Let me state the conclusion first: the pain is indeed real, but the results are definitely worth it. This time, I underwent a combined treatment of “three-layer hyaluronic acid injections + HIFU” at Secret Dermatology in Gangnam. I will detail the entire process in this article, including the costs, the level of pain, the post-treatment recovery timeline, and, most importantly, whether the results are really that remarkable. From the application of anesthesia to the completion of the treatment, and all the way up to the 14th day after the procedure, I will record everything in detail.
If you are also considering South Korea’s medical beauty treatments, worried that the pain might be unbearable, or wondering whether combining hyaluronic acid injections with ultrasound treatments is worth it, this article will provide you with the answers you need.
Why choose secret Dermatology? It’s not just a popular online store – it’s a genuine Gangnam-based specialist clinic.
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There are so many Dermatology clinics in Gangnam District that it’s almost overwhelming – to be honest, the process of choosing one was even more exhausting than doing homework. There were several key reasons why I finally decided on secret Dermatology:
Firstly, Director Zhao Yuxiang personally conducts the consultations and operates the equipment himself, rather than leaving the process to nurses after just a brief consultation—this is a far more important aspect for me. For a device like HIFU, which requires precise control of the treatment depth, the operator’s experience directly determines the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.
Secondly, secret features an AI 3D facial analysis system that scans the entire face using artificial intelligence before the procedure. This system analyzes the skin’s texture, degree of sagging, and the distribution of Collagen, allowing for customized treatment methods and hair density distribution based on these data – rather than relying on intuition alone. Such technology is relatively rare in Dermatology clinics in South Korea.
Thirdly, secret has received generally positive reviews on BeautsGO and Google. In particular, its Chinese-language services for overseas tourists are excellent – from WeChat consultations to on-site translation, dedicated staff are always available to assist customers, so there is no need to worry if you don’t know any Korean at all.
Secret Dermatology’s “Hydroglow Needle + Ultrasound” Dual Treatment: Why Is the Combined Approach More Effective?
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Many people ask me: Can HIFU and HIFU be done on the same day? The answer is yes, and it was precisely the director of secret who arranged it for me in this way.
First HIFU, then SWOMAN glow injections – this is the standard sequence. HIFU uses focused ultrasonic energy to target the SMAS fascia layer deep within the skin, achieving the effects of “tightening and firming”; SWOMAN glow injections, on the other hand, directly deliver nutrients such as Filler, peptides, and vitamins into the dermis, providing “hydrating and moisturizing” benefits.
One treatment uses deep-level therapy (ultrasonic waves), while the other targets the superficial to middle layers (hyaluronic acid injections). This means that the entire process can be completed in one go. After the ultrasonic treatment, the microcirculation of the skin improves, making it more effective for the nutrients in the hyaluronic acid injections to be absorbed.
My personal experience after trying them both is that if you only use one of them, the effect is probably around 60%; only by using both together do you get a complete set of benefits. Ultrasound helps to redefine the contours of the face, while the hydrotherapy treatment makes the skin look brighter, more plump, and more hydrated – the two complement each other perfectly.
So painful that it makes you question your life? A detailed record of the experience during SWOMAN Secret Dermatology’s hyaluronic acid injection and ultrasound treatment
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Here it comes; this is probably the part everyone is most interested in: just how painful is it really?
Let’s start with HIFU. After applying the numbing cream for about 20 minutes, the director came in and first used an AI 3D scanner to confirm the treatment area and the number of sessions planned for today. When it actually started, I took a deep breath the moment the first session began — the sensation was nothing like a sting; rather, it was a deep, lingering “ache and burning” feeling, as if someone were pressing very hot fingertips firmly against my bones.
The areas where the pain was most intense were along the lower jawline and around the chin, because the bones in those areas are thinner and the nerves are more densely distributed, so each shot caused significant discomfort. The pain on the cheeks and Forehead was relatively milder, similar to the sensation of being “gently tapped hard”. It took about 20 minutes to complete 300 shots across the entire face. Throughout the process, I clutched the armrests of the treatment chair, my palms sweating profusely.
Next came the hyaluronic acid injection treatment. First, I applied the anesthetic ointment for a second time (for about 15 minutes), and then the 0.3-mm ultra-fine needles were used to inject the substance throughout my face. The pain associated with this procedure is completely different from that of ultrasound treatments; it’s more of a superficial stinging and itching sensation, especially in areas with thinner skin such as around the eyes and nose, where the stinging feeling is more pronounced. However, because the needles are very fine and the injection process is quick, the entire treatment takes only about 10 minutes. The pain is at a level where it’s “endurable, but I definitely wouldn’t want to go through it again.”
Overall pain rating (out of 10): HIFU scores 7.5 points, while hyaluronic acid injections score 5 points. If you are particularly sensitive to pain, you can discuss with the clinic director reducing the number of treatments or the intensity of the procedures, but the effectiveness will likely be compromised as a result.
Complete recovery record of Secret Dermatology after surgery: Timeline of swelling, peeling, and the appearance of results during days 1 to 14
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After the procedure, my face was red, and there were visible needle marks; my skin also felt a bit granular to the touch. But these are all normal reactions. Next, I will record the changes that occur day by day:
Day 1 (immediately after the procedure): The face was noticeably swollen, especially in the area where the ultrasonic treatment was applied on the jawline, giving off a redness similar to an allergic reaction. The needle holes disappeared after about 2 to 3 hours, but the skin still felt rough to the touch. In the evening, I only applied the repair cream provided by the clinic and did not use any of my own skincare products.
Days 2–3: The swelling had reduced by about 70%, but the skin began to feel dry and slightly flaky. This is a normal reaction due to the accelerated metabolism of the skin after the hyaluronic acid injection. Continue to apply the repair cream regularly and use a medical-grade moisturizing mask every day.
Days 4–5: The peeling process is complete, and the skin begins to exhibit a glow; makeup applies more smoothly and evenly. At this stage, no significant tightening effects are yet visible, as it takes time for the Collagen in the skin to regenerate as a result of the ultrasonic treatment.
Day 7: The effects of the hyaluronic acid injection are fully visible — the skin’s brightness has increased by one shade, and the Pores have visibly become smaller. Overall, the complexion looks healthy and radiant, as if the skin has had a good night’s rest.
Days 10–14: The effects of HIFU begin to become visible! The jawline becomes clearer, the contour of the side face gradually shifts from “U-shaped” to “V-shaped”, and the Nasolabial Fold Correction also shows some improvement. My friends all ask me if I’ve lost weight, but in fact my weight remains the same; it’s just that the contours of my face have become more defined.
Secret Dermatology of secret provides full transparency on treatment costs: the actual expenses for the combined hyaluronic acid injection and ultrasound therapy program
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Cost is definitely the aspect that everyone cares most about. So, let me disclose directly how much I spent during my stay at secret.
HIFU Generation II (Ultherapy) with 300 treatments + AI 3D facial analysis: ¥1,110,000 (approximately NT$24,750)
Three-layer glow injection (advanced version, containing peptide + vitamin complex formula): ¥960,000 (approximately NT$13,500)
Total: ¥11,700,000 (approximately NT$38,250)
At this price, in Taiwan, the same treatment would cost at least NT$40,000 to $60,000 just for 300 HIFU sessions, and the hydrogel injection would also cost between NT$8,000 and $15,000. In total, the cost would be no less than NT$50,000. Therefore, having this treatment in South Korea can save you approximately NT$10,000 to $20,000, and even after accounting for flight and accommodation expenses, it’s still a worthwhile option.
In addition, secret has another significant advantage: it does not charge foreigners any extra fees and applies a uniform price throughout Korea. This is quite rare among Dermatology clinics in Gangnam District, as many other clinics automatically charge an additional 20% to 30% when treating foreigners.
For detailed prices of more treatments, please refer to the article “Is It Worth Going to South Korea for Medical Beauty Treatments? Secret’s Price List is Fully Publicly Available”, which provides the complete costs for over 13 treatments along with the conversion rates into Taiwanese dollars.
Who is suitable for, and who is not suitable for, Secret SWOMAN Dermatology’s glow injection combined with ultrasound therapy?
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Suitable for:
- People aged 25 to 45 who are starting to experience facial sagging and blurred jawlines
- For those who want to address issues such as skin laxity and dullness in one go, and avoid having to travel to South Korea twice…
- People with dry skin, who experience poor makeup adherence, or those looking for basic hydration for their skin (the effects of hyaluronic acid injections are quite noticeable).
- For those who have budget constraints and wish to receive treatments of the same quality in South Korea at a price 30% to 40% lower than that in Taiwan
- Those who can tolerate moderate pain (around 7 on the scale) – those who are sensitive to pain should prepare themselves mentally first.
Not suitable for:
- Women during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- People with a constitution prone to crab leg edema or severe allergies
- People who are unable to strictly avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks after the procedure (the skin becomes particularly sensitive to ultraviolet rays after hyaluronic acid injections)
- Those who expect immediate results and want everything to look perfect right after the procedure (it takes 2 to 4 weeks for the ultrasonic effects to become visible)
- For those with a pain tolerance score of over 8 points, it is recommended to start with a single treatment option (either just hyaluronic acid injection or just ultrasound therapy) to allow your body to get used to it first.
5 Essential Rules for Post-Treatment Care at Secret Dermatology: Following These Steps Can Help Maintain the Results for Up to 3 Months
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The level of attention you pay to postoperative care directly determines how long your investment of 91.7 million yuan will last. Here are 5 steps that I strictly follow after my procedure:
- Do not get the area wet or apply makeup for 24 hours after the procedure: The needle holes are still healing, and contact with dirty water may cause infection. Simply apply a thin layer of the repair cream provided by the clinic.
- Avoid high-temperature environments within 7 days: Saunas, steam baths, hot yoga, and hot spring baths are all prohibited. High temperatures can accelerate the metabolism of the injected Filler, meaning that all the investment will be wasted.
- Strict sun protection (SPF50+) for 14 days: The skin after hyaluronic acid injections is extremely sensitive to ultraviolet rays. Without proper protection, not only will the treatment be ineffective, but the skin may also darken. Wear a hat, a mask, and apply sunscreen for triple protection.
- Apply medical-grade moisturizing masks daily: From the 2nd to the 7th day after the procedure, it is recommended to use one mask per day to help the skin heal and retain moisture. Avoid using masks that contain acids or alcohol, as they can irritate the skin.
- Supplementing Collagen + Vitamin C: The principle of HIFU is to stimulate the production of natural Collagen in the body. During this process, supplementing with Collagen and Vitamin C can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. I consume one packet of Collagen powder and one high-dose vitamin C supplement every day.
Summary of my personal experience at secret Dermatology: It hurts, but it’s worth it.
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To be honest, it’s been almost a month since I had the procedure, and looking back, I think it was the right decision.
The results of the hyaluronic acid injections were truly astonishing by the 7th day – that glow that emanated from within my skin was something no skincare product could achieve. My makeup now adheres perfectly to my skin; what used to require the use of a moisturizing primer and a glossy foundation, can now be achieved simply by applying sunscreen before going out.
The effects of HIFU are most noticeable in the 3rd to 4th weeks – there is indeed a visible difference in the jawline, and when taking side photos, there is no need to deliberately pull in the chin; the contours become naturally defined. This is not some kind of psychological illusion where one thinks things have changed; the differences are truly visible to the naked eye.
If there is any one drawback, it is that it really hurts. The pain caused by ultrasonic waves is among the most intense I have experienced during any medical beauty treatment I’ve had, but fortunately the procedure only lasts for 20 minutes, so you can just endure it. The pain from hyaluronic acid injections is relatively mild and within an acceptable range.
Overall evaluation: Secret Dermatology in seoulcheil South Korea boasts a high level of professionalism and great value for money. It is especially recommended for those going to South Korea for medical aesthetics treatments for the first time and looking for a clinic that does not take advantage of foreigners, where the director personally performs the procedures. If you can tolerate moderate pain, the combination of hyaluronic acid injections and ultrasound therapy is definitely worth considering.
For information on how to make an appointment and how to get there, you can refer to my previous guide titled “Secret Dermatology Appointment Guide for Lazy People”. It contains all the necessary details, including contact information via WeChat (Hannah972), subway routes, and business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can hyaluronic acid injections and HIFU be done on the same day? Will it be too stimulating?
A: They can be done on the same day, and Director secret recommends performing the ultrasonic treatment first, followed by the SWOMAN procedure. These two treatments target different layers of the skin – the ultrasonic treatment affects the deeper SMAS layers, while the SWOMAN procedure targets the dermis – so they do not interfere with each other. However, the skin will indeed appear redder on the same day; it is therefore recommended to take at least one day off after the procedures before scheduling any further treatments.
Q: How long does it take to see the results after the treatment? And how long do they last?
A: The effects of hyaluronic acid injections usually become visible within 3 to 7 days and last for approximately 3 to 6 months (it is recommended to receive a booster shot every 3 to 4 months). The results of HIFU start to appear after 2 to 4 weeks, reach their peak after 3 months, and last for around 1 to 1.5 years. When both treatments are performed simultaneously, the overall effect is optimal during the first 3 months.
Q: Can I take a flight back to Taiwan immediately after the surgery?
A: Sure, but it is recommended to observe the area for at least 24 hours after the procedure. I took a flight on the afternoon of the day after the treatment, and my face was still slightly red, but wearing a mask made it okay. The dry environment on the plane is not very good for skin that has just undergone hyaluronic acid treatment, so remember to bring a moisturizing spray and a repairing cream with you.
Q: Does secret charge extra for foreigners? How much cash should I bring with me?
A: There is no additional charge for foreigners; the price is the same throughout South Korea. You can use credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), and there is no need to bring large amounts of cash. While some South Korean clinics charge a handling fee when accepting credit cards, secret does not have this issue.
Q: What if I don’t know Korean? Is there a Chinese translation available?
A: Secret provides Chinese-speaking customer service, and dedicated staff are available to assist with everything from reservation to on-site translation. It is recommended to add Hannah972 on WeChat first, and prepare all your questions in advance – there will be no communication barriers during the event. For detailed reservation procedures, please refer to Secret’s reservation guide.
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