Facial treatments - Renewme seocho (S. Korea)
ultheraphy, freckle reducing lasers and facial scar treatments by Dr. yang
One of my main reasons for visiting S. Korea on an annual (or biannual) basis is the amazing non-invasive facial treatments/procedures at affordable prices. I have two favorite dermatologists and will share the one I frequented during my spring 2022 trip - Dr. Yang at Renewme clinic, Seocho branch.
Renewme has a proprietary treatment for indented facial scars called DNA Scar treatment. This treatment is great at smoothing out scars from cuts which resulted in indented/deep scars. Along with this treatment, I also got Ulteraphy/Ulthera and Pico toning. Below is a list of the treatments at Renewme and some tips.
Location
Renewme Seocho location is easy to get to via public transportation. It’s a 3-minute walk from the Nambu Bus Terminal on line 3 (orange line). The clinic is located on the 2nd floor, accessible by one flight of stairs or elevator.
Dr. Yang
Dr. Yang is a nice and soft-spoken dermatologist who speaks perfect English. He is pretty shy and will only recommend treatments if you ask for them or provide your concerns. He doesn’t upsell nor push product/expensive treatments. He is also the person that you discuss prices with, which is very different from other clinics where you would negotiate pricing with the consultant and not the doctor directly.
Pro-tip: bring cash for bigger discounts!
Treatment - DNA Scar Treatment
This is my holy grail for indented scars. I have a two-inch deep indented scar from a faceplant into the concrete floor a few years ago and the scar treatment has reduced the appearance of the scar by 80% after 6 treatments over the past two years. The scar is very smooth and only a thin reddish line is visible without makeup. The cost is approximately $250usd for 2 sessions of 1x1 inch surface area (cash price). The sessions should be spaced 2 weeks apart so I usually get it immediately on arrival and 1-2 days before departure.
Treatment - Ulteraphy/Ulthera
Ultherapy is a high frequency ultrasound device that helps regenerate collagen and reduce sagging skin that’s priced by number of shots. This treatment is FDA approved and available at most dermatologist and medical spas in the US but cheaper to get in S. Korea. It’s approximately $1100 for 500 shots, enough for mid-face and jaw area. It takes 2-3 months for the full results to be visible and lasts another 6-9 months based on skin condition. Dr. Yang recommends getting this procedure every year (I tried to get it after 6 months and he said no). I’ve noticed improvement in my nasolabial folds and sagging around the jawline. Dr. Yang would usually provide skin botox around the jawline for free (service) if that’s one of your areas of concern. Both Ultherapy and skin botox are painful, even with the numbing cream. Pain level is 7/10 for both but thankfully the procedures only last for 10-15 minutes (Ultherapy) and 3-5 minutes for skin botox.
Treatment - tattoo removal
I got 2 tattoo removal lasers during this trip to help remove my inner wrist tattoo. The cost was approximately $250usd for the 2 sessions on 1x1 square inch area. The sessions should be spaced 6-8 weeks apart but due to the time constraint, I usually get the 2 weeks apart and still notice a difference.
Treatment - pico toning
Pico toning is great for freckles removal and reducing redness. I usually get 2-3 sessions spaced 1 week apart. This is very effective for tapping off freckles, remember to ask Dr. Yang to be aggressive with the laser. The freckles will be much darker for about a week than drop off. Try to avoid the sun and wear sunscreen after the pico toning lasers. These lasers are relatively painless and just feels like shots of mild heat.
