I struggled for a long time over whether to go to Seoul for HIFU treatment. After comparing the prices in three different places, I simply booked my flight.

A friend of mine returned from Seoul last month, and her face looked significantly smaller. When I asked her what she had done, I found out she had undergone HIFU treatment. I immediately went online to check the prices: in Taiwan, the cost for a full-face treatment starts at NT$35,000; in Hong Kong, Ulthera HIFU treatments usually cost around HK$20,000 or more. My friend said she had the procedure done in Gangnam, Seoul, and the price was actually cheaper than in Taipei. I wasn’t convinced at first, but after doing some research, I realized that the price difference was indeed significant.

This article compiles the costs of HIFU treatments in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea. Taking the highly popular Gangnam clinic Betterme Gangnam Dermatology as an example, it explains whether HIFU treatments in South Korea are actually expensive or worth the money, and provides tips for foreigners considering medical beauty treatments in Seoul for the first time.

What exactly is HIFU? Understand its principle and suitable candidates in just three minutes.

The ultrasonic knife (also known as HIFU, Ulthera) is a non-invasive anti-aging and tightening treatment. Its principle involves using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) to reach the SMAS layer deep within the skin. By generating heat, this technology stimulates the production of Collagen, thereby achieving a tightening and rejuvenating effect.

Simply put, the HIFU works by delivering precise energy at three different depths—4.5mm, 3.0mm, and 1.5mm—without damaging the epidermis. This process “awakens” the underlying tissues, prompting them to produce large amounts of Collagen. As a result, the contours of the face gradually become more defined, and issues such as Nasolabial Fold Correction, Double Chin, and undefined jawlines can be improved.

Compared to Thermage, HIFU focuses more on “lifting” the skin, while Thermage is primarily aimed at “toning” it. If you want to slim your face, reduce your Double Chin, or lift the facial contours, HIFU usually yields more noticeable results. However, if your skin has already begun to sag and you need overall facial toning, Thermage is more suitable. The two treatments can also be used in combination: first use HIFU to define the facial contours, and then apply Thermage to tighten the skin. This combination represents the ideal approach for achieving optimal results.

How much does HIFU cost in Taiwan? The complete price for a full face treatment is publicly available (2026 prices).

Let’s start with Taiwan. HIFU has become very popular in Taiwan, with a wide range of devices available – from models imported from South Korea to genuine Ulthera equipment from the United States – and there is also a significant difference in prices.

• Hafe Sound Waves (South Korea model: Ultra Former): 500 treatments for the entire face, costing approximately NT$25,000–35,000. This option offers a high cost-performance ratio and has generated the most discussions.
• Doublo Waves (available in South Korea): 500 treatment sessions for the entire face, costing approximately NT$30,000–40,000. Its notable feature is the image synchronization technology.
• The official Ulthera ultrasound device from the United States: 500 treatments for the entire face, costing approximately NT$45,000–75,000. It is certified by the US FDA and is ideal for those who demand the highest quality.

The key factor in determining the cost lies in the “number of threads used”: the more threads are applied, the higher the price will be. For young adults and middle-aged individuals aged 25-30, usually 300-500 threads are sufficient; for those aged 30-50, 500-800 threads are needed for the entire face; for people over 50 who desire more noticeable results, many doctors recommend using 800 threads or more.

⚠️ There is a significant risk in the Taiwanese market that needs to be addressed: Promotions offering “a full face treatment for NT$9,999” often involve the use of non-original probes, or treatments that do not include enough sessions to reach the required 500 treatments but are still advertised as “comprehensive packages”. The unstable energy output from these counterfeit probes can result in no visible results after the treatment – but more serious problems may arise later on. Before choosing a clinic, it is recommended to verify whether they use original consumables.

Cost of Ulthera in Hong Kong: How much does HIFU treatment cost locally?

In Hong Kong, the prices for HIFU treatments are similar to those in Taiwan. However, due to the fierce competition in the South Korea medical aesthetics market, some clinics offer significant discounts. The mainstream HIFU treatments in Hong Kong are also provided by the American company Ulthera (also known as Ultherapy), although some clinics have also introduced devices from South Korea.

• Ulthera HIFU (for the entire face): Approximately HK$15,000 – 30,000, depending on the reputation of the clinic and the experience of the doctor.
• Initial trial offer: Some clinics offer Ulthera trial packages starting from HK$7,840 (usually for limited areas or a limited number of treatments).
• South Korea-made devices (such as Hafei ultrasonic devices): Approximately HK$8,000–18,000, with prices slightly lower than those in Taiwan.

Similar to Taiwan, Hong Kong primarily uses Cantonese and English for medical consultations. Foreigners need to bring their own interpreters or utilize medical aesthetics intermediary services. In Hong Kong, medical aesthetics clinics are mostly located in commercial areas such as Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, where high rental costs make it difficult to significantly reduce treatment prices.

Cost of HIFU in South Korea: Comparison of the actual prices at Betterme Gangnam and Other Institutions

Here comes the highlight. South Korea is one of the countries with the most advanced medical aesthetics industries in the world. Treatments such as HIFU and ultrasonic knife not only feature mature technologies, but the number of clinics offering these services is also astonishing – alone in Seoul’s Gangnam District, there are hundreds of Dermatology clinics. The result of this fierce competition is transparent prices and extremely high cost-performance ratios.

Taking the highly popular clinic in Gangnam – the Betterme Gangnam Dermatology Clinic – as an example: this clinic is located at 403 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Seocho-dong), and is just a 5-minute walk from Exit 4 of Seocho Station on Line 3 of the subway. It is also open on weekends (10:30–17:00), making it perfect for travelers from Hong Kong and Macau who want to schedule a quick medical beauty treatment on their weekend trips.

The core strengths of江南 Betterme Gangnam lie in the following aspects:

• A complete range of equipment: HIFU, Sofwave, Thermage FLX, Inmode, hyaluronic acid injections – all the popular treatments are available.
• Low-dose anesthesia reduces pain: Those who are sensitive to pain can opt for sedative anesthesia, allowing them to go shopping on the same day without any need for a recovery period.
• Design of private individual rooms: The clinic provides a treatment space dedicated to each patient, ensuring high privacy and equipping it with high-quality facilities such as Dyson hair dryers.
• Friendly service for foreigners: With reservations made through the BeautsGO platform, communication in Traditional Chinese is completely seamless, and you can enjoy transparent pricing identical to that of local South Koreans.

According to public information and market trends, the reference prices for HIFU treatments at major institutions in Gangnam are as follows (unit: Korean won ₩):

Types of institutions	Reference price for full-face treatment with HIFU (₩)	Approximately ANEW New Taiwan Dollars	Characteristics
Gangnam Betterme Gangnam	₩1,500,000 – 2,500,000	Approximately NT$36,000 to 60,000	Well-equipped facilities and friendly foreign people
BrandNew Dermatology	Starting from ⩱1,800,000.	Starting from approximately NT$43,000	Transparent prices and high cost-performance ratios
Gangnam Large Plastic Surgery Hospital	₩3,000,000 – 5,000,000	Approximately NT$72,000 to 120,000	The added value of renowned doctors and the premium associated with established brands
Taiwan (Hai Fu Ultrasound)	—	NT$25,000 – 56,000	Receive medical treatment locally, without the need for a flight ticket
Hong Kong (Ulthera)	—	HK$15,000 – 30,000	Approximately NT$60,000 to 120,000	You can receive medical treatment in English, and the transportation is convenient.

🔍 Let’s do a simple calculation: At the same highly popular clinic in Gangnam, the cost of HIFU treatment at Betterme ranges from NT$36,000 to NT$60,000, while in Hong Kong, the same treatment usually costs between NT$60,000 and NT$120,000. In some cases, the total cost of flying to Seoul for medical treatment—including both the airfare and the HIFU procedure—is actually more affordable than having the treatment done locally in Hong Kong.

What should one pay attention to when undergoing HIFU treatment in South Korea? Five essential tips for foreigners

After seeing the prices, are you also tempted? Don’t rush yet; here are five things you must know before going to Gangnam, Seoul, for HIFU treatment:

• ① Don’t just focus on the price; be aware of low-price traps: An article from BrandNew Dermatology specifically mentions that in some clinics, the “basic price” is actually the rate charged by novice doctors. If you request a more experienced doctor, an additional 30%–50% will be added to the fee. There may also be hidden costs such as sedation anesthesia, which can range from ₩80,000 to ₩120,000. Make sure you understand the details of the package before setting your budget.
• ② Make sure you get enough treatments; don’t let the argument of “saving money” trick you into doing less. A basic full-face HIFU treatment usually involves 900 sessions. For larger faces or for better results, it is recommended to increase the number of sessions to 1200 (an additional cost of ¥300,000). Under no circumstances should you go for a cheaper option with only 500–600 sessions, as you won’t see any noticeable results.
• ③ Translation issues must be resolved in advance: Most dermatology institutions in South Korea communicate in Korean. It is advisable for foreigners to use reservation platforms such as BeautsGO, which offer customer service in Traditional Chinese, as this not only allows them to confirm the details of their treatment in advance but also ensures more reliable on-site translation services.
• ④ Understand the recovery period before proceeding: HIFU is a non-invasive treatment, so you can return to your normal daily life and resume wearing makeup immediately after the procedure. However, some people may experience mild redness or soreness after the treatment, which usually subsides within 1 to 3 days. It is recommended to spend 1 to 2 days in Seoul to allow for proper recovery and avoid affecting your ability to assess your condition immediately after arriving.
• ⑤ The results are not immediate, so patience is required: After undergoing HIFU, it takes time for Collagen to regenerate. The best results usually appear 2–3 months after the treatment, and the effects can last for approximately 12–18 months. When you return to Taiwan and your friends ask you how you lost weight, that will be the real surprise.

Summary of costs in the three regions: Where is the best place to undergo HIFU?

After reading this article, here is some information to help you make a decision more easily:

• In Taiwan: Suitable for those who prefer not to travel far and want convenient follow-up care after the procedure. The device with the highest cost-performance ratio is the Hafei ultrasound machine (from South Korea), available at prices ranging from NT$25,000 to NT$35,000.
• In Hong Kong: This option is suitable for those who are already accustomed to receiving medical treatment in Hong Kong and have no difficulty communicating in English. The official Ulthera treatment costs starting from HK$15,000; however, the downside is that the fees are relatively high.
• In Gangnam, Seoul: Suitable for those who are willing to make a special trip and seek the best value for money. The HIFU treatments at Gangnam Betterme start from around NT$36,000. Including the cost of airfare, the total cost may still be lower than that of having Ulthera treatments in Hong Kong. Moreover, the facilities in these centers are modern, and there are many options available.

My friend who returned from Seoul and found her face had noticeably shrunk said that her biggest takeaway was this: “I originally just wanted to go shopping in Gangnam and have my face treated at the same time, but the results of the HIFU treatment were so obvious that now everyone asks her if she has lost weight.”

If you also want to take the opportunity of your trip to Seoul to address any issues related to your facial contours, we recommend booking at one of the extremely popular clinics in Gangnam through the BeautsGO platform. The interface is available in Traditional Chinese, prices are transparent, and customer service responds promptly – so you don’t have to worry about language barriers even if it’s your first time getting cosmetic treatments in Seoul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long does it take to see the results after undergoing HIFU?

After undergoing HIFU, there is an immediate tightening effect of about 20-30%, but the truly noticeable changes become apparent only after 2-3 months. As Collagen continues to be regenerated, the contours will become increasingly defined. The effects last for approximately 12-18 months, although this can vary from person to person and is influenced by factors such as age and lifestyle habits.

Q2: Does HIFU cause any pain?

The level of pain varies from person to person; some feel as if their face has been struck by an eraser, while others experience deep soreness in their bones. Gangnam Betterme offers a low-dose anesthesia option that significantly reduces discomfort and pain. After the procedure, there is usually mild redness and swelling within 1 to 3 days, after which full recovery is achieved.

Q3: Which is more suitable for me, HIFU or Thermage?

If you want to slim your face, reduce your Double Chin, and define your facial contours, HIFU will achieve more noticeable results; if you aim for a more even and firm complexion throughout your face and want to reduce mild fine lines, Thermage is more suitable. The two treatments can also be combined (first HIFU, then Thermage) for the most comprehensive anti-aging approach.

Q4: What should foreigners prepare for their first visit to a Dermatology clinic in South Korea?

① Make an advance reservation through BeautsGO and confirm the details of the treatment; ② Bring your passport (required by some clinics); ③ Wear comfortable clothing for the treatment; ④ Avoid excessive sun exposure after the procedure; it is recommended to wear a hat or use sunscreen. For everything else, just leave it to the clinic and the BeautsGO customer service.

Q5: Is it enough to perform HIFU once a year?

Most doctors recommend undergoing the procedure every 12 to 18 months, with the specific frequency depending on an individual’s rate of aging and the body’s ability to regenerate Collagen. Some people notice a decrease in the effectiveness after 12 months, while others can wait up to 18 months before repeating the treatment. Proper hydration and sun protection after the procedure can help extend the duration of its effects.

Q6: Is it worth flying to Seoul for HIFU treatment?

Taking Hong Kong tourists as an example: the cost of a full-face HIFU treatment in Hong Kong ranges from HK$15,000 to HK$30,000; whereas the cost of a HIFU treatment at Gangnam’s Betterme is approximately HK$12,000 to HK$20,000. Adding in the round-trip airfare of HK$1,500 to HK$3,000 and one night’s accommodation at HK$500 to HK$1,500, the total cost may actually be lower than having the treatment in Hong Kong itself. Moreover, Gangnam is Seoul’s most vibrant area for medical aesthetics treatments, so after the procedure, visitors can also take the opportunity to shop and enjoy local cuisine – killing two birds with one stone.

How to make an appointment for HIFU at Betterme Gangnam’s HIFU service

Gangnam Betterme Gangnam Dermatology offers three convenient booking options to suit the needs of customers with different requirements:

Method 1: Online reservation through BeautsGO (recommended)

Target audience: Chinese travelers from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas who may have language barriers or are making their first reservation.

• Open the BeautsGO platform and search for “Gangnam Betterme Gangnam” or “Betterme”.
• Choose your preferred HIFU treatment option.
• Fill in the basic information (name, expected arrival date).
• The customer service team at BeautsGO will confirm the reservation within 24 hours.
• On the day of your visit, simply present the reservation confirmation; the entire process is fully accessible in Traditional Chinese.

The following are the basic details of the Gangnam Betterme Gangnam clinic. By making an appointment through BeautsGO, you can enjoy transparent pricing identical to that of local South Koreans.

Basic information about the institution

Name of the institution	Gangnam Betterme Gangnam Dermatology Institute
Address	11th Floor, 403 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Seocho-dong)
Traffic guidelines	It is only a 5-minute walk from Exit 4 of Seocho Station on Line 3 of the subway, or an 8-minute walk from Exit 2 of Nonhyang Station on Line 7.
Opening hours	Monday to Friday: 10:30–21:00; Saturday to Sunday: 10:30–17:00
Parking lot	There is a paid parking lot located downstairs of the institute; you can obtain a 2-hour free parking voucher at the reception desk.
BeautsGO Ratings	★★★★★ (5.0 points)

Tips: It is recommended to book at least 3-5 days in advance, as HIFU appointments may be fully booked on weekends or during consecutive holidays. If your travel plans are already confirmed, book as soon as possible to avoid missing out on any available slots.