification
• Results become visible within 1 to 2 months.
• Effect duration: 6 to 12 months
• Prices in Myeongdong: Starting from ⩩198,000 won for 300 treatments, which is approximately 40-50% of the cost of Ulthera treatments.
• Suitable for: People aged 25-35, those with mild skin laxity or in the preventive stage, and those with a limited budget but who want to undergo multiple treatments at once.
• Special Edition: Eye Shurink (2.0mm probe specifically designed for the eye area)

Linearfir (HIFU / Linear Z) – The underrated third option

Linearfir (also known as Linear Z) is an HIFU device launched by the South Korean company Classys. Its main difference from Ulthera/Shurink lies in the fact that it does not use a “point-by-point” delivery method but rather a “linear scanning” mode. You can think of Ulthera as injecting needles at individual points, while Linearfir functions more like a single line moving across the area, covering a larger surface and distributing energy more evenly.

• Technology: HIFU + linear scanning (both dot mode and linear mode), ensuring more uniform energy distribution
• Probe depth: 1.5mm / 3.0mm / 4.5mm + 2.0mm (specially designed for the eye area)
• Number of shots: A multi-shot mode similar to Shurink’s (500 – 800 shots)
• Certification: ✅ MFDS certification from South Korea
• Results become visible within 1 to 2 months.
• Effect duration: 6 to 12 months
• Prices in Myeongdong: ₩200,000 – ₩350,000 (vary depending on the number of treatments and the clinic)
• Suitable for: People with a slender face shape, thin skin, or those who have undergone Ulthera treatments and wish to enhance their superficial skin layers.

III. Comparison of Technical Principles: A detailed analysis of the key differences among these three devices

Although all three devices use HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound), the differences in their effects are determined by factors such as “how the ultrasound is focused,” “at which layer it is targeted,” and “what the energy density is.” The following analysis delves into these aspects from five different dimensions.

Key insight: Ulthera follows a “single-layer, deep-reaching” approach – concentrating the limited number of treatment pulses on the crucial SMAS layer. The Korean version, on the other hand, adopts a “multi-layer coverage” approach – using a larger number of pulses to target all three layers (superficial, middle, and deep) simultaneously. This is not a matter of which option is better or worse, but rather a difference in design philosophy.

IV. Hair transplantation volume distribution strategies: Who is suitable for 100 grafts, 300 grafts, or 600 grafts respectively?

The number of “shots” delivered by an HIFU device is something that confuses many people – just how many shots are necessary? Why isn’t the price difference between 100 shots and 300 shots at the same clinic simply three times higher? The answer is that different numbers of shots are suitable for different treatment goals and areas.

100-shot plan: Precise Jogak in specific areas

• Suitable areas: Periocular area (Upper blepharoplasty for sagging upper eyelids, fine lines at the corners of the eyes, blurred Tear trough correction) and jawline.
• Target audience: People around 30 years old who are in generally good shape but show early signs of aging in certain areas.
• US price: ¥3,300,000 – ¥3,400,000 (JD Dermatology: starting from ¥3,300,000 for 100 units)
• Korean version price: ₩80,000 – ₩912,000
• Effect: Local tightening; results visible within 1 to 2 months.

300-shot package: Comprehensive Lifting for the middle and lower face (the most common package)

• Suitable areas: Mid-face (drooping Apple Zone, deepening of the Nasolabial Fold Correction), lower face (crow’s feet, sagging jawline)
• Suitable for: People over 35 years old who experience noticeable sagging and drooping skin.
• US price: ¥450,000 – ¥553,900 (DAN-A starts from ¥450,000; REBERRY starts from ¥490,000; UMI is ¥539,000 per 300 units).
• Korean version price: Starting from ⩺198,000 (UMI Shurink / 300 pieces)
• Effect: The lower half of the face is lifted as a whole, with the results reaching their peak within 3 to 6 months.
• Why is the price of 300 treatments not three times that of 100 treatments? The operation time and the time required to use the equipment are not linearly proportional; moreover, the comprehensive Lifting effect achieved by combining these treatments is far greater than simply adding the effects of three 100-treatment packages together. For this reason, clinics tend to offer package prices to encourage customers to choose higher treatment volumes.

600+ treatment options: Comprehensive facial and neck anti-aging treatments

• Suitable areas: Entire face (including Forehead and eye area) + Neck
• Suitable for: People over 40 years old who experience noticeable skin laxity and wish to achieve a complete rejuvenation in one go.
• US price range: ¥9,700,000 to ¥9,120,000
• Korean version price: ₩350,000 – ₩950,000
• Note: It is not recommended to perform 600 treatments at once, as this can cause excessive pain. It is usually better to divide the treatment into multiple sessions or use topical anesthetics accordingly.

V. Distribution of facilities and price information at various clinics in Myeongdong

Not every clinic is equipped with all three types of devices. The following is a list of HIFU devices available at major clinics in Myeongdong, based on actual data (prices listed in 2026; please refer to the actual prices at the clinics):

💡 A small discovery: Currently, most mainstream clinics in Myeongdong still primarily use the Ulthrea model. The only clinic that offers both the Ulthrea and the Korean version is UMI – if you want to compare the prices and doctors’ recommendations for these two devices at the same clinic, UMI is the best option. For more details on clinic prices, please refer to the “Myeongdong Ulthrea Price List”.

VI. Pain level, recovery period, and duration of effects: A comparison based on real experiences

This is probably the aspect that concerns you most, aside from the price – “Will it hurt?” and “How soon can I go out in public after the procedure?” To be honest, the experience using the three different devices does indeed vary.

⚡ Regarding the actual sensation of pain: When Ulthera treats the area around the jawline, it does cause a noticeable “stinging” sensation (many people describe it as “being hit by a rubber band”), but the entire procedure lasts only a few minutes. Clinics usually apply numbing cream before the treatment. Since Shurink disperses the energy across multiple layers, resulting in lower intensity per shot on average, the experience is indeed much more comfortable. If you are particularly sensitive to pain, this is a factor worth considering.

VII. Comprehensive Post-Surgery Care Guide (Follow These Steps for Double the Results)

Preoperative preparations (start 7 days before the procedure)

• ⏰ Stop using skincare products containing whitening ingredients such as vitamin A acid or retinol (7 days in advance).
• ☀️ Avoid getting tanned or undergoing tanning treatments (start using sunscreen at least 2 weeks in advance).
• 💊 If you are taking any anticoagulant medications (such as aspirin), please inform the clinic in advance.
• 🤰 If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform the clinic in advance (injection is not recommended).
• 🎒 What to bring: passport, translated reference images, and come without makeup.

From the day of the surgery to the 3rd day

• ❌ Do not apply ice packs to the injection area (as this will reduce the effectiveness of Collagen regeneration).
• ❌ Avoid high-temperature environments: saunas, hot yoga, and hot springs (for at least 1 week).
• ❌ Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 48 hours.
• ✅ You can wash your face and apply makeup as usual (but be gentle).
• ✅ Drink plenty of water and consume foods rich in vitamin C (which helps with the synthesis of Collagen).
• ✅ Continuous sun protection (SPF50+): This is the key to lasting effectiveness.

Common side effects + when to seek medical attention

VIII. My Choice: Which product should be chosen in different situations?

To be honest, there is no such thing as the “best” equipment; rather, there is only the equipment that “fits your current situation best.” Below are four decision-making approaches I have outlined based on different needs:

• 🏆 If you already experience significant sagging (especially for those over 35 years old, with deep Nasolabial Fold Correction and
  blurred jawlines), then opt directly for the advanced version of Ulthera. Why? Its ability to target the SMAS layer at a deeper level is something that Korean models of this device still cannot match. Getting the results in one session is far more cost-effective than undergoing multiple treatments with Korean versions. It is recommended to start with 300 treatments; for more detailed information, consult DAN-A (Deputy Director Pei Zaihe, starting at ₩450,000) or REBERRY (Director Ba Chengzai, starting at ₩490,000).
• 💰 If you have a limited budget (within ₩2 million) and are still in the preventive stage of treatment (aged 25–35), consider the Kore
  an version of Shurink. For just ₩1,998,000, you can receive 300 treatments, covering three layers at once – offering an excellent cost-performance ratio. Moreover, its comfort level is much higher than that of Ulthera, making it ideal for those trying HIFU for the first time. Currently, UMI in Myeongdong offers this service; for more price details, please refer to the prices listed at Dermatology UMI in Myeongdong.
• 😌 If you are very sensitive to pain, have thin skin, or a slim fac
  e shape, consider Linearfir. Its linear scanning mode is much more gentle compared to Ulthera’s spot-by-spot treatment, and it also doesn’t produce excessive results when it comes to slimming the face. However, at present, Linearfir is not as widely available in Myeongdong as the other two options. It is recommended that you search on BeautsGO for clinics that offer Linearfir treatments.
• 🔄 If you have already undergone an Ulthera treatment and want to maintain the r
  esults, you may consider a combination of “Ulthera (deep layer) → Shurink (superficial-to-midlayer reinforcement) 3–6 months later.” First, use Ulthera to establish a strong foundation in the SMAS layer, and then use Shurink regularly to maintain the Collagen in the superficial-to-midlayer areas. This is a very common practice among people in South Korea.

⚠️ Pitfalls I’ve encountered: A guide to avoiding mistakes when using HIFU

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly is the difference between the American version of Ulthera and the Korean version of Shurink? Is the effect really twice as different?

A: If you are someone who experiences significant sagging (aged 35 and above), the difference in results is quite noticeable. Ulthera’s SMAS-targeting technology will enable you to notice a real improvement after six months. However, if you are between 25 and 35 years old and only have mild skin laxity, Shurink is more than sufficient, and its cost is only 40-50% of that of Ulthera. It’s not about “a difference of twice”, but rather about “different tools being suitable for different stages of the problem”.

Q: Why is Linearfir not commonly seen in Myeongdong? Is it because its effects are not good enough?

A: It’s not that the effect is poor, but rather a matter of market penetration. In South Korea, especially in the Gangnam area, the usage rate of Linearfir is actually quite high. However, clinics in Myeongdong, which mainly serve foreign tourists, tend to use more well-known technologies like Ulthera and Shurink, as it’s easier for them to explain these options to their clients. If you’re looking for the most even and gentle distribution of energy, Linearfir is indeed a worth-considering option.

Q: How long does the effect of one HIFU treatment last? How often does it need to be repeated?

A: For Ulthera, treatments should be repeated every 1–2 years; for Shurink/Linearfir, every 6–12 months. However, these are not fixed numbers – lifestyle habits, sun protection practices, age, and one’s existing Collagen levels all affect the duration of these effects. A common practice in South Korea is to first undergo an Ulthera treatment to lay a solid foundation, and then use Shurink for maintenance every 8–12 months thereafter.

Q: What are the differences between HIFU and Thermage? Can they be used together?

A: The HIFU works by “lifting” the skin from the SMAS layer upwards, while Thermage causes the Collagen to contract through RF energy. One technique lifts the skin, while the other tightens it from within; they achieve different effects in different dimensions. It is possible to undergo both treatments at intervals of more than one month, but it is recommended to try them separately first to understand their individual effects before combining them.

Q: Is it necessary to provide translations when using HIFU in South Korea?

A: It depends on the clinic you choose. Clinics like DAN-A and REBERRY, which are friendly towards foreigners, generally offer services in both Chinese and English, so translation is not necessary. However, if you visit a smaller, local clinic that may only provide services in Korean, it’s recommended to bring your own translation app or use BeautsGO for booking (where Chinese-speaking staff will assist you). No matter which clinic you choose, it’s always a good idea to bring along reference images of the desired results – they are far more effective than any language.

Q: How long after undergoing HIFU can I take a flight back to my home country?

A: You can take a flight on the same day! HIFU is a non-invasive treatment; there are no wounds, and no hospital stay is required. It is recommended to schedule the treatment on the day before or on the last day of your trip, so that you can go straight home to rest after the procedure (you can also move around normally on the plane). The only thing to keep in mind is that the cabin is quite dry, so don’t forget to bring a moisturizing spray with you.

📋 Want to schedule an HIFU treatment in Myeongdong?

📖 For further reading

If you are still hesitating about which clinic to choose for HIFU treatment, these articles should be of some help to you:

• How to choose an HIFU clinic in Myeongdong? A comprehensive comparison of DAN-A, REBERRY, UMI, and jd – Equipment, prices, and doctors at these four clinics are all listed here for you to decide before making your choice.
• Who to choose for HIFU treatment in Myeongdong? Lee Eun-ji vs. Ba Seung-jae vs. Bae Jae-hak — A comparison of the techniques and prices offered by these three clinic directors
• How much does the Ulthrea HIFU cost in Myeongdong? I have compiled the prices offered by three clinics – here is a comprehensive price comparison for the Ulthrea HIFU in Myeongdong.
• Are the prices at Myeongdong UMI Dermatology expensive? Quotes for 11 treatments including HIFU, Thermage, and Rejuran — UMI is the only clinic in Myeongdong that offers both American and Korean versions of these treatments.
• Going to Dermatology in Myeongdong for the first time? A must-read guide for beginners — from making an appointment to the post-treatment period, everything you need to know in one place.