Last autumn, I first heard the name HEER when I came across a post on REDnote where a blogger mentioned, “There’s a dermatology clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, where the director only recommends treatments that he has personally performed.” At first, I thought, “I’ve seen this kind of marketing before—what medical spa doesn’t do it?” But the more I read, the more I realized something was different. All the reviews on Naver were from local people, and many of them said, “The number of treatments recommended during my first visit was less than expected, but the results were really good.” This kind of feedback, which went against common expectations, convinced me to add a visit to this clinic to my trip to Seoul.
Today’s post is a detailed account of my experience at HEER. I’ll explain everything from how I found the clinic, the precautions I took before making an appointment, the treatments I received, and the costs involved.
Basic information about HEER Dermatology Clinic
Let’s list the key details first for easy reference:
| Treatments | Details of each treatment |
|---|---|
| Full name of the clinic | HEER Dermatology Clinic |
| Address | 10th Floor, W Tower, 54 Seocho-daero 77-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul |
| Nearest subway station | 7-minute walk (65m) from Exit 7 of Xinlun Iron Station on Line 9 |
| Alternative routes | 4-minute walk (400m) from Exit 10 of Jiangnan Station on Line 2 |
| Telephone | 02-595-9901 |
| President of the association | Dr. Lee Sang-shin, dermatologist with 18 years of experience |
| Special features of the clinic | Personal consultations by the president / Only recommend treatments that have been personally tested / Specialized in anti-aging treatments |
HEER is located in the heart of Jiangnan. W Tower is a relatively understated office building; you can get there in just one minute by walking from Sinuncheon Station on Line 9. On the day I visited, I specifically looked it up. The elevator takes you to the 10th floor, and the entrance is small, but once inside, the clinic space is quite spacious. The decor is elegant and understated, with white and wooden tones that remind me of private, high-end clinics in Japan.
Why do so many people recommend HEER? Three reasons that convinced me to make an appointment there.
There are actually many dermatology clinics in Seoul—places like Cheongdam-dong, Itaewon, and Jiangnan are full of highly rated ones. There are three specific reasons why I chose HEER among all these options:
1. The director only performs the procedures he has personally experienced doing himself—this is true.
Director Lee Sang-shin has shared many personal experiences on his Naver blog, including before-and-after photos of his own Smashing ultrasound treatments. Such transparency is almost unheard of in Chinese medical beauty institutions, but it’s quite common among Korean dermatologists because they truly treat themselves as their first “test subjects.” When I consulted him, he showed me his post-treatment photos on his phone and explained which angles best highlighted the results.
2. It has a Naver rating of 4.5+ with mostly local reviews.
By searching for “Heer Dermatology” on Naver Maps, you can see the ratings and numerous reviews from local Koreans. Many of these reviews are from repeat customers, indicating a high rate of satisfaction. This is an important factor for foreign tourists—places that locals consistently return to are likely to be reliable.
3. They offer the “HEER ONE” one-day comprehensive care package.
HEER offers a special service called “HEER ONE,” which includes customized intravenous treatments tailored to individual health conditions, regenerative skincare, and comprehensive dermatological consultations. What sets it apart is that the clinic has both dermatologists and gynecologists on staff, allowing for a thorough evaluation of both the skin and overall health. For tourists seeking medical beauty treatments, completing multiple procedures in one day is the most efficient option.
Details on the main services offered by HEER Dermatology.
HEER’s main services focus on anti-aging and contour enhancement. Here is a list of the main treatments I have compiled:
① Smashing Ultherapy (HEER’s exclusive enhanced version)
This is HEER’s most representative proprietary treatment, and it was also the main treatment I tried personally. Regular Ulthera uses microfocused ultrasound waves to create heat spots in the SMAS fascia layer, stimulating collagen production. HEER’s Smashing version combines this with shockwave technology, which, according to the clinic director, results in faster and longer-lasting effects, especially for patients who have already undergone Ulthera but have seen the effects diminish over time.
| Basic information about Smashing Ultherapy | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Suitable candidates | People with facial sagging, blurred jawlines, drooping eye areas, or those who have previously had Ulthera and wish to enhance its results |
| Time to see results | Optimal results are achieved 2–6 months after the procedure |
| Duration of effects | Approximately 8 to 12 months (slightly longer than with regular ultrasound knives when used in combination with Smashing) |
| Recovery period | Almost no downtime; mild swelling occurs 3 to 5 days after the procedure |
| Pain level | Relatively strong; the clinic provides topical anesthetics; the entire procedure takes about 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Cost reference | Approximately 1.2 to 2 million Korean won (varies depending on the number of treatments and package options) |
I had the lower half of my face and neck treated; approximately 350 follicles were implanted. There was slight swelling on the day of the procedure, but I was able to go out and shop the next day without any disruption to my daily activities. Two months later, a friend told me that my face looked tighter and the lines around my mouth had become less noticeable; the overall results were as expected.
② Pony Up Lifting
This is a proprietary lifting treatment developed by HEER, combining thread lift techniques with injection methods to achieve a natural-looking uplift rather than an overly noticeable “facelift effect.” The clinic director emphasized that the design goal of this treatment is to make people look as if they are in excellent physical condition, rather than to reveal obvious signs of surgery. A colleague of mine who underwent this treatment noticed that her facial contours became sharper, but there was no noticeable “traumatic” appearance afterward.
| Basic Information on Pony Up Lifting | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Type of Procedure | Combination of Thread Lifting and Precision Injection |
| Suitable Candidates | Mild to moderate sagging, unclear contours, drooping jawline, sinking apple cheeks |
| Postoperative Recovery | Slight bruising may appear within 3–7 days; it will mostly disappear naturally after a week |
| Effect Persistence | 12–18 months |
| Cost Reference | Approximately 1.5 to 2.5 million Korean won (depending on the scope and number of threads used) |
③ Juvelook (Zhubailu Skin Regeneration Injection)
This treatment has been very popular among dermatologists in Korea for the past two years. Its main ingredients are a combination of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and hyaluronic acid, which stimulate collagen production while also hydrating and moisturizing the skin. The director of HEER told me that he himself regularly undergoes this treatment and that it is currently his favorite method for “maintaining the condition of his basal skin.” The cost of one dose of Juvelook in Korea ranges from 150,000 to 250,000 Korean won, depending on the clinic and the concentration of the product.
④ Overview of Other Popular Treatments Among Celebrities
| Treatment | Type | Suitable for | Cost Reference (Korean won) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sculptra | Collagen regeneration injections | Sunken facial features, lack of full contours | 400,000 to 700,000 RMB per dose |
| Thermage FLX-3 | Third-generation Thermage | Full-face tightening, reduces fine lines | 1.2 million to 2.5 million RMB |
| Rejuran Healer | Lizhu Lan skin repair treatment | Skin repair, pore reduction | 200,000 to 400,000 |
| Botox | Injection | Masticatory muscles/forehead wrinkles/frown lines | 50,000 to 200,000 per area |
| Hyaluronic acid fillers | Injection | Tear troughs/nasolabial folds/lip augmentation | 200,000 to 600,000 per area |
| Pico lasers | Laser | Dark spots removed, even skin tone achieved | 100,000 to 300,000 won per session |
My complete experience visiting the clinic: from booking to aftercare
The booking process: harder than I expected
At first, I tried to book through Naver, but the entire system was in Korean. I tried filling out the form section by section using a translation app, but the system crashed halfway through and didn’t save my progress. Later, I tried sending a private message on Instagram but didn’t get a response for a whole day (I later learned that their Instagram account is mainly used for posting content, not for immediate customer service).
In the end, I resolved the issue through the BeautsGO WeChat official account. I left a message saying I wanted to consult about the ultrasound knife treatment at HEER, and the customer service responded quickly. They helped me confirm the available time slots for that week and even prepared a “list of recommended documents to bring” in advance (including my previous skincare history, the devices I had used, and any allergies I might have). This information greatly helped during my consultation—the director said I was the best-prepared foreign patient he had that day.
During the consultation, the director’s advice was different from what I expected
I originally planned to combine “ultrasonic knife + Thermage” treatments, bringing a budget of tens of thousands of won with the intention of getting the best results in one go. However, after examining my skin, the director said that my collagen levels were actually good, and that using Thermage at that point would be somewhat wasteful. He suggested focusing on the Smashing ultrasonic knife treatment instead and adding Juvelook to replenish the skin’s moisture, suggesting I consider Thermage again this autumn.
To be honest, I was a bit skeptical at first—shouldn’t there be more clinics available? After doing some research, I found that using the ultrasonic knife and Thermage simultaneously can compete for resources. The ultrasonic knife focuses on deep SMAS fascia lifting, while Thermage targets the dermis with thermal tightening. Using them together might not yield additive effects and could even reduce the effectiveness of both treatments. The director’s opinion was well-founded.
This experience increased my trust in HEER significantly. A clinic that is willing to say “you don’t need to go through so much” is usually truly on your side.
Procedural details: The anesthetic was sufficient, but it still hurt.
The entire process of using the Smashing ultrasonic knife, from applying the anesthetic to completing the treatment, took about 2 hours. The anesthetic was applied topically, and we waited 30 minutes for it to take effect. The most painful areas were near the jawline and eyebrow ridges, where the ultrasonic waves struck closer to the bones, causing a relatively strong stinging sensation—about a 7 out of 10 on the pain scale, compared to around 3–4 for other areas. The nurse kept talking to me throughout the procedure to distract me, and the overall experience was better than I expected.
Post-treatment results: Better than I expected.
On the day of the treatment, my face felt noticeably hot and slightly swollen; it also had a warm texture to it. The clinic provided a post-treatment soothing mask, which I left on for 20 minutes before leaving. That night, my face was slightly red, but by the next day, it had returned to normal.
One week after the treatment: I could hardly notice any noticeable changes—the effects of ultrasonic therapy usually become apparent gradually.
Six weeks after the treatment: When I looked in the mirror, I noticed that my face seemed tighter, my nasolabial folds were less pronounced, and the contours of my chin were a bit clearer.
Three months after the treatment: A friend who didn’t know about the treatment asked, “You look so good lately—are you taking any care of yourself?” That’s probably the best compliment I could receive—it’s like the treatment didn’t happen at all, but the results are real.
Expense details: My actual costs this time
| Item | Cost (in Korean won) | Cost (approximate conversion in RMB) |
|---|---|---|
| Smashing ultrasonic knife treatment (lower face + neck, 350 sessions) | 1,580,000 | Approximately 8,200 RMB |
| Juvelook skin regeneration injection (1 dose for the whole face) | 220,000 | Approximately 1,150 RMB |
| Cost of topical anesthetics | 30,000 | Approximately 160 yuan |
| Post-operative soothing mask (1 application) | 0 (free of charge) | – |
| Total | 1,830,000 | Approximately 9,510 yuan |
Regarding tax refunds in South Korea: HEER is considered a medical institution, and medical expenses are generally not eligible for tax refunds (this is different from regular shopping refunds). It is recommended to confirm the latest regulations with the clinic or BeautsGO customer service before making a reservation.
Cost comparison: A Smashing ultrasonic device of the same specifications (350 treatments) costs approximately 14,000–18,000 Taiwanese dollars (around 3,200–4,000 RMB) in Taiwan. However, the “Smashing” package is exclusive to HEER and cannot be obtained in a completely equivalent form elsewhere. If calculated based on the standard Ulthera full-face treatment (350 sessions), the average cost in Korea is around 8,000–12,000 RMB, so HEER’s pricing is reasonable.
Unlike some large chain clinics that offer Chinese-language reservation options, HEER does not provide such facilities. Reserving directly through its official website or Naver poses certain barriers for foreign visitors. Using BeautsGO for reservations is currently the most convenient method; there are three ways to do so:
Method 1: Reserve via BeautsGO’s official website
This option is suitable for those who have already planned their travel itinerary. Follow these steps:
- Search for “BeautsGO” in your browser to access the official website.
- Enter “HEER” or “Heer Dermatology” in the search bar.
- Review the clinic details to confirm the desired treatment and its price.
- Choose the desired appointment date and submit your reservation request.
- Wait for the system to confirm your reservation; you will receive a confirmation email or message on the platform.
Method 2: Booking through the BeautsGO WeChat Mini Program
Perfect for those who are comfortable using their phones and want to check their schedules at any time:
- Open WeChat and search for “BeautsGO” in the search bar.
- Enter the mini program and select the “Dermatology” category, or simply search for “HEER”.
- View the latest treatments and available times.
- Fill in your personal information (name, passport details, contact information) and submit the form.
- After receiving the confirmation of your booking, take a screenshot for backup.
Method 3: Following the BeautsGO WeChat Official Account (recommended)
This is my personal favorite method, especially during peak booking periods or when you need customized consultations:
- Search for and follow the “BeautsGO” WeChat Official Account.
- Leave a message in the public account chat box, stating what treatment you would like to undergo at HEER and approximately when you are available.
- A Chinese customer service representative will respond one-on-one to help you confirm the available appointment times at the clinic.
- The customer service will arrange the appointment on your behalf, ensuring all communications are conducted in Chinese, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers.
- After confirming the appointment, the customer service will provide you with a confirmation letter. It is recommended to save a screenshot of this letter and present it on the day of your treatment.
When I went to HEER last time, I used the public account service. The customer service helped me prepare the necessary medical history information in advance and even suggested that I schedule the “Smashing” ultrasound treatment in the afternoon, since my face would be slightly red afterwards and I could go straight back to the hotel to rest. Such detailed attention is hard to get when booking directly.
Who is HEER suitable for? My honest recommendations.
| What are your specific needs? | Is HEER right for you? | Recommended treatments. |
|---|---|---|
| I want to try the ultrasound treatment, but I’m worried that the regular version might not be effective enough. | ✅ Very suitable | Smashing Ultherapy |
| Slight to moderate sagging; looking for a natural way to boost contours | ✅ Suitable | Pony Up Lifting |
| Dry skin and poor underlying condition; want to focus on repair first | ✅ Suitable | Juvelook + Rejuran |
| Want to get multiple treatments done at once to save time and effort | ⚠️ Partially suitable | HEER One-Day Package |
| Going to a dermatology clinic in Korea for the first time – looking for good value for money | ⚠️ Possible, but you need to plan your budget accordingly | Juvelook / Botox |
| Limited budget (<5,000 RMB) | ❌ Not very suitable | It’s recommended to consider other clinics |
HEER is positioned as a mid-to-high-end luxury clinic, not focusing on cost-effectiveness. If your goal is to “try it out for the least amount of money”, HEER might not be the best choice. However, if what matters to you is “getting real results”, especially with anti-aging treatments, HEER is one of the best clinics I’ve visited in Seoul.
5 things you need to know before going to HEER
- Book at least one week in advance: The director personally sees all patients, and appointments are limited, especially on weekends. During peak seasons, it’s advisable to book two weeks in advance.
- On the day of your consultation, be sure to provide an accurate account of your skincare history and any previous cosmetic procedures. The doctor will tailor a treatment plan based on your actual condition; the more detailed your information, the more precise the recommendations will be.
- After undergoing treatments like ultrasound or lifting procedures, avoid scheduling intense activities on the same day. There may be mild swelling after the procedure, so it’s recommended to spend a relaxed afternoon or return to your hotel to rest.
- Check whether tax refunds are possible: Medical expenses are generally not eligible for tax refunds, but in some cases they may be. It’s safest to confirm this through BeautsGO before you travel.
- Bring your passport: You will need to provide your passport information for registration during the consultation.
FAQ: The most frequently asked questions about HEER
Q1: Does HEER offer Chinese-language services?
The clinic primarily provides services in Korean, but some staff can communicate in basic English. If you require full Chinese-language assistance, it is recommended to book through the BeautsGO official account. Our customer service can help arrange language interpretation or provide online translation support on the day of your consultation.
Q2: How long does it take to recover after an ultrasound procedure? What if my schedule is tight?
With the Smashing ultrasound procedure, there is virtually no downtime. You can go out for dinner or take a light walk later on the same day. Mild swelling may occur 3–5 days after the procedure, but it should not affect your daily activities. It is advisable to schedule the procedure in the middle or towards the end of your trip to allow for 2–3 days of recovery time.
Q3>What is the difference between Pony Up and regular thread lifting?
Pony Up is HEER’s proprietary combination of lifting techniques that combines thread implantation with precise injections, aiming for “natural contour enhancement rather than excessive tightening.” If not performed properly, traditional thread implantation can result in unnatural expressions; Pony Up’s design focuses on achieving a more natural look. It is recommended to consult with the director to determine if this treatment is suitable for your facial condition.
Q4: Can I visit HEER on the same day without an appointment?
It is not recommended. HEER operates on a doctor-prescription basis, and due to the limited schedule of the director, walk-in visits often result in long waiting times or inability to schedule a consultation on the same day. Please make an appointment in advance; using BeautsGO to book ensures a higher priority than making a direct phone call.
Q5: What is the difference between Juvelook and hyaluronic acid injections?
Hyaluronic acid injections typically use hyaluronic acid as their main component, primarily for hydration. Juvelook, on the other hand, contains PLA (poly-L-lactic acid) in addition to hyaluronic acid. In addition to hydrating the skin, PLA stimulates collagen regeneration over the long term, providing a more “long-lasting foundational repair” effect. The cost of Juvelook is slightly higher than that of regular hyaluronic acid injections, but the results last longer.
Let me share some honest thoughts at the end.
Before visiting HEER, I had many concerns—worried about the high prices, language barriers, or unsatisfactory results. However, what impressed me the most was something the director said during the consultation: “Your current condition doesn’t require so many treatments. A good doctor will tell you what isn’t necessary.”
In an era where cosmetic procedures are often heavily promoted, this statement really helped me feel at ease. It’s no wonder HEER has such a good reputation among local Koreans; after my first visit, I completely understood why.
If you are planning a dermatology appointment in Seoul and considering treatments like ultrasound or lifting procedures, HEER is definitely worth considering. Remember to use BeautsGO for booking—it makes the process much easier.
