Let me give you the answer right away: It’s worth it. But not everyone is suitable for making a special trip just for this purpose. If you already have plans to travel to Jeju Island, scheduling a HIFU treatment during your trip is a completely reasonable option. The cost is more competitive compared to Seoul, and the equipment and the qualifications of the doctors at Jeju Island’s Beauty Dermatology clinics are no less impressive than those in Gangnam. However, if you don’t have any plans to visit Jeju Island and are only flying there specifically for the HIFU treatment, you need to first calculate the total cost of the flight and accommodation to see if it fits within your budget.
Key highlights of this article
- I have previously undergone HIFU treatments in both Seoul and Jeju Island, and my experience at Beauty Dermatology left a deep impression on me.
- Dean Lee Ki-wook holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from Korea University and also serves as a professor. He is very meticulous during in-person consultations and never rushes.
- We use the genuine American version of the Ultherapy device, not the Korean version or any counterfeit versions.
- The price ranges approximately between 1 million and 1.8 million Korean won (depending on the number of hair grafts), which is significantly cheaper than in Seoul.
- Throughout the entire process, Chinese interpreters will be present to assist you, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers at all.
- The recovery period after the procedure is approximately one week. In the first three days, the face may become slightly swollen, but this does not prevent you from going out as usual.
- Making appointments through BeautsGO is the easiest way – you don’t need to struggle with Korean language at all.
Why choose Dermatology Beauty?
To be honest, I never thought about getting an HIFU treatment on Jeju Island in the first place. When I went to Jeju Island at the end of last year, a friend suggested, “Since you’re already here, why not take the opportunity to get some skin care done?” So they helped me search for Dermatology clinics on Jeju Island through BeautsGO. At that time, I saw that the Beauty Dermatology Clinic (Jeju Island) had very positive reviews, and Dr. Lee Ki-wook’s background really impressed me—he holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from Korea University and also serves as an adjunct professor in the Dermatology department at the same university.
Just think about it – having a professor who teaches Dermatology at a university personally handle your treatment is undoubtedly much more reassuring than going to those standardized clinics in Seoul. During my consultation, Director Lee used a skin testing device to carefully examine my facial condition and discussed with me which areas needed more treatment and which ones could be treated more gently. The entire process took nearly 20 minutes, and he didn’t show any signs of rushing me at all.
Another reason that convinced me to choose this clinic for HIFU treatment was the equipment used. A friend of mine had previously undergone HIFU treatment at a clinic in Seoul, only to discover later that the device used was a Korean-made imitation, and its effectiveness was far inferior to the genuine American-made Ultherapy equipment. Beauty Dermatology uses the authentic American Ultherapy devices, which come with official certification labels. Before the treatment, patients are also required to scan a code for verification – this aspect was particularly important to me.
There is another point that not many people mention: clinics on Jeju Island are not as crowded as those in Seoul. After making an appointment, you generally don’t have to wait in line for too long before being served. I once had an experience in Seoul where there were three people ahead of me, and it took almost an hour before it was my turn – the whole process was really uncomfortable. At Beauty Dermatology, however, since the number of clients is well-controlled, we can start preparing for your treatment as soon as you arrive, so the entire process goes much more smoothly.
Reservation process for Beauty Dermatology at Jeju Island
In this section, I will share my actual experience. At first, I thought about making a phone call to schedule an appointment, but my Korean language skills were limited, so communicating over the phone was quite difficult. Later on, I tried using BeautsGO, and the entire process went much more smoothly. Here are the steps:
- Open BeautsGO: You can use either the app or the WeChat mini-program. I prefer using the app as its interface is clearer. Registration requires only a mobile phone number; there is no need for a South Korea phone number.
- When searching for “Beauty Dermatology,” make sure to choose the clinic located on Jeju Island, as there may be several clinics with similar names on BeautsGO.
- Select the treatment and time: Choose “HIFU Ultherapy” and then pick the date. It is recommended to make an appointment at least one week in advance; if you would like to see Dr. Li Qixu, it is best to book two weeks in advance.
- Fill in the basic information: name, passport number, and contact details. If you have any special requirements, please mention them in the remarks section.
- Waiting for confirmation: You will usually receive a confirmation notice within 1 to 2 hours, which will include the address details and directions on how to get to the clinic.
There’s one thing I particularly want to remind you of: if you plan to visit during the peak seasons (summer vacation from July to August, winter vacation from January to February), you really need to book your place in advance. My friend tried to book a Saturday morning slot in August but found all the available times were already booked a week in advance; in the end, they had to reschedule for a weekday noon time.
The clinic is located on the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th floors of the 5-person building at Gongzi Road, Jeju City. It is only about 15 minutes by taxi from Jeju Airport, so the location is very convenient. The business hours are from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm from Monday to Friday (with a lunch break from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm), and from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays.
Reference prices for HIFU devices
The price of HIFU varies depending on the number of treatments and the region. I had a full-face treatment plus treatment for the jawline at Beauty Dermatology; in total, about 500 sessions were performed, and the cost was around 1.5 million Korean won (equivalent to approximately NT$35,000, subject to exchange rate fluctuations for reference only).
Here is a reference range for you: The cost of HIFU treatments at Beauty Dermatology generally ranges from 1 million to 1.8 million South Korean won, depending on the areas to be treated and the number of sessions required. This price is considered moderate in South Korea. However, in Gangnam, Seoul, the same genuine Ultherapy treatment with the same number of sessions would usually cost at least 2 million South Korean won. Therefore, if you happen to be visiting Jeju Island during your trip, you can save a considerable amount just by opting for HIFU treatments there.
In addition to HIFU, the prices of other popular treatments offered by their clinic are also listed for your reference:
| Project | Reference price (Korean won) |
|---|---|
| American version of the HIFU device | Starting from 1 million to 1.8 million |
| Thermage FLX Thermage | Starting from around 1.75 million |
| Rejuran glow injection | Around 150,000 to 300,000 |
| Filler injection | Approximately 400,000 to 800,000 units per bottle |
| Basic skin care | Around 45,000 units |
The prices are only paid upon arrival at the clinic; there is no need to make a payment in advance on BeautsGO. During the consultation, the doctor will provide you with a detailed quote, and treatment will only begin after you have confirmed that there are no issues with it. I find this approach to be very transparent and fair.
The entire process on the day of treatment
This is the part I really want to share in detail with everyone, because anyone undergoing HIFU for the first time will definitely feel nervous. I made an appointment at 10 a.m. that day and arrived at the clinic 15 minutes early. A Chinese translator was waiting for me at the reception; I filled out a short questionnaire about my skin condition first, and then they took me for a skin examination.
Step 1: Skin assessment. Using the Visia skin analysis device, photos are taken from various angles of the entire face. The device will clearly display the condition of the skin’s underlying layers – which areas have experienced significant loss of Collagen and where potential pigmentation issues exist. The translator will explain each of these results to you in detail.
Step 2: In-person consultation with a doctor. After reviewing my test results, Director Li Qixu examined the degree of skin laxity on my face and discussed the treatment plan with me. He suggested that I focus on the lower jawline and the area beneath the Apple Zone, as these were the areas where the laxity was more noticeable. The entire consultation took approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Director Li explained everything in detail and did not try to promote any additional treatments.
Step 3: Applying the anesthetic. After the treatment plan was finalized, the nurse applied an anesthetic cream to my face, and I waited for about 30 minutes. During this time, you were free to use your phone, as the clinic provided free Wi-Fi.
Step 4: Begin the treatment. After the director entered the room, he first disinfected the entire face with alcohol and then marked it with grid lines on the skin – this is a crucial step to ensure even distribution of the treatment spots; the markings were not made haphazardly. At the start of the treatment, when the HIFU probe came into contact with the skin, there was a feeling of deep warmth. When it was applied near the jawline, there was a slight stinging sensation, but it was completely within an acceptable range. It was much more comfortable than I had expected. I had heard before that HIFU treatment was very painful, but in reality, the discomfort was roughly on the scale of 3 to 4 out of 10.
The entire treatment process took about 40 minutes. After the procedure, my face turned a bit red, but there were no visible wounds. The nurse applied a soothing mask to my face; it was cool and very comfortable, and after applying it, the redness subsided significantly.
Postoperative recovery journal
I keep track of my daily recovery progress to provide everyone with an accurate reference.
On the same day (after the treatment): My face was slightly red, similar to the feeling after exercising, but there was no swelling. The skin felt a bit tight to the touch. In the evening, I washed my face as usual and applied moisturizer, avoiding any irritating products.
Days 1–2: My face began to swell slightly, especially on both sides of the chin and in the area of the Apple Zone. It didn’t hurt, but my face felt tight. I went out for meals and shopping as usual, and wearing a mask made it completely invisible. During this period, it was important to drink plenty of water to help promote metabolism in the body.
On days 3 to 4, the swelling began to subside, and the contours of the jawline gradually became more distinct. When I touched my face, I felt that the underlying layer of my skin had become “thicker” – this must be a sign that Collagen production had started.
Day 7: I have basically returned to normal. The contours of my face now look firmer than before, especially the line of my jaw from the side—the once-blurred curve is now much more distinct. A colleague asked me if I had lost weight; actually, it’s just that my face has become tighter.
Day 30: The effects begin to reach their optimal state. The principle behind HIFU is to stimulate the production of new Collagen in the body; therefore, the results do not appear immediately after the treatment but gradually become more noticeable over time. A month later, when I took comparison photos, I noticed the most significant improvements in the appearance of my Forehead and Nasolabial Fold Correction areas.
Regarding postoperative care, the clinic will provide you with a set of postoperative care products (including a soothing repair cream and sunscreen), and also remind you:
- Do not use any acidic or whitening products within a week.
- It is essential to take proper sun protection measures (the ultraviolet radiation along the beaches of Jeju Island is particularly intense, so this is especially important).
- Drink more water and less alcohol.
- Avoid facial massages or exfoliation.
Who is suitable for undergoing HIFU?
Based on what Director Li explained to me during the in-person consultation, as well as my own experience after undergoing the treatment, the following types of people are most suitable for considering HIFU:
- For those who are experiencing mild to moderate facial relaxation, especially those with blurred jawlines, sagging Apple Zone, or more pronounced Nasolabial Fold Correction, the HIFU can reach the SMAS fascia layer – exactly the same layer that is targeted during facelift surgeries. Therefore, it can effectively address these signs of relaxation.
- Ages 25 to 45: During this period, Collagen begins to decline, but the skin still possesses considerable self-repair capabilities, making this the ideal age range for collagen injections to achieve the best results. People who are too young generally do not need collagen injections (since their bodies still have sufficient amounts), while those who are older may need to consider more aggressive anti-aging treatments such as facelifts.
- For those who don’t want to undergo surgery but still desire noticeable lifting effects: HIFU is a non-invasive treatment with no scars or recovery period required; you can go shopping right after the procedure.
- Those who have already undergone Thermage treatment but feel that the results are not satisfactory: HIFU and Thermage act on different layers of the skin. Thermage targets the dermis, while HIFU can penetrate deeper into the fascia layer. The two treatments complement each other.
Not suitable for: Pregnant women, individuals with metal implants on the face (such as steel pins), people suffering from autoimmune diseases, or those with severe acne or infections on their faces. In all these cases, it is essential to consult a doctor before making a decision.
Is it really worth flying all the way to Jeju Island just for this?
Returning to the question at the beginning of this article: Is it really worth flying all the way to Jeju Island just for a HIFU treatment? My opinion depends on two circumstances:
If you already have plans to travel to Jeju Island, then it’s definitely worth it. Incorporating a HIFU treatment into your itinerary will not affect your travel experience at all—you can go out and enjoy yourself just the next day after the treatment. Moreover, the cost is more affordable than in Seoul, and Director Lee Ki-wook is highly professional. Currently, Jeju Island still offers visa-free access for Chinese tourists, making round-trip travel very convenient.
If you don’t have any plans to visit Jeju Island and are simply taking a trip just to undergo the HIFU treatment, you need to do some calculations first. The round-trip airfare and accommodation costs approximately 5,000 to 8,000 Taiwan dollars (this amount may be lower during off-season), and the cost of the HIFU treatment itself is around 1.5 million Korean won. If the same treatment in Seoul costs at least 2 million Korean won, the difference is about 500,000 Korean won (approximately 1,200 Taiwan dollars). However, when you include the costs of airfare and accommodation, it may not necessarily be more economical to go to Seoul. Unless you happen to want to take the opportunity to visit Jeju Island as well, that would be another story entirely.
In short, the quality of Beauty Dermatology is entirely trustworthy – genuine equipment, doctors with professorial qualifications, Chinese-language services, and transparent pricing. Whether it’s worth making a special trip depends entirely on your personal schedule and budget. If you happen to be planning a trip to Jeju Island, experiencing HIFU treatment during your stay is definitely not something you will regret.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to make an appointment for Dermatology treatment through BeautsGO
If, after reading this article, you also want to experience HIFU treatment at Jeju Island Beauty Dermatology, the simplest way is to make an appointment through BeautsGO. The entire process is conducted in Chinese, there are no additional fees, and a Chinese translator will be available to assist you upon arrival. Here are three ways to make an appointment:
- BeautsGO App: Search for “BeautsGO” or “Mutual Beauty” in the App Store or Google Play to download the app. After registration, simply search for “Dermatology Beauty” to make an appointment.
- WeChat Mini Program: Simply search for the “BeautsGO” mini program on WeChat, and you can make reservations without having to download any app.
- BeautsGO official website: Visit i.beautsgo.com, locate Jeju Island Beauty Dermatology in the list of hospitals, and click “Book now”.
When making an appointment, please be sure to clearly indicate in the remarks section that you would like to undergo the “HIFU Ultherapy” treatment and which doctor you prefer (Dr. Lee Ki-wook is highly recommended). The customer service team will help you arrange a priority appointment for you. Appointments are free of charge, and you only need to pay upon arrival at the clinic, so there is no need to worry about any hidden fees.
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Disclaimer
This article is based on my personal experiences and is provided for reference only. The results of cosmetic procedures can vary from person to person, and the actual costs should be determined according to the quotes provided by the medical institution. It is recommended that you consult with a professional doctor in detail before undergoing any cosmetic treatment to understand your skin type and determine the most suitable treatment plan for you.
