Sister, are you just like me? Every time I see discussions about Dermatology clinics in South Korea, a question always pops into my mind: “With so many Dermatology clinics in Cheongdam, which one really offers good HIFU treatments? How long will the effects of the American version of Ultherapy last? Will my face become stiff after the treatment?”
To be honest, before going to Cheongdam OKAY, I did my homework for a full two months. I read through countless discussions on PTT and Dcard regarding Dermatology clinics in Cheongdam-dong. In the end, I chose this clinic hidden on the third floor of the Cheongsu Building. Actually, it had nothing to do with the price or the interior design – it was something I read that convinced me. This article won’t tell you all the fancy words written on their official website; I will only share my personal experience and evaluation of the HIFU treatment at their Plastic Surgery and Dermatology department in Cheongdam OKAY.
Why has Cheongdam OKAY ended up on my list of recommendations for medical beauty treatments in Seoul?
Anyone who works in the Dermatology field in Gangnam knows that there are over a hundred clinics registered in this area alone. However, Cheongdam OKAY has a very special status – it is one of the few established Dermatology clinics in Cheongdam-dong that have been in operation for over 20 years.
In South Korea’s medical aesthetics industry, there is an unwritten consensus: clinics that have survived for more than 20 years usually didn’t achieve their success through heavy advertising. The main branch of OKAY in Cheongdam initially opened in Gwangjin District, Seoul, and later established a dermatology center on the third floor of the Cheongsu Building at 12, 133 Samsung-ro, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam. The first floor served only as an entrance; the entire third floor was dedicated to their operations, featuring reception areas, consultation rooms, and treatment facilities.
The medical team led by Director Jo Hee-eun consists of approximately 7 to 8 physicians, most of whom specialize in Dermatology and plastic surgery. Notably, the core philosophy of this clinic is “natural beauty” – it does not aim for exaggerated changes, but rather for results that make you “look better without anyone being able to tell exactly what has been done.” Similar to another highly rated clinic in Cheongdam, Cheongdam NEWYOUNG Dermatology, this clinic also focuses on ensuring that patients’ colleagues will not suspect they have undergone plastic surgery after the treatment.
The transportation is also very convenient. It takes less than 3 minutes to walk from Exit 8 of Cheongdam Station. Right next to it is the underground shopping mall at Cheongdam Station, so after completing your treatment, you can easily go shopping or have a coffee – this is really a great advantage for us foreigners.
Is Cheongdam OKAY Dermatology really as good as the rumors say? I’ve compiled 5 surprising facts for you.
Before going, I specifically checked the local South Korean forums (Naver Cafe, 뽐뿌) as well as the PTT medical beauty boards in Taiwan. To my surprise, when netizens discussed Cheongdam OKAY clinics, the most frequently mentioned aspects were not low prices or luxurious decor, but rather these five points—and none of them had anything to do with common promotional tactics like “buy one get one free” or “time-limit discounts”.
- Doctors may “recommend against” a treatment plan that is not suitable for you – this point has been mentioned repeatedly on Naver. More than one South Korean netizen stated that they originally wanted to undergo full-face Ultherapy, but the doctor advised them, “It’s better to start with just the lower half of the face; the skin on the upper half is in good condition.” In fact, this situation is quite rare within South Korea’s medical aesthetics industry.
- The list of equipment is more comprehensive than you might imagine: the American version of Ultherapy, Thermage FLX, Titanium, Shurink, Inmode, Oligio – virtually all the mainstream lifting devices are available. This is not a clinic that relies on just one type of machine to operate.
- There is no issue with a “waiting list system”: whenever you go for a consultation, the same doctor will handle the entire treatment process from start to finish. There is no situation where the consultation is conducted by one person while the actual procedure is performed by someone else.
- The prices are transparent, with no on-site price increases: The prices listed on the website are almost identical to those provided during on-site consultations. The starting price for a full-face treatment with HIFU is NT$995,000 (approximately US$22,000), and there are no attempts to justify additional charges by claiming that “your skin condition is more severe and therefore requires extra fees”.
- Each patient has their own treatment room, ensuring a high level of privacy. Unlike some large chain clinics that use open curtain partitions, each treatment room here is a separate, independent space equipped with its own disinfection facilities.
Consultation phase: Why did the doctor advise me against getting a full-face treatment?
This is the thing that left the deepest impression on me during this entire experience.
On the day of the consultation, the doctor carefully examined my skin condition using various instruments – from the elasticity of my epidermis to the degree of laxity in the deeper tissues. The entire process took approximately 15 minutes. Then, instead of saying “You are suitable for HIFU,” the doctor asked me first: “What is currently bothering you the most? Do you have any previous experience with cosmetic treatments? What results do you expect to achieve?”
At that time, I mentioned that I wanted to undergo a full-face HIFU treatment. However, the doctor’s suggestion surprised me: “The tightness of your Forehead skin is quite good. It’s actually your lower face—especially the Nasolabial Fold Correction area and the jawline—that needs treatment the most right now. A full-face HIFU treatment doesn’t offer good value for money; I suggest starting with 400 treatments on your lower face first.”
To be honest, my initial thought was: “Huh? You’re not going to take advantage of money that’s right in front of you?” But in hindsight, this actually increased my trust in this clinic significantly. A doctor who is willing to refuse a treatment for you is far more reliable than one who always says “yes, we can do it.” This reminds me of a post on PTT where someone shared their experience at Apgujeong Vmoment Dermatology – the doctor gave advice based on the actual condition of the patient and didn’t force any treatments on them. In Gangnam District, such clinics are actually rarer than one might think.
Treatment process: Is it really painful to use the HIFU at Cheongdam OKAY Dermatology & Plastic Surgery? Is there really no recovery period at all?
This is probably the question that everyone considering Ultherapy wants to know. My answer is: it does hurt, but the pain is completely within an acceptable range.
Before the treatment, an anesthetic ointment is applied first, and the procedure only begins once the anesthetic takes effect. The principle of the American version of Ultherapy is to deliver focused ultrasonic energy into the SMAS fascia layer deep within the skin, causing the tissues to contract through heat – hence, you will experience a sensation of being gently stimulated at a deep level. This effect is more noticeable around the chin and jawline, while the Forehead and eye areas hardly feel anything at all. During the treatment, the doctor will continuously check on your comfort and adjust the intensity of the energy as needed.
This time, 400 hairs were implanted on the lower half of my face, and the entire procedure took approximately 50 minutes. After the treatment, my face only showed slight redness and a warm sensation; there was no swelling or scabbing. Right after the procedure, I went shopping in the underground mall at Cheongdam Station, and no one noticed that I had just undergone cosmetic surgery.
Postoperative recovery timeline: From the first day to one month, what changes took place to my face?
This is probably the most frequently asked question on PTT: “How long does it take for the effects of HIFU to become visible?” I have organized my recovery process into a timeline to help you understand better:
| time point | The feelings most frequently reported by netizens | My actual observations |
|---|---|---|
| On the same day after the surgery | “The face was slightly red, but it was impossible to tell that any cosmetic procedures had been done.” | Indeed, there is only a slight redness; it’s completely okay to go shopping as usual. |
| Days 3 to 5 | “It’s still a bit sensitive when touched.” | The slight discomfort has completely disappeared; there is no sensation at all when washing my face or massaging it. |
| Day 7 | “It feels like the Nasolabial Fold Correction area has been pulled tight.” | The area of the Nasolabial Fold Correction begins to show a tightening effect as if being pulled upward. |
| Weeks 3-4 | “Taking pictures reveals a more defined chin line.” | The contours of the chin have become much more defined, and the sagging of the cheeks has decreased significantly. |
| Months 3 to 6 | “The period when the effects are at their best” | The optimal effect lasts for approximately 1 to 1.5 years. |
Regarding post-operative care, I also saw a similar recovery timeline in my review of the Ulthrea at Gangnam diar Dermatology. Indeed, the recovery period after Ulthrea treatment is more stable compared to other devices; there is no such thing as “swelling for a week after the procedure”.
Equipment Comparison: What are the differences between the American version of Ultherapy, Thermage FLX, and Titanium?
Many people are confused about the differences between HIFU and other lifting devices. Cheongdam OKAY boasts a quite comprehensive range of equipment, so I have summarized the differences in the following table:
| Treatment plan | Depth of effect | Suitable for the problem at hand | pain sensation | Effect maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American version of Ultherapy (HIFU) | The SMAS fascial layer (the deepest layer) | Facial sagging and loose contours | Medium | 1 to 1.5 years |
| Thermage FLX | Dermis layer | Loose skin, fine lines, and Pores | Mild | 1 to 1.5 years |
| Titanium | Fat layer + SMAS + ligaments | Facial contours + firming effects | Mild | 1 to 1.5 years |
| Shurink | Dermis layer + SMAS | Tightened skin + anti-aging effects | Mild | 8 to 12 months |
| Inmode | Fat layer + dermis + epidermis | Double Chin, loose skin + excess fat | Mild | 6 to 12 months |
| Oligio | Dermis layer | Improve skin quality + enhance firmness | Extremely slight | 6 to 12 months |
In simple terms: if you want to address the issue of a “drooping face,” Ultherapy is the right choice; whereas for cases involving “loose skin and enlarged Pores,” Thermage is more suitable. Gangnam Gold J Dermatology’s in-depth comparison of the Ultherapy Prime × Thermage FLX systems provides more detailed recommendations regarding this combination of treatments.
Is the price of HIFU at Cheongdam OKAY Dermatology reasonable? How does it compare with other institutions?
When it comes to prices, I must first state one thing: the prices at Cheongdam OKAY are not the cheapest in the Cheongdam area. However, considering the equipment used (the American version of Ultherapy, not the Korean version), the experience of the doctors (a 20-year-old clinic), and their approach to consultation, which does not involve aggressive sales tactics, I believe these prices are reasonable.
| Treatment plan | Reference price (Korean won) | Converted into Taiwanese dollars | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| US version of Ultherapy (HIFU) for the entire face | Starting from ⩉950,000 | Starting from approximately NT$22,000 | The number of treatments can be adjusted according to individual circumstances. |
| Thermage FLX (300 treatments) | Starting from ¥444,000 | Starting from approximately NT$10,300 | Facial tightening |
| Onda (microwave lipolysis) | Starting from ¥540,000 | Starting from approximately NT$12,500 | Lipolysis + Tightening |
| Clarity Laser | Starting from ¥130,000 | Starting from approximately NT$3,000 | Improve pigmentation and skin quality |
In addition, in 2026, the exchange rate of the Korean won continued to decline (around 1:226), resulting in even greater savings when converted into local currency compared to previous years. If you want to understand how the exchange rate affects the overall budget for medical treatments in Korea, you can refer to this article titled “Actual Cost Savings from Using a 1:226 Exchange Rate for Medical Treatments in Korea”, which provides a side-by-side comparison of the prices of HIFU treatments at various clinics.
Who is OKAY in Cheongdam suitable for? And who is not? (To be honest…)
Based on my own experience and the reviews from South Korean netizens, I have compiled this comprehensive list.
| dimension | ✅ Advantages | ❌ Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Professionalism | Doctors do not force their recommendations; instead, they provide advice based on the actual circumstances of each patient, and sometimes even discourage unnecessary treatments. | For popular time slots, such as Saturdays, it is usually necessary to book 2-3 weeks in advance. |
| Effect | The results are naturally not so obvious that it’s clear at first glance that the treatment has been done; this option is ideal for those who prefer a subtle transformation. | Those who seek “drastic changes” or “immediate results” may find this approach too natural. |
| Services | Each patient has their own treatment room, ensuring a high level of privacy. The environment is clean and private. | The interior decoration is simple and unadorned, not in the trendy style that would attract people to take photos and share on social media. |
| Price | The prices are transparent; the prices displayed on-site are exactly the same as those on the website, with no hidden fees. | The prices are slightly higher than those of clinics in the Myeongdong/Hongdae areas; those with limited budgets should carefully consider this before making a decision. |
| Convenience | It is only a 3-minute walk from Exit 8 of Cheongdam Station, so the location is extremely convenient. | We are closed on Sundays and public holidays, so our scheduling options are limited. |
In summary: If you pursue natural anti-aging treatments, value the professionalism of doctors, and seek the stability of a clinic, Cheongdam OKAY is an excellent choice. If you want to compare other clinics in Cheongdam-dong with similar approaches, Cheongdam NEWYOUNG Dermatology also follows the “natural anti-aging” philosophy – both clinics can be included in your shortlist.
Popular FAQ for Cheongdam OKAY Plastic Surgery and Dermatology
Here are the 5 questions that I asked directly to doctors during my consultations, and which were also frequently mentioned by PTT netizens after I shared their experiences:
- Q1: Can I wear makeup on the same day after having HIFU? Yes. HIFU is a non-invasive treatment
with no incisions, so you can wear makeup immediately after the procedure. It is recommended to use mild skincare products and ensure proper hydration in the days following the treatment. - Q2: How soon do the effects appear? How long do they last? Immediate effect
s amount to approximately 20% (manifested as tissue contraction at that moment), while the optimal results are seen 3 to 6 months later. The effects generally last for 1 to 1.5 years, and an individual’s skincare habits can affect the duration of these effects. For more details, please refer to the comprehensive clinical trials conducted by Gangnam diar Dermatology using the Ulthrea. - Q3: Can HIFU and Thermage be used together? Yes, and many people choose
to combine them this way. It is recommended to perform HIFU first (for deep lifting) and then Thermage 1–3 months later (for superficial tightening). Since these treatments target different layers of the skin, they do not interfere with each other. - Q4: What precautions should be taken after the procedure? Avoid high
-temperature environments (such as saunas and hot yoga), intense sun exposure, and vigorous facial massages within one week. Keeping the skin hydrated and protecting it from the sun are the two most important things to do after the surgery. - Q5: Can I make an appointment if I don’t speak Korean? The
clinic provides consultation services in Chinese. For foreigners, it is most convenient to make an appointment through the BeautsGO platform, as translation services are available to accompany you during the visit.
How can I make an appointment at Cheongdam OKAY Dermatology most conveniently? What should I pay attention to before making an appointment?
There are three ways to make reservations at Cheongdam OKAY: The most recommended method is through the BeautsGO platform, which offers Chinese-speaking customer service, pre-trip consultation, and exclusive discounts, making it particularly convenient for overseas customers.
A list of things to avoid before making a reservation
- ☑ Confirm that the clinic accepts appointments from foreigners (some clinics are only open to South Korean residents).
- ☑ Please confirm in advance whether Chinese/English translation services are available.
- ☑ 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 or foreign resident registration card ready.
- ☑ Preoperative precautions (prohibition of makeup, alcohol consumption, and certain medications)
Conclusion: Is it really worth flying all the way to South Korea just for the HIFU treatments at Cheongdam OKAY Dermatology and Plastic Surgery?
My answer is: If your goals are “natural anti-aging, consultations by specialist doctors, and no excessive sales pitches”, Cheongdam OKAY is definitely worth adding to your shortlist.
It may not be the cheapest option in Cheongdam-dong (there are many more affordable options in the Myeongdong and Hongdae areas), nor will it give you a dramatic “before-and-after” transformation. But what it can offer is: a natural result that won’t make your colleagues ask, “Did you get plastic surgery?”, a reassuring experience where the doctor is willing to tell you, “This procedure isn’t necessary for you”, and the stability of a established clinic that has been in business for 20 years without any sudden closures.
In the field of medical aesthetics in South Korea, safety and natural results are the keys to long-term success, rather than simply achieving stunning results. If you are still hesitating, you might as well consult BeautsGO first – at least letting professionals help you evaluate the situation will be much more efficient than trying to figure it out on your own for two months.
Recommended reading: Cheongdam-dong and HIFU – Here’s another way to compare them
If you are still hesitating about choosing Cheongdam OKAY or if you would like to compare several similar clinics before making a decision, I have compiled the following related articles for your reference:
📌 Recommended Similar Treatments
- Actual Test Results of the Ulthrea in Gangnam diar Dermatology | Comprehensive Record of HIFU Prices, Treatment Sessions, and Recovery Times
- Personal Experience with Gold J Dermatology in South Korea | The Dual Combination of Ultherapy Prime and Thermage FLX
- Seongsu iris Dermatology | First-hand Reviews of HIFU and PicoPlus
📍 Recommended clinics in the same area
- Reviews of Cheongdam NEWYOUNG Dermatology | A time-tested option for a natural anti-aging approach in Cheongdam-dong
- South Korea Vmoment Dermatology | Ultherapy experience conducted by professional physicians at Apgujeong
- Is the exchange rate of 1:226 really that attractive? A practical comparison shows that using HIFU in South Korea in 2026 can save you up to ¥250,000.