1. While on a business trip, I took the opportunity to get a Thermage treatment. The reactions of my colleagues when I returned to the company really surprised me.
Here’s what happened: Last month, my company sent me on a three-day business trip to Seoul. Since I was already flying there, I thought I might as well take the opportunity to get some facial treatment in Gangnam. I had heard from Korean friends that there were many excellent Dermatology clinics in that area, but I had never had the time to look into them. This time, since I was staying near COEX, I simply searched for a clinic called Chang Clinic / 창피부과 on my map. It was only a 7-minute walk from Samseong Station, and surprisingly, the director of the clinic was also a member of the Thermage FLX Korea-Japan Academic Advisory Group.
I thought to myself: If a hospital director is appointed as a consultant by the manufacturer itself, surely their technical skills can’t be that bad, right?
After completing the treatment and returning to Taiwan, on my first day at the office, a colleague from the department next door stared at me for three seconds before asking a question that almost made me spit out my coffee: “Did you go to South Korea and get some plastic surgery in secret? Why does your face look so tight now?”
I joked that it was just a Thermage treatment, but she wouldn’t believe it and insisted on seeing the photos from the clinic in my phone. Well, since so many people are curious, I’ll share my actual experience at Chang Dermatology in South Korea in this article.
II. Where exactly is Chang Dermatology in South Korea? It actually only takes 7 minutes to walk from the Samseong station there.
The location of Chang Dermatology is actually in the very heart of the city, specifically at 3rd Floor, Rusong Building, 51 Dehelen-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Below are three transportation options to help you get there easily, regardless of where you start:
- 🚇 Exit 5 of Samseong Station on Subway Line 2: After exiting the station, walk straight ahead → turn right at the crossroads in front of Hyundai Department Store → walk approximately 300 meters straight ahead → after passing by the Doochung Airport Tower, you will find the LOREAL building on the 3rd floor, next to the Oakwood Hotel. The entire journey takes about 7 minutes.
- 🚇 Subway Line 9, Bongeunsa Station: Exit at Exit 1, walk 300 meters along Bongeunsa-ro → Cross the road at the Bongeunsa intersection and head towards the Michelangelo Building → Walk another 300 meters in the direction of Hyundai Department Store; LOREAL Building is located on the 3rd floor.
- 🚇 Subway Line 9, Samseong Jungang Station: Exit No. 4 and walk 180 meters in the direction of Bongeunsa Temple. Cross the road at the intersection of Bongeunsa Temple and head towards the Michelangelo Building. Then walk another 300 meters in the direction of Hyundai Department Store to arrive at the destination.
Simply put, whether you take Line 2 or Line 9, it only takes about 7 minutes to walk from the station, so there’s no need to worry about getting lost. Moreover, the clinic is located right next to COEX and Hyundai Department Store, so after your treatment, you can go shopping and dining right away – making it extremely convenient to plan your schedule.
💡 Similarly in the Gangnam area, Gangnam diar Dermatology also offers Ulthrea treatments. There are actually quite a few options near Samseong Station, so it’s worth comparing them before making a choice.
III. Is the pricing at Chang Dermatology in South Korea transparent in 2026? A comprehensive overview of Thermage FLX and other treatments
For many people who go to South Korea for cosmetic procedures, the biggest concern is often the lack of transparency in pricing and the possibility of additional charges at the time of service. To be honest, this was also what worried me the most before I set off. However, the consultation process at Chang Dermatology completely surprised me.
During the consultation, the consultant will first assess the condition of your skin and the areas you wish to improve, and then provide you with a recommended treatment plan along with the corresponding price range. This time, I opted for the Thermage FLX facial treatment, and the consultant clearly explained the price differences based on the number of treatments required, without any sense of pressure or forced sales.
The following are the main treatment services currently offered by Chang Dermatology (prices are subject to the real-time quotes on BeautsGO):
| Treatment options | Suitable for various groups | Reference price |
|---|---|---|
| Thermage FLX Thermage | My face has become loose, and I want to tighten it up. | Please visit BeautsGO for more information. |
| Ultherapy PRIME HIFU | Deep lifting for a more defined silhouette | Please visit BeautsGO for more information. |
| DENSITY high-frequency instrument | Collagen proliferation and improvement of skin quality | Please visit BeautsGO for more information. |
| ONDA microwave | Local fat reduction and body shaping | Please visit BeautsGO for more information. |
| JUVE LOOK DongAn Center Introduction Needle | Full-face collagen proliferation for improving skin quality | Please visit BeautsGO for more information. |
| RADIESSE Microcrystalline Ceramic | Instant filling and contour shaping | Please visit BeautsGO for more information. |
| ASCE+ Exosomes | Profound skincare for sensitive skin | Please visit BeautsGO for more information. |
| REJURAN HB Plus Rejuran | Repair damaged skin and enhance its elasticity | Please visit BeautsGO for more information. |
| Juvederm Filler | Immediate lifting and IPCHEA shaping | Starting from ⩉500,000 |
| Scar removal and repair | Acne scars, surgical scars | Starting from ¥100,000 |
Although the exact prices of some services need to be confirmed after consultation, overall, they are indeed much more affordable than in Taiwan. Moreover, they use local South Korean pricing standards and will not charge you differently just because you are a foreigner.
📌 Compared to the HIFU treatments offered by Gangnam DIar Dermatology, Chang Dermatology places more emphasis on the academic-level Thermage FLX treatments. If you are interested in Thermage, the professional expertise of this clinic is definitely worth considering.
IV. Who is President Kim Chang-shik? Why is he considered a representative of “academic anti-aging approaches”?
Many people only care about the price and the model of the equipment when going to a Dermatology clinic, but in fact, it is the skills and experience of the practitioner that truly determine the effectiveness of the treatment. This is especially true for treatments like Thermage FLX, which require precise control over the distribution of energy and the number of treatments administered. The results can vary significantly depending on whether the treatment is performed by an experienced doctor or one who simply follows the standard procedures.
Kim Chang-shik, the representative director of Chang Dermatology, is a highly influential figure in South Korea’s Dermatology community. He is not the kind of “clinic owner” who merely handles patient consultations; rather, he is a clinical expert who actively participates in academic activities.
- Thermage FLX MTL (Medical Thought Leader): Officially designated by Solta Medical as a clinical advisory member for Thermage. This title is not something that can be purchased with money; rather, it is awarded by the manufacturer based on clinical experience and academic contributions.
- Member of the 2026 Thermage Korea-Japan Advisory Group: At the Korea-Japan Thermage Advisory Seminar held in Seoul in January this year, President Kim was one of the core members from the South Korea side.
- Pioneering physicians in the field of medical aesthetics: These doctors participated in clinical research even before the launch of the new DENSITY probe and were among the first in South Korea to use the Alpha Tip.
- Chairperson of the HILO WAVE Academic Symposium: In 2025, I served as the chairperson of the HILO WAVE expert symposium, where I led discussions on the therapeutic applications of new types of bio-stimulants.
- KOREADERMA 2024 Academic Committee Member and Speaker: Delivered a keynote speech on “Technologies for Maximizing Patient Satisfaction in Thread Lift Procedures” at the international dermatology conference attended by participants from over 50 countries.
In simple terms, Director Kim Chang-shik is not the kind of doctor who just buys a machine and starts practicing immediately; rather, he is a key figure actively driving the advancement of skin rejuvenation treatments. The clinic’s official website is filled with records of his participation in various academic events—ranging from Thermage FLX, DENSITY, and HILO WAVE to thread lift procedures—indicating his deep involvement in nearly every major academic forum in the field of South Korean cosmetic medicine.
In addition to President Kim Chang-shik, Chang Dermatology also has four specialist directors—Kim Ki-yeon, Lee Dan-fei, Kim Jin-seop, and Kwon Il-joo—who take turns seeing patients. Each of them is a specialist in Dermatology; this is not some kind of general practice clinic that treats everything.
V. Who is suitable for visiting Chang Dermatology in South Korea? Those who are not suitable should consider carefully before making a decision.
To be honest, not everyone is suitable for visiting Chang’s Dermatology clinic. Below is a comparison table based on my personal experience that you can use for self-assessment before making a decision:
| ✅ Perfect for use | ❌ It is not recommended to go there. |
|---|---|
| If you are interested in anti-aging treatments such as Thermage FLX or HIFU, and would like to have them performed by a medically trained professional, please look for such doctors. | I simply want to perform basic cleansing and moisturizing treatments; I don’t need any professional medical-grade procedures. |
| It was my first time trying Thermage; I was worried about encountering a doctor with poor technical skills. | Fear of or medical contraindications against devices that use radiofrequency or ultrasound technology |
| I hope to be able to undergo the treatment in the Gangnam/Samseong/COEX area to save on travel time. | If you have recently had any wounds, sunburns, acute inflammation, or rashes on your skin |
| Preferring academic doctors and disliking a clinic atmosphere that feels too promotional | During pregnancy or breastfeeding (most cosmetic treatments are not suitable during these periods). |
| You want to receive treatment in a spacious area of 110 square meters, in a comfortable and unhindered environment. | With a very limited budget, I simply want to find the clinic with the lowest price. |
💡 A little reminder: The above suggestions are for reference only. Before applying them, it is recommended to consult via LINE to confirm whether they are suitable for your specific situation.
If you want to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the entire process and precautions involved in Dermatology facelift treatments, you may also find this article helpful: “Where is the best place for skin care in Cheongdam, Seoul? My ultimate choice after trying 5 different options.”
VI. What is the environment like at Chang Dermatology? The 110-square-meter space is truly outstanding.
To be honest, my first impression when I walked inside was: “This is really too spacious!”
According to the official website of Chang Dermatology, their clinic covers an area of 110 pyeong (approximately 363 square meters). At first, the number seemed inconspicuous, but once you actually enter the clinic, you realize how spacious it is. Many Dermatology clinics in the center of Seoul face the problem of having extremely limited spaces due to high rent costs; the waiting areas and treatment areas are crammed together, leaving no space for patients to rest after treatment. However, this is not the case at Chang Dermatology at all.
The clinic is located on the 3rd floor of the Rusong Building; upon exiting the elevator, you immediately enter a bright and spacious lobby. The decor is designed in a simple, modern style with warm colors, which gives it a much more welcoming atmosphere compared to many other medical aesthetics clinics. The sofas in the waiting area are very comfortable, and I only had to wait about 10 minutes before being taken into the consultation room – there was absolutely no sense of being neglected or ignored.
The treatment rooms are independent private spaces, not those Open rhinoplasty areas separated by curtains, so privacy is well protected. The VIP International treatment rooms even come with their own relaxation areas, allowing patients to stay there for a while after the procedure without feeling rushed.
Moreover, they place great emphasis on hygiene management. I noticed that all the equipment was covered with plastic protective films, and new probes and consumables were opened in front of the patient before each treatment – this is definitely a plus for people who are particular about cleanliness.
VII. FAQ on Common Issues in Chang Dermatology
Q1: Does Chang Dermatology provide Chinese-language services? Yes,
Chang Dermatology offers Chinese consultation services. When I visited them last time, the consultant was able to communicate in fluent Chinese throughout the process – from filling out forms and explaining treatment plans to providing post-treatment instructions. There were no language barriers at all.
Q2: How long does the effect of Thermage FLX last after a single treatment? Generally speaking
, the benefits of Thermage FLX begin to become apparent 2 to 6 months after the procedure and last for approximately 1 to 2 years. However, the specific duration depends on individual skin type, age, and lifestyle habits. Director Jin recommends combining the treatment with appropriate at-home care to enhance its effectiveness.
Q3: Does Thermage cause pain? Saying
that it doesn’t cause any pain at all is a lie. However, Chang Dermatology offers vibration anesthesia, and since the Thermage FLX system itself includes a cooling mechanism, during the treatment process, patients only experience mild local heat and slight stinging sensations – which are generally within an acceptable range and do not require the use of anesthetic cream.
Q4: Is there a recovery period after undergoing Thermage trea
tment? Thermage FLX is a non-invasive procedure, so you can basically return to your normal daily activities immediately after the treatment. On the very day I had the treatment, I went shopping and dining at COEX without any problems at all. There might be some mild redness after the procedure, but it usually subsides within a few hours.
Q5: Are the prices the same for foreigners as they are for South Korea
ns? I specifically asked this question of the consultant, and they said that the pricing at Chang Dermatology is uniform and will not vary just because you are a foreigner. Of course, the specific cost of each treatment will still depend on the condition of your skin and the number of hair follicles that need to be treated.
Q6: Compared to other Dermatology clinics in Gangnam, what is the biggest advantage of Chang Dermatol
ogy? In my opinion, the main difference lies in the academic background of the doctors. Director Kim Chang-shik is the officially designated clinical consultant for Thermage, which means that his understanding of Thermage goes beyond simply knowing how to operate the equipment; he is able to make precise adjustments to the energy level according to different skin types and needs. For more comparisons between Dermatology clinics in Gangnam, you can refer to the diar on the Ulthrea at Gangnam Dermatology. Both clinics have their own unique styles and strengths.
Q7: Is it possible to get a consultation and have the procedure don
e on the same day? It is recommended to make an appointment in advance, especially if you want to see Director Kim Chang-shik personally. I made my appointment one week in advance through the BeautsGO platform, and I was able to start the consultation immediately upon arriving at the clinic without having to wait. If you don’t make an appointment, you may have to wait for a long time on the same day, or you might not even be able to get in at all.
VIII. Basic Information about Dermatology Chang in South Korea
| project | For more details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Clinic Name | Chang Dermatology Clinic (창피부과의원) |
| 📌 Address | 3rd Floor, Rusong Building, 51 Dehelen-ro 87beon, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (153-36 Samseong-dong) |
| 🚇 Transportation | 7 minutes’ walk from Exit 5 of Samseong Station on Line 2 / 7 minutes’ walk from Exit 1 of Bongeunsi Station on Line 9 / 7 minutes’ walk from Exit 4 of Samseong Jungang Station on Line 9 |
| 🕐 Business Hours | Monday/Friday: 10:00-21:00 · Tuesday/Wednesday: 10:00-19:00 · Saturday: 09:00-15:00 (no lunch break) · Closed on Thursday/Sunday/holidays · Lunch break: 13:00-14:00 |
| 🚗 Parking | Please use the navigation system to search for “Chang Dermatology Clinic”; there are paid parking lots available near the building. |
| 💬 How to Make an Appointment | Consult via LINE, send an email via Gmail, or make a reservation with just one click through BeautsGO. |
IX. How to make an appointment at Dermatology Chang in South Korea
Chang Dermatology currently offers three different reservation methods. Personally, I highly recommend using the BeautsGO platform, as it allows you to view the current prices for all services in one place, eliminating the need for lengthy private messages back and forth.
A list of things to avoid before making a reservation
- ☑ Confirm the treatment you want to undergo and your budget range. Clearly stating your requirements during the consultation can save you time.
- ☑ Please confirm in advance whether Chinese-language consultation is available. (Chang Dermatology provides Chinese services, but it is recommended to indicate this during the reservation process.)
- ☑ Understand the policies regarding the cancellation or modification of appointments (it is recommended to notify at least 24 hours in advance).
- ☑ Make sure you have your passport ready; the clinic will require you to provide basic personal information for registration.
- ☑ Preoperative precautions: Avoid drinking alcohol and stop using products containing acid or fruit acids for at least 3 days.
X. Recommended Reading
📌 Recommended Similar Treatments
- Too afraid of pain to undergo the treatment? Practical review of the Ulthrea from Gangnam diar Dermatology: Three clinic directors with 74 years of combined experience—after the treatment, my friends all asked if I had lost weight.
- The clinic where the original team of Muse all left together? The real reviews of Sia Xiaya Dermatology after 3 months: A massive 740-square-meter space in Gangnam × Three treatments performed personally by the director × Thermage treatments starting from ₩990,000
📍 Recommended clinics in the same area
- Actual Test Results of the Ulthrea from Gangnam diar Dermatology
- Taiwanese girls experience one-on-one Dermatology treatment in Seoul! Personally tested and highly recommended – 6 top-tier dermatology clinics that do not operate on a mass production model.