Gangnam Doctors Dermatology Appointment Guide | How to Schedule a Thermage or HIFU Treatment? From adding a LINE contact to completing the treatment and leaving the clinic, a Dcard user shares the complete process in detail.
At the end of last year, a friend recommended Seoul Doctors Dermatology to me, saying that the HIFU treatment there had incredible results and that the recovery period after HIFU was much shorter than it was in Taiwan, and the costs were also significantly lower. After researching the option for nearly three months, I finally decided to fly to Seoul in March this year to undergo HIFU treatment. Today, I am sharing with you the entire reservation process, my experience during the treatment, and the detailed cost information, in the hope that it will be helpful to anyone who is considering going there~
(The following are my personal experiences, for reference only; medical results may vary from person to person.)
What is the background of Doctors Dermatology? Introduction to the Gangnam Garosu-gil brand
Doctors Dermatology is a chain of dermatology clinics in South Korea with locations in several areas of Seoul. Among them, the branch located on Garosu-gil in Gangnam (address: Seoul Gangnam-gu) enjoys an excellent reputation and attracts the largest number of foreign patients. This clinic focuses on providing high-quality services; unlike some other places where long queues are common, this one operates on a reservation system, ensures punctuality, and offers exceptional customer service. Many users of the Dcard platform highly recommend it.
Their main services include:
- Thermage FLX: Collagen remodeling and tightening effects that last for approximately 1.5 to 2 years
- HIFU (Ulthera ultrasonic face lifting): Utilizing high-intensity focused ultrasound to target the SMAS layer for lifting effects – this treatment is particularly popular among foreigners.
- Potenza (Aesthetic Therapy): Improves Pores and skin quality, with a short recovery period
- Juvederm fillers: for Nasolabial Fold Correction and Apple Zone, achieving natural results without visible scars
How to make a reservation before departure? Add me on LINE or fill out the form for detailed instructions.
Dermatology doctors in this country are very friendly towards foreigners. There are mainly two ways to make an appointment:
Method 1: Make an appointment by filling out a form on the official website (recommended)
Visit the official website doctors365.co.kr, locate the “Foreigner Appointment” or “Reservation” page, and fill in the required information.
- Name (English name on passport)
- Nationality and Language
- Desired treatments (HIFU = Ulthera, Yonbo Tira = Sound Wave Lift)
- Desired date (it is recommended to provide 3 alternative dates).
- Contact information (LINE ID or KakaoTalk ID)
Within approximately 1 to 2 working days after submission, a staff member will contact you via LINE or KakaoTalk to confirm the details.
Method 2: Simply add Seoul I on LINE to inquire.
If you need to confirm the schedule urgently, you can directly add their official LINE account and explain your requirements and desired dates. They have Chinese-speaking staff who can assist you. I used this method myself – I asked in the afternoon of the same day and received the confirmation the next morning; it was really efficient.
📌 A little reminder: After confirming your appointment, they will usually send you a confirmation letter containing the address of the clinic and some important notes (for example, avoid using sunscreen or applying makeup before the HIFU treatment). Be sure to keep it safe.
Thermage vs HIFU: Why did I ultimately choose HIFU?
Initially, both of us wanted to try it, but after consulting with experts, we decided to start with HIFU for the following reasons:
| Comparison Items | Thermage FLX | HIFU |
|---|---|---|
| Levels of Effectiveness | From the surface of the skin to the dermis | Reaching the SMAS fascial layer |
| Suitable for the problem at hand | Tighten and enhance skin elasticity | Clearly defines and lifts sagging contours |
| Duration of the treatment | Approximately 45 to 90 minutes | Approximately 60 to 90 minutes |
| pain sensation | Moderate (with a burning sensation) | More noticeable (similar to deep electrical shocks) |
| Recovery period | Almost no recovery is required | Mild redness may last for 1 to 2 days. |
| Effect maintenance | Around 1.5 to 2 years | Approximately 6 to 12 months (varies depending on the individual) |
| Reference for Doctor Fees | Provide a quote after consultation. | Starting from approximately ¥990,000 |
My main issue is the sagging of my facial contours. After the doctor’s evaluation, it was recommended that HIFU would be more suitable for my needs, so I decided to go ahead with it. I’ll schedule Thermage for another time!
Actual experience of the process on-site: How many hours does it take from entering the place until finishing and leaving?
My appointment is scheduled for 10 a.m. Below is the complete schedule for that day:
- 09:50 Arrival: The clinic is located inside a building; after taking the elevator, you’ll find a clean reception area where you can get some tea. I filled out a health questionnaire in both Korean and English, answering questions about any allergies I might have and whether I had been taking any medications recently.
- 10:05 Doctor consultation: A doctor with excellent Chinese language skills took photos of my face and explained the number of injections and the specific areas to be treated today (I opted for a full-face treatment involving 200 injections plus the neck area). After confirming all the details, I signed the consent form.
- 10:20 – Administration of anesthesia: The nurse applied some local anesthetic ointment on my skin, and I waited for about 40 minutes. During this time, I was able to use my phone or take a short nap; they even provided headphones and blankets!
- The injection began at 11:00 and lasted approximately 55 minutes. There was certainly some discomfort, especially around the edge of my chin and below my jawline, but it was still within an acceptable range. The nurse stayed by my side the whole time, cheering me on, haha.
- 11:55 Post-treatment care: Apply ice for 10 minutes. The staff will also provide instructions on precautions (avoid saunas and strenuous exercise for three days).
- 12:10 – Check out and leave: You can pay for the services using a credit card on the spot, and you are eligible for a tax refund (don’t forget to bring your passport!).
The entire process took approximately 2.5 hours, and there was no sense of being rushed to leave; it was really comfortable.
Cost details and tax refunds | How much cheaper is medical beauty treatment in South Korea compared to Taiwan?
This is probably the part that everyone is most interested in! Let’s get straight to the numbers:
| Project | Costs in South Korea (₩) | Taiwan Market Trends (NT$) | Conversion differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIFU for the entire face (200 treatment points) + neck area | ₩990,000 | Around NT$50,000 to 80,000 | It costs around 40,000 to 70,000 yuan. |
| Potenza | ₩350,000 | Around NT$18,000 to 25,000 | It’s about 10,000 to 20,000 yuan cheaper. |
| Juvederm Skinvive | ₩450,000 | Around NT$20,000 to 28,000 | It’s about 10,000 to 20,000 yuan cheaper. |
| Lifting through increased density (such as with Sculptra) | ₩990,000 | Around NT$45,000 and above | The gap is significant |
| V-shaped glow laser beam | ₩220,000 | Around NT$8,000 to 12,000 | Not much difference |
💡 Tax Refund Reminder: Medical beauty treatments in South Korea are generally not eligible for tax refunds (since they are not considered ordinary consumer goods). However, some clinics offer discount schemes during specific promotional periods. Be sure to check the latest discounts before making a reservation.
If you wish to learn more about the services and make consultation appointments with Doctors Dermatology directly through the BeautsGO platform, please refer to the following information card:
Frequently Asked Questions | Everything You Need to Know Before Going to Seoul for Medical Aesthetics Treatments
Q1: Can I attend if I don’t know Korean?
Certainly! Doctors offers services in both Chinese and English. When making an appointment, simply indicate your language preference, and they will make the necessary arrangements. Communication on-site is no problem at all.
Q2: Can Thermage and HIFU be performed on the same day?
Theoretically, it’s possible, but doctors generally do not recommend undergoing two high-intensity procedures on the same day. It is advised to wait at least 2 to 4 weeks between them. If your schedule is tight, you may consult a doctor to assess your individual situation.
Q3: Can I take a flight back to Taiwan on the same day after undergoing HIFU?
Sure, I flew back to Taiwan the next morning after the procedure. After the surgery, just make sure to avoid high-temperature environments (the airport temperature is fine), and drink plenty of water on the plane.
Q4: Do I need to bring my passport when visiting the clinic?
It is recommended to bring it along! Your passport can be used to verify your foreign nationality (some clinics offer special discounts for foreigners) and may also be required for tax refund procedures, if applicable.
Q5: How far in advance should one make a reservation?
It is recommended to start inquiring 3 to 4 weeks before your trip. During peak periods (on weekends and around holidays), the slots are usually filled up quickly, especially for Thermage treatments.
—
The above is a detailed account of my HIFU treatment in Seoul this time. I hope it will be helpful to you! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a message below; I will definitely respond to them ☺️ It’s really worth it to visit Seoul and take the opportunity to take care of yourself at the same time!
Related recommendations:
