# InMode vs Shrink: How to Choose the Right Lifting Treatment > Category: treatment-guide > Published: 2026-07-24 07:00:55.014744+00 > Source: https://kdermzip.com/en/blog/inmode-vs-shrink-lifting-guide ## InMode vs Shrink: How to Choose the Right Lifting Treatment Once concerns about skin laxity and sagging start to surface, many people begin looking into non-surgical lifting treatments. Among the options, InMode and Shrink are two devices that work on different principles, and people often wonder which one might be more suitable for their situation. Both aim to improve skin firmness without incisions, but because they deliver energy in different ways and target different depths of tissue, the direction of the expected effect can differ. This article outlines the difference in how each device works, the skin conditions each may be more commonly considered for, and general points worth keeping in mind during aftercare. ### Do InMode and Shrink work on fundamentally different principles? InMode uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to deliver heat to the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. This thermal stimulation is intended to encourage collagen regeneration, and some devices are designed to reach the subcutaneous fat layer, which is why they are sometimes discussed for facial contouring or the under-chin area. Shrink, on the other hand, uses High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), concentrating ultrasound energy at specific points at a targeted depth, with the aim of reaching the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer. In short, InMode relies on RF energy spreading heat more broadly, while Shrink focuses ultrasound energy at discrete points — the underlying mechanisms are genuinely different. Because of this, the sensation during treatment and the aftercare guidance can also differ somewhat between the two. ### Does the degree of sagging affect which treatment is chosen? In general, dermatology clinics tend to tailor recommendations based on the degree of sagging and the area a patient wants to improve. For relatively early-stage laxity, or when pore size and skin texture are also a concern, RF-based treatment is often discussed. For areas like cheek sagging or the jawline, where stimulation reaching the SMAS layer may be considered more relevant, ultrasound-based treatment tends to come up in consultation. That said, individual differences in skin thickness, elasticity, and age mean no single treatment can be said to be universally superior. In practice, combining [InMode](/en/treatments/inmode) and [Shrink](/en/treatments/shrink), or applying different devices to different facial areas, is sometimes discussed during consultation. What matters most is an accurate skin assessment before treatment to understand your own degree of sagging and skin condition. ### Is there a difference in pain or downtime? Both treatments are generally known for relatively short recovery periods, but the sensation during treatment is often reported to differ. Because Shrink focuses ultrasound energy deeply at discrete points, it can produce a brief, sharp or warm sensation, while InMode's RF heat spreads over a broader area and tends to feel like a more sustained warmth. Temporary redness or mild warmth may appear right after treatment, but this is generally reported to subside within a few hours to a day. However, individual differences exist, and the degree of sensation can vary depending on skin sensitivity, treatment area, and the energy settings used. ### How long do the results last? The collagen regeneration triggered by lifting treatments typically develops gradually over several weeks to months rather than appearing immediately after the procedure. How long results last also varies considerably depending on an individual's rate of skin aging, lifestyle habits, and sun exposure, so no specific duration can be guaranteed. Rather than expecting a single session to produce a permanent effect, it is advisable to consult a board-certified dermatologist to plan a maintenance schedule suited to your own skin condition. Some people repeat treatments as part of regular maintenance, but this should only be decided after an individual skin assessment. ### What should be checked before treatment? When considering a lifting treatment, it is important to accurately inform your provider of any medications you are currently taking, any existing skin conditions, and any recent procedures. Treatment may be restricted during pregnancy or in the presence of certain skin conditions, and this determination should always be made through a proper consultation and examination by a board-certified dermatologist. Additionally, the energy intensity and number of passes are typically not standardized values but are adjusted to an individual's skin condition, so it is helpful to confirm the specific plan that would apply to you during the consultation. This information is provided for general reference only. An accurate diagnosis and treatment plan require consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. Find more information on our [skin health blog](/en/blog). ## Related Resources - Blog post: https://kdermzip.com/en/blog/inmode-vs-shrink-lifting-guide - All guides: https://kdermzip.com/en/blog - K-DermZip: https://kdermzip.com