When it comes to undergoing HIFU treatment in South Korea, you really can’t just pick any clinic randomly. I spent several days searching for information on Dcard and PTT and found that people were most worried about two things: first, that the treatment might be ineffective and feel like a scam; second, that the treatment might be too intense, leaving the face so disfigured that one wouldn’t dare go out in public. In this article, I’ve listed 5 Dermatology clinics that I believe are reliable. Each of them actually offers HIFU treatment, not just uses the name as a guise. Their prices and treatment approaches also vary, so it should be helpful for everyone to compare and make a choice accordingly.
I. Why are people in Taiwan so obsessed with South Korea’s HIFU technology? These are the popular topics that people on PTT and Dcard are constantly discussing.
To conclude: The price of Ulthrea in South Korea is indeed much cheaper than that in Taiwan. In Taiwan, a single treatment with the Ulthrea device costs anywhere from 30,000 to 50,000 New Taiwan dollars, while in South Korea, where the same equipment is used, the cost is only about one-third to one-half of that in Taiwan. No wonder so many people on Dcard are asking, “Is it really worth going to South Korea for an HIFU treatment?”
HIFU (also known as Ultherapy or Ulthera in Korean) uses focused ultrasonic energy to target the SMAS fascia layer, stimulating the reorganization of Collagen. This non-invasive treatment requires a short recovery time, allowing patients to go out and shop immediately after the procedure. However, it’s important to note that there are two versions of this equipment: the American version and the Korean version. The American version of Ultherapy is FDA-approved original equipment, featuring high-precision probes and stable energy output; the Korean version is cheaper but has differences in energy output and probe design. The clinics recommended below all indicate which version of the device is used.
II. 5 Recommended Dermatology Departments in South Korea That Offer HIFU Treatments – Prices and Features Presented in One Place
The following 5 clinics are all Dermatology departments where appointments can be made on BeautsGO. I have listed them in ascending order of price to help you make a choice based on your budget:
❶ Melab Hospital – HIFU treatment starting from ¥945,000, the top choice for those on a budget
At Melab Hospital, the Korean version of the HIFU device (Cosmic Edition) is available for just ₩450,000, making it the most affordable option among the five available options. If this is your first time trying HIFU and you don’t want to spend too much money to test it out, this option is worth considering. However, it’s important to note that since it’s a Korean version of the device, the effects and duration of treatment may differ from those of the American version. Therefore, it is more suitable for those with limited budgets who are interested in giving it a try.
In addition, Melab offers a fairly comprehensive range of treatments. The Oligio eye treatment costs ¥969,000, while the Juvelook Collagen filling procedure starts from ¥925,000. If you wish to undergo a combination of treatments, you can consult a specialist at one time.
❷ Cheongdam Cheongdam Minit — Ulthrea, available for only ₩450,000: the most cost-effective option among all Ulthrea models.
I was also shocked when I first saw this price – the Ulthrea from Cheongdam Minit was only priced at ₩450,000! For the same Ulthrea model, it’s almost impossible to find another store with such a low price in Gangnam. Many people on Dcard have also shared their positive experiences, saying that the clinic director takes great care to listen to patients’ needs and never forces sales on them.
Cheongdam Minit also offers the American version of Thermage for ⩡2,900,000, and Sofwave for the neck area for ⩓13,000 (this price seems exceptionally low; it may apply to single treatments or small areas). Overall, this is a small-scale Dermatology clinic that focuses on providing high-quality services at affordable prices, making it an ideal choice for those with limited budgets but still eager to pursue aesthetic treatments.
❸ Milac.C in Hannam-dong — Ulthrea HIFU combined with Sofwave, without following a standardized process
MILAC.C in Hannam-dong is a gem of a clinic that I discovered in the vicinity of Hannam-dong. Director Park Ji-young personally conducts consultations, rather than just going through a quick 3-minute procedure and leaving. This clinic focuses on “clear results and healthy treatment processes”; it offers both the Ulthrea and Sofwave technologies. For the exact prices, please consult their customer service.
The location is extremely convenient – just 48 meters away from Exit 3 of Yuseo Station on Line 3 or the Gyeongui Jungang Line. Right next to it is the building where Queens Bakery is located, and the clinic is on the 2nd floor. If you live in the vicinity of Hannam-dong or happen to be in Itaewon while shopping, it’s really a time-saving option.
❹ Jinzhou 4ever Jeju – 300 HIFU treatments + hydration therapy for only ₩1,089,000; a perfect choice for your Jeju trip!
If you, like me, enjoy getting beautiful while on vacation, then Jeju 4ever Jeju should definitely be added to your must-visit list. The Ulthrea treatment, which includes 300 HIFU sessions plus post-treatment hydration, costs ₩1,089,000 per session. Although the individual price seems higher compared to previous options, it covers 300 HIFU treatments (usually 200-300 sessions are needed for the entire face) and post-operative care, offering a one-stop solution.
4ever Jeju is located on Jeju Island, and the environment there is very relaxing – it doesn’t have that cold, hospital-like atmosphere at all. Someone on PTT shared that after undergoing HIFU, they went for a walk by the sea right away, and the recovery period was completely stress-free. If you are already planning to visit Jeju, taking the opportunity to have HIFU done there is really a great deal.
❺ gtheraclini Anti-aging Center — A specialist in Ulthrea, offering the most comprehensive range of treatments
gtheraclini is a specialized hospital dedicated to anti-aging treatments. The HIFU services are offered in various packages: the Ulthrea for the entire face starts from ¥960,000, the eye-specific HIFU treatment costs ¥91,700,000, while the more advanced US version of Ultherapy ranges from ¥3,000,000 to ¥94,400,000. In total, there are four different price tiers for the HIFU treatment, allowing patients to choose according to their specific needs and budget.
This clinic offers a vast range of treatments: Thermage FLX for ¥9,180,000, InMode full-face treatment for ¥9,500,000, G-Celline stem cell injections for ¥9,120,000… Basically, every anti-aging treatment you can think of is available here. If you want to undergo multiple treatments at once (such as HIFU combined with Thermage and dual lifting procedures), JinTera is an extremely convenient option – you don’t need to run around to different clinics.
III. Comparison of the service styles of 5 HIFU Dermatology clinics in South Korea
Here’s a quick comparison table to help you easily see the differences at a glance:
| Comparative items | Melab | Cheongdam Cheongdam Minit | Meilai Xi MILAC.C | 4ever Jeju | Jintaila |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIFU models | Korean style | US version | US version | US version | US version |
| The starting price of the HIFU device | ₩450,000 | ₩450,000 | Consult the customer service team | ₩1,089,000 | ₩600,000 |
| Location | Seoul | Cheongdam | Hannam-dong (Yusui Station) | Jeju Island | Seoul |
| Style | The project covers everything – and the budget is very reasonable. | High CP value – the top choice in the American version | No assembly line process – direct consultations by the hospital director himself | Vacation + Medical Aesthetics | The most anti-aging treatments available |
| Suitable for | With a limited budget, this is my first attempt at trying this out. | I want the American version but don’t want to spend too much money on it. | Afraid of the assembly line process, preferring a more personalized and detailed consultation. | Take the opportunity to visit Jeju while traveling. | Undergo multiple anti-aging treatments |
IV. How to choose an HIFU device from South Korea? The 3 most frequently asked questions by Dcard users
Q1: What are the differences between the Ulthrea and the Korean version of the HIFU device?
The most fundamental difference lies in the probe and the energy output. The American version of Ultherapy is an original equipment certified by the US FDA; it features a high-precision probe and stable energy output, and the effects of a single treatment usually last for 12 to 18 months. The Korean version of HIFU is much cheaper (about half to one-third the price of the American version), but there are significant differences in the quality of the probe and the energy output, so the duration of the effects may also be shorter.
If your budget is OKAY, I truly recommend the American version. Among the above five options, Melab’s Korean version of the HIFU device, priced at ₩450,000, is suitable for those with limited budgets. However, for the same price of ₩450,000, Cheongdam Cheongdam Minit offers the American version, resulting in a better cost-performance ratio.
Q2: Will the use of HIFU cause the face to become sunken?
This is a question that has been frequently asked on PTT. The HIFU itself does not cause the face to become sunken; such effects are usually due to two reasons: using too many treatment sessions or the doctor lacking sufficient experience. Some clinics, in order to save costs, share the same number of treatment sessions among multiple clients, resulting in reduced effectiveness; or they insist on using 300 or even 500 treatment sessions for the entire face, regardless of the client’s facial features.
For example, Dr. Park Ji-young from MILAC.C emphasizes that “the results are clear and the treatment process is safe and healthy.” She adjusts the number of hairs and the energy level according to each individual’s facial characteristics, ensuring that people with thinner faces do not receive an excessive number of hairs during the treatment. The same principle applies to Kim Tae-ra; she offers four different price ranges for HIFU treatments, allowing customers to choose a plan that suits their needs best.
Q3: Do I need to rest after undergoing HIFU treatment?
Basically, the recovery period after HIFU treatment is extremely short. There may be slight redness after the procedure, but it will subside within 1 to 2 hours. Therefore, it’s completely OKAY for many people to have the treatment in the morning and then go shopping in the afternoon. However, it is recommended to avoid going to saunas or spas within a week after the treatment, as well as avoiding facial massages and the use of acidic skincare products.
Places like 4ever Jeju on Jeju Island allow you to take a walk by the sea and enjoy the breeze right after the HIFU treatment – it’s completely feasible.
V. Preoperative preparations and precautions for HIFU in South Korea
No matter which option you ultimately choose, doing these things before the procedure will help ensure better results:
- Stop using retinol and fruit acids one week before the procedure to prevent excessive skin sensitivity, which could affect the transmission of ultrasonic waves.
- On that day, avoid wearing heavy makeup; keep your face bare or apply just a light layer to allow the doctor to easily observe the condition of your skin.
- Bring along photos of the face shape you desire: The cases presented by doctors in South Korea are different from those in Taiwan; having photos will facilitate better communication.
- Avoid saunas and strenuous exercise for one week after the procedure: This will allow Collagen to grow properly.
- Drink plenty of water after the procedure: HIFU accelerates skin metabolism, so it is essential to stay well-hydrated.
VI. Overview of Basic Information on 5 Recommended Dermatology Departments Using HIFU in South Korea
| Project | Melab | Cheongdam Cheongdam Minit | Meilai Xi MILAC.C | 4ever Jeju | Jintaila |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 📍 Clinic Name | Melab Hospital | Cheongdam Cheongdam Minit | MILAC.C in Hannam-dong | Jeju 4ever Jeju | gtheraclini Anti-aging Center |
| 📌 Location | Seoul | Gangnam Cheongdam | Hannam-dong, Seongdong District (Yushui Station) | Jeju Island | Gangnam District, Seoul |
| 💎 HIFU Version | Korean style | US version | US version | US version | US version |
| 💰 The starting price of HIFU | ₩450,000 | ₩450,000 | Consult the customer service team | ₩1,089,000 | ₩600,000 |
| 💬 How to Make an Appointment | BeautsGO | BeautsGO | BeautsGO | BeautsGO | BeautsGO |
VII. Recommended ways to make an appointment at a Dermatology clinic for HIFU treatment in South Korea – LINE, Gmail, or BeautsGO
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