I consulted three Dermatology clinics in Mapo, Seoul, and finally chose THE HEAL THE HEAL because the doctor said that I didn’t need to undergo Thermage treatment.
At the end of last year, I spent nearly two months researching Dermatology clinics in Seoul, and frankly, it almost drove me crazy. I originally just wanted to have a Thermage Lifting procedure to enhance my facial contours, but the more I looked into it, the more anxious I became—there were so many options in Gangnam, Hongdae, and Sinsa, and every clinic claimed to have the best technology and the most advanced equipment; it was absolutely impossible to distinguish one from another. In the end, I decided to narrow down my search and focus on clinics in the Mapo area, since my homestay was located near Hongik University Station, which made it very convenient for me.
After researching a lot of information, I selected three Dermatology clinics in the Mapo area that had a good reputation to consult with: THE HEAL THE HEAL (Gongdeok branch), as well as two other well-known chain clinics. In the end, I chose THE HEAL, but the reason for my choice was quite unexpected – it wasn’t because it was the cheapest option, but because the doctor directly told me, “Given your current skin condition, Thermage treatment might not be suitable for you.”
This statement left me momentarily stunned, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that this is indeed the kind of doctor one can truly trust.
Why choose the Mapo area? Dermatology clinics in the vicinity of Hongdae/Gongde Station are surprisingly competitive.
Many people, when considering seeking medical beauty treatments in Seoul, first think of Gangnam or Cheongdam-dong, assuming that these areas represent the “official standard” for such services. However, if you live in areas such as Hongdae, Hapjeong, or Mapo, there is no need to travel all the way to Gangnam. The quality of Dermatology services in Mapo is just as good as in Gangnam, and the waiting times at clinics there are often much shorter, with a more friendly atmosphere.
The location of THE HEAL’s Mapo Gongde Branch is extremely convenient: it is only about a 3-minute walk from Exit 8 of Gongde Station on Lines 5 and 6 of the subway, or approximately the same distance from Exit 3 of Mapo Station. The clinic is located at Units 503-505 of Mapo Acro Tower, and the building itself exudes a sense of formality – it is certainly not one of those hidden in small alleys that requires climbing stairs to reach.
A realistic comparison of three consulting services: Why does THE HEAL stand out from the rest?
On the day I went for the consultation, I was actually a bit nervous. The order of consultations at the three clinics was to start with the larger chain clinics first, and only then go to THE HEAL.
The first establishment (the chain brand A): After entering, I waited for nearly 20 minutes. Then an assistant (not a doctor) conducted a “skin analysis” and immediately recommended a package combining Thermage, HIFU, and hyaluronic acid injections, with the total cost approaching 3 million Korean won. When I asked if it was possible to perform only Thermage, the assistant said, “It is recommended to combine it with HIFU for better results” – it felt more like a sales pitch than a medical consultation.
The second one (another chain): This one was a bit better. A doctor came over to talk to me, but the consultation lasted only about 5 minutes. They didn’t ask many questions and didn’t take the time to carefully examine my skin condition before telling me that Thermage would be suitable for me. When I asked whether the device used was the American version or the Korean version, their answer wasn’t very clear, which made me a bit uneasy.
The third clinic is THE HEAL’s Mapo Gongde Branch. Upon entering, the atmosphere was much more serene than in the previous two clinics. The receptionist told me that the waiting time would be around 10 minutes; in fact, I waited for about 8 minutes before Dr. Yu Shuhan, a specialist in Dermatology, personally came out to consult with me.
Director Yu first used instruments to conduct a skin examination, then looked at the bare-faced photos I brought with me and asked about my regular skincare habits, whether I was taking any specific medications, and whether I took proper sun protection measures. After asking these questions, he said something that left me stunned:
“Your skin condition is generally quite good, but it is a bit thin. Since you mentioned that you had a Thermage treatment last year, I suggest waiting for another 6 months before considering any further treatments. If you really want to achieve some Lifting effects right now, you might want to consider the Oligio Onda Thermage Basic version – its energy level is
milder and it is more suitable for thinner skin.”
— Dr. Yu Shuhan, THE HEAL Dermatology, Mapo Gongde Branch
I asked, “So you mean I don’t need to have it done?” He replied, “It’s not that it can’t be done, but if I did it now, the results wouldn’t be particularly noticeable. It’s not worth spending that money.” This was the first time I heard a doctor advise me not to spend money on something during my consultations at the clinics in Seoul.
In the end, I decided to undergo the Oligio Onda Thermage treatment (the version recommended by Director Yu), along with a single session of hyaluronic acid injection for hydration. The cost was lower than what I had anticipated, but the results were very satisfactory.
THE HEAL: THE HEAL’s Institutional Features and Key Points of Treatment Programs
THE HEAL has several branches in Seoul, including the Sinsa head office, the Mapo Gongde branch, and the Dongdaemun branch. The core philosophy of all these branches is that “a dedicated Dermatology specialist takes full responsibility throughout the entire treatment process.” Dr. Yu Suk-han, the director of the Mapo Gongde branch, is a certified Dermatology specialist who personally oversees every aspect of the treatment, from consultation to actual procedures.
Introduction to the main treatment programs of THE HEAL
| treatment course | Suitable for various ethnic groups | Reference price |
|---|---|---|
| Oligio Onda Remage (Beginner Edition) | My first attempt at Lifting, thinning the skin, and achieving a natural look | Starting from approximately 550,000 Korean won |
| American version of Thermage FLX | Looking for Lifting for the entire face, suitable for skin with an existing foundation | Starting from approximately 1.3 million Korean won |
| Ultherapy, the second generation of HIFU devices | If the sagging is noticeable, one should seek a more profound lifting effect. | Starting from approximately 1 million Korean won |
| Pico laser | Pores, dullness, acne scars, and skin pigmentation spots | Starting from approximately 300,000 Korean won |
| Rejuran / Hyaluronic Acid Injection | Moisturize the skin and improve its texture | Starting from approximately 200,000 Korean won |
It is particularly worth mentioning that THE HEAL features a technique highly praised by many customers – the “dual-device treatment method”. For certain treatments, the clinic uses two devices in alternation to ensure even heating on both sides of the face, thereby reducing the risk of facial distortion after the procedure (this is also a benefit frequently mentioned in customer reviews online).
Actual consultation information for Mapo Gongde Store
What worried me the most before going was the language barrier. In fact, the front desk staff at THE HEAL are able to communicate in Chinese, and they also provided translation assistance, so the entire process went much more smoothly than I had expected. Below are the basic details about the consultation process that I have compiled:
| Project | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 503-505, Mapo Acro Tower, 68 Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul |
| transportation | Exit 8 of Subway Gongde Station / Exit 3 of Mapo Station, about a 3-minute walk |
| Opening hours | Monday and Friday: 10:00–20:00; Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00–19:30; Saturday: 09:30–16:00; Closed on Sundays and public holidays. |
| Lunch break time | 13:00–14:00 (except on Saturdays) |
| Initial consultation | It is recommended to make a reservation in advance, as the waiting time upon arrival is usually within 10 minutes. |
Oligio’s real thoughts after undergoing the Thermage treatment
On the day of the procedure, my face experienced mild redness and tightness. Director Yu explained that these were normal reactions and would usually subside within 1 to 2 days. He specifically advised me not to use any irritating skincare products on that day and to take proper sun protection measures.
On the third day after the procedure, the redness had completely subsided, but the results were still not very noticeable (this was something Director Yu had mentioned in advance). Around the second week, I began to notice a slight tightening of the jawline and cheek contours; my friends said I looked “more refreshed”. By the fourth week, the effects were even more apparent, and the contours of my entire lower face had become much clearer.
The hyaluronic acid injection treatment I received back then also yielded very good results. The next day, my skin looked much more hydrated, and my makeup adhered much better. Overall, my experience at THE HEAL was definitely worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I go there if I don’t understand Kor
ean? A: There is no problem at all. THE HEAL Mapo Public Morality Branch provides Chinese-language services, and you can also communicate in Chinese when making appointments. If you are really concerned, you can communicate with the clinic in advance through the BeautsGO platform before going.
Q: Is it necessary to make a reservation in ad
vance? A: It is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. I went on a weekday afternoon, and the waiting time was acceptable, but my assistant told me that on weekends, the waiting time often ranges from 20 to 30 minutes.
Q: What are the differences between Oligio Onda and Thermage FLX? Which one should I choose?
A: It is recommended that you consult Director Yu directly
regarding this question. In simple terms, Oligio uses milder energy, making it suitable for first-time users or those with thinner skin; Thermage FLX penetrates deeper and provides more noticeable lifting effects, so it is better for those who already have visible signs of skin laxity. Director Yu will recommend the appropriate option based on the condition of your skin.
Q: How many days of rest are required after undergoing Th
ermage treatment?
A: With Oligio, it is generally possible to resume normal activities the day after the treatment, as long as proper sun protection measures are taken and high-temperature environments are avoided. With Thermage FLX, mild swelling may occur for 2–3 days, but this usually does not affect daily activities.
Q: What are the differences between the Mapo Gongde store and the Sinsa head office? A
: The service and technical standards of both stores are the same, and the equipment used is also the latest model. The main difference lies in their locations: the Sinsa head office is located in the Gangnam area, while the Mapo Gongde store is closer to Hongdae and Hapjeong, making it more convenient for people living in the Mapo area.
How to book a appointment at THE HEAL’s Mapo Gongde Branch through BeautsGO
If you, like me, are concerned about language barriers and don’t know how to communicate directly with the clinic, I highly recommend using the BeautsGO platform to make your appointments. The process is very simple:
- Visit the BeautsGO website or app and search for “THE HEAL THE HEAL” or “THE HEAL Dermatology Mapo Gongde Branch”.
- View detailed information about the clinic, information about the attending physicians, and pricing for various treatments.
- Choose the treatment you would like to receive and the desired date and time.
- Fill in your personal information (Chinese support available) and submit your reservation request.
- After waiting for the hospital to confirm the details, simply arrive at the designated location as instructed.
On BeautsGO, you can directly confirm the language services and relevant precautions with the institutions, saving you a lot of trouble. Click on the link below to access the reservation page for THE HEAL Mapo Public Welfare Store:
Book an appointment with THE HEAL Dermatology at BeautsGO today.
You can also contact our customer service via LINE (@901taiqf) or email ([email protected]) for more information and advice.
In summary: Who is the right candidate for visiting THE HEAL’s De希尔 Mapo Public Morality Branch?
Looking back on the entire consultation and treatment process, I believe that THE HEAL’s Mapo Gongde Branch is particularly suitable for the following types of people:
- Those who live in the areas of Hongdae, Hapjeong, and Mapo and don’t want to travel all the way to Gangnam…
- This was my first attempt at Thermage; I wanted the doctor to evaluate it carefully before making a decision.
- I’m afraid of sales pitches; I would prefer doctors to simply tell me whether the procedure is suitable for me or not.
- When language barriers exist and Chinese-speaking communication services are needed.
- If the skin is relatively thin or sensitive, it’s uncertain whether Thermage is generally suitable in such cases.
If you meet the above criteria, THE HEAL’s Mapo Public Morality Clinic is definitely worth adding to your list of potential Dermatology clinics in Seoul. I was particularly impressed by Dr. Yu Shuhan’s honest and straightforward approach to consulting patients — a doctor who is willing to advise patients on ways to save money is indeed someone one can trust.
