My first visit to Sia Siya Dermatology in Korea was because the lines on my face were becoming increasingly deep, and my jawline no longer looked sharp. Friends kept telling me, “You haven’t aged much, but your complexion and facial structure seem looser.” This comment prompted me to seriously research the Thermage treatment, and Sia Siya was the starting point of that journey.
Why choose Sia Siya for Thermage? Let me start by sharing my reasons.
The competition among dermatology clinics in Jiangnan District is extremely fierce; you can find three or four clinics on any given street. However, there were several reasons that made Sia Siya stand out for me—
Firstly, this clinic was formerly known as Muse Clinic, which was a well-established dermatology practice in the Xiayuting area of Jiangnan. Three key doctors led the entire medical team to relocate and re-open under the name “Sia Siya” in December 2025. The name “Siya” comes from the Korean phrase “아름다움의 시작,” meaning “the beginning of beauty”—just this name reflects their dedication to excellence.
Secondly, I had read almost all the online reviews about Thermage treatments in Jiangnan, and the evaluations for Sia Siya consistently highlighted key points such as “skilled doctors, high-density treatment, and noticeable post-treatment results,” which convinced me to put it at the top of my list of options.
The three directors of Sia Siya: What gives them the confidence to perform these procedures themselves?
I felt very reassured about the medical team at Sia Siya—each director has a clear role, and they are all specialized dermatologists:
- Director Lee Wooyeol is the leading director of the clinic. Formerly the leading director at Muse Clinic, he has frequently been invited as a guest on beauty programs such as KBS Joy’s “Beauty Check-in” and is known in the industry as “the leading director of the Xiayuting area.” He specializes in thread lift and contour injections and has particular expertise in combining Thermage with titanium lift treatments.
- President Kim Sungmin —— Chief physician specializing in injectable aesthetics (hyaluronic acid fillers, precise botulinum toxin injections) and laser treatments, with over ten years of experience in the field.
- President Park Sangwon —— Has appeared on a popular KBS2 variety show, increasing his visibility; specializes in whole-body radiofrequency treatments (Inmode/Onda) and anti-aging regimens.
The clinic emphasizes that the Thermage treatment is always performed by the president himself, rather than by nurses. This is actually a plus in the Jiangnan area, as many other clinics often assign non-medical staff to perform these popular procedures.
What exactly does Thermage FLX do? Understand the mechanism before trying it out.
Before sharing my personal experience, I would like to explain how Thermage works, because I had no idea before undergoing the treatment. It was only after discussing it with the doctor that I understood everything.
Thermage FLX is currently the fourth-generation (some markets refer to it as the fifth generation) monopolar radiofrequency tightening device, developed by the American company Solta Medical. Genuine devices must be certified by Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare or South Korea’s MFDS. The core principle of this technology is as follows:
- Immediate collagen contraction —— The radiofrequency energy penetrates deep into the dermis (about 4 mm). At the moment of treatment, the high heat causes collagen fibers to contract, immediately providing a noticeable tightening effect on the skin.
- Long-term collagen regeneration —— The thermal damage stimulates fibroblast cells, which continue to produce new collagen for 2 to 6 months after the procedure. The effects peak after six months and can last for 1 to 2 years.
- AccuREP™ technology —— The FLX version includes vibration feedback, which reduces the pain during treatment by approximately 25% compared to the previous model. It also improves the density and uniformity of the radiofrequency pulses.
Sia Chi Ya Clinic is equipped with two genuine Thermage FLX devices, allowing us to serve multiple customers simultaneously and reducing waiting times significantly.
My complete experience with Thermage at Sia Chi Ya
After making the appointment, I arrived at the clinic right at 10:30 in the morning to avoid the crowds in the afternoon.
Step 1: Mark-Vu skin analysis
As soon as I entered the clinic, the receptionist guided me through the Mark-Vu eight-dimensional skin scan. This device analyzes your freckles, pores, collagen density, and oil balance from eight different angles, then generates a personalized skin report. My report showed that my nasolabial folds were 2.3 out of 5 in depth, my jawline scored 2.8, and my overall collagen density was low, placing me in the category of “early aging + mild sagging,” which makes me a suitable candidate for Thermage treatment.
Step 2: Personal consultation with Dr. Lee Woo-ryeol
After receiving the report, Dr. Lee personally examined my skin. He reviewed my report and gently pressed my cheekbones, cheeks, and jawline to assess the extent of the sagging. His recommendation was:
“You are currently in the early to moderate stage of aging. I suggest a full-face Thermage FLX treatment with 600 sessions, focusing especially on the jawline and the apple muscle areas of your cheeks. If your budget allows, adding a 40kJ titanium lift would provide even more immediate results. These two treatments complement each other—Thermage targets the underlying collagen, while the titanium lift provides superficial fascial tightening.”
For this session, I decided to start with just the full-face Thermage FLX treatment to see the initial results before deciding whether to add the additional options.
Step 3: Applying numbing cream to the face for 40 minutes
After confirming the treatment plan, the nurse applied a thick layer of anesthetic cream and instructed me to wait in a private room for 40 minutes. The room was spacious, equipped with a comfortable treatment chair and a blanket, and staff occasionally checked on my comfort. Such attention to detail reflected the clinic’s commitment to providing a great customer experience.
Step 4: The actual application of Thermage
After cleaning my face, Director Li personally performed the treatment. A total of 600 sessions were applied across my face, starting from the forehead and progressing in order to the cheekbones, cheeks, jawline, and neck, taking approximately 50 to 60 minutes.
My experience during the treatment: There was a cycle of “brief stinging sensations followed by rapid relief.” Each session was quick, and the vibration feedback from FLX made the pain much less intense than I expected. The most sensitive areas were near the cheekbone arch and the jawline; I couldn’t help but frown during a few sessions, but it wasn’t really unbearable.
Step 5: Post-treatment ice application + care mask
Immediately after the treatment, a cooling mask was applied to reduce the temperature. My skin turned slightly red, but the clinic explained that this was a normal reaction and would subside within 4 to 6 hours. The nurse also provided me with a post-treatment care guide in Chinese, which included instructions such as avoiding steaming or massaging my face for 48 hours, staying away from hot environments like saunas or baths for 7 days, and increasing my sun protection and moisturization routine.
Real changes one month after the treatment
On the first day after the treatment, my face was indeed slightly redder and tighter than usual, but with sunscreen on, it was completely invisible that I had undergone any treatment.
The truly noticeable changes occurred between the 3rd and 4th weeks after the treatment:
- The lower jaw line is visibly tighter, and the difference is clear when comparing side-facing photos.
- The position of the apple cheeks seems to have shifted upward slightly, and the cheeks no longer look so “sunken.”
- The depth of the nasolabial folds hasn’t completely disappeared, but they have indeed become a bit shallower.
- The overall texture of the skin has become firmer, and the pores seem to have narrowed.
Friends around me have asked, “Have you lost weight recently?” This shows that the results are real—not just a puffy or swollen appearance, but actual improvements in the contours of my face.
“In the fourth week after the Thermage treatment, a colleague asked if I had changed my foundation or gotten some minor cosmetic procedures. I just said it was because I was taking good care of my skin. Really, Dr. Lee’s technique is outstanding; the 600 hairs used for the trea
tment were evenly distributed.”
—Reader Yuna, 28 years old, with nasolabial folds and loose lower jaw
“My skin started to deteriorate after I turned 35. I compared several clinics before choosing Sia because Dr. Lee would clearly tell me which areas needed more treatment and which didn’t, instead of just pushing me into a set package.”
—Reader Lena, 35 years old, seeking full-face anti-aging treatments
“It was my first time getting Thermage treatment, and I wasn’t expecting to be communicated with entirely in Chinese. The nurse spoke fluent Chinese, ensuring clear communication before and after the procedure. She was very friendly to someone going to Korea for treatment
for the first time.”
—Reader Mimi, 31 years old, experiencing Korean beauty treatments for the first time
Sia Chi Ya Thermage 2026 price reference
The following prices are based on the latest information available in March 2026 and do not include the 10% additional tax in South Korea. It is recommended to confirm these prices again before making a reservation:
| Item | Content | Cost (Korean Won) |
|---|---|---|
| 600 treatments of Thermage FLX for the whole face (US version) | Monopolar radiofrequency technology to promote collagen regeneration | Starting from approximately ₩1,200,000 |
| Thermage + Titanium lifting package | 600 treatments of Thermage FLX + 40kJ titanium lifting + 1 area of Korean-produced botulinum toxin | ₩1,990,000 |
| Four-in-one anti-aging premium package | 600 sessions of ultrasonic knife + 600 sessions of Thermage + 60kJ of titanium lifting + 40kJ of ONDA | ₩3,600,000 |
| Gold Micro Needle Package | Gold Micro Needles + Juvelook 2cc + Hyaluronic Acid 2.5cc | Subject to consultation |
💡 Exchange rate reference: ⩾₩1,000,000 is approximately equivalent to 5,200 RMB (exchange rate as of April 2026, for reference only)
To make a reservation with Sia Chi Ya through BeautsGO, I have compiled three methods
When going to Korea for treatment for the first time, what often causes the most trouble is not choosing a clinic, but rather language barriers and the reservation process. I made my reservation through the BeautsGO platform, and the whole process went much smoother than I expected. BeautsGO is currently one of the most well-known Korean beauty treatment reservation platforms among the Chinese community. Sia Chi Ya (Hospital ID: 1026) is fully listed on the platform, and it supports communication in Chinese and provides transparent pricing.
Here are three ways to make a reservation using BeautsGO for your reference:
📱 Method 1: BeautsGO APP (iOS / Android)
Search for “BeautsGO” in the App Store or Google Play to download and install it. You can also directly search for “Sia Shi Ya Dermatology” to view detailed information about the services, doctor profiles, and available appointment times. After submitting your reservation online, the platform’s customer service will assist you in confirming the time and sending you a confirmation letter. The advantage is that you can check the status of your reservation anytime, anywhere, and you can also leave reviews on the APP after the treatment.
💬 Method 2: WeChat Mini Program
Enter “BeautsGO” in the search bar on the WeChat home page and open the official mini program to make an appointment. This option is suitable for users who are familiar with using WeChat. The interface is simple, and Chinese-speaking customer service is available for immediate assistance. It is especially convenient for those visiting Korea for the first time and unsure which treatment to choose—you can first discuss your options with the customer service and get recommendations based on your skin type before making a decision.
🌐 Method 3: BeautsGO Official Website Version
Visit the BeautsGO official website (i.beautsgo.com) and search for “Sia Shi Ya Dermatology”. The website version is ideal for comparing multiple clinics on your computer, as well as reviewing service details, the director’s qualifications, and user reviews before placing an appointment.
Several advantages of booking through BeautsGO:
- ✅ Full Chinese-language communication, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers
- ✅ Platform customer service helps you confirm all the details (items to bring, schedule, special offers)
- ✅ Transparent pricing, so you won’t be surprised by excessive charges at the clinic
- ✅ Supports multiple payment methods, including WeChat Pay and Alipay
Practical information about Sia Chi Ya Clinic
| Projects | Contents |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address | 4th and 5th floors, Jungang Plaza江南, 488 Jiangnan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul |
| 🚇 Transportation | About 7 minutes walk from Exit 11 of Gangnam Station on Line 2; about 10 minutes walk from Exit 8 of Sinsa Station on Line 9 |
| ⏰ Business hours | Monday to Friday: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM |
| ⏰ Open on weekends | Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 10:30–18:30 |
| ☎ Phone number | 02-512-7117 |
| 🌐 Language services available | Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, English |
| 🏢 Facility details | Total area: 224 pyeong; includes 21 private rooms, 7 treatment rooms, and 2 VIP rooms |
FAQs
Q1: Can I fly home immediately after a Thermage treatment?
It’s possible, but it’s recommended not to fly on the same day; take at least one night to rest. The skin may turn slightly red within 4 to 6 hours after the procedure, and it will be more comfortable to travel once the redness subsides the next day. If your schedule is very tight, you can wear a mask and apply sunscreen after the procedure, and no one will notice anything unusual.
Q2: For my first time, should I choose 300 sessions or 600 sessions?
Most doctors recommend that people having this treatment for the first time choose at least 600 sessions to cover the entire face and ensure enough targeted areas are treated. 300 sessions are usually used for specific areas such as the eyes and neck, rather than for a full-face treatment.
Q3: Can people with sensitive skin or rosacea undergo Thermage treatment?
For those with sensitive skin, it’s important to discuss the details with the clinic director before the procedure. Some cases of mild sensitivity may be suitable after evaluation, but the energy level will be adjusted accordingly. For those with rosacea, it’s best to wait until the condition is stable before considering Thermage treatment. Sia Chi Ya’s Mark-Vu testing can help assess the skin’s tolerance, which is quite reassuring.
Q4: How long does the effect last? Do I need to have it done every year?
According to research, the effects of Thermage FLX usually peak 2 to 6 months after the procedure and can last for 1 to 2 years. Most people choose to have the treatment every 12 to 18 months to maintain the results, rather than annually. The older a person is or the more sagging their skin is, the shorter the interval between treatments may be.
Q5: If I book through BeautsGO for Sia Chi Ya’s Thermage treatment, how much in advance should I make the reservation?
Since the Thermage treatment is performed by the clinic director personally, the number of available slots is limited each day. It is recommended to submit a reservation request through BeautsGO 2 to 3 weeks before your trip. After confirming the available time slot, you can then book your flight to avoid any scheduling conflicts. During peak travel seasons (such as around the Spring Festival or during the Golden Week), it’s better to book even earlier.
In summary, if you are interested in having Thermage treatment at Jiangnan Dermatology, Sia Chi Ya is definitely worth considering. The three clinic directors have solid backgrounds, the facility is well-equipped with two genuine FLX machines, the Mark-Vu testing before the procedure provides a reliable basis for the treatment, and the Chinese-speaking staff offer excellent service. For those going to Korea for medical beauty treatments for the first time, the assistance provided by BeautsGO with reservations and communication makes the whole process much less complicated than it might seem.
If you have any questions regarding medical beauty treatments in Korea, feel free to leave a message below and I will try my best to respond!
