To be honest, before leaving, I read at least 30 articles sharing experiences about medical beauty treatments in South Korea on Dcard. In the end, I decided to go to the ELVIA Dermatology clinic for the Sofwave + Radiesse treatment. It’s been over a month and a half since I returned, and in this article, I will honestly share everything about the consultation process, the experience during the treatment, the post-treatment recovery, and the before-and-after results—without any exaggeration or advertising. This is just the true story of a Taiwanese girl who went to South Korea to improve her appearance. If anyone is still hesitating whether to try this treatment, I hope this article can help you make up your mind.
Why choose ELVIA Dermatology for Sofwave+Radiesse treatment?
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Let me first share my skin condition: I am 31 years old this year and have combination to dry skin type. In the past two years, I have clearly noticed that my cheeks have started to sink, my Nasolabial Fold Correction has become more pronounced, and when I smile, the position of my Apple Zone is about half a centimeter lower than before. After doing some research, my requirements became clear: I didn’t want surgery or drastic changes; instead, I wanted a natural look that made me appear 3 to 5 years younger, without anyone being able to tell what treatment I had undergone.
Why choose the combination of Sofwave and Radiesse? Because my problem is not limited to a single aspect: I have both sagging caused by Collagen loss (which requires Sofwave for lifting) and indentations due to reduced volume in the mid-face area (which necessitate Radiesse for filling and support). If only one of these treatments were used, the effect would be diminished – Sofwave might tighten the skin, but without sufficient volume support underneath, the result would still appear somewhat tired. Only by using both treatments together can I achieve the desired “plumpness + firmness” in one go.
As for why we chose ELVIA, there are actually three main reasons: First, it implements the system where the same doctor handles both the consultation and the treatment, eliminating the potential for information gaps—such as having a different doctor for the consultation and another for the actual procedure. Second, Sofwave is their flagship device, and the director has extensive experience in setting its parameters. This is something I really value, because if the ultrasonic device doesn’t deliver enough energy, the treatment will be ineffective; on the other hand, using too much energy can cause fat burns. Third, there is currently no additional fee for using this specific director; however, if a deputy director is hired in the future, a 10% surcharge may be applied. So it’s definitely more cost-effective to choose ELVIA now.
ELVIA Dermatology Consultation on the Same Day: A Complete Record of the In-person Consultation Process
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I made my appointment through WeChat, using the account Hannah972. A week before the procedure, I sent several photos of my face, both front and side, so that the director could get an idea of my skin condition and facial structure in advance. This was really a plus – instead of waiting until I arrived at the clinic to have a quick assessment and make decisions on the spot, there was already a preliminary evaluation done beforehand. I arrived at the clinic on Thursday at 3 p.m. The clinic was small but very clean, and as soon as I walked in, I realized that this was definitely not one of those tourist-friendly, high-turnover clinics.
After registering, I first filled out some basic information and took pre-treatment photos (one frontal view, and one each at 45-degree and 90-degree angles). Then the nurse took me for a skin examination. The device measured the moisture content, oil levels, Collagen density, and dermal thickness of my skin. To be honest, I thought it was just a formality, but the director pointed at the screen and said, “Look here – your Collagen loss is mainly concentrated in the middle of your face and on both sides of the Nasolabial Fold Correction areas, which exactly matches where you think the aging process is occurring.” At that moment, I truly felt relieved, thinking, “Well, this doctor isn’t trying to fool me.”
The in-person consultation lasted approximately 20 minutes. The director asked about my lifestyle habits – such as how often I stayed up late, my sun protection routine, and whether I was taking Collagen supplements – as well as my previous experiences with medical aesthetics treatments. The advice he gave was exactly in line with the conclusions I had reached after doing my own research: an 800-shot Sofwave treatment for the entire face, combined with a 1.5-centum core Radiesse injection for the mid-face area. He didn’t try to promote any other treatments at all, which really impressed me and increased my goodwill towards this clinic.
The real experience during the injection process of ELVIA Avia Sofwave Sofwave
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Let me state the conclusion first: The pain during the HIFU treatment was much less severe than I had expected. I had previously undergone HIFU in Taiwan, and the sensation of my bones shaking was still vivid in my memory, so I was actually quite nervous before starting the treatment. But when the director administered the first shot, I was surprised—well, it wasn’t as terrible as I had imagined after all.
The treatment depth of SWOMAN is only 1.5 mm, which is different from Ultherapy’s 3.0–4.5 mm, so the sensation experienced during the treatment is quite different. At first, you will feel a warm sensation, similar to having a warm coin pressed against your skin, followed by a slight stinging feeling that lasts for just a few milliseconds. The areas that are more sensitive are around the eyes and corners of the mouth—these areas have thinner skin, so you may experience a slight burning sensation, but it is completely within an acceptable range. I didn’t even frown once and chatted with the therapist throughout the entire process.
About 35 minutes after the 800 treatments were completed, the director adjusted the intensity according to different areas of the face — using higher energy levels for the Forehead and cheeks, and lower energy for the area under the eyes and temples. After treating the right side of my face, the therapist showed me a mirror, and I could immediately notice a slight sense of tightening (this was not just psychological; the contours of one side of my face indeed appeared different). The director explained that this was a characteristic of Sofwave — the immediate contraction of Collagen, which means the treatment yields results right away. However, the true full effects would only become apparent after 2–3 months, when the Collagen regeneration process is complete.
ELVIA Avia Radiesse injection experience
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After the Sofwave treatment, the clinic director proceeded with Radiesse injections. Radiesse is a Collagen stimulator, and its mechanism of action is different from that of Filler injections – while Filler is simply “filled into the area”, Radiesse “stimulates the body to produce its own Collagen”. As a result, there may be some swelling immediately after the injection, but the effects become more noticeable after 2 to 4 weeks.
Before the injection, the director carefully marked the injection sites on my face. A total of 1.5 centum cores of Radiesse were injected, distributed around the area below the Apple Zone of the mid-face, on both sides of the mouth corners, and in the Nasolabial Fold Correction region—roughly ten injection points in total. As for the discomfort… it was slightly more sore than when using Filler, because Radiesse has a thicker consistency, so there was a slight sense of swelling during the injection process. However, the director was very gentle; after each injection, she would gently massage the area with her fingertips to help the substance spread evenly, preventing any uncomfortable lumps from forming.
The entire Radiesse injection procedure took approximately 15 minutes. After the treatment, the director asked me to sit up and look in the mirror. To be honest, I couldn’t see much difference at that moment—my face was still a bit swollen—but the contours on the sides already looked much smoother than before the procedure, and the area of the Nasolabial Fold Correction seemed to have been lifted. The director said, “You’ll see the results once the swelling subsides.” I was half-believing, half-doubting at that time, but a week later… I completely understood what he meant.
ELVIA Avia’s Post-Surgery Recovery Journal (Complete Record of Days 1-30)
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Postoperative recovery is definitely the aspect that requires a more honest assessment – because online posts often exaggerate the results, making it seem like you can go on a date the very next day after the procedure. In reality, the first three days are usually not very good-looking, but once you get through that period, things start to improve steadily.
Day 1 (the same night of the procedure): My entire face turned red, similar to the effect of sunburn. The area where the Radiesse was injected was slightly swollen, but it didn’t hurt; I just felt my face was puffy. The nurse provided me with ice packs, which I used twice after returning home. That night, I slept with a higher pillow to help reduce the swelling, as the director had advised.
Days 2-3: The redness continued to subside, but there were slight bruising at the injection sites of Radiesse (one small spot on each side of the mouth and around the Nasolabial Fold Correction area). This was within expected limits – any injectable treatment can potentially cause microvascular rupture. The bruises could be easily covered with concealer. At this point, the effects of Sofwave began to become noticeable; when washing my face, I could actually feel that the contours of my jawline had become more defined. It wasn’t just a psychological perception – it was tangible.
Days 5–7: The bruises have completely faded, and the swelling in the areas where Radiesse was injected has also subsided. My face is now entering a phase where it looks progressively better. The most noticeable change is that my face no longer looks tired or worn out when I’m not wearing makeup—whereas before I would start feeling my face sagging by 3 p.m., now I can last until evening without any issues. The Nasolabial Fold Correction has reduced by about 30–40%; it hasn’t completely disappeared, but when I smile, there is no longer a deep groove visible.
Days 14–21: This is the phase where the effects become truly noticeable. The Collagen stimulated by Radiesse begins to regenerate, resulting in a significant increase in the fullness of the mid-face area. Friends start asking, “Have you lost weight recently?” But in reality, my weight hasn’t changed at all—this is simply the visual result of the mid-face gaining support; my face takes on a more V-shaped contour, yet I haven’t lost weight to the point of looking hollow. The effects of Sofwave also reach their peak during this period; the fine lines on my Forehead and around my eyes become less visible, and my skin as a whole becomes smoother and more delicate.
Day 30+: The results are stable and continuing to improve. During the follow-up visit one month after the procedure, the director showed me the before-and-after photos. I was actually shocked myself when I saw them side by side. The most noticeable changes were in the position of the jawline and the Apple Zone, which had indeed moved up by about half a centimeter. The director explained that the Collagen regeneration cycle induced by Sofwave takes approximately 3 months, so these results are not yet final. This only makes me more eager to see how things will change in the next two months.
Comparing the results before and after using ELVIA Aivya treatments, honestly, is the effect really worth it?
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I will answer this question from two aspects: subjective feelings and objective comparisons.
Subjective experience: The most immediate change is that “I no longer need to deliberately choose a shooting angle when taking photos.” In the past, I always had to lower my head slightly or use my hair to cover half of my face when taking selfies, because taking pictures from the front would highlight my Nasolabial Fold Correction and the hollows on my cheeks. Now, I can take any photo without any concerns. It’s not that I’ve become some stunningly beautiful woman (medical aesthetics is no magic), but rather that I look much more energetic and have a healthier complexion. In the past one and a half months, at least five people have asked me, “Have you been taking any special care of your skin recently?” or “Have you lost weight?” But not a single one of them asked, “Have you gone for any medical aesthetic treatments?” — and that’s exactly the effect I wanted.
Objective comparison: When comparing pre-and-post surgery photos side by side, three obvious differences can be seen. First, the mandibular line becomes clearer; what was previously a somewhat indistinct jawline now has a distinct boundary. Second, the position of the Apple Zone moves upward; where it used to sink in when smiling, it now returns to a position more characteristic of a younger appearance. Third, the Nasolabial Fold Correction changes from two noticeable lines to a faint shadow, especially when viewed from the side. Overall, the result is akin to “returning to the appearance one had around 3-4 years ago” – it’s not about getting a completely different face, but rather about restoring one’s natural appearance.
To be honest, is it really worth it? If, like me, you are not seeking dramatic changes but rather a natural rejuvenation, then I think it’s absolutely worth it. However, if you expect to see immediate results after the treatment, Sofwave+Radiesse might not meet your expectations, because this approach focuses on the regeneration of Collagen. The advantage is that the results are natural, but the downside is that you will have to wait 2–3 months to see the full effects. I am willing to accept this waiting period, so for me, the cost-effectiveness of this treatment is very high.
The prices for ELVIA Sofwave+Radiesse at SWOMAN are fully disclosed.
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Below are the exact amounts I paid on that day. To be honest, I didn’t hold back in providing detailed information—every expense is listed clearly. However, it’s important to note that the number of treatments and the amount of injectable material used can vary depending on individual skin conditions. My figures are merely for reference only.
- Sofwave Sofwave Full-Face Treatment for 800: Please visit BeautsGO for the latest quotes.
- Radiesse 1.5 centum core: Please visit BeautsGO for the latest prices.
- Reservation fee: ¥440,000 (will be directly deducted from the treatment cost upon arrival at the clinic)
- Additional fees: None (no additional charges for the designated chief physician, no price surcharges for foreigners, and no hidden fees).
- Total: ¥440,000 (deposit) + treatment fee (for detailed quotes, please visit BeautsGO).
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that ELVIA offers a points reward system: customers who spend a total of ₩5 million will receive ₩500,000 in points, those who spend ₩10 million will get ₩1.5 million in points, and those who spend ₩20 million will receive ₩3 million in points. If you plan to engage in medical beauty treatments in South Korea for an extended period or intend to undergo multiple procedures at once, this points system is actually very cost-effective—it’s equivalent to getting a discount of 9-10%.
Post-treatment Precautions for ELVIA Avia (These points are extremely important!)
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After the procedure, the dean and the nurses gave me a lot of instructions. I have summarized the 6 most important points:
- Do not wash your face with hot water within 48 hours after the procedure; just gently pat it with warm or cool water to avoid irritating the newly treated skin.
- For one week after the procedure, avoid hot baths, steam saunas, and strenuous exercise—excessive sweating may cause inflammation at the site where the Radiesse was injected.
- Do not perform facial massages or exfoliation within two weeks after the procedure – Collagen is in the process of regeneration, and excessive stimulation may affect the results.
- Within one month after the procedure, it is essential to enhance sun protection measures—the skin becomes particularly sensitive to ultraviolet rays after Sofwave treatment, so it is necessary to apply SPF50+ sunscreen daily.
- Drink plenty of water and supplement with vitamin C and Collagen – these practices help promote the regeneration of Collagen. It’s not some sort of “intelligence tax”; there is indeed a real difference in the effects.
- Three-month follow-up visit after the procedure — the hospital director will help you take comparison photos and assess the progress of Collagen regeneration; it is recommended not to skip this step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which one should I choose between Sofwave and Ultherapy?
A: Simply put, Sofwave works at a depth of 1.5mm (for treating fine lines and improving skin texture), while Ultherapy acts at a depth of 3.0-4.5mm (for lifting and reshaping the contours). If your main concerns are superficial fine lines and rough skin texture, Sofwave is the better choice; if you have significant sagging or blurred contours, consider Ultherapy or a combination of both for multi-layered treatment. Personally, I chose Sofwave because my degree of sagging wasn’t severe enough to require deep-layer lifting, and moreover, the director of ELVIA has extensive experience in setting the parameters for Sofwave. If you need more information, you can schedule a consultation by contacting Hannah972 on WeChat or BeautsGO.
Q: How long does it take to see the results after the treatment? And how long do these effects last?
A: Immediately after the procedure, Sofwave provides a slight sense of tightening (due to the immediate contraction of Collagen), but the true effects begin to appear in the second week and reach their peak at 2–3 months, lasting for approximately 12–18 months in total. Radiesse, on the other hand, takes 2–4 weeks to show results, as it requires time to stimulate the growth of one’s own Collagen, and its effects also last for around 12–18 months. When used together, the effects of both treatments can be enhanced, and the duration of their effects will be even longer.
Q: Can I apply makeup immediately after the procedure or take a flight right away?
A: It is recommended not to wear makeup within 24 hours after the procedure to allow your skin to rest. However, flying is completely no problem at all – I actually flew back to Taiwan the very next day after the treatment. There was only a slight redness on my face, which was completely invisible when I wore a mask. It neither affects entering or leaving the country nor attracts any extra attention from customs.
Q: How many treatments are needed to see results? Is one treatment enough?
A: Sofwave is effective from the first treatment, without the need for 3–5 sessions like some other treatments – this was one of the key reasons I chose it. Radiesse also requires just one injection, although you have to wait for the Collagen to take effect (about 2–4 weeks). If your budget and time allow, it is recommended to get another injection after 12–18 months to maintain the results.
Q: Does ELVIA offer Chinese-language services? What if I don’t know Korean?
A: You can make an appointment via WeChat at Hannah972, and all communications will be conducted in Chinese. Although Korean is the main language used in the clinic, you can request translation assistance in advance (the WeChat customer service will help arrange it), so communication should not be a problem. I personally used a translation app, combined with some simple English and gestures, and had no difficulties.
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