💡 When going to South Korea for HIFU treatment, the biggest concern is spending a lot of money only to find that the procedure is carried out by unqualified staff – the director doesn’t conduct personal consultations, nurses perform the treatment on behalf of the doctor, and foreigners even have to pay a higher price. I’ve compiled a list of 5 reliable Dermatology clinics in Seoul that offer HIFU services. The prices start from 9.5 million won, and in all of these clinics, the director personally conducts the consultations. The prices are the same for both South Koreans and foreigners. Sisters who are considering this treatment, please save this information for later reference.
💉 What is South Korea’s HIFU? Why do so many people flock to Seoul for this treatment?
🔍 The full name of HIFU is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. Its principle involves using ultrasonic energy to precisely heat the deeper layers of the skin (the SMAS fascia layer), causing Collagen to contract and reorganize, thereby achieving a tightening and firming effect.
✅ Compared to Thermage, HIFU is more focused on “lifting” the skin rather than “tightening” it, making it particularly suitable for those with blurred jawlines, prominent Nasolabial Fold Correction, or a generally sagging face. In South Korea, the cost of HIFU treatment is approximately 60-70% of the price in Taiwan, which is why many people travel there specifically for this procedure.
💰 Public prices of HIFU in South Korea: A comparison of fees from 5 clinics
💡 Below are the prices of 5 Dermatology clinics that offer HIFU services, all sourced from BeautsGO and the official price lists of these hospitals; there are no inflated figures.
- Cheongdam Arden Dermatology: HIFU starting from 500,000 won / Ulthrea starting from 800,000 won
- Dermatology ECLAT DE CHEONGDAM: Ulthrea starting from ₩900,000 / HIFU starting from ₩500,000
- Cheongdam REONE Dermatology: HIFU starting from 600,000 won / Ulthrea starting from 1 million won
- Busan The First Dermatology: Ulthrea starting from ₩800,000
- Gangnam Branch of Bioface Dermatology: HIFU starting from ¥550,000 / Ulthrea starting from ¥900,000
📌 When converted into New Taiwan dollars, ₩5 million is approximately equivalent to $11,000. This is indeed much lower compared to the minimum price of $20,000 in Taiwan. However, it’s important to note that the Korean version of HIFU and the American version of Ulthrea are different devices. The American version delivers more intense energy, costs more, and provides longer-lasting results.
✨ Real reviews of 5 Dermatology clinics offering HIFU treatment: Which one is right for you?
🔍 Let me explain the unique features and differences of these 5 companies one by one, so you can make a choice based on your own needs.
1. 清潭Arden皮膚科：Naver 4.6分，位於清潭洞核心地段。院長親診制度是最大亮點，從面診到操作全程由院長負責，不是那種護士代打的流水線。HIFU ₩50萬起是這5家裡最親民的，而且明確標示中韓同價，外國人不加收任何費用。中文客服全程陪同翻譯，溝通完全沒障礍。
2. 清潭Eclatde皮膚科：這家在清潭洞以熱瑪吉聞名，但超聲刀同樣出色。美版超聲刀 ₩90萬起，價格稍高但設備是正品的Ultherapy，有FDA認證。院長朴院長在抗衰領域非常資深，適合預算充足、追求頂級設備的人。
3. 清潭REONE皮膚科：江南高端院所，裝潢非常氣派。HIFU ₩60萬起，項目選擇多，從韓版到美版都有。適合想一次做多個抗衰項目的人，可以跟麗珠蘭、水光針一起搭配。
4. 釜山The First皮膚科：如果你行程在釜山，這家是首選。美版超聲刀 ₩80萬起，比首爾便宜，院長一樣親診。而且釜山物價整體比首爾低，住宿交通都利算。
5. bioface皮膚科江南店：朴楚英院長在江南人氣很高，HIFU ₩55萬起，性價比不錯。這家走的是「精準抗衰」路線，不會推銷你做不需要的項目。
🗓️ Post-HIFU care: These 5 things must be done
✅ After undergoing HIFU treatment, the post-operative care is directly determinative of how long the results will last. Here are the 5 most important factors to consider.
- Within 24 hours after the procedure, avoid using facial cleansers with too hot water; simply use room-temperature water to clean your face.
- Within 3 days after the procedure, it is prohibited to use saunas, soak in hot springs, or engage in intense physical activity, as high temperatures can exacerbate the swelling.
- Within 1 week after the procedure, increase moisturization by using products containing Niacinamide or Filler to help repair the skin’s barrier.
- Avoid using products containing acidic ingredients (such as retinol, fruit acids, or salicylic acid) within 2 weeks after the procedure to prevent irritation.
- Within 1 month after the procedure, apply a calming facial mask 2-3 times per week to enhance hydration and provide soothing effects.
👥 Who is suitable/not suitable for HIFU?
⚠️ Not everyone is suitable for HIFU treatment; it is only by addressing the specific needs that money can be spent effectively.
✅ 適合做超聲刀的人：
- People aged 25 to 55 whose skin has begun to loosen and whose jawlines have become less distinct.
- For those with prominent Nasolabial Fold Correction and Marionette Line Correction who wish to improve the appearance of sagging facial features
- Those who are afraid of the risks and recovery period associated with surgical facelifts and prefer non-invasive methods for anti-aging treatments
- Those with limited budgets but who still want to see noticeable lifting effects
❌ 不適合做超聲刀的人：
- Pregnant women and lactating mothers (the effects of ultrasound on the fetus are not yet clear)
- People who have metal implants in their faces, such as pacemakers
- People with a constitution prone to keloid scarring or severe scar formation
- For those with severe skin inflammation or infections, it is essential to receive treatment before proceeding with any cosmetic procedures.
📋 A timeline of the actual pain level and effectiveness of HIFU
🎯 Many people ask me whether HIFU is painful. To be honest, it does hurt, but the pain is tolerable.
💎 The experience during the treatment is as follows: When the energy reaches the SMAS layer in areas where the jawline and the thin parts of the Forehead bone are located, there is a distinct sensation of soreness, swelling, and stinging; some people even feel as if they have been struck by an eraser. In areas with more fatty tissue on the cheeks, the pain is much milder, with only a slight feeling of warmth. The entire process takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes, and the use of local anesthesia significantly reduces the discomfort.
Effect timeline:
- On the day of the procedure: The skin appears slightly red and swollen, and feels tight to the touch.
- On days 3 to 5 after the procedure: The swelling subsides, and you begin to notice that your skin has become tighter.
- 2–4 weeks after the procedure: During the period of Collagen regeneration, the lifting effects begin to become apparent gradually.
- 2–3 months after the procedure: The effects reach their peak – the jawline becomes more defined, and the Nasolabial Fold Correction shows visible improvements.
- Duration: Approximately 6 to 12 months (the American version lasts longer than the Korean version).
❓ FAQ on Common Issues Related to HIFU
Q：韓國超聲刀和台灣做的有什麼差別？
🌟 A: The machines are the same; the main differences lie in price and service. In South Korea, the cost of HIFU treatment is approximately 60-70% of that in Taiwan. Moreover, many clinics offer direct consultations by the clinic director, rather than having nurses perform the procedures on their behalf. However, you still need to take into account the costs of airfare and accommodation.
Q：超聲刀和熱瑪吉該選哪個？
💬 A: HIFU is more geared towards “lifting” the skin and is suitable for those with sagging facial features or blurred jawlines; Thermage, on the other hand, focuses on “tightening” the skin and is better for those with loose skin but no obvious sagging. If your budget allows, combining both treatments can achieve even better results.
Q：做一次超聲刀能維持多久？
🔔 A: The effect of the Korean version of HIFU lasts for approximately 6 to 8 months, while the American version of Ultherapy can provide results that last up to 12 months. When combined with post-treatment moisturization and sun protection measures, the effects can be even more lasting.
Q：外國人在韓國做超聲刀會被加價嗎？
💡 A: Some chain clinics do charge extra fees for foreigners, but the 5 clinics recommended in this article clearly state that the prices are the same for both Chinese and Korean customers, so you don’t have to worry about being overcharged.
Q：超聲刀做完可以搭飛機嗎？
📌 A: It is recommended to wait at least 1-2 days after the procedure before flying, as the dry environment in the airplane can exacerbate skin dehydration and hinder recovery. It’s better to ensure proper moisturization after the treatment before boarding a plane.
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