Cheongdam Arden Dermatology has a Naver rating of 4.6, which is quite high among the many clinics in Gangnam’s Cheongdam-dong area. Last month, I specifically went there to undergo HIFU treatment combined with Rejuran. Overall, to be honest, some aspects exceeded my expectations, while others were not quite as impressive as promised. In this review, I will clearly mention both the aspects that disappointed me and those that I really found good, so that other people considering this clinic can make an informed decision.
💉 Real-time Record of the Surgery at Cheongdam Arden Dermatology
On that day, I underwent 200 sessions of HIFU treatment plus 2 centum core of Rejuran PN. Let me state the conclusion first: the pain level was relatively high, but I definitely saw noticeable results.
Upon arrival at the clinic, I first underwent a VISIA skin examination, followed by a personal consultation with Director Han Yuzhe. Although Director Han’s Chinese is not fluent, communication was still possible, and a Chinese translator was available throughout the process to ensure there were no language barriers. During the consultation, Director Han carefully examined my skin condition and recommended that I use 200 HIFU treatments in combination with Rejuran – which proved to be more effective than the 100-treatment plan I had originally considered.
After applying the anesthetic for about 20 minutes, it became quite obvious that the area below the jawline felt sore and swollen during the HIFU treatment, especially in the areas where the bones were more prominent. The Forehead, however, felt similar to the sensation experienced after a Pico treatment. The entire HIFU procedure took approximately 40 minutes.
✨ Post-treatment timeline: What changes have taken place?
It has been almost three weeks since the procedure was done, and the timeline of the results is as follows:
- On the day of the surgery: The face was slightly red and swollen, but the effects were not noticeable and did not prevent me from going out.
- On the 3rd day after the procedure: The redness has subsided, and the skin feels a bit tight to the touch.
- On the 7th day after the surgery: I began to notice a tightening sensation along the lower jaw line, and I could see some changes when looking in the mirror.
- On the 14th day after the procedure: The Apple Zone appears plumper and more full, and the facial features are noticeably clearer than before the treatment.
- On the 21st day after the procedure (currently): The effects are still lasting. My friends say I look younger, but they can’t tell exactly what was done.
The effects of Rejuran begin to become apparent around the 5th day, with the skin becoming more hydrated and glowing. The Lifting effects of HIFU are gradual; the instructions state that optimal results are achieved within 1 to 3 months, but I feel that the effects are still improving at present.
💰 Full transparency on costs: How much did I actually spend?
My treatment plan: 200 HIFU treatments + 2 centum core of Rejuran PN, totaling NT$9.13 million (approximately US$29,000).
The details are as follows:
- 200 treatments with the HIFU: ¥10 million
- Rejuran PN 2 centum core: ¥9.3 million
- Consultation fee: ¥500,000; This amount can be directly deducted if the treatment is scheduled on the same day.
For comparison with similar services in Taiwan: HIFU treatment costs around NT$30,000 to $50,000 in Taiwan, while Rejuran treatment ranges from NT$15,000 to $25,000. In my case, the total cost for both treatments is NT$9.13 million, which is approximately equivalent to $29,000 in US dollars – indeed much cheaper than in Taiwan. Moreover, Arden does not charge additional fees for foreign patients; the price displayed on the bill is the actual amount to be paid.
🏥 Environment and Services: The sense of luxury is indeed genuine.
In terms of the environment, I must say that Arden’s decor is truly on a luxury level. The black-and-white minimalist design, Italian-imported sofas, VIP International private treatment rooms equipped with separate changing areas and password-protected lockers – all these elements contribute to the premium atmosphere. The waiting area offers freshly brewed coffee and handmade desserts, while the post-treatment care area is equipped with glow therapy devices. The makeup room provides cosmetics from brands such as Dior and Chanel.
What really impressed me about the service was that, within 72 hours after the procedure, the nurse would check on my recovery status every day and respond to me in Chinese via WeChat. This was truly considerate of them. Many clinics simply ignore their patients after the treatment is complete, but Arden’s post-procedure follow-up really provided peace of mind.
But I have to be honest about one thing: the waiting time was longer than I expected. I made an appointment for 2 p.m., but it wasn’t until 2:30 that it was my turn. The advantage of having the director personally examine patients is the attention to detail; however, the downside is that each patient has to wait longer, causing those coming after me to wait even longer as well.
👥 Who is suitable and who is not suitable for going to Arden
Suitable for:
- If you want a natural approach to anti-aging without seeking drastic changes, then…
- Those who care about the quality of in-person consultations by doctors
- A budget of 5 million to 2 million yen is available for 1 to 2 procedures.
- Overseas clients who require Chinese-language services and post-treatment follow-up care
Not quite suitable:
- Those who pursue efficiency and don’t want to wait (since the time spent for the dean’s personal consultation is quite high)
- Those who need to undergo extensive plastic surgery (Arden specializes in Dermatology).
- The budget is extremely limited, so only small-scale projects can be undertaken (the consultation fee of ¥500,000 accounts for a relatively high proportion).
🗓️ Post-treatment care tips
The post-treatment care directly affects the duration of the results. Here is the routine I follow:
- Within 24 hours after the procedure: Only wash your face with clean water; do not apply makeup or any skincare products.
- Within 48 hours after the procedure: Avoid strenuous exercise, steam baths, and saunas.
- Within one week after the procedure: Increase hydration by applying a medical beauty mask once daily.
- Within two weeks after the procedure: Avoid going to beaches or areas with strong sunlight; always apply SPF50 sunscreen when going out.
- Within one month after the procedure: Do not undergo any other laser treatments or injections to allow the skin to fully recover.
❓ Common questions regarding reviews of Cheongdam Arden Dermatology
Q: Is Cheongdam Arden Dermatology a “assembly line” type of clinic?
A: No. The director personally conducts the consultations and performs the procedures; each client is seen for at least 15–20 minutes, and the entire treatment is carried out by the director himself. The downside is that the waiting time may be relatively long.
Q: How long does it take to see the results after undergoing treatment at Cheongdam Arden Dermatology?
A: HIFU usually takes 1 to 3 months to achieve its optimal results, while Rejuran begins to show effects within 5 to 7 days. When used in combination, Rejuran provides immediate glow in the short term, while HIFU offers long-term lifting effects.
Q: Is the Naver rating of 4.6 for Cheongdam Arden Dermatology trustworthy?
A: I think 4.6 is a reasonable score. The environment and service are indeed excellent, and the professionalism of the director is also beyond doubt. The possible reasons for the lower score might be the waiting time, as well as the fact that some customers found the prices to be on the high side (although they are still cheaper than many clinics in the same area).
Q: Is it suitable to choose Arden for my first experience with medical aesthetics treatments in South Korea?
A: Suitable. The Chinese-language services are comprehensive, the prices are transparent with no extra charges, and the consultations are conducted personally by the director, ensuring high quality. For newcomers, there is no need to worry about language barriers or being treated unfairly.