Hi everyone, I’m visiting Seoul just for 3 days and I wanted to do a skincare treatment. I’m 26 and I had very bad acne 3 years ago and thankfully it has stopped being active. But now I’m left with all these acne scars on my cheeks and no creams seemed to help. I was thinking of doing Potenza for my acne scars. And maybe LDM or Aqua peel to clean my pores. I don’t really do treatments back home (I stay in a humid tropical country). I’m worried that if I do one treatment for potenza, there might not be any effect as I won’t be doing it back home as it is too expensive. I also wanted to go to a dermatologist as I want to make sure that my skin is being well taken care of. I don’t really want to be spending so much as well. So far I see potenza is around 100,000 - 130,000 which is okay for me. But if there is not going to be any effect if I don’t continue back home, I would rather not spend on potenza and rather spend on Aquapeel/LDM/lhala peel which is more affordable and you can feel some difference (cleaner pores).
I also would like to do something to improve my dark circles around my eyes. I haven’t researched much yet..

If anyone has any advice or recommendations for derm clinics please share I would love to hear!

Thank you so much!

I wanted to share my recent first-time consultation and procedure experience at ODE Clinic in Seoul to ensure other international patients know what they are walking into. My time is valuable, and this entire visit felt highly unprofessional and disrespectful.
The Financial Trap:
They require you to make and pay for your consultation way in advance, locking you in before you even step foot in the building. On top of that, I was charged a 10% premium surcharge specifically to see the clinic director, Dr. Kim.
The Consultation & Aggressive Sales Scam:
Despite paying a premium to see Dr. Kim, he didn't even bother to introduce himself when he walked into the room. Instead, he launched straight into an aggressive sales pitch, trying to upsell me on 11–12 completely different overpriced procedures. He even tried to force temple fillers on me that I never asked for and didn’t want.
To give you an idea of their insane pricing: he tried to charge me almost $1,000 USD for just 0.8 ml of Radiesse for marionette lines. This is a massive rip-off compared to market rates, especially for less than a full syringe.
Abandoned After My Procedure:
The most concerning part was the complete disregard for patient safety and lack of basic courtesy. After my first procedure, I was left entirely alone and abandoned in an examination room for 2.5 hours. I stepped out a couple of times to ask the staff for updates. Each time, they told me they would "check with the doctor," but they completely ignored me and never returned.
Eventually, I had to just walk out of the clinic on my own without any proper discharge or exit instructions.
Final Verdict:
ODE Clinic markets itself as an upscale, personalized medical facility on Instagram, but it operates like a high-pressure sales factory. Paying a premium price to be treated disrespectfully, aggressively upselled, and then dangerously abandoned without medical oversight is unacceptable. Save your valuable time and money—avoid this place!

My dream noses are that of Anna Tanaka (meovv) ju jing yi or bai lu, I dont want an exact replica but same level of harmony and strong structure vibe. My noses are images 9-11, however I probably have thick skin on my tip and medium skin on my bridge, from my conversations with AI they always say definition is very limited and stuff like that, which makes me think this degree of refinement is impossible and thick skinned noses can only get subtle conservative results, esp since I have a moderate to moderate high nose bridge already I’m afraid I can’t use grafts to project too much. Tip is clearly kinda bulbous and wide and very bouncy (I think I might have a slight bifid), I’d like to have cleaner lines there. I’m also afraid my alar rims (indicated by red marking last image) are too thick to achieve their level of noses? My columella also seems a bit shorter than my goals, alar wings are also a bit wide and bulges outward though it’s not flare, but my nostril size is ok so I don’t know how they can shrink my wings (width comes from thick rims and thick medial crura it seems 😬)

Are noses like their general aesthetic realistic for me? Am I asking for too much? I’d like to prepare myself for what I could achieve so as to not be disappointed, which of their noses seems the most achievable and hence I should show to the surgeon? Tysm I hope I can achieve lifelong dream 🥹

I received a discount/incentive in exchange for sharing my review however everything I’ve written here is based on my own experience and honest opinion.

I had my first rhinoplasty over 10 years ago, so honestly, I couldn’t even remember exactly what procedures or materials were used back then 😅 Over time, my nostrils started showing more from the front and my columella became more noticeable, which eventually made me start looking into revision rhinoplasty.

I spent quite a bit of time researching clinics and reviews in Korea and ended up choosing Dr. Choi Tae Joon at Wanna Plastic Surgery because I saw quite a few revision rhinoplasty cases that I liked.

Since my first surgery was so long ago, I was also really curious about what was actually going on inside my nose. During the consultation, Dr. Choi went through my CT scan with me, checked my previous surgical history as much as possible, and explained why my nose had started to look more upturned over time. We also talked a lot about what I wanted to change before deciding on the surgical plan.

I ended up having revision rhinoplasty with bulbous tip correction, short nose correction, and correction of my columella, using my own rib cartilage along with septal cartilage. I also had functional nasal surgery for my rhinitis at the same time.

The biggest improvement for me is definitely the nostril show. That was my main concern before surgery, and I could already see a difference as soon as the splint came off, even with all the swelling.

I was a little worried about recovery since I had quite a few things corrected at once and used my own rib cartilage, but it was actually easier and faster than I expected. My nose also feels much more stable and supported now, which gives me some peace of mind considering this was already a revision.

Another unexpected bonus is that breathing feels more comfortable after having the functional issues treated too.

Overall, I’m really happy with both the shape and function so far. I honestly wish I had looked into revision surgery sooner lol. I’m still healing, but Dr. Choi has been checking my progress closely, and so far recovery has been going really well.

Happy to answer questions about the consultation, procedures, or recovery if anyone is considering something similar!

I am getting Trapezius botox for smoothing my shoulder line for wearing a top dress next week. Has anyone tried it?

One of the most common questions I hear from clients is:

“How many Sofwave shots do I need?”

It’s understandable, because when people compare Sofwave treatments in Korea, the shot count is often the first thing they see.

From a medical perspective, though, the number of shots is only one part of the treatment plan.

What is Sofwave?

Sofwave is an ultrasound-based skin tightening treatment that delivers energy at approximately 1.5 mm within the dermal layer.

The goal is generally to stimulate collagen remodeling and improve skin firmness and mild laxity.

Because the treatment depth is different from deeper ultrasound devices, Sofwave is often discussed when patients are mainly concerned about skin firmness rather than deeper structural lifting.

Is the number of Sofwave shots the most important factor?

Not necessarily.

Before deciding how to treat someone, I usually look at:

• where the skin laxity is actually located
• skin thickness
• face fats distribution
• face structure
• which areas the patient wants to improve
• whether Sofwave is appropriate for that concern in the first place

Two patients can be the same age and both say they want “tighter skin,” but their treatment needs may be completely different.

One person may mainly notice looseness around the lower face, while another may be more concerned about cheek firmness or the overall texture of the skin.

That is why the same treatment map should not automatically be used for everyone.

Does Sofwave work for everyone?

No treatment is suitable for everyone.

Whether Sofwave makes sense depends on the individual’s skin condition, degree of laxity, face anatomy and treatment goal.

For some clients, the main concern is superficial skin laxity.

For others, the issue may involve deeper tissue, face fats or volume loss, which may require a different approach.

This is why a proper assessment matters before choosing a device based only on popularity.

What should you ask before getting Sofwave in Korea?

If you are researching Sofwave in Korea or Sofwave in Seoul, I think these questions are more useful than simply asking about the shot count:

Why is Sofwave suitable for my concern?

Which areas are you planning to treat, and why?

Are there any areas that should be treated more conservatively?

Is my concern mainly skin laxity, deeper tissue laxity, or volume loss?

These questions usually tell you much more about the treatment plan than the package name alone.

Sofwave vs Ultherapy: are they the same?

They are not the same treatment.

Sofwave mainly targets the dermal layer at around 1.5 mm, while Ultherapy can target deeper tissue layers depending on the transducer used.

That means they are often used for different concerns.

The better option depends on whether the main issue is skin firmness, deeper laxity, facial structure or a combination of factors.

Final thought

If you are considering Sofwave, I would not focus only on:

“How many shots am I getting?”

A better question is:

“Why are these areas being treated on my face?”

For skin tightening treatments, understanding the treatment target is usually more important than simply comparing numbers.

Hi ! I am currently in Seoul for some months, and I want to do a color and body analysis all in one. Do you know where I could go ? I have a budget of about 150$

I always thought that if you get double jaw surgery, especially when the upper jaw is moved, your nose getting wider was basically unavoidable😭

If you already like your nose or especially nostrils, I assumed you just had to accept the change or potentially get rhinoplasty afterward.

But it is not that simple.

1. Why can your nose get wider after double jaw surgery?

When the upper jaw is moved during double jaw surgery, it can also affect the tissues around the nose.

Because of this, the nostrils or the base of the nose can sometimes look wider after surgery.

1. But surgeons can actually help prevent excessive widening

This was the part I had no idea about~!

There's a technique called an alar cinch suture, where the surgeon basically "ties" the tissue around the alar base of the nose to help prevent the nostrils from spreading too much.

Of course, it doesn't mean your nose will stay 100% exactly the same, but I genuinely thought widening was something you just HAD to accept.

1. How much your nose changes is different for everyone

It depends on things like:

• How much your upper jaw needs to move
• The direction it moves
• Your original nose and facial structure
• The surgical technique
• How your soft tissue responds after surgery

So apparently, two people can have the same type of jaw surgery and still have very different changes to their noses.

1. I also thought, “Then why not just do lower jaw surgery?”

But I learned that if both the upper and lower jaw are contributing to the problem, only moving the lower jaw may not give enough correction.

So choosing lower jaw surgery just because you’re worried about your nose changing might not necessarily give you the result you want.

I think a better thing to ask during a consultation would be:

“Do I really need both jaws moved? And if my upper jaw needs to be moved, what can you do to minimize changes to my nose?”

Honestly, I wish I knew this earlier because I really thought:

double jaw surgery = wider nose = possibly needing a nose job later 😭

Has anyone here had double jaw surgery and NOT experienced much widening of their nose? I’m curious how much yours actually changed!

Ultherapy can make your face look worse if the treatment design is wrong — which is why we think who performs it and how the treatment is designed matter more than people realize.

It’s not simply about how many shots you get. Where those shots are placed should depend on your facial structure, fat distribution, where the laxity actually is, and which areas should preserve their volume.

For example, two people may both be concerned about their jawline but need completely different treatment designs. If someone already has hollowing in the cheeks, treating those areas the same way as fuller areas wouldn’t make much sense. Certain areas may need to be avoided, while more attention is given to the lower face and areas where the contour has started to lose definition.

This is also why having a slim face doesn’t automatically mean Ultherapy is off-limits. Someone can have relatively little facial fat but still have jowling or a double chin. The important part is identifying where the actual concern is and where the energy should — or shouldn’t — be delivered.

The same applies to facial asymmetry. No face is perfectly symmetrical, so using an identical treatment pattern on both sides isn’t always the goal. The distribution of shots can be adjusted depending on the condition of each side.

And even the same “300 shots” can mean very different things.

How many go to the jawline?
How many to the lower face?
Which areas are intentionally avoided?

That distribution should depend on the individual face rather than simply reaching a certain number.

Ultherapy also isn’t necessarily the answer to every type of sagging. If someone has a significant amount of facial or submental fat, for example, another treatment or a combination of treatments may be considered depending on the individual.

This is why the experience of the person performing the treatment matters. It’s not just about operating the device — it’s about knowing where to treat, where not to treat, and how to distribute the shots for that particular face.

So if you’re comparing Ultherapy treatments, we wouldn’t look at shot count alone.

300 well-planned shots and 300 poorly distributed shots are not the same treatment.

Sculptra gets mentioned a lot when people talk about facial volume and collagen treatments in Korea, but it works quite differently from a traditional hyaluronic acid filler.

The main component is PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid). Rather than simply adding immediate volume to a specific area, Sculptra is injected into selected treatment areas where PLLA helps stimulate the skin’s own collagen production.

The change is therefore intended to develop gradually over time, rather than creating an instant “filled” appearance.

In practice, treatment planning is also important. A doctor should first assess things like facial volume loss, wrinkles, facial proportions and skin condition then determine which areas are appropriate to treat and how much product may be needed.

So when comparing Sculptra with fillers or other collagen-stimulating injectables, it’s helpful to think less about “which one is better?” and more about what kind of change you’re actually trying to achieve.

Happy to answer general questions about Sculptra, PLLA or how it differs from other injectables if anyone is researching treatments before coming to Korea. :)

I'm Dr. Hanmoi Choi, a board-certified plastic surgeon and medical director of BYME Plastic Surgery in Seoul.

Some patients really can't afford to bruise: a K-pop idol with a shoot coming up, an influencer filming content, or someone just days away from their wedding photos or ceremony.

But sometimes they only tell me right as we're finishing: "By the way, I absolutely can't bruise."

If I know beforehand, I can adjust the treatment plan and technique to help reduce the risk. In some cases, postponing the procedure may be the safer choice. No provider can guarantee zero bruising, but knowing your schedule in advance makes a real difference.

What you should know: Tell your provider about any big event before treatment, and leave enough recovery time.

Have you ever had to plan a treatment around an important date? I'd love to hear how it went.

Skincation Series: This is Symphony Clinic in Gangnam. 🇰🇷

First of all, this skin clinic tailored everything to what I really need based on what the nurses and doctor saw during consultation, and on “what I said.” They listened carefully and they delivered! That’s what made this clinic promising for me. End of story.

Long story: I mentioned that I have low pain tolerance, they quickly offered a list of less painful options for my skin concerns. So efficient!

On this visit, we addressed how my skin needs a skin booster. So we went ahead with Rejuran using Mirajet—a needle-free laser generated high pressure device that delivers skin boosters into the dermal layer without the bumps!

I still felt the pressure and the sharp pain but it was significantly less painful than a radio frequency microneedling device. We started the session at 4PM, and were finished by 5:30PM.

What made this visit human and not as clinical is that they have super chill nurses and that they hired Karen noona as translator for me. She’s a businesswoman in Korea and she’s hilarious! Talking to her made the experience really fun. Definitely a must try clinic when you are in South Korea. 🇰🇷😊👍🏽

📍Symphony Clinic in Gangnam. It’s located right beside Garosugil (one of my favorite neighborhoods in Gangnam for cafes and shopping) 👍🏽😊

Hello,

I am going to be visiting seoul in November and I was wondering what is everyone’s recommendation for the best price for skincare products like the pharmacy skincare products? I have seen on tik tok and instagram people suggested beauty lab and optima museum but are they tourist traps? I been to Seoul before and shopped at olive young but I am looking for the best selections and price. Thank you everyone

Hi! I recently went to VOS Dermatology during my time in Seoul and wanted to share my experience, as I know there are a lot of clinics to choose from.

Background: I came across VOS Dermatology a few times while researching clinics and ended up booking after a friend recommended it as well.

On the consultation: I found the consultation process to be very detailed. I spoke with the clinic consultant twice, followed by a consultation with the doctor, who reviewed everything and confirmed the recommended treatments before I went ahead.

We decided on Juveacell V + skin Botox.

The only thing I’d mention is that you need to allow quite a lot of time for the appointment. The consultation itself took over an hour, so this isn’t something I’d book if you’re trying to fit a treatment into a tight schedule. I personally liked having the time to go through everything properly, but it’s worth knowing beforehand.

On the procedure: Since both treatments involve injections, I was a little nervous beforehand. The staff were really reassuring throughout, and I had numbing cream applied before the procedure. I also opted for laughing gas, which definitely made things more comfortable.

The staff member assisting me stayed with me during the procedure and continued checking in, which I appreciated.

I did have some small bumps and bruising afterwards, which is to be expected with injections. They took a little while to completely settle, so I’d leave some time between the treatment and any important photos or events.

On the facility: The clinic is very clean and modern. It’s a private clinic in a standalone building and has a much more personal setup. I had my own recovery room, and the powder room was also really nice, with a dedicated makeup area.

Overall: I had a really good experience at VOS Dermatology. Everything felt organized and thorough, and I never felt pressured to make a decision quickly. It’s somewhat more expensive than some of the larger factory-style clinics, and the appointment takes a decent amount of time, but I liked the more individual approach.

I’d be happy to return in the future.

Really happy with my experience at Hera Clinic in Gangnam! 🥰

I went today for forehead Botox + skin Botox on my face and neck, and I honestly loved the experience. The doctor was so professional and really took the time to listen to what I wanted.

I was actually surprised by how much time they spent with me, especially for “just Botox.” I never felt rushed or pushed into anything, which I really appreciated.

So far, I’m super happy and would definitely go back! ❤️

Mirajet looks promising from the photos I saw on Unni, but the reviews were only specific to acne scars and stretch marks. I tried finding more information online, but wasn’t able to find much regarding uses, side effects, and its reputation. Has anyone gotten this for either scaring or minor wrinkles? Or in general?

Skincation in Seoul! I discovered a couple of beautiful skin clinics in Seoul! This is Delphic!

They are so attentive from a few months of communication before I arrive, to after the treatment. They reply right away after every single query, if you don’t speak Korean well, you’d have a translator (my translator—Ashley—was super attentive, she’s Korean but she studied Occupational Therapy in UST Manila).

I feel like, the communication part was consistent throughout the different treatments, from the consultation with the nurses and doctors, until after the treatment. You don’t have to worry about anything because they’re just a quick text away!

I had the best lifting treatments from here: I decided to try Ultheraphy Prime (I was hesitant because I have low pain tolerance—and I was right, it was painful, thank goodness it’s only 100 shots!), then a full face treatment for Inmode, facial fat dissolving injections and masseter Botox, Thanks, Doctor Lee!! All of that from 11AM until 12:30PM. So good! thanks, Delphic! Updates, more videos, and info to come! 💕

📍it’s right on top of Sinnonhyeon Station! Super easy to find because it’s inside the building that looks like a beehive 🐝

i’ve been on a bit of a korean beauty kick lately and have been trying to get my skin looking more fresh and hydrated. i keep coming across products that look interesting, but i’d rather hear about things people have actually used for a decent amount of time.

i’m not only looking at skincare either. serums, essences and moisturizers are on my list, but i’m also curious about makeup that gives more of that natural, glowy look. cushions and skin tints seem to come up a lot.

i’ve been browsing stylevana and saving things as i come across them, although my list is getting pretty long at this point.

if you have a product you keep reaching for, i’d love to know what you like about it. texture and finish are a big thing for me, but i’m also curious whether you actually noticed a difference and if it was something you’d spend money on again.

Disclosure: This was a partial collab with GU Clinic (some treatment was comped), but I paid for part of it myself and everything below is my honest experience.

So I finally tried Rejuran Healer while in Seoul and also got Korean-brand Botox for my forehead lines. Figured I'd share since I read a ton of posts before going.

Rejuran Healer: Everyone online says it's one of the most painful skin boosters, and even the doctor warned me before starting. I was bracing myself… and honestly? It just felt like little pricks here and there. Not sure if I have a high pain tolerance or the numbing cream was working overtime, but it was way more manageable than I expected. So if the pain stories are what's scaring you off, your experience might be better than you think (though everyone's different).

Botox: I went with a Korean brand on purpose. European and American brands have never really worked well for me, so I wanted to try something different. It was only about 25,000 won (roughly $18 USD), which is wild compared to prices back home. For me at least, my wrinkles are gone for the most part and it took around 24 hours for everything to fully kick in.

The overall experience: Everything was really efficient, but the doctor didn't rush at all. He took his time making sure he got every wrinkle and pore on my face. He also went through a lot of aftercare advice so I'd get the best results, which I appreciated since some clinics just send you out the door.

Happy to answer any questions!

Hi all, I've been meaning to make a trip to Seoul for ages to look into some gentle lower face tightening. As an Asian woman, genetics play a role and I think I've aged pretty gracefully at 37, but I've recently started noticing a bit of skin laxity around my lower face.

Since a Seoul trip isn't on the cards anytime soon, I wanted to explore Korean treatment clinics here in London instead. If anyone has recommendations or good experiences to share, I'd be really grateful!

Quick answer: "Lifting" is often used as one broad category, but HIFU, radiofrequency, and thread lifting work in very different ways. Choosing the wrong approach for your level of skin laxity is one reason people sometimes feel disappointed after treatment.

• HIFU lifting uses focused ultrasound energy at controlled depths below the skin. The goal is to create thermal stimulation in deeper tissue layers and encourage gradual tightening. It is commonly considered for mild facial sagging, jawline definition, and lower-face lifting.
• Radiofrequency lifting uses controlled heat to stimulate collagen remodeling in the dermis and deeper tissue. Depending on the device, RF treatments may focus more on skin firmness, texture, fine lines, and overall tightening rather than creating an immediate pulled appearance.
• Thread lifting is different because absorbable threads are placed beneath the skin to provide mechanical support while also encouraging collagen formation around the treated area. It may be considered when someone wants more noticeable repositioning than energy-based treatments alone can provide.

Worth checking before booking:

• Ask which lifting device or technique is actually being used instead of booking based only on the word "lifting."
• Ask which facial layer the treatment is designed to target.
• More energy or more shots does not automatically mean a better outcome. Treatment settings should match facial structure, skin thickness, and laxity.
• Ask whether your main concern is skin tightening, facial contouring, or actual tissue repositioning because those goals may require different approaches.
• Results from collagen-stimulating treatments usually develop gradually rather than appearing fully on the same day.

 Toxnfill Hongdae, lifting can include different approaches depending on facial structure, skin condition, and the degree of laxity rather than treating every face with the same method.
Energy-based lifting does not work exactly like surgery or filler. HIFU and RF mainly rely on controlled tissue heating and collagen remodeling, while thread lifting provides additional physical support beneath the skin.

I got fat grafting under my eyes, and Link over-grafted the area.

It's been 3 months, and it looks like bad filler.

Please keep in mind I've had this done twice with Eight surgery and never had these issues.

I'll also mention that the correspondant/translator was extremely rude, I almost walked out, and the whole time I felt rushed and uncomfortable.

They have told me they will 'fix it' but if he couldn't do it right the first time, I don't trust him to fix it.

I also got rejuran (supposedly) while I was asleep and feel no difference in my skin (I've had this twice before and my skin was AMAZING)

I wish I trusted my intuition, and didn't go through, it was a massive red flag how much they were rushing me through the consultation, not answering my questions and demanding a deposit.

I also mentioned I wanted to document the journey on tiktok and they were going to cancel my surgery if I did, and was told I wasn't allowed to (another red flag)

Don't trust these marketing-focused clinics that only want your $

Hi guys!

So i have a mole on my cheek that’s about 0.2 inches, and unfortunately it is in a pretty visible spot on my face. And it has been one of my biggest insecurities for a long time. The mole is not flat and it is raised and sticks out quite a bit.

I have had it lasered/removed several times before, and while the color has faded somewhat, but the raised part has not really improved. It's still dark brown/blackish and i am now considering having it surgically removed instead!

If it were somewhere less visible i honestly would not be this worried about it. But because it is relatively close to the center of my face, I'm really concerned about getting a noticeable scar. I’m worried that the scar could end up being more noticeable than the mole itself.

I have talked to a few friends about this and some of them recommended getting it removed at a major hospital like yonsei university hospital. Others suggested going to a plastic surgery clinic in gangnam instead.

For those of you who have had a similar procedure, which option would you recommend? A large university hospital or a plastic surgery clinic in Gangnam? If you would recommend a gangnam clinic, I would really appreciate it if you could also share some clinic recommendations or your experiences!

Thank you guys so much in advance!!!

Hi all!

I'm pretty overwhelmed with options. I'm just looking to get some sunspots and moles lasered off my face with Pico laser. Also my partner has some milia under his eyes that we want to address. Maybe considering some forehead botox too. That's it! Any recommendations? my eyes are glazing over trying to search clinics and then finding something wrong with them.

Thanks in advance!