Going to Korea for my first thread lift procedure, I chose the Soi Clinic in Sinchon. | 7 days after the surgery, I got some really impressive results—the effects of the Ellanse injectables were beyond my expectations!

I was hesitating for a long time about whether to go to Korea for cosmetic surgery. Several of my friends had already done it and always said the results were great. Just after my birthday, I finally decided to try it out in Seoul and chose Soi Clinic in Sinsa-dong. The reason I picked this clinic is simple: the director, Dr. Su, used to work at Samsung Seoul Hospital and has an excellent reputation. Moreover, it’s only a 2-minute walk from Eoncheon Station, which is extremely convenient.

I kept a record of the entire process from making the appointment to returning to Taiwan. I wanted to share it with friends who are also considering this option, hoping it will be helpful to them!

First, why choose Soi Clinic in Sinsa-dong?

To be honest, I spent almost two months researching my options. There are so many dermatology clinics in the areas around Gangnam, Hongda, and Sinsa-dong that it was hard to decide. In the end, I narrowed down my choices to a few clinics, and Soi Clinic came up quite frequently. The main reasons I chose it are the following:

• Dr. Su Ji-hyun, the director, performs the procedures herself—not a nurse or assistant, but the director herself. She has accumulated extensive experience in dermatology and cosmetic surgery at Samsung Seoul Hospital.
• Her approach to consultation is very rational. During the appointment, she doesn’t push you to try multiple treatments but clearly explains what is suitable or not suitable for your face.
• It’s easily accessible: just a 2-minute walk from Exit 8 of Eoncheon Station or a 7-minute walk from Exit 4 of Sinsa Station. You won’t have any trouble finding it.
• The environment is comfortable. The interior is decorated in beige tones; the space isn’t large but is well-designed, and the waiting area is quiet as well.

The address is 7th Floor, 563 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 서초구 강남대로 563, 7층), near Sinsa-dong’s Linnyeong-dong area. There are also many delicious restaurants nearby, so it’s very convenient to go shopping right after the treatment.

II. Introduction to Soi Clinic’s Main Treatment Programs

This clinic specializes in two main areas: “injection-based minimally invasive treatments” and “tightening and rejuvenation procedures.” Their treatments are highly targeted and not comprehensive in nature. Here are some of the main services:

① Ellanse Youth Injection

What I had this time was mainly the Ellanse Youth Injection. Ellanse is a long-lasting filler containing PCL microspheres. Its biggest difference from hyaluronic acid is that it stimulates the regeneration of natural collagen, resulting in a more natural and lasting effect that usually lasts 1 to 4 years.

The doctor said my facial wrinkles were of moderate severity and recommended trying the Ellanse-S (short-term version, lasting 1 to 1.5 years) first to see the results before deciding whether to proceed with the longer-lasting version. This approach, which didn’t insist on one particular treatment, actually made me feel more at ease. The entire procedure was almost painless thanks to the anesthesia, and the doctor’s technique was very precise. There was some swelling after the treatment, but it started to subside by the third day, and by the seventh day, it was almost impossible to tell anything had been done—my cheeks looked much fuller.

② Silhouette Soft Thread Lift

Silhouette Soft uses absorbable threads to lift sagging skin and also stimulates collagen production. It is safer than traditional thread lifts and has a shorter recovery period; you can immediately notice changes in your facial contours after the procedure.

It is ideal for people with sagging lower faces, deep nasolabial folds, or prominent marionette lines. This time, I had it combined with the Ellanse Youth Injection. The doctor said these two treatments complement each other and enhance the overall results even more.

③ Ulthera HIFU Treatment

Ulthera is currently considered the pinnacle of non-invasive anti-aging technology. It uses focused ultrasound (HIFU) to penetrate deep into the SMAS layer of the skin, causing collagen to contract and reorganize. Soi Clinic uses genuine Ulthera equipment, and the director stated that they do not perform “showy procedures” but instead adjust the number of treatments and depth based on the patient’s facial shape and skin condition.

④ Hyaluronic acid injections

Soi Clinic uses various international brands of hyaluronic acid, including the Restylane series. The director is very meticulous about the injection sites and dosages, specifically recommending collagen-based products for the eye area rather than hyaluronic acid. This detail made me feel that he was truly considering the patient’s needs rather than just promoting a product.

III. Complete record of the consultation process

1. Reservation confirmation: I made my reservation in advance through the BeautsGO platform. After selecting the date and treatment, the customer service confirmed the time within 24 hours. The entire communication was conducted in Traditional Chinese, so there were no language barriers at all.
2. Check-in at the clinic: Upon arriving on the 7th floor, the reception staff were very friendly and provided Chinese-speaking assistance. I filled out a simple consultation form.
3. Face-to-face consultation: The director personally conducted the consultation, which lasted about 15-20 minutes. He took several photos of my face, analyzed my skin condition, and explained the recommended treatments and their reasons. It was definitely not a pushy sales approach.
4. Local anesthetic application: After confirming the treatment, a local anesthetic was applied, and the process took approximately 30-40 minutes.
5. Injection procedure: The director performed the injection himself. The Ellanse treatment took around 15 minutes, and the technique was very gentle; I only felt a slight stinging sensation.
6. Postoperative Care: After the procedure, I applied ice for about 10 minutes. The nurse explained the precautions, including avoiding pressure on the area on the first day, refraining from strenuous exercise, and not taking hot baths for a week.
7. Follow-up Support: After returning home, I received consultations regarding my recovery, and the service was very attentive.

IV. Actual Results on Day 7 Post-Surgery

Let me start with the conclusion: The results exceeded my expectations.

On days 1–2 after the surgery, there was some swelling and mild bruising, so I prepared concealer before going out. By day 3, the swelling began to subside rapidly, and by day 5, it had almost returned to normal. By day 7, it was completely natural. However, the “fullness” in my cheeks remained—previously, my cheeks looked a bit sunken from the side, but now the contours are smoother and more rounded, giving my whole face a noticeably younger look.

• The clinic director was very cautious with the amount of injections used; instead of going for a more noticeable effect immediately, the goal was a natural, gradual improvement.
• The symmetry is very good; there is no obvious unevenness on either side.
• The director mentioned that the effects of PCL microspheres stimulating collagen will fully become apparent in 2–3 months, so this is actually just the “initial result.” I’m looking forward to further developments!

V. Common Questions and Answers

Q1: Does Soi Clinic provide Chinese translation services?

Yes! The front desk staff and nurses have basic Chinese communication skills. If you book through BeautsGO, you will be accompanied by Chinese customer service throughout the process, so you don’t need to worry about language barriers at all.

Q2: Which is more suitable for me, Ellanse or hyaluronic acid injections?

This really needs to be determined during a face-to-face consultation. Simply put, if you mainly want to “increase volume” and prefer a long-lasting effect without frequent follow-up treatments, Ellanse is more suitable; if it’s your first time trying this or you want a reversible filling option, hyaluronic acid injections are safer. Dr. Soi will give you advice based on the condition of your face and your specific needs.

Q3: Can I fly back right after the procedure?

For the Ellanse treatment, it is recommended to stay in Korea for at least 1-2 days after the procedure, until the initial swelling has subsided somewhat before flying. I returned to Taiwan on the second day and was able to go to work normally on the third day (while wearing a mask).

Q4: How much does it cost approximately?

The costs of medical treatments in Korea vary from person to person, depending on the combination of procedures and the dosage used. For reference: Ellanse-S usually costs around ₩300,000-₩50,000; Silhouette thread lift prices depend on the number of threads used and typically start from ₩800,000-₩150,000; Ulthera is charged per session, and a full facial treatment generally costs ₩1,500,000 or more. It is recommended to consult online through BeautsGO first to get a specific quote before making a decision.

Q5: What precautions should I take during the recovery period?

Dr. Soi mentioned several things: avoid pressing on the injection site in the first week, refrain from strenuous exercise, and do not take hot baths (showering is fine); also, avoid saunas and hot springs for one month. There are no special dietary restrictions, but it’s best not to drink too much alcohol, as it can slow down the swelling reduction process.

VI. Booking Methods

Soi Clinic offers three booking methods. For travelers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese communities, the most recommended option is the BeautsGO platform, which provides full-service in Traditional Chinese, eliminating any concerns about language barriers.

Method 1: Online booking through BeautsGO (recommended)

Suitable for: Travelers from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese communities who may have language difficulties or are making their first reservation.

• Open the BeautsGO platform and search for “Soi Clinic”.
• Choose your desired treatment and the estimated date of arrival.
• Provide basic information (name, contact details).
• BeautsGO customer service will confirm your reservation within 24 hours.
• Present the confirmation on the day of your visit.

Method 2: LINE Booking

• Join the official LINE account
• Send your name (in Chinese/English), expected arrival date, and the treatment you would like to receive
• A staff member from the clinic will respond within a few hours to confirm your reservation

Method 3: Gmail Booking

Comparison of booking methods

Booking methods	Language	Response Time	Target Audience
BeautsGO (Recommended)	Taiwanese Chinese	Within 24 hours	Travelers from Hong Kong/Taiwan, first-time visitors
LINE	Chinese/English/Korean	Within a few hours	Users who already use LINE
Gmail	Taiwanese Chinese	1-2 business days	For those with longer itineraries

Tip: It’s recommended to book at least 3-5 days in advance. Popular treatments, especially Ulthera, may be fully booked on weekends, so booking early is safer!

VII. Conclusion

If you ask me whether I would recommend Soi Clinic, my answer is definitely yes. This clinic didn’t gain its success through influencer marketing; instead, it relies on solid technical expertise and positive reviews. The director personally meets with patients in a very honest manner and won’t push unnecessary treatments just to make money—something that is actually quite rare in the Korean cosmetic surgery industry.

For visitors from Hong Kong or Taiwan, it is recommended to book through BeautsGO to avoid language and communication barriers. Overall, the cosmetic surgery part of the trip was actually the most reassuring aspect for me.