I had the Shurink Universe HIFU treatment at Betterme Gangnam in Gangnam – and I have to say, it was even more worthwhile than I expected.

Going to South Korea for medical beauty treatments is no longer something new, but every time it comes time to choose a treatment plan, I still hesitate for a long time. When I was flying to Seoul this time, a friend strongly recommended that I try the Shurink Universe HIFU, saying it was “an upgraded version of the HIFU used in South Korea, with results that last longer than those of Thermage.” After doing some research, I finally decided to go to the Betterme Gangnam Dermatology clinic – because several reviews mentioned that the doctors there do not push unnecessary treatments and that the prices are transparent, which exactly met my concerns about being pressured into choosing certain treatments.

Upon entering the Betterme Gangnam Dermatology clinic, what is your first impression?

Betterme Gangnam Dermatology is located near Seoul Gangnam Station; it only takes about 10 minutes to get there after exiting the subway station. Upon entering the clinic, I was surprised to find that the space was much larger than I had imagined. The interior design was modern and minimalist, with predominantly white and beige colors creating a soft and comfortable atmosphere—nothing like those overcrowded, notoriously chaotic celebrity clinics. When the staff at the reception saw that I was a foreigner, they immediately switched to Chinese to communicate with me. Although their Chinese wasn’t entirely fluent, they were able to provide all the necessary information, which really relieved me.

There were drinks available in the waiting area. The doctor arrived after about 15 minutes, so I didn’t have to wait too long. During the consultation, the doctor directly asked me about the aspects of my skin that concerned me the most, and then specifically explained whether the Shurink Universe treatment was suitable for my situation. Instead of immediately promoting packages or suggesting that I needed many treatments because I had “many problems”, this approach really impressed me.

What is the Shurink Universe HIFU? How is it different from ordinary HIFUs?

Before proceeding, I did a lot of research, and I would like to summarize it briefly here: The Shurink Universe is the second-generation HIFU device produced by the South Korean company Classys, and it can be considered an upgraded version of what we commonly refer to as the “South Korean version of the HIFU device.” Its basic principle is similar to that of other HIFU devices – both focus ultrasonic energy at deep levels within the skin, stimulating the regeneration of Collagen in the SMAS fascia layer and the dermis, thereby achieving a tightening and rejuvenating effect.

However, compared with the old version of Shurink, Universe features several significant improvements:

• Dual-mode design: MP mode (matrix dots) + Normal mode (dot matrix), allowing for flexible switching depending on the specific condition of the skin.
• Faster speed: The treatment speed has been increased by approximately 2.5 times, and a full face treatment can now be completed in about 35 to 45 minutes.
• Reduced pain: A faster speed means that the duration of each pause at each point is shorter, and most people report that the pain is less intense than with the previous version of Shurink.
• Greater depth and comprehensive coverage: It can cover depths ranging from 1.5mm to 9.0mm, ensuring treatment is effective from the epidermis down to the deep fascia.

Compared with the Ulthrea HIFU system, the main advantage of the Shurink Universe is its price: in South Korea, the cost is usually only half of that of Ulthrea or even less. For those who are trying a lifting treatment for the first time or want to maintain the results by undergoing regular treatments, the cost-performance ratio is quite favorable.

How much does the Gangnam Betterme Gangnam SWOMAN Shurink Universe service cost? How does it compare with the prices in Taiwan and Hong Kong?

This is probably the question that everyone is most concerned about. Let’s start with the prices of Betterme Gangnam. They adopt a unified price policy for both China and Korea, which is very important – it means that we won’t be charged more just because we are foreigners. The cost of the Shurink Universe full-face treatment (300 hairs) is approximately 300,000 to 400,000 Korean won, which is around HK$1,700 to HK$2,300 or NT$7,000 to NT$9,500 (subject to the exchange rate at that time).

region	Reference price for the full-face treatment using Shurink Universe (300 hairs)
Seoul, South Korea (Betterme Gangnam)	₩300,000 to ₪00,000 (approximately HK$1,700 to HK$2,300)
Hong Kong	HK$3,500 – 8,000
Taiwan	NT$15,000 to 28,000

Just considering this price difference alone, the cost of the flight ticket is already made up. Of course, the equipment at different clinics, the skills of the doctors, and the quality of consumables vary, so it’s not appropriate to simply compare prices. Overall, however, flying to Seoul is indeed a cost-effective option.

Process of the Betterme Gangnam Shurink Universe treatment on the same day: The entire process, from consultation to completion, took less than 2 hours.

After confirming the decision to undergo the procedure of 300 hairs being implanted across the entire face, I went to the facial cleansing station to wash my face thoroughly. Then, the technician applied the anesthetic evenly over my face. After waiting for about 30 minutes to allow the anesthetic to take full effect, the procedure officially began.

The actual procedure takes approximately 40 minutes. As the probe moves across the face, there are occasional instances of a distinct stinging sensation, especially in more sensitive areas such as the jawline and near the cheekbones. However, it’s not intense enough to make me have to grip the edge of the bed; the pain is much less than I expected. The entire procedure was performed by a doctor, not a nurse; I find this very important – it’s evident that the treatment was carried out with great care, and the number of treatments and the depth of each application were carefully adjusted for each area.

After the procedure, my face turned slightly red, which is normal. The nurse applied ice packs to help soothe the area, and after about 15 minutes, most of the redness had subsided. When I left the clinic, my skin felt slightly tight, but it wasn’t uncomfortable at all; instead, it gave me a sense of relief, as if I had just received some gentle treatment.

How long does it take to notice the effects after using Shurink Universe? My real-life experience after using it for one month…

To be honest, I didn’t notice any difference on the same day after the procedure. The slight swelling actually made my face seem a bit larger than before. By the third day, the swelling had subsided, and I could clearly see that the contours of my chin had become slightly more defined.

After completing the second week of treatment, a friend said that my face seemed to have “lost some weight,” but when I looked at myself in the mirror, I wasn’t sure whether this was actually a change or just an illusion. A month later, when I compared my photos before and after again, I could definitely see the difference.

• The line from the chin to the neck becomes more distinct, making the profile look much clearer.
• The slight sagging of the cheeks gives the impression that they have been “lifted” upwards.
• Although the Nasolabial Fold Correction has not completely disappeared, its depth seems to have decreased slightly.

The doctor said that the effects would peak 3 to 6 months after the procedure. I have only been one month since the treatment, so I am looking forward to seeing how things develop in the future. Overall, I would give this experience an 8 out of 10 – the two points I deducted are because the waiting time for the anesthesia was a bit long on that day, and I also experienced some mild discomfort in the days following the procedure.

How to make an appointment at Betterme Gangnam Dermatology? What should foreigners pay attention to?

I made my reservation through the BeautsGO platform, and the process was extremely simple: I just searched for Betterme Gangnam, selected the treatment I wanted to undergo, filled in my basic information, and the customer service confirmed my reservation within 24 hours. On the day of my appointment, I simply needed to present the confirmation letter; there was no need for me to learn Korean or memorize the address in advance, which was really convenient.

Several things that foreigners should pay special attention to:

• Avoid exfoliating or using retinol products one week before the procedure.
• Do not wear makeup on that day (you will need to remove it, which is a waste of time).
• After the procedure, avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and excessive alcohol consumption on the same day.
• In the 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure, it is important to enhance sun protection measures to avoid the risk of developing pigmentation spots.
• If you have other plans on the same day, such as shopping or dining, it is recommended to schedule the Shurink Universe treatment at the end of your schedule, as your face may become slightly red or swollen afterwards.

Frequently Asked Questions: Regarding Betterme Gangnam’s Shurink Universe, here are some of the most common questions people have

Q: At what age is it suitable to start using Shurink Universe?

A: Generally speaking, people over 25 years old who begin to show signs of premature aging, such as slight relaxation of the cheeks or blurred jawlines, can consider this treatment. The age range of 30 to 45 years old yields the most noticeable results. If you are too young, your skin already contains sufficient Collagen, so the effects may not be very apparent; on the other hand, if you are older (over 55 years old) and have severe skin laxity, HIFU may need to be combined with other treatments to achieve the desired results.

Q: How long does the effect of one application of Shurink Universe last?

A: Generally, the effects last for about 12 to 18 months, but there are significant individual differences. People with good skin conditions who regularly pay attention to sun protection and skincare tend to see longer-lasting results. Doctors recommend undergoing the treatment once a year as a means of maintaining these benefits.

Q: Which treatments can be combined with Shurink Universe on the same day?

A: It can be combined with hyaluronic acid injections (before or after the procedure), Pico laser treatment (performed before the procedure; since the skin may become sensitive afterwards, a certain interval should be maintained), or botulinum toxin injections (usually possible on the same day). However, if it is to be combined with other thermal therapies such as Thermage, it is recommended to wait at least 2–4 weeks to avoid excessive irritation.

Q: Does Betterme Gangnam Dermatology offer Chinese-language services?

A: They have basic Chinese communication skills, but unlike some clinics that assign dedicated Chinese translators to accompany patients throughout the entire process, it is recommended to make appointments through BeautsGO. This platform provides Chinese-speaking customer service to assist in confirming the treatment schedule and pre-operative precautions, making the whole process much more convenient.

If you are also considering undergoing the Shurink Universe procedure in Gangnam, Seoul, Betterme Gangnam is a worthwhile option – not because it is the cheapest or most famous, but because of its professionalism and its approach of avoiding excessive promotion. These factors have provided me with a relatively reliable medical beauty experience. If you have any questions regarding appointments, simply get in touch BeautsGO, and Chinese-speaking customer service staff will be available to assist you.