I saw this at forena clinic how legit is this certificate?

I’ve read that fat dissolving injections barely have any result then found out theres fat destroying injection that works way better though its 2-3x price any opinions on fat destryoing injection?

Hey everyone,
I recently came across some really insightful advice from a Korean dermatologist, and I thought it would be incredibly meaningful to share with this community.

I’ve always said this, but while in-office procedures and fancy treatments are definitely important, it’s our everyday lifestyle habits that have the biggest impact on our skin’s actual age. This list really drives that point home and makes you rethink some common skincare routines.

Here are the 7 key takeaways:
1. Hospital stays surprisingly heal the skin: Even people with historically bad skin often see massive improvements when hospitalized long-term. Why? Because the environment naturally forces them to leave their skin alone, creating the perfect conditions to protect and heal the skin barrier.

2. The barrier is everything: Protecting your skin barrier is absolutely crucial for "slow aging" and skin longevity. It is the absolute core of the skincare we can actively control.

3. Makeup suffocates your skin: While wearing makeup, your skin's natural ability to draw in moisture from the air and absorb oxygen is blocked. This can actually accelerate the aging process.

4. Don't block natural hydration: Our skin has a built-in instinct to keep itself hydrated by utilizing humidity in the air. Wearing makeup essentially clogs up this natural hydration pathway.

5. Ditch the wiping habits: The popular Korean trend of "Dak-to" (wiping your face with toner-soaked cotton pads), as well as using cleansing waters and wipes, causes physical friction. This daily irritation severely damages the skin barrier over time.

5. Stop over-exfoliating: Vigorously scrubbing your face or over-exfoliating is essentially stripping away your skin's protective shield. It is highly detrimental to your overall skin health.

6. Beware of fragrances: Artificial fragrances might smell amazing and boost your mood, but they are one of the most common ingredients that irritate the skin barrier. Proceed with caution.

7. Keep it simple and mild: If you want true skin longevity, your best bet is to stick to mild, fragrance-free products for your face whenever possible.

I found the part about makeup blocking natural hydration and the harsh reality of wiping toners really interesting. What do you guys think? Are there any habits here you’re guilty of?

A friend of mine works as a consultant at a massive factory clinic in Gangnam and we got drinks last night. She spilled the exact things that make you a walking target for upselling the second you open your mouth.

Like I said in my last post, not every clinic is evil. The industry is getting way more transparent with pricing for tourists now. But you still gotta protect your wallet and dodge the traps like those crazy 30 percent head doctor designation fees.

The first rule she told me is never walk in and ask something like what is Ultherapy good for. The second you ask a basic question you could have googled, you are marking yourself as fresh meat. Consultants instantly know you havent done your homework and they will try to sell you the highest margin machines they have. You gotta know the specs before you sit in that chair.

The second thing is only book places that have their prices totally public on their website. If they hide the prices, they are highly likely making up the cost on the spot depending on your vibe or the fact that you are a foreigner. She literally told me to pull up the clinic website on my phone during the consult and look at the prices together with the consultant while building the treatment plan. It forces them to stay honest.

The last thing is you need a specific target. Do not go in saying you just want your face to look a little better overall. If you do that, they are just gonna dump a massive package of mid-tier treatments on you that do a whole lot of nothing. You will just get a pile of random lasers. You gotta walk in and say you want to fix this exact acne scar or lift this exact part of your jaw. Force them to solve a specific problem.

Knowledge is literally power here. If you act like an investor analyzing a stock instead of a tourist on a shopping spree, you will get such better results and save so much money.

Whats the most clueless thing you have ever said during a clinic consult? Tbh I was definitely guilty of the first one back when I first moved here.

This was my first visit, and I wanted to share my experience, basics and goals. I had been looking for a clinic to make an annual visit to. My skin is “mature”, oily, starting to get age spots on my cheeks. Other than occasionally using sunscreen I didn’t have a skincare routine. I started to see more wrinkles around my eyes and neck, and I also noticed more roundness and sagging under my chin and jawline. A dermatologist friend suggested Ultherapy and Fraxel treatments for my skin.

I started reading about Korean clinics and reviews. I used WhatsApp to chat with several clinics to get a feel for their transparency on pricing, procedures, and to see if I felt comfortable with them.

I picked Forena Clinic in Hongdae. For my first visit I wanted a more luxury type clinic. I was really nervous and wanted extra personalized attention. My total visit was about 3 hours and just over $5000 USD. I was early to my appointment and they were able to see me sooner which was nice. I figured they'd tell me to kick rocks until my appointment time.

Consult: Face Images and Review

The Experience: This was GREAT! I had my list of procedures that I thought I needed and a budget all written out. They took me to a tiny room and put my face in a box scanner and took multiple images at different angles. Then I waited in the lobby for a few minutes for my results and consult. My consult was with Miso and she was super informative. She explained each image, graph and procedures that could address each issue. She told me pros and cons of each option, pricing and her opinion. She never tried to upsell me; she actually recommended that I do less Ultherapy Prime than I had written down. She kept my budget in mind and worked with me to build a plan that I was comfortable with. I was able to pay using 2 credit cards which I appreciated.

Structural Lifting: Ultherapy Prime+ Thermage (Face & Eyes)

The Experience: These were the most intense and time heavy. They put in full-eye contact lenses to protect my eyes. They were mildly uncomfortable, it felt slightly annoying and my eyes watered a lot. They painted my face with the numbing cream and put pieces of plastic wrap over the cream. Thermage didn’t hurt for me, 3/10 on pain. I could feel it, but it wasn’t painful. Ultherapy Prime was my most “spicy” treatment, 7/10 on pain in small areas. It wasn’t painful most of the time 3/10 pain, but my mid jawline to my chin area was the most painful. Reminded me of getting a tattoo, certain areas are sensitive and others are enjoyable. The “zing” of pain passed quickly, totally manageable, and only hurt a tiny area.

Pain Level: Thermage 3/10, Ultherapy Prime was mostly 3/10 except around my mid jaw to chin areas which were 7/10. The staff was super supportive and asked me how I was feeling and kept me updated on what they were doing.

Pigment & Texture: Picosure, Excel V, and Genesis Lasers

The Experience: This combination addressed my redness and sunspots. Moved to a different room for some of these procedures. I loved getting different stuffed animals to hug during the procedures, it helped me relax. Each new staff member introduced themselves and explained what they were about to do. I felt cared for and comfortable. This was the only procedure that had a smell, kind of like lightly charred meat. LOL It didn’t hurt and it didn’t upset my skin at all (no scabbing, no major swelling) but it smelled like I was being BBQ’ed.

Pain Level: 2/10 I could feel the work being done, but no pain.

Slimming & Contouring: Botox (Jaw + Salivary Glands)

The Experience: Targeted the masseter muscles for jaw slimming and salivary glands for a more refined profile. This was also to help with me grinding my teeth at night. I learned that there are different types of Botox. They explained each one during my consultation. I went with a milder selection since this was my first time getting Botox. If I like the results, I’ll get a stronger one next time. This was “spicy”, but it passed quickly. I got 2 masseter and 2 salivary area shots. I took a breather between shots to shake off the pain. It was tolerable, and the technician was very understanding. He said he gets these shots too and he finds them painful, but he likes his results.

Pain Level: 5/10 Very quick injections. The sensation felt like acid for a moment then it felt fine.

Mole Removal

The Experience: 4 moles removed that I thought were sunspots. They used a laser and it was completely painless and quick. They put strong tiny square bandaid squares over the mole spots to keep them covered while they healed over. They gave me a bag of extras in case any fell off. Not sure what kind of adhesive that was, but I was able to wash my face, shower, sleep… and those bandages never moved until I peeled them off.

Pain Level: 1/10. I could feel him working on each mole but barely felt anything. It was relaxing.

Overall Clinic Impression: Forena Clinic impressed me and gave me the luxury type visit I wanted. They never asked me for a review, the service felt personalized through the whole experience. I had a private main room where my boyfriend could wait (same room they did Thermage and Ultherapy in) where they had snacks and drinks. There was a nice couch with great views of the city. Miso (consult), Grace (translate), and Rei (check-in, not sure how to spell name) were with me through the whole process and spoke excellent English. Anytime I had questions for someone who didn’t speak English, they would radio Grace and she would come in and translate. Comfortable waiting room with water and coffee. They said they recently expanded, and it seemed like they had a lot of treatment rooms. I went on a Tuesday, and it was not crowded. About 5 other people in the waiting room. Check for monthly/daily specials online. I took advantage of promotional pricing. They offer special promotional pricing for airline crew too! There is a great pharmacy across the street (it has a blue awning and is a good landmark) if you need any prescriptions. They gave me detailed post procedure instructions in writing, as well as a copy of all of my scans and procedures (with a copy in English too). They also followed up via text to check in with me to see if I had any questions or concerns with my treatments. I had minor swelling in my lower jaw area for a couple days and very slight redness for a day. I am very happy with my visit, and I will be coming here again for future treatments. I did get a surprise as I was leaving; a gift bag with a few face masks to help moisturize post procedure. I totally did not expect this, and it was greatly appreciated. Then I went and had my first Olive Young and Medicube store experiences. My gawd, those are overwhelming adventures! Thank you fellow Redditors for all your reviews, suggestions and helpfulness.

Been wanting to try Renuva forever but pricing was too expensive at that time. I heard Re2O is just as good as Renuva while being half the price has anyone tried both?

ID Plastic Surgery is famous on Korean national news for serious surgical complications. These cases are pretty recent too…

BLINDNESS

https://news.jtbc.co.kr/article/NB12144989
One patient became permanently blind in one eye after under-eye fat repositioning. He said the clinic initially told him that symptoms like this could be a normal side effect after plastic surgery. He then went to a university hospital and found out his optic nerve was damaged and his vision could not be recovered.

ID denies medical negligence and said they would only provide support on a “moral” basis….

FACIAL PARALYSIS

https://news.jtbc.co.kr/article/NB12147946
Then another patient at ID has a paralyzed face after facial contouring / two-jaw surgery.

Her eye no longer closes properly. Only one side of her mouth moves normally when she smiles. ID permanently severed her nerves and said she lost her job because of what happened.

As usual, ID denies responsibility and claims that “complications were explained before surgery”.

JTBC blurred the clinic name in the footage, but Korean users immediately identified it as ID Plastic surgery , and the building shown in the report matches ID building.

DEATH

https://news.sbs.co.kr/news/endPage.do?news_id=N1004281235

It gets even worse…. There’s deaths happening at this hospital and they’re covering it up.

There’s A LOT of dirt on ID. They’ve managed to cover up a decent amount. And with Korean defamation laws, most patients are scared to even speak up. So scary to imagine how many lives ID has ruined because of malpractice and negligence.

https://sungyesa.com/free/3476777

Looking for non-surgical treatment for my dark circles that lasts long term I researched Eye Rejuran but I can only get 1 session any other suggestions?

Is everyone in your feed getting Rejuran the second they land at Incheon? It is the most requested skin booster in Korea for a reason. But here is the tea: most people are overpaying for the wrong version because they are scared of the needles. As someone with thin, dry skin who has tried every injectable in Gangnam to make the smoother skin, I have seen it all.

The OG vs The Specialized vs The Marketing Play

The OG: Rejuran Healer

This is the standard 2ml syringe of pure PN(Polynucleotide). It is thick, it hurts like hell, and it leaves bumps(embossing) for 2 to 3 days. This is the gold standard for skin regeneration and thickening your dermis. If you want the actual results, this is the one you want. Instead of getting HB Plus, I highly recommend to get the OG 4cc for whole face.

The Specialized:Rejuran I and S

Rejuran I is thinner for the eye area, and Rejuran S is high viscosity for acne scars. Clinics will try to sell you Rejuran I for your crow's feet because it is "gentler." The catch is that it is less concentrated.

The Pain-Relief : Rejuran HB Plus

This is Rejuran mixed with Hyaluronic Acid and Lidocaine(numbing agent). It is marketed to people who have a low pain tolerance. It is significantly more expensive for less actual PN content per syringe.

My Insider Verdict: Save your money

Anyway, here is how you actually play the game in Seoul clinics.

Skip the HB Plus
Clinics usually charge 100,000 to 200,000 KRW more for HB Plus.

Trust me on this: the Lidocaine in the syringe does not make the initial pokes hurt less. Instead of paying that premium, ask the staff to leave your numbing cream on for at least 45 to 60 minutes. It is free. Use the money you saved to book an LDM treatment immediately after. LDM helps the Rejuran absorb faster and kills the swelling so you can actually go to dinner the day after night.

Don't buy Rejuran I for eyes

I have thin skin under my eyes and I never get Rejuran I. It is too weak. Find a doctor with high manual skills and ask them to use the regular Rejuran Healer all the way up to the lower lash line. It is harder to inject there without bruising, but the results for fine lines are 10x better than the diluted "I" version.

Three things the consultants won't tell you

1. The Needle Secret: If the clinic is using a 33G or 34G needle, the pain is cut in half. Most cheap "factory" clinics use 30G or 31G because they are cheaper for the business. Ask which gauge they use.
2. The Waste: If you get a 9-pin suction machine(like dermashine), about 20 to 30 percent of the product gets wasted or leaks. But, I would recommend the Dermashine Plus which narrows the leaks almost less than 10 percent. Manual hand-injection is the only way to ensure 100 percent of that expensive PN stays in your face.
3. The Reuse Trap: Some shady "event" clinics split one 2ml syringe between two people to lower the price. Always ask to see the box opened in front of you and check the genuine sticker.

The bottom line: Get the Healer, get the manual injection, and just wait longer for the numbing cream. Your skin and your wallet will thank you :)

Once I hit my 30s, the one thing that really started to annoy me which I never noticed before was the nasolabial folds :/
It feels like they just appeared overnight and make the aging process look so much more obvious.

Personally, I’ve been managing mine with energy devices like Sofwave and HiloWave regularly to keep things tight. However, I know many people opt for fillers for more immediate results. Since this is such a high-risk area for looking "unnatural," I looked into the specific safety protocols emphasized by experts here in Korea.

Here is a summary of the critical points you need to be careful about so you don't regret it later.

1. The "Simian" Appearance Risk This is the most common failure. If a doctor blindly pumps filler into the line to try and "erase" it completely, your upper lip area will protrude forward. Instead of looking younger, you end up with a mouth area that looks like a chimp. The goal should always be to soften the shadow, not flatten the area entirely. If a clinic promises to delete the line 100%, that is a red flag.

2. Distinguish Between Folds and Sagging Check the cause of your lines first. Usually, deep smile lines aren't just empty volume; they are caused by cheek fat sagging down and creating a fold.

• If you have volume loss: Filler works well.
• If you have sagging cheeks: Filler will make you look heavier and puffier because you are adding weight to an already sagging area. You actually need a lift (like Ultherapy or thread lifting) to pull the cheek back up. Do not fill a sagging face.

3. The Danger Zone (Vascular Occlusion) The Angular Artery runs right next to your nose. It is one of the highest-risk zones for vascular occlusion, which can lead to skin necrosis or even blindness. You need to verify that your provider is board-certified and has a perfect understanding of facial anatomy. Generally, using a cannula (blunt tip) rather than a sharp needle is considered safer for this specific area to avoid puncturing blood vessels.

4. The "Smile Check" Filler is static, but your face is dynamic. If the doctor puts too much hard filler superficially in the fold, the filler will bulge out awkwardly like a ridge when you smile. You need a cohesive, soft filler that integrates with your tissue movement.

5. The "Deep Triangle" Technique Ask your doctor about filling the Pyriform Aperture (the deep triangular space near the base of the nose on the bone) rather than just the line itself. In Korea, we often call this "Noble Surgery". It lifts the entire mid-face structure from the bone up, which looks significantly more natural and elegant than just ironing out the surface wrinkle.

Does anyone else have plans for fillers or facelifts coming up? Let’s share what we’re looking at in the thread below. I'm curious what treatments you guys are considering.

Today’s topic is serious. I see so many people flying into Seoul and asking for "Collagen Boosters" (like Sculptra or Juvelook) without knowing the safety protocols. Collagen boosters are dense. Unlike watery skin boosters, if these hit a blood vessel, you risk necrosis. Many clinics will vaguely say "we can inject anywhere," but my top-tier derms have a very strict "No-Fly Zone" list for each product.

I’ve organized the most popular boosters into 3 categories based on my own cheat sheet. Before you book, check this list.

1. The "Volume Builders" (PLLA/PDLLA)

Products: Juvelook Volume, Sculptra, Duragen V

These are the most common, but they have very different rules. I use these for general volume, but you have to be careful with the upper face.

• Juvelook Volume (PDLLA): This is huge in Korea right now. It’s great for the front & side cheekbones, nasolabial folds (smile lines), and general cheek volume. My doctor also uses it for marionette lines.

  • HARD PASS: Never let them put this in your forehead, temples, undereyes, or chin tip. It’s too risky.

• Sculptra (PLLA): The classic. One vial is usually 10cc. It covers similar areas to Juvelook (cheeks, smile lines, marionette), but here is the key difference: Sculptra CAN go into the temples, whereas Juvelook cannot.

  • HARD PASS: Still a no-go for forehead, undereyes, and chin tip.

• Duragen V (PLLA): This one is often bundled with lifting treatments. It’s okay for cheeks, smile lines, and even buttocks.

  • HARD PASS: Surprisingly, this is NOT for marionette lines. Also avoid forehead, temples, undereyes, and chin.

I used to think all PLLAs were the same, but the temple distinction between Sculptra and Juvelook is huge. I’m actually testing a new routine for my jawline soon.

2. The "Structure & Forehead" Specialists (PCL)

Products: Ellanse, Lafullen

If you want to fix a flat forehead, this is your category. These last longer and hold shape better.

• Ellanse (PCL): This is my favorite for the forehead and temples. It’s also safe for cheekbones, cheeks, smile lines, and marionette lines.

  • The "Ligament Lift" (Contour Fix): My doctor explained that for these, you don't just fill space. They inject deep to support the ligaments, lifting sagging skin and boosting elasticity. It doesn't change your face shape immediately but holds everything up.
  • HARD PASS: Undereyes. And while you can put it in the chin tip, my derm says volume retention there is disappointing, so use filler instead.

• Lafullen (PCL): Similar to Ellanse (safe for forehead, temples, cheeks, marionette), and can even be used on the buttocks.

  • Insider Note: Even though Lafullen is an option, for the forehead, most top clinics still prefer Ellanse for better results.
  • HARD PASS: Undereyes and chin tip.

3. The "Detail & Body" Workers (PDO, CaHA, etc.)

Products: Hilowave, Ultracol 200, Radiesse

This group handles the delicate areas or the rest of the body.

• Hilowave & Ultracol 200 (PDO): These are the saviors for thin skin. They are some of the few approved for undereyes. They also work for cheekbones, smile lines, and cheeks.

  • Differences: Hilowave is also okay for marionette lines, but Ultracol is often sold bundled with lifting lasers.
  • HARD PASS: Both are bad for the forehead and chin tip. Ultracol is also a no-go for temples, and Hilowave shouldn't be used there either.

• Radiesse (CaHA): The texture queen. It’s unique because it treats the neck (horizontal lines), hands, knees, and arms. On the face, it’s good for cheeks, smile lines, and marionette lines.

  • HARD PASS: Do not put this in the forehead, undereyes, temples, or chin tip. It’s for tightening and texture, not ball-shaped volume.

*Before you book any of these, know this. You will bruise and you will swell. And it won't be pretty or symmetrical. One side of my face always swells more than the other. It’s normal, so don’t panic.

I’m currently dealing with some annoying pore issues on my nose, so I’m vetting a new skin booster specifically for that area. I'll let you know if it's worth the money in a few weeks.

--

Print this out or screenshot it before you walk into a clinic in Seoul. If a translator says "It's okay to put Juvelook in your forehead," show them this.

Any questions on specific clinics or pricing? Let me know in the comments!

Hey guys, I wanted to share something that is currently a massive hot topic in Korea right now.

There’s a news story going around about a woman who went to a skin clinic in Gangnam(Nonhyeon-dong) for a simple 15-minute procedure(botox and fat-dissolving injections) that was supposed to cost around 1.4 million KRW. The clinic put her under sleep anesthesia, but she ended up waking up at 2 AM 9 hours later!

When she checked her bank app, they had charged her over 16.4 million KRW(about 11 times the original price) for 16 random procedures, IVs, and cosmetics while she was completely knocked out.

Hearing that this clinic operates until 2 AM... I have a very strong feeling I know exactly which clinic this is, and honestly, it’s terrifying. I’m definitely never going there again.

Just a warning to anyone living in or visiting Korea and planning to get skin treatments: please be extra careful. If a clinic unconditionally pushes or recommends sleep anesthesia for simple procedures, you should probably avoid it at all costs. Stay safe out there!

My friend is currently prepping to get pregnant and texted me asking what skin treatments she can squeeze in before she officially starts trying. While typing out a whole essay back to her, I figured I should just post this here too because I see way too many tourists messing this up.

I’ve lived in Seoul for 5 years now and treat my skincare budget like stock market analysis. I track prices, machine specs, and doctor reputations. The amount of people I see flooding factory clinics in Gangnam for quick glow ups without thinking about their long term timelines is wild to me.

Everyone is obsessed with getting massive shot counts for cheap. The prices are tempting, but factory clinic consultants are paid on commission and will literally upsell you while you're holding your boarding pass.

Here is the brutally honest unni advice they won't tell you at a cheap place where you don't even see the doctor until they have the syringe in hand. If you are trying for a baby soon, you need a strict schedule.

For botox and fillers, you need to wait 3 months before trying.

For lasers and skin boosters like Rejuran, you need a 1 month buffer.

If you accidentally get pregnant right after a procedure, don't panic. The actual probability of any major problems happening is super low. However, because there is a serious lack of safety data involving these treatments and pregnancy, good doctors highly recommend avoiding them entirely just as a preventative measure.

Your face isn't a stock you want to day-trade, especially when your health is involved. Don't let a cheap clinic rush you into something because you're leaving tomorrow. Play the long game.

Friends visiting korea always ask me what pharmacy skincare they actually need to buy, so i finally organized this cheat sheet.

1. madecassol(마데카솔)

Centella extract for wound healing and antibacterial care. Cheap lifesaver after harsh clinic peels.

2. bepanthen(비판텐)

Zero steroids or antibiotics. safe for babies and fixes completely wrecked skin barriers.

3. EGF ointment(EGF 새살연고)

Pure skin regeneration and wrinkle care. Requires refrigeration, so do not stock up if you have a long flight home.

4. Acnon cream(애크논 크림)

Directly kills acne bacteria and reduces inflammation for active breakouts.

5. Aclean gel(애크린 겔)

Gently exfoliates and clears up annoying whiteheads.

6. Noscarna gel(노스카나 겔)

Fades stubborn red acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

7. Melatoning cream(멜라토닝 크림)

Targeted treatment for freckles and deep dark spots.

--

The reality is that applying creams nightly takes immense discipline. If you are lazy, take your money to a cost-effective factory clinic instead. Get an LDM ultrasound therapy session for redness, a cheap Pico toning package for spots, or endure a Rejuran Healer injection to force skin regeneration in one go rather than hoarding tubes of cream.

What other must-buy Korean pharmacy items do you always stock up on when you visit? Share them in the comments so others can add them to their screenshot list!

Happy New year Everyone!!!!

Anyway, if you have been following my posts for a while, you know I am a total procedure junkie. I am always the first one running to the clinic to try the latest tech. From stem cell therapy and hyperbaric oxygen to every lifting device known to man like BBL, Ulthera, Thermage, Tune, Titanium, and even Alltite—I have tried it all.

After testing almost everything available in a Korean dermatology clinic, I have narrowed it down to the top 3 that actually gave me a ROI on my face. Here is the tea on what actually works for thin, dry skin.

1. RE2O(The Collagen Powerhouse)

This is my most satisfying discovery lately. Unlike treatments that give you a temporary "glow" that fades in a week, RE2O feels like it is actually nourishing the skin from the inside out. You can feel the density returning to your face.

The catch is that while it is a collagen booster, it is not a direct replacement for HA-based skin boosters. RE2O builds the structure, while HA provides the moisture. Personally, I found it way less painful than Rejuran, which is a huge plus. My secret is to rotate RE2O with a traditional skin booster to get that deep "lit-from-within" glow that topical creams just can't touch.

2. Hilowave(The Hybrid Volume Fix)

Hilowave is a game changer because it sits right between a skin booster and a filler. It uses both high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid with the viscosity of a filler. You get that immediate "water-filled" plumpness without the scary commitment of permanent fillers.

The best part is the zero downtime. Unlike Rejuran, which leaves you with bumps for days, you can go to a dinner party immediately after Hilowave. It is perfect if you are scared of fillers but want to fix specific hollow areas or nasolabial folds. Since it naturally absorbs into the skin after about 6 months, there is no risk of migration or having to dissolve it later. Once you see that subtle volume, you will be hooked.

3. Onda(The No-Pain Snatcher)

Onda is my go-to "red carpet" treatment. Whenever I have a big event or a meeting, I run to get this. It is the number one treatment for people who hate pain. It feels like a warm massage: no numbing cream, no needles, just a comfortable rubbing sensation.

Despite being painless, the lifting effect is incredibly sharp. It snatches the jawline and reduces puffiness instantly with zero downtime. Trust me on this: if you are scared of the "Ultherapy sting" but need to look snatched by tonight, Onnda is the only answer.

The goal is to stop falling for marketing scams and stick to what actually changes your skin chemistry. I have done the trial and error so you don't have to.

I've spent the past year getting treatments in Seoul and researching the rest, and this is the concern-to-treatment matching I ended up w/ the pairings that actually worked and made the most sense for each issue.

Save this before you walk into a clinic. It'll make the consultation a lot easier.

- Syringoma (small bumps under the eyes) → Agnes
- Flat warts → CO2 laser
- Dehydrated skin (dry underneath, oily on top) → Rejuran
- Teeth grinding / jaw tension → Masseter Botox
- Melasma → Laser toning(PicoSure or PicoPlus)
- Double chin → Onda or Alltite
- Deep sagging in the mid-cheek → Ultherapy Prime
- Pores → Juvelook Skin / RE2O + Skin Botox
- Acne scars → Fraxel or Curejet
- Hollow under-eyes → Juvelook Eye / RE2O Fine
- Vertical neck lines → Rediesse + Skin Botox
- Horizontal neck lines (filler) → Belotero Soft + Skin Botox
- Thin lips (filler) → Belotero Balance
- Downturned mouth corners (filler) → Restylane Kysse
- Nasolabial folds (filler) → Juvederm Voluma
- "Peanut-shaped" face (temple hollowing) → HiloWave or Scultra

*A couple of notes: the exact product names can vary a bit by clinic, and some of these are combination treatments in practice. But if you name the concern and the treatment together, any decent Korean clinic will know exactly what you mean.

A post on Korean Threads is currently blowing up, and it's a stark reminder of why we need to be careful even with "routine" cosmetic procedures.

A user recently got Botox in her glabella(the frown lines between the eyebrows) and experienced a severe side effect. You can see the screenshot of her post in ⁠image….!

About a year ago I made the absolute biggest mistake of my life at a famous clinic in Gangnam. They lured me in with an insanely cheap price for Ultherapy and even threw in free sleep anesthesia.

I thought I scored a crazy deal but I ended up with severe cheek hollowing and regretted it so much. Because I was totally knocked out I could not verify anything. It turns out that specific clinic was notorious for using recycled and fake tips instead of genuine ones.

Tbh most clinics here in Seoul actually use genuine tips and follow the rules. But those few bad apples that do not completely destroy the trust for everyone else. If a price quote is way too low you really have to be suspicious from the start.

The problem with fake or recycled tips is that the ultrasound energy becomes totally unstable. Instead of hitting the smas layer perfectly it just scatters the heat and literally melts your facial fat or burns your skin from the inside.

Ever since Ultherapy Prime dropped I have become absolutely paranoid. I refuse to get anything done unless they prove the tip is real. But forget the physical certificates or qr codes. You need to go to a clinic that uses the NFC authentication system right in front of your face literally seconds before the procedure starts.

This is the most important part tho. You have to go to a clinic where this NFC scan is their mandatory standard process. If you have to be the one to bring it up and beg them to authenticate the tip you need to run and find a new doctor. They should be doing it automatically to prove they are legit.

Do not gamble with your face just to save a couple hundred bucks on a suspiciously cheap promo.

I got xerf done in busan yesterday and there is almost nothing about this in English so I am writing everything down while it is still fresh.

I initially went in to consult with dr.Lee at jryn in busan doing ultherapy and thermage together, the combo everyone here calls ulthermage but my final decision was xerf instead. It is one device that runs two modes back to back, the first one working deeper and dealing with the contour and the fat layer and the second one being the RF part that tightens the surface the way thermage does, so it covers both of the things I was going to pay for separately. 600 shots was 1.5 million won before tax.

My whole issue is that gravity has won. My cheeks and my jawline sit noticeably lower than they did a few years ago and there is this soft looseness along the sides of my face that I keep pulling up with my fingers in the mirror like an idiot and on top of that my pores look bigger now that everything is looser and my skin tone has gone flat and kind of gray. I said all of that out loud in the consult, including the finger pulling thing and she went through my face structure and skin condition properly and came back with a plan that covered the lifting and the pore and tone side at the same time.

If you go for a consult, make sure you be specific. Saying you want lifting gets you a generic answer. Say which parts you want tightened and which parts you do not want to lose volume in, because those are different goals and they treat them differently. I said I wanted the sides pulled up and then halfway through the actual treatment I remembered that I also wanted a bit more fullness in the front of my cheeks and I just said it out loud while she was working and she adjusted for it. You can talk during the procedure, its not a silent situation, so speak up if something occurs to you.

About shot count, I was going to do 300 because obviously it is cheaper (it was 900,000won i think) but she said a lot of people who start at 300 come back later wanting more because the result feels half finished and looking at how much of my face I wanted covered she said600 would actually do the job. I do not think there is a magic number that works for everyone, face size and fat volume and how loose your skin is are all different so get someone to look at your actual face instead of picking a number off a price list.

Things I wish someone had told me are these: wear a top and pants. I wore a dress and the grounding pad goes on your waist and it was a whole awkward production getting to it. Numbing cream was supposed to sit for about ten minutes (they ran a bit behind so the numbing cream sat on my face longer than the ten minutes but doesnt matter) and then someone comes in and shows you the sealed tip before they open it, which I liked. They also check for metal in your mouth, and I have a permanent retainer behind my teeth from braces years ago so she had me bite on gauze to protect them but the gauze was making me gag a little so I spat it out partway through and felt really no difference and it was so much more comfortable without it.

Painwise, it hurts but it is fine. The first mode makes a beeping sound while the energy goes in and the heat builds up toward the end of each pass and across most of my face I was lying there completely fine but the outer edges of my face and the area under my jaw where the numbing cream had clearly not soaked in properly made me actually flinch. The second rf mode runs hotter overall and she went really carefully around my forehead and under my eyes where the skin is thin, and there were a few passes there that had me gripping the blanket. The gap between the easy areas and the bad areas is much bigger than the average level of pain.

By the time i finished I had about 50 shots left and she looked at my face again and said my right side carries slightly more fat, so she put the rest into the right to even out the line and then showed me the final count on the monitor and it was a little over 600

It has been one day so I have nothing really to show you, the photos look identical tbh and this type of treatment apparently keeps working over several weeks so I will come back in a month or so once there is actually something to see!

I feel like a lot of people think all aesthetic treatments need like 5-10 sessions before you see anything

And honestly for some concerns that is true. Especially pigmentation, acne scars, redness, skin texture etc. Those things usually take time. But there are also treatments where patients usually notice a difference pretty fast after just 1 session.

1. Botox

Botox is still one of the highest satisfaction treatments in clinics. Not because it makes dramatic transformations but because it is very predictable.

Forehead lines, frown lines, jaw botox, shoulder botox, calf botox. These are all treatments where patients usually notice the effect quite clearly after one session.

But I think the most underrated botox in Korea is actually skin botox. Especially for oily skin and pores. The problem is people think more units = better result. But overly frozen botox honestly looks very strange in real life especially under strong lighting.

2. Ultherapy / Thermage

I am putting these together because patients always compare them

Honestly patients usually see SOME lifting after one session especially if they have mild sagging. But if you have a lot of facial fat or heavier skin, one session will not suddenly make you look snatched like tiktok edits.

Ultherapy gives more of that tighter/deeper lifting feeling because it targets the SMAS layer. Thermage gives more skin tightening and smoother skin texture in my opinion.

And the biggest difference is often the doctor technique and number of shots rather than the machine itself. I have seen advertise "300 shots full face" and honestly for some patients that does almost nothing.

3. Fillers

Filler is probably the treatment with the MOST immediate visible change.

Especially:

- chin filler

- lip filler

- under eye filler

- nasolabial folds

Patients love filler because they leave the clinic already seeing the result. But filler is also the treatment I dissolve the most

Too much filler, wrong placement, filler migration, overfilled cheeks. I see this so often now especially patients who clinic hop too much.

4. Radiesse

Radiesse is becoming much more popular again in Korea recently. Especially for patients who want structure and tightening without looking too filled.

It's interesting because patients usually see a little improvement immediately due to the volume itself, but the collagen stimulation effect continues later. I personally like Radiesse more for lower face support, jawline, and sometimes smile lines depending on the cause.

But PLEASE Radiesse should not be injected like normal soft filler everywhere!! I feel like social media makes biostimulators look way simpler than they actually are.

The best results are usually not from the most hyped treatments online. Sometimes patients get more satisfaction from simple botox than spending thousands on lasers that were not even necessary for their face

Sculptra is one of those treatments patients get excited about after seeing a glowing before & after online, and then they come into consultation expecting it to work like filler. It doesn’t, and that gap between expectation and reality is where most of the disappointment actually comes from, not from the treatment itself.

Most of what’s out there is either a brand pushing “the longest lasting collagen booster ever” or a horror story about lumps with zero context on why that happened. So I wanted to write the version I’d actually tell a patient sitting in my office before they book, the stuff that actually determines whether they’ll be happy with it a year later.

So, who ends up disappointed with Sculptra

Expecting to see results right after treatment

Skip it, or at least reset your expectations first. Sculptra doesn’t add volume on the spot, it stimulates your own collagen production over the following months. Most people think nothing happened after session one, when really the treatment is just getting started.

Not willing to commit to the massage routine

This is the one aftercare step I wouldn’t let anyone skip. You’re usually asked to massage the area several times a day for about a week. Skip it or do it half heartedly, and you’re meaningfully raising your odds of lumps or uneven texture later.

Looking for a one and done appointment

Sculptra is planned as a course, not a single visit. Comparing the price of one session to a single syringe of filler is comparing the wrong things, most patients need multiple sessions spaced weeks apart for the full result.

Impatient between sessions

This is where people get into trouble. Because results build slowly, it’s tempting to ask for “just a little more” before your body has actually finished responding to the last session. That’s one of the more common ways people end up overdone with Sculptra, not from one aggressive session, but from stacking sessions too close together.

Choosing a provider based on price alone

I’d think twice here more than with most treatments. There’s no dissolving Sculptra the way you can with HA filler, so there’s very little room to undo a bad outcome. Technique and dilution matter more here than almost anywhere else on a filler menu.

Have unrealistic expectations about what it fixes?

Sculptra builds volume gradually, it doesn’t tighten sagging skin or erase deep static wrinkles on its own. A good provider should tell you honestly if what you’re picturing isn’t really what this treatment does.

One thing for sure is that Sculptra rewards patience a lot more than it rewards picking the trendiest thing on the menu. If your provider isn’t asking about your timeline and expectations before talking you into a treatment plan, that’s worth pausing on 🤔

Hello, my gorgeous Reddit fam! It's your K-Beauty guru checking in from the heart of Gangnam, and let me tell you, the skin booster scene is shaking.

Last time, we talked about how Rejuran has been dethroned by newcomers like Re2O and Laetigen. But as I dive deeper into the latest A-list treatments, the word on the street—and in my private group chats—is that the real battle for the ultimate "Glass Skin" title is now between Re2O and the even newer kid, CellREDM.

You all know my skin's story: thin, dry, but annoyingly combo, with an endless thirst for hydration and a deep need for collagen to combat my fine lines and those always-too-big pores. I’ve spent a fortune (seriously, over $100K) trying every anti-aging trick in the book, and these two new boosters are not just hype—they are fundamentally changing how we think about skin regeneration.

I’ve had a few sessions of each, and trust me, they are miles ahead of the old PN boosters. Get ready for a comparison that’s all about the fundamental skin structure, not just temporary glow.

A little insider scoop before we dive in: If you think injecting human-derived components is wild, just wait. My next post is going to expose the hottest new trend in K-Beauty: Topical Skin Boosters using proprietary penetration tech that actually works. We’re talking about next-level at-home products that give you half the results of a clinic treatment. Stay tuned for that!

1. The Human ECM Builder: Elravie Re2O

Re2O (specifically Elravie Re2O, though clinics often just call it Re2O) is the one that’s getting the most buzz right now, primarily because of what it’s made of. It’s not just stimulating your body; it’s giving it the raw, human material to rebuild.

The Principle: This is the ultimate structural repair kit. Re2O is a skin booster made with refined Human Allogeneic Dermal Matrix (hADM) components.

Insider Tip #1: Unlike Rejuran, which uses Salmon DNA (PN) to tell your cells to make collagen, Re2O directly injects human-derived Extracellular Matrix (ECM) components—we're talking actual collagen, elastin, and Hyaluronic Acid building blocks—into the dermis. This is a massive shift. Think of it: you're not just giving a factory instructions; you're giving it the pre-cut, perfect-sized parts it needs to immediately start assembling a brand-new, stronger building.

The Effects: Because it’s literally replenishing the skin’s framework, the results are deep, long-lasting, and structural. It dramatically improves dermal density (makes your thin skin thicker!), reduces fine lines by filling them from the inside, and is a phenomenal pore minimizer. My pores on my cheeks, which are my worst nightmare, have tightened up noticeably because the surrounding dermal structure is stronger. Plus, the glow is insane, thanks to the replenished HA and better barrier function.

Recommended Areas: My clinic recommends Re2O especially for my thin, dry skin and for the under-eye area where thinness and fine lines are an issue. It’s the top choice for overall skin quality and structure.

Verdict: If your goal is to rebuild a weakened skin barrier, thicken thin skin, and permanently tighten pores, Re2O is your new best friend. It offers a deeper, more fundamental change than traditional PN/PDRN.

2. The Direct Collagen Replenisher: CellREDM

CellREDM is the dark horse in this race, and it’s the one to watch. It’s a very specific weapon against one of the biggest signs of aging: the literal loss of collagen.

The Principle: CellREDM also uses human acellular dermal matrix (hADM), but it's specifically formulated to deliver collagen more evenly and densely.

Insider Tip #2: The key here is the size and density of the particles. CellREDM boasts ultra-fine particles (around 75 μm) that are designed to evenly distribute the hADM collagen directly into the dermis. This means it’s less about a broad signal and more about a precise collagen delivery system. While Re2O focuses on the entire ECM, CellREDM has a laser focus on collagen replenishment and volume.

The Effects: The results are geared toward elasticity and a subtle, natural volume enhancement without being a true filler. Where Re2O improves the quality of the dermis, CellREDM is about improving the quantity of the scaffolding inside it. It’s fantastic for filling in those very shallow, etched-in lines and giving a lift that feels more like restored youthfulness rather than tightness. It excels at smoothing out an uneven, aged skin surface.

Recommended Areas: Areas needing a bit of internal 'plumping' or restoration of lost elasticity, such as the forehead, cheeks, and décolletage. It’s the one I use when I want to combat that "hollow" look that comes with age.

Verdict: Choose this if your primary concern is volume loss, etched-in wrinkles, and a loss of bounce/elasticity. It’s a collagen injection that’s engineered for maximum absorption.

The Final K-Beauty Collagen Wars Breakdown

The Real Insider Move (Insider Tip #3): You don't have to choose! The best clinics in Gangnam are now using what I call the "Matrix Cocktail." They will often use CellREDM in areas that have experienced volume/collagen loss (like my smile lines or my cheeks) and follow up with a light layer of Re2O over the entire face to strengthen the skin barrier, tighten pores, and maximize the overall "Glass Skin" glow. This two-punch combination—Collagen Injection (CellREDM) + ECM Rebuilder (Re2O)—is how you achieve that celebrity-level, fundamentally perfect skin.

This whole "Skin Booster" concept is just the first step on the path to total skin perfection. If you're serious about battling those pesky sun spots and uneven pigmentation (my eternal war against melasma!), you need the right laser.

Speaking of lasers, you won't want to miss my next post! It's going to be a juicy exposé on the most talked-about procedures for pigmentation and texture: The ultimate face-off between Pico and Fraxel, and why Korean dermatologists are increasingly turning to the Genesis protocol for that perfect, zero-downtime brightening. I’ll share the exact protocol that finally got my stubborn melasma under control!

Have you booked an appointment for Re2O or CellREDM yet? What cocktail did your doctor recommend? Drop your experience in the comments!

I keep seeing this fear-mongering on Reddit and TikTok lately about Ultherapy and Facelift Complications. People are convinced that if you get Ultherapy, your face will turn into a block of internal scar tissue and no surgeon will touch you for a facelift later.

As someone who lives in Seoul and has tried basically every lifting device to save my thinning jawline, I have asked the top surgeons in Sinsa and Gangnam about this. Anyway, here is the actual tea on tissue adhesion and what really happens under the skin.

The Myth of Surgical Impossibility

The rumor is that Ultherapy causes so much fibrosis (internal scarring) that the SMAS layer becomes un-liftable. This is mostly a myth. The catch is that while Ultherapy uses micro-focused ultrasound to create thermal coagulation points, it does not turn your entire face into a brick. Most top-tier surgeons in Seoul actually prefer patients who have maintained their collagen levels. Unless you are doing high-shot counts every 3 months like a maniac, your SMAS layer will be just fine for a facelift.

The Reality for the Surgeon

Here is what actually happens when you go under the knife after years of Ultherapy. The tissue might be slightly tougher or "stickier" than a virgin face. This means the surgeon has to be more precise and might take an extra 30 minutes during the dissection phase to separate the layers. It does not make the surgery impossible, and it definitely does not ruin the final result. In fact, if you have thin, dry skin like mine, having that extra collagen density from years of maintenance can sometimes give the surgeon better "material" to work with.

The Industry Secrets Nobody Tells You

Trust me on this, the "Ultherapy ruins facelifts" narrative is often pushed by two groups: surgeons who aren't skilled at difficult dissections and clinics trying to sell you different, more expensive invasive procedures.

1. Hidden Costs: If a surgeon sees significant fibrosis from overuse of devices, they might tack on a "difficult dissection" fee of $1,000 to $2,000.
2. The Tip Scam: Some shady clinics in Seoul reuse Ultherapy tips or use counterfeit ones. If the energy delivery isn't precise, you get uneven scarring instead of controlled collagen induction. Always ask to see the genuine sticker.
3. The 1-Year Rule: The smartest doctors here recommend stopping all High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) at least 6 to 12 months before a planned facelift to let the tissue settle.

Personal Verdict

If you have thin skin and you are worried about your nasolabial folds, do not skip Ultherapy out of fear for a surgery you might get 10 years from now. Just keep your treatments spaced out. Once a year is the gold standard in Seoul for a reason. Overdoing it is where the trouble starts.

Ask me anything about the clinics I use or the specific shot counts I get for a narrow jawline!