Can Shrink Burn Side Effects Really Happen? A Dermatology Specialist in Yeongdeungpo

Hello, this is Director Kang In-jung of The River Dermatology Clinic. 😊

Today, through an article about the recent Shrink burn issue, I’d like to share my subjective thoughts as a dermatologist,

after introducing the principles behind the Shrink procedure and some information on how to receive it more safely.

What is the principle behind the Shrink procedure?

This image was taken from the official Shrink website.

Shrink (HIFU) procedure principle, explained simply with a magnifying glass

Shrink is commonly known as an ultrasound lifting procedure.

Rather than forcibly pulling the skin or peeling off the outer layer,

it works by directing and concentrating ultrasound energy in a dart-like pattern at a specific depth within the skin

to stimulate the layer responsible for elasticity and induce collagen regeneration.

To put it more simply, think of a magnifying glass~ㅎㅎ

🔍 It’s similar to the principle of burning paper with a magnifying glass

When you were young,

you probably tried shining sunlight onto paper with a magnifying glass, right? ㅎㅎ

A magnifying glass gathers light into one point

so that only that spot heats up.

Shrink is similar.

It concentrates ultrasound energy at a specific depth in the skin

and delivers thermal stimulation to the necessary layer.

Can this kind of burn happen during a Shrink procedure?

This image was taken from SNS.

To be honest,

all cosmetic procedures carry some degree of potential side effects,

and especially in procedures that use thermal energy, the risk of burns cannot be completely ruled out in principle.

However, based on the appearance of the lesion shown in the article,

my personal opinion is that it is difficult to definitively call this a “burn caused by the Shrink procedure.”

That is because, in HIFU procedures such as Shrink or Ulthera,

if a burn reaction occurs, it often appears as a linear, elongated shape

called a “welts” phenomenon.

This image was taken from Google.

By contrast, the lesion in the article appears somewhat different from this typical welt pattern,

so it is entirely possible to consider that another procedure may have been performed alongside Shrink.

The following factors should also be considered:

• Energy repeatedly overlapping in one area

• Poor tip (cartridge) condition or an equipment issue

• Differences in the practitioner’s skill and treatment protocol

Of course, the exact cause cannot be determined unless the actual procedure process and lesion progression are examined,

but I would like to say that based on the photo alone,

it is a bit cautious to conclude that the Shrink procedure itself was the cause.

Then please tell us how to receive Shrink safely without the risk of burns!

As a dermatologist, I really can’t help but mention this too~ㅎㅎ;

Director Kang In-jung of the dermatology clinic near Dangsan Station

All procedures carry some degree of potential side effects.

However, I believe the key to minimizing that possibility as much as possible ultimately depends on “who performs it, and how it is performed.”

Because ultrasound lifting is a procedure that delivers energy to a specific depth within the skin,

it is necessary to accurately understand the skin’s thickness, fat volume, degree of sagging, and the anatomical structure of each treatment area,

and to finely adjust the intensity, number of shots, and depth of delivery according to each individual’s condition.

It is also important whether the medical staff can accurately determine the cause

if an unexpected reaction occurs, and promptly guide the necessary measures.

In conclusion,

if you receive the procedure at a place that performs it without overdoing it,

based on anatomical understanding and extensive clinical experience,

and tailors it to each person’s skin condition,

you can receive the Shrink procedure more safely without unnecessary worry. :)