Curious about Korean skin treatments? We break down the most popular procedures at Korean dermatology clinics — what they do, how much they cost, how long they take, and what results to expect.
Korean skincare doesn’t stop at 10-step routines and sheet masks. The real secret is what happens inside Korean dermatology clinics — professional-grade treatments that go way beyond what products can do. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the most popular ones.
Pico Laser
What it does: Breaks down pigmentation (sun spots, melasma, acne marks) and stimulates collagen production using ultra-short laser pulses measured in picoseconds.
What to expect: Feels like tiny rubber bands snapping against your skin. Takes about 15-20 minutes for a full face. Mild redness for a few hours, no real downtime. You can wear makeup the next day.
Best for: Pigmentation, dull skin, acne scars, overall skin tone improvement.
Cost at SIA Clinic: From KRW 99,000 (~USD 72)
HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)
What it does: Delivers focused ultrasound energy deep into the skin to tighten and lift without surgery. Targets the SMAS layer — the same layer surgeons work on during a facelift.
What to expect: Some discomfort during the procedure (feels like brief, sharp pricks). Takes 30-60 minutes depending on the area. Results develop gradually over 2-3 months as collagen rebuilds.
Best for: Sagging jawline, double chin, loose skin on cheeks and neck.
Cost at SIA Clinic: From KRW 330,000 (~USD 240)
Botox
What it does: Relaxes muscles to reduce wrinkles or slim down the jawline (masseter reduction). In Korea, Botox is also widely used for trapezius slimming (creating a longer neck/shoulder line).
What to expect: Quick injections, 5-10 minutes total. Slight pinching sensation. Results show within 1-2 weeks and last 3-6 months.
Best for: Jaw slimming, forehead lines, crow’s feet, trapezius reduction, excessive sweating.
Cost at SIA Clinic: From KRW 19,000 (~USD 14) for jaw Botox
Dermal Fillers
What it does: Hyaluronic acid gel is injected to add volume, contour, or smooth out wrinkles. Common areas include lips, nose bridge, chin, under-eyes, and nasolabial folds.
What to expect: Numbing cream applied first, then injections. Takes 15-30 minutes. Some swelling for 1-3 days. Results are immediate and last 6-18 months depending on the product and area.
Best for: Adding volume to lips or chin, smoothing nasolabial folds, under-eye hollows, nose contouring without surgery.
Cost at SIA Clinic: From KRW 79,000 (~USD 57) per area
Rejuran Healer (Salmon DNA)
What it does: A uniquely Korean treatment that injects polynucleotide (PN) derived from salmon DNA into the skin. It repairs damaged skin from the inside, improves texture, reduces pore size, and boosts hydration.
What to expect: Multiple micro-injections across the face. Small bumps visible for 1-2 days. Skin starts looking better after about a week. Best results after 3-4 sessions.
Best for: Overall skin quality improvement, large pores, fine lines, dull or dehydrated skin.
Cost at SIA Clinic: From KRW 99,000 (~USD 72)
Skin Booster (Juvelook / Skinbooster)
What it does: Delivers hydration and collagen-stimulating ingredients directly into the skin through micro-injections or a special gun device. Think of it as a supercharged version of a hydrating facial.
What to expect: Minimal discomfort with numbing. Slight redness for a few hours. Skin feels plumper and more hydrated immediately, with continued improvement over weeks.
Best for: Dry skin, loss of glow, first-time clinic visitors who want visible but subtle improvement.
Fractional Laser (for Acne Scars)
What it does: Creates microscopic columns of damage in the skin to trigger the body’s healing response. As new skin forms, acne scars, enlarged pores, and uneven texture improve.
What to expect: More intense than Pico laser. Redness and mild peeling for 3-7 days. Multiple sessions needed for deep acne scars, usually 3-5 sessions spaced a month apart.
Best for: Ice pick scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars, enlarged pores, overall skin resurfacing.
How to Choose the Right Treatment
Not sure which treatment is right for you? Here’s a simple guide:
– Dark spots or uneven skin tone → Pico Laser
– Sagging or loose skin → HIFU
– Wide jaw or wrinkles → Botox
– Want more volume (lips, chin, nose) → Fillers
– Dull, tired-looking skin → Rejuran or Skin Booster
– Acne scars → Fractional Laser + Pico Laser combo
The best approach is to consult with the doctor directly. At SIA Clinic, the director will assess your skin and recommend a personalized treatment plan — no pressure to commit on the spot.
Book a Consultation
SIA Clinic is located in Gangnam, Seoul, a 2-minute walk from Gangnam Station. Message us on Instagram @siaclinictw or LINE to book your appointment.
Q1: Which Korean skin treatment has the least downtime?
Botox and skin boosters have virtually zero downtime — you can go about your day immediately after. Pico laser has a few hours of redness at most. HIFU and fillers may cause mild swelling for 1-3 days.
Q2: Can I get multiple treatments done in one visit?
Yes, combining treatments is very common in Korean clinics. Botox + Pico laser, or fillers + skin booster are popular combinations. The doctor will advise what’s safe to do together based on your skin.
Q3: How do Korean skin treatments compare to Western ones?
The treatments themselves are similar, but Korean clinics tend to use newer-generation devices, offer more customized protocols for Asian skin types, and charge significantly less. Korea also has unique treatments like Rejuran that aren’t widely available elsewhere.
Q4: Are the results permanent?
It depends on the treatment. Botox lasts 3-6 months, fillers last 6-18 months, and laser results can last years with proper skincare and sun protection. Most patients return for maintenance treatments periodically.
Q5: Is there an age requirement?
Most treatments are suitable for adults 18 and older. There’s no upper age limit. The doctor will assess whether a treatment is appropriate based on your individual skin condition and health history.
