Shrink Universe Treatment Guide

*What is Focused Ultrasound Lifting?

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) lifting utilizes specialized ultrasound energy. This non-surgical lifting procedure precisely delivers energy to specific areas of the skin to stimulate collagen production, which can lead to improved skin elasticity.

Similar to how a magnifying glass focuses light, ultrasound energy is concentrated at a desired depth within the skin. During this process, instantaneous heat generation creates tiny thermal coagulation points (TCPs) within the skin tissue.

These created thermal coagulation points reach high temperatures of approximately 60-70 degrees Celsius. This heat stimulates only the focused area, without significantly affecting surrounding tissues, helping collagen denature and new collagen regenerate.

HIFU is one of the non-invasive procedures that can deliver energy to the SMAS layer (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), located deep within the skin. The SMAS layer is known to be similar to the fascial structure targeted for lifting in surgical facelifts.

When ultrasound energy reaches the SMAS layer, the tissue contracts and collagen fibers begin to rearrange. This can lead to an overall lifting effect and, over time, improved skin elasticity.

HIFU treatment delivers energy while minimizing damage to the skin's surface. Thanks to this, there is less burden for recovery after the procedure, allowing for a quick return to daily life, and it can be considered for various skin types.

*Treatment Goals and Characteristics of Each Cartridge

1.5mm (Upper Dermis)

Can primarily be used to manage fine lines and wrinkles on the skin surface.

Mainly applied to wrinkles in delicate and thin areas such as around the eyes, glabella, and mouth.

Helps manage skin texture and pores, and positive effects on skin tone improvement are also expected.

3.0mm (Lower Dermis)

Can help improve skin elasticity in the cheek area or around nasolabial folds.

Suitable for managing early stages of skin sagging or enlarged pores.

Can contribute to giving a feeling of firmness from deep within the skin.

4.5mm (SMAS Layer)

Primarily focuses on addressing deep cheek sagging, refining the jawline, and improving double chins.

Expected to be effective in managing sagging areas by inducing contraction of deep skin tissues.

When applied to moderate to severe skin sagging, more satisfying changes can be expected.

6.0mm (Fat Layer)

Can be considered for areas where deep fat is distributed, such as a double chin.

Can also be used for body treatments on areas such as the abdomen, thighs, and arms.

It can focus on the fat layer to induce contraction of fat cells, thereby helping with localized volume management.

Cartridges with different depths can be used for various treatment purposes, targeting each skin layer.

For example, the 1.5mm cartridge focuses on fine wrinkles and skin texture management, while the 3.0mm contributes to improving skin elasticity and density. The 4.5mm cartridge delivers energy to the fascial layer, expecting lifting, and the 6.0mm works on the fat layer for localized volume adjustment.

*Key Differences Between Dot Mode and MP Mode

Dot Mode precisely delivers energy point by point. This is advantageous for meticulous treatment planning and can contribute to inducing immediate skin contraction.

This mode is suitable for delicate application to contoured or sensitive areas such as around the eyes, mouth, chin, and nasolabial folds. Depending on the practitioner's expertise, it can be used to create customized lifting designs for individuals.

Conversely, MP Mode delivers energy in a line at regular intervals. It can quickly and uniformly deliver energy over large areas, making it advantageous for overall facial lifting.

MP Mode can be considered when rapid treatment is needed for relatively large areas or when aiming to reduce pain discomfort.

Using Dot Mode and MP Mode in combination can yield complementary effects. For example, managing overall contours with MP Mode and performing precise lifting on specific areas with Dot Mode can lead to more refined results.

*Shrink Universe Treatment Approach

The main features of Shrink Universe treatment are

1. the organic utilization of various handpieces.

2. the effective combination of Dot Mode and MP Mode.

More satisfying results can be expected.

For areas with many curves or contours on the face, a pen-type handpiece is used for precise design and application, while large areas are managed quickly and efficiently using MP Mode.

Subsequently, Dot Mode is intensively applied to key areas where lifting effects can be further enhanced. This multifaceted approach enables meticulous management that considers the overall harmony of the face.

It is necessary to delicately adjust the energy depth, handpiece operation method, and treatment mode according to each individual's skin characteristics. By making these adjustments, you can expect a more suitable lifting effect for each person.

Shrink Universe can be helpful for those who desire a natural lift without significant disruption to daily life, or for those concerned about overall sagging due to reduced skin elasticity.

Is Shrink Universe less effective than Ulthera?

To begin with,

When treatments are performed applying the same energy output, penetration depth, and number of shots,

Both Shrink Universe and Ulthera may find it difficult to show significant differences in treatment results.

Both devices are based on High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology.

They deliver concentrated thermal energy to the deep SMAS layer within the skin,

thereby inducing collagen contraction and new collagen production, leading to an expected lifting effect.

For example,

When 300 shots of 1.0 Joule (J) intensity energy are applied with Shrink Universe (Dot Mode),

and when Ulthera is used to apply 300 shots of 1.0 Joule (J) intensity energy, the total amount of 300 Joules (J) of energy delivered to the skin can be considered the same.

The duration of HIFU treatment effects depends less on 'which device was used' than on

'how effectively an individual's skin tissue responds to the ultrasonic thermal coagulation reaction.'

The magnitude of this thermal coagulation reaction

is closely related to the total amount of ultrasonic energy delivered to the skin.

Treatment Description

1. Shrink Universe is a treatment that uses HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound). It focuses energy on the SMAS layer of the face, which loses elasticity and sags with age, stimulating collagen production and aiding in the contraction of relaxed tissues, thereby improving overall skin elasticity. This is the second-generation lifting device of Shrink.

2. This device features a treatment speed more than twice as fast as the previous Shrink. Using the Ultra Booster pen-type handpiece, ultrasonic energy can be precisely delivered not only to broad areas like the V-line, cheeks, and cheekbones but also to curved areas such as around the eyes, allowing for more detailed lifting management.

3. The shortened treatment speed offers the advantage of reduced overall treatment time. Furthermore, it helps alleviate pain discomfort, allowing for a more comfortable treatment experience. With just one shot, approximately 400 thermal coagulation points are created, allowing for improved effects compared to previous devices.

Benefits of the Treatment

·         01. Approximately 400 thermal coagulation points are created, allowing energy to be effectively delivered to the skin.

·         02. Two ultrasonic modes can be used to customize treatment according to skin condition and treatment area.

·         03. Precise lifting can be attempted even on delicate, curved areas.

·         04. The bidirectional irradiation method shortens treatment time and can positively impact skin elasticity improvement while reducing pain discomfort.

Consider this treatment if you:

·         01. Are concerned that your impression has changed due to a sagging face line.

·         02. Desire lifting for delicate and curved areas, along with a firm contour for the entire face.

·         03. Are bothered by wrinkles that have appeared over time.

·         04. Are looking for a more delicate and advanced lifting effect than previous Shrink treatments.

Treatment Procedure

·         STEP 01. Personal Cleansing

·         STEP 02. Gel Application

·         STEP 03. Shrink Universe Treatment

·         STEP 04. Treatment Completion

Post-Treatment Information

For those with thin skin, temporary tip marks may appear in the treated area. They generally fade naturally within 1–2 weeks.

Immediately after treatment, mild redness, warmth, throbbing, swelling, pain, gum discomfort, or tooth sensitivity may occur. These symptoms vary by individual but generally improve within 1–2 weeks.

Output Adjustment According to Individual Skin Condition: Balancing Pain and Results

·         Due to the characteristics of the device, it is very important to delicately adjust the output intensity during Shrink Universe treatment, taking into careful consideration each individual's skin thickness and sensitivity. This precise adjustment can help reduce pain discomfort during the treatment while contributing to achieving the desired results.

During the procedure, we continuously communicate with the patient and closely monitor their pain level. Based on this, we adjust the energy intensity to maintain comfort and ensure optimal treatment results.

Subtle Difference 2: We expect improved lifting by combining Ultherapy mode (dot output)

Shrink Universe typically irradiates ultrasound energy in a linear fashion. This can result in heat spreading more widely compared to treatments that deliver energy in a dot pattern.

However, the Shrink device also features an Ultherapy mode, which is a dot output method. Utilizing this allows us to expect a denser lifting effect in specific areas.

In most cases, the dot output method is often not used because it takes longer for the procedure. However, for areas of individual patient need, we carefully apply Ultherapy mode additionally to provide a more precise treatment.

Subtle Difference 3: The Importance of the Design Process – Low-Shot Treatment Focused on Precise Areas

Even for low-shot treatments, before the procedure, we meticulously examine facial asymmetry, accurately identify the patient's desired lifting direction, and always undergo a thorough design process.

We don't just focus on the number of shots. We meticulously plan and design exactly where to deliver the ultrasound energy, and we strive to achieve the desired improvements through this.

Subtle Difference 4: Precise Adjustment of Tip Direction

* Accurate Setting of Tip Direction

We fully consider the contours of the face and the direction of gravity's pull. The tip is carefully designed to irradiate ultrasound energy diagonally or upwards.

This helps ensure that energy is effectively delivered in the direction where actual lifting is needed.

As a result, you can expect an improvement where the skin appears more naturally lifted.

In Shrink treatments, even the direction of the tip is precisely considered during the procedure.

* Application of Tilt & Push-up Technique

Instead of simply applying the tip perpendicularly to the skin surface,

we perform the treatment by slightly tilting the tip and gently pushing the skin upwards.

When treated in this manner, the thermal coagulation points generated by the ultrasound energy naturally position themselves upwards.

As a result, you can expect a lifting improvement effect where the entire facial structure appears to be pulled upwards.

This technique has also been reported in relevant research papers to induce statistically significant lifting effects.

By meticulously considering even these minute details, we ensure that our design translates into positive results in the actual treatment, and we strive to do our best in every procedure.