Fat-dissolving acupuncture and Shurink: What's the optimal combination for improvement? Beomgye, Pyeongchon, Beomgye Station, Pyeongchon Station, Hogye-dong, Bisan-dong, Gwanyang-dong, Dongan-gu, Indeogwon, Geumjeong, Anyang

Individuals considering fat-dissolving acupuncture often begin to worry when specific areas, such as a double chin or chubby cheeks, appear saggy or thick.

It's common for the contour lines of those particular areas to appear blurred, even without an increase in body weight.

The main characteristic is concern over specific localized areas rather than the entire face.

People often say that these concerns feel more prominent in side profiles or photos than when looking in a front-facing mirror.

These concerns are not solely a problem of fat volume but often stem significantly from a reduction in the elasticity of the skin and its underlying tissues.

Sagging in the face and neck line is deeply related not only to superficial skin elasticity but also to the laxity of the SMAS layer, which is the fascial layer beneath the skin.

The SMAS layer plays a role in supporting the overall structure of the face. As this layer weakens with age, it can lead to the sagging of superficial fat and skin together.

In such cases, an approach that only reduces fat does not fully resolve sagging, and there's even a possibility that the lines might appear more hollow due to volume loss.

To maintain natural lines, it's more important for the underlying support structure to regain its original function rather than focusing on superficial volume.

If you have concerns about localized sagging or a double chin line, an approach that rebuilds and strengthens the face's support structure itself may be necessary.

Shrink is a lifting procedure that uses High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology to precisely concentrate and deliver energy to the SMAS layer, located deep within the skin.

The core of the procedure is to focus thermal energy solely on the SMAS layer beneath the skin, without affecting the skin surface or fat layer.

When ultrasonic energy applies thermal stimulation to the SMAS layer, collagen in that area contracts, and subsequently, new collagen is produced, increasing tissue density.

This is not a method of shaving the surface or directly removing fat, but rather a principle of strengthening the support structure. Therefore, it is known as a procedure expected to improve sagging, contour lines, and skin elasticity.

For these reasons, Shrink can be seen as a procedure that acts on a different skin layer compared to treatments aimed at fat reduction.

Since the thickness of the skin and fat layers varies across different areas of the face, a treatment method that can adjust the focal depth where energy is concentrated to suit each area is crucial.

If the procedure is performed at a single depth, the focus might be too shallow in thicker areas or delivered excessively deep in thinner areas.

If the focal depth is not appropriate, it may miss the SMAS layer or reach too shallowly, leading to reduced expected effects. Therefore, a process of checking the thickness of each area before the procedure must precede it.

If performed without such a verification process, insufficient energy may be delivered to areas requiring strong stimulation, making it difficult to achieve desired results.

Shrink treatments are generally recommended to be performed not as a single session, but repeatedly at regular intervals to achieve cumulative effects.

The timing of the next treatment may vary depending on the amount of energy delivered in each session, and the treatment cycle can also be adjusted based on the degree of sagging or the extent of the concerned area.

In cases where the concerned area is wide or sagging has been ongoing for a long time, the interval between the first treatment and the next may be set somewhat shorter.

It is not uncommon for individuals who were looking into fat-dissolving acupuncture to turn their attention to Shrink for these reasons.

Kkeut Clinic's Shrink Treatment Plan

Kkeut Clinic always plans the design for lifting procedures while the patient is seated.

This is because in a supine position, sagging tissues can be pushed upward by gravity, making them appear less saggy than they actually are. Therefore, the process involves precisely determining which areas to improve and to what extent while the patient is seated.

During this process, areas with weak support structures, such as hollow cheeks, are carefully avoided, and the treatment plan is precisely targeted only at areas where sagging is clearly visible.

At the same time, the skin thickness of each area is carefully checked.

At Kkeut Clinic, in addition to the 4.5mm main tip, various customized tips such as 3.0mm, 2.0mm, and 1.5mm are interchanged to deliver energy at depths appropriate for each area.

Within a single face, the thickness of the area above the cheekbones, under the chin, and on the cheeks all differ. Therefore, this approach differs from treating the entire face with a single tip.

Since the detailed plan for each area is established before the treatment begins, there is no arbitrary changing of tips during the procedure.

Detailed Treatment Records Provided by Kkeut Clinic

Once the treatment is complete, Kkeut Clinic creates and shares a lifting card that records which tip was used, on which area, and how much energy was delivered during the procedure.

If the degree of sagging is severe, or if Shrink treatment is being considered alongside fat-dissolving acupuncture consultation, Kkeut Clinic also provides options to adjust the intensity to a level similar to Ultherapy.

If these records remain, the intensity and areas can be adjusted even more precisely for subsequent treatments based on the previous treatment details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I was researching fat-dissolving acupuncture and was recommended Shrink. I'm curious why.

A. Fat-dissolving acupuncture focuses on directly reducing fat volume. However, if sagging or loss of elasticity is the primary cause, a method that strengthens and supports the SMAS layer may need to be combined. Therefore, we recommend accurately identifying the fundamental cause of the current sagging through consultation, independently of whether you pursue fat-dissolving acupuncture.

Q. Does Shrink treatment also involve pain, similar to fat-dissolving acupuncture?

A. During Shrink treatment, there is a possibility of discomfort or irritation as the ultrasonic energy reaches the SMAS layer, so it is generally performed after applying anesthetic cream. Since the area and method of energy action differ from fat-dissolving acupuncture, the degree of pain experienced by individuals may vary.

Q. Can I receive Shurink after undergoing fat-dissolving acupuncture treatment?

A. Shurink treatment can be performed even after you have received fat-dissolving acupuncture. If you still feel skin sagging after controlling fat volume with fat-dissolving acupuncture, a process of lifting the SMAS layer inside the skin using Shurink can be considered.

Q. Can Shurink and fat-dissolving acupuncture be performed together?

A. We sometimes plan treatments combining Shurink and fat-dissolving acupuncture, tailored to the patient's specific skin concerns and current condition. Since the two treatments work on different layers of the skin, it is advisable to consult thoroughly with a specialist to determine the sequence or appropriate interval between treatments.

Q. Does Shurink need to be received multiple times like fat-dissolving acupuncture?

A. Shurink treatment is generally repeated on a monthly cycle. However, the timing of the next treatment may vary depending on the number of shots applied in a single session. Since Shurink and fat-dissolving acupuncture differ in their approach to the skin and their objectives, it is advisable to determine the appropriate treatment cycle and plan for each individual through consultation with a professional medical team.

Our Clinic's Treatment Philosophy

Our clinic meticulously observes areas of skin sagging while the patient is in a seated position, and based on this, we precisely design a customized treatment plan for each individual. This delicate process can help increase satisfaction with the procedure.

At our clinic, we utilize a variety of tips, ranging from 4.5mm to 1.5mm, taking into consideration the skin thickness of each treatment area. This customized treatment approach can contribute to meeting our patients' expectations.

Our clinic meticulously records the details of each procedure on a lifting card and shares this information with the patient. Through this process, we strive to ensure safe procedures and achieve satisfactory results.

Detailed, individualized treatment. Our clinic provides guidance on the suitability of treatments through professional consultations.