After consulting 4 different clinics offering lifting treatments, I finally chose Gangnam HeyDay because the doctors said it was not suitable for me.

Last year, I planned to go to my favorite clinic for a lifting treatment because my facial contours had started to become loose, and I wanted to take advantage of the holiday to address this issue. I consulted with four different Dermatology clinics, and three of them recommended either the “HIFU package” or the “Thermage combination.” Only the doctor at HeyDay said after examining me, “Your skin is currently quite thin, so the effect of HIFU would be limited. I suggest you undergo some basic repair treatments first before considering this option.” Although this advice prevented me from making a purchase, I decided to trust this clinic.

I. HeyDay Dermatology in Gangnam: More than just a place for “injections and lasers”

HeyDay Dermatology is located just 1 minute’s walk from Exit 3 of Shouai Gangnam, at 374 Gangnam-daero, 2nd Floor, K-Square Gangnam. As one of the most popular dermatology clinics in Gangnam District, its strength does not lie in offering a “full range of services,” but rather in the emphasis placed on personalized treatments provided by the chief physician’s team, one-on-one consultations, and customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s skin condition. With 7 specialist physicians on duty in shifts, every client is ensured sufficient time for their consultation and treatment.

The institution is equipped with independent private nursing rooms, ensuring a high level of privacy. Many tourists from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China undergo treatments here, as the facility provides translation services in multiple languages, including Chinese, English, and Japanese, so there is no need to worry about language barriers at all.

II. Detailed Introduction to the Main Treatment Programs

Tightening treatments

• HIFU (Ultherapy): Utilizes high-intensity ultrasonic energy to target the SMAS fascia layer, making it ideal for addressing issues such as sagging facial contours, Nasolabial Fold Correction, and loose skin around the eyes. The effects last for 12 to 18 months.
• Thermage FLX: Utilizes radiofrequency energy to heat the dermal collagen, thereby promoting its regeneration. This treatment causes minimal discomfort and is ideal for those who do not wish to experience excessive pain during the procedure.
• Oligio Ultrasonic Lifting: A device independently developed in South Korea, offering more precise energy delivery and causing less discomfort than traditional HIFU techniques, making it suitable for the skin types of Asians.

Laser skin treatments

• Pico laser treatments (PicoWay / PicoSure): These are ultra-short-pulse lasers designed to address issues such as freckles, Pores, and uneven skin tone. Generally, 3 to 5 sessions are required to achieve noticeable results.
• Honeycomb Pico: Based on the Pico technology, fractal lenses are added to simultaneously stimulate collagen proliferation and thereby provide more comprehensive improvements to skin quality.
• IPL Photona skin resurfacing treatment (Fotona from Fotona Europe): Suitable for those with overall dark skin tone, mild pigmentation spots, or capillary problems.

Injection fillers

• Hydrogel injections (Juvelook / Rejuran): Hydrate the skin and improve its texture. Rejuran contains PDRN (salmon DNA), which can fundamentally repair the skin.
• Filler: Used to enhance Buccal Fat, fill Tear trough correction areas, and reduce the appearance of Nasolabial Fold Correction. Brands include Restylane and Juvederm.
• Botulinum toxin: Used to eliminate dynamic wrinkles (such as frown lines and crow’s feet), as well as to reduce the size of the face and shoulders.

III. Authentic experiential feelings

In the end, I booked a combined treatment consisting of Pico glow therapy and Lizhu Lotus Glow Injection. Here are some details that left a deep impression on me:

After the consultation, the Chinese-speaking translator first led me to fill out a detailed skin questionnaire (including skin problems, allergy history, and previous treatments I had received). Then, the doctor used a skin analysis device to show me photos of my Pores and pigment distribution, and explained in detail what treatments were suitable for me and which ones were not. The entire consultation took about 20 minutes, and there was not the slightest sense of trying to rush me away.

Before the treatment, apply an anesthetic ointment and let it take effect for 30 minutes. During the Pico treatment, the doctor explained in detail which area was being treated and what the energy settings were, which gave patients a great sense of reassurance. During the hyaluronic acid injection procedure, the nurse carefully asked, “Which area feels the most uncomfortable?” and then focused on injecting more fluid in those areas. The entire process took approximately 1.5 hours. After the treatment, a repair mask was given free of charge, and patients were informed about the key points for post-treatment care within 48 hours.

On the day of the Pico treatment, the skin became slightly red, but this subsided by the next day. Immediately after the hyaluronic acid injection, it was noticeable that the skin’s hydration level had increased; by the 3rd to 4th day, I actually felt that my skin looked “one shade brighter”. For the following two weeks, I hardly needed to use foundation at all, as my skin remained naturally radiant.

IV. Precautions for foreigners seeking medical treatment

• Language services: HeyDay provides translation services in Chinese, English, and Japanese, and also accompanies clients throughout the entire process of in-person consultations and treatments.
• Tax refund service: Foreign tourists can apply for a VAT refund on medical expenses and go through the procedures at Incheon Airport before departing.
• Reservations in advance: It is recommended to make reservations at least 1-2 weeks in advance, as weekend slots tend to fill up quickly.
• Preparations for the consultation: Wear no makeup on the day of the appointment, bring your passport, and avoid sun exposure or alcohol consumption one week before the procedure.
• It is recommended to schedule the treatment in the last 1-2 days of your trip, so that there will be sufficient time for recovery.

V. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which is more suitable for me, HIFU or Thermage?

HIFU acts at a deeper layer, specifically the SMAS fascia, resulting in more noticeable lifting effects but also causing greater discomfort; Thermage, on the other hand, targets the dermis layer and is suitable for maintaining skin tone, with less pain. The physicians at HeyDay will provide personalized recommendations based on the results of a face consultation, rather than making one-size-fits-all recommendations.

Q2: How many treatments can be performed during a single trip?

It is generally recommended to perform 1-2 complementary treatments during a single trip (such as Pico treatment + hyaluronic acid injection). It is not advisable to combine lifting, laser treatment, and injections on the same day, as the skin needs time to recover. It is recommended to schedule these treatments in the last 1-2 days of the trip, so that they will not interfere with your work after returning to Hong Kong/Taiwan.

Q3: Is it possible to communicate throughout the entire process without knowing any Korean?

Sure. HeyDay comes with Chinese translation services, and staff will accompany you throughout the consultation and treatment process. When making an appointment through BeautsGO, Chinese customer service is also available to assist you, which is very convenient.

Q4: What is the approximate cost of the treatment?

The costs of Dermatology treatments in South Korea are generally 30%-50% lower than those in Hong Kong and Taiwan. The price for the Honeycomb Pico treatment ranges from approximately ₩940,000 to ₩980,000 (equivalent to HK$2,400-$4,800), while the Lijuzhu Hyaluronic Acid Injection costs around ₩920,000 to ₩935,000 (HK$1,200-$2,100). These fees may vary depending on individual circumstances and specific treatments; it is recommended to confirm the exact costs after a personal consultation.

VI. How to make an appointment

HeyDay Dermatology in Gangnam offers a variety of booking options. It is recommended that travelers from Hong Kong and Taiwan give priority to using the BeautsGO platform, as it is equipped with Chinese-speaking customer service to ensure smooth communication throughout the process.

Method 1: Online reservation through BeautsGO (recommended)

• Open the BeautsGO platform and search for “HeyDay”.
• Select your preferred treatment package and the estimated date of your visit.
• Fill in basic information (name, get in touch details).
• The customer service team at BeautsGO will confirm the reservation within 24 hours.
• On the day of your visit, simply present the confirmation email for your reservation.

Method 2: Make an appointment via LINE

Method 3: Email reservation

Comparison Table of Booking Methods

How to make an appointment	Language	Recovery speed	Suitable for
BeautsGO (Recommendation)	Traditional Chinese	Within 24 hours	Travelers from Hong Kong/Taiwan
LINE	Chinese/English/Korean	Within a few hours	LINE users who have already used the service
Email	Traditional Chinese	1-2 working days	For those with longer itineraries planned

VII. Basic Information of the Institution

Name of the institution	HeyDay Dermatology Gangnam Branch (헤이데이 강남점)
Address	No. 374, Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seul, SWOMAN K-Square Gangnam, 2nd Floor
transportation	Exit 3 of Gangnam Station on Line 2/District 9 Bundang Line; it takes about 1 minute to walk there.
Number of physicians	7 dermatology specialists
Language services	Chinese, English, Japanese
Official website	cn.heydayclinic.com