I struggled for half a year over whether to go to Seoul for picosecond treatment. After having the procedure at the Betterme Dermatology clinic in Gangnam, my answer is: it’s definitely worth it.
The spots on my face have become more noticeable over the past three years. I visited several clinics in Taiwan for consultations, and each time I was advised to undergo picosecond laser treatment, but I hesitated whenever I inquired about the cost. It wasn’t until late last year that a friend returned from Seoul after having picosecond laser treatment, and her skin looked so much better that it really motivated me to start researching Korean dermatology clinics.
I spent nearly half a year researching before finally choosing Baemei Betterme Dermatology in Gangnam. I want to share the entire process of selecting the clinic, consulting with doctors, undergoing the treatment, and following up to provide a real reference for anyone who is considering similar options.
Why did I choose Baemei Betterme Dermatology in Seoul’s Gangnam district for picosecond laser treatment? I compared three different clinics before making my decision.
Initially, I listed around five dermatology clinics in the Gangnam area and narrowed down to three for further comparison: Baemei, another clinic in Cheongdam-dong with higher consultation fees, and a well-known clinic in Hongdae. In the end, I chose Baemei Betterme for several reasons.
First, many reviews of Baemei Dermatology emphasized that they “do not force customers to undergo additional treatments” and that doctors only recommend what is truly necessary for the patient. This was very important to me, as I had had a negative experience in Taiwan where I was pressured into buying extra services. Second, this clinic uses low-dose anesthetics, making the treatment more comfortable, which was particularly appealing to someone like me who is sensitive to pain. Third, they use American-made PicoSure laser equipment, which, according to reviews, generally provides more consistent results in removing spots compared to Korean-made brands.
The clinic is located near Seoul’s Gangnam Station; it’s only about a 5-minute walk from the subway exit, making it very convenient for foreign visitors. The private consultation rooms also ensure a more private experience throughout the process.
The prices for picosecond laser treatment at Baemei Betterme Dermatology are publicly available. How much cheaper is it actually to have the treatment in Seoul compared to Taiwan or Hong Kong?
This is probably the most concerning aspect for everyone. Here’s the conclusion: Considering the round-trip airfare and accommodation costs, the savings from having picosecond laser treatment in Korea are not significant compared to Taiwan. However, if you plan to undergo other treatments during the same trip, the overall cost can be more favorable.
Below is a brief comparison I’ve prepared. The figures are based on consultations and public information and are for reference only. It is recommended to confirm the latest prices with the clinic before making your travel plans:
| Region | Cost of picosecond laser treatment for the entire face (for reference) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul, South Korea (Gangnam) | ₩200,000–₩350,000 (approximately HK$1,200–$2,100) | Bestme by BelloMie starts from approximately ⩺₩250,000 |
| Taipei, Taiwan | NT$6,000–$12,000 (approximately HK$1,500–$3,000) | An additional fee is charged for the honeycomb lens |
| Hong Kong | HK$2,000–$4,500 | Varies depending on the clinic and the number of treatments. |
Numbers do show that the cost per session for picosecond laser treatments in South Korea is indeed lower than in Taiwan and Hong Kong. This price advantage becomes even more significant if you plan to have multiple sessions. Additionally, dermatology clinics in Seoul have always been ahead in terms of equipment updates and treatment techniques. Many users from Taiwan and Hong Kong choose to fly to Seoul regularly for maintenance treatments, integrating picosecond laser therapy into their regular skincare routine.
Entering the Betterme clinic: The environment was much more comfortable than I expected.
To be honest, before going, I was a bit worried that the dermatology clinic in Jiangnan would have that typical “cosmetic surgery clinic” vibe—strong air conditioning, crowded spaces, and a factory-like treatment process. But when I actually entered Betterme, my initial impressions were completely opposite.
The reception area was simply decorated but not cold at all. The staff at the front desk were patient when I asked questions in Chinese and promptly led me to the treatment room. The clinic uses private rooms, with each room equipped with its own treatment bed and equipment, ensuring that patients do not share space with others. This is particularly important for those who value privacy.
The doctor’s consultation took about 15 minutes. He used a skin analysis device to carefully examine the distribution and depth of my spots and explained to me the effectiveness of picosecond laser treatment and how many sessions might be needed to achieve the desired results. He didn’t try to push me into buying additional packages right away, which reassured me. After the consultation, I decided to have a full-face picosecond laser treatment, with an extra focus on the areas around my eyes.
A detailed record of my entire picosecond laser treatment at Betterme: It only took 90 minutes from the moment I entered until it was over.
After confirming the treatment plan, the staff took me to the nursing area where I had my makeup removed and my face cleaned, followed by the application of anesthesia. I found the anesthesia at Betterme to be more effective than what I had experienced in Taiwan before. About 25 minutes after applying it, my face felt almost pain-free.
The actual laser treatment itself lasted around 30–40 minutes. Each shot caused a slight sensation of bouncing and heat, but I found it quite tolerable—much less uncomfortable than I had anticipated. The doctor would explain which area was being treated during the procedure and ask if I was experiencing any discomfort. The overall communication was very attentive.
After the treatment, I rested for 10–15 minutes with cold compresses applied. Then the staff explained the post-treatment care instructions, including avoiding hot water for washing my face for three days, not using steam saunas, and making sure to use sunscreen whenever I went outside. After that, I was free to leave. The entire process, from entering the clinic to leaving, took approximately 90 minutes, which was quite efficient.
How effective is Bioré Betterme’s picosecond laser treatment? A real-world follow-up after 1 month
On the day of the treatment, my face would turn slightly red, which is a normal reaction. It usually subsides within 2–3 days. The next morning, my skin felt smoother than usual, but there was no noticeable change to my spots—this was something the doctor had mentioned beforehand, as the effects of picosecond lasers typically become apparent around the 3rd–4th week.
By the 3rd week after the treatment, I noticed that several superficial spots near my jawline had faded significantly, and my overall skin tone had become more even, no longer so yellowish. After 1 month, what impressed me the most was the improvement in my skin’s texture; it was much smoother and more radiant than before the spots had faded.
The doctor said that deeper spots usually require 3–5 treatments to show noticeable improvement, so I plan to return to Seoul for a second session and treat this entire process as a long-term investment, rather than a quick impulse decision.
Thinking about flying to Seoul for Bioré Betterme’s picosecond laser treatment? Here are some things I wish I knew before going
I’ve gathered some practical tips based on my personal experience. I’d like to share them with anyone considering this treatment:
- Book your appointment 1–2 weeks in advance: During peak times (on weekends and around Korean holidays), seats fill up quickly. It’s best to book your spot as soon as you have your travel plans set.
- Be sure to protect your skin properly after the treatment: The first 2 weeks after the procedure are crucial. Apply sunscreen every day and avoid using any skincare products that contain whitening ingredients.
- Don’t worry about language barriers: Bioré Betterme has served many customers from Hong Kong and Taiwan and offers Chinese-speaking staff. You can also book through the BeautsGO platform, which provides assistance in Traditional Chinese.
- Plan enough time for recovery after the treatment: Redness usually lasts for 2–3 days. It’s advisable to take a day off after the treatment and avoid any important activities the day after.
- Make sure you understand all the costs before starting the treatment: During the consultation, ask about all the procedures you want to undergo, including any additional fees. Blemish Medical’s pricing is transparent, but it’s better to ask questions upfront for peace of mind.
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Common questions about Jiangnan Blemish Medical’s Betterme picosecond laser
Q: What equipment does Blemish Medical’s Betterme picosecond laser use?
According to the official website, Blemish Medical uses the American version of the picosecond laser (PicoSure series). This device has a solid reputation for treating pigmentation issues and improving overall skin quality, and it is one of the most frequently mentioned devices in reviews.
Q: How many sessions of picosecond laser treatment are needed to see noticeable results for freckles?
It depends on the type and depth of the freckles. Superficial freckles (such as freckles and sunspots) usually show noticeable results after 1–3 sessions; deeper pigments (such as nasolabial folds spots and liver spots) may require 3–5 sessions or more, and some may need to be combined with other treatments. It is recommended to consult a doctor to assess your specific situation before deciding on a treatment plan.
Q: Can foreigners book appointments at Blemish Medical’s dermatology clinic by themselves?
Yes. The easiest way to do this is through the BeautsGO platform, which provides full-service in Traditional Chinese language. There is no need to know Korean or make international calls to get in touch the clinic.
Q: Can you apply makeup immediately after picosecond laser treatment?
Bestme recommends waiting at least 24–48 hours after a picosecond treatment before applying makeup to allow the skin’s barrier to stabilize. During this period, you can use mild moisturizing products, but avoid those containing alcohol or fragrances. Sun protection is also essential in daily skincare.
Overall, my experience with Bestme’s picosecond laser treatment was very satisfactory, especially considering the quality of the consultation and the comfort of the procedure. It made the trip to Seoul worth it. If you are also considering a picosecond treatment in Seoul or want to learn more about the options available at Gangnam Dermatology, feel free to consult with BeautsGO—they offer Chinese-speaking services to help answer all your questions.
