I originally planned to just get a hydrating treatment during my trip to Seoul, but a friend from South Korea took me to a small yet highly regarded Dermatology clinic in Gangnam—MeLAB Clinic. The clinic’s director, Ho Sang-wook, developed his own “Lab Enhancement Needle” treatment, which combines equipment therapy with injections. After my consultation, I realized this wasn’t one of those mass-produced, influencer-driven clinics; instead, it offers a more personalized approach with direct care from the director himself. In this article, I’ve compiled the latest prices and booking details as of 2026, along with five key points I observed, to help those who are researching treatment options.

If you’d like to visit Melab for a in-person consultation as wel
l, BeautsGO allows you to book appointments directly with Director Ho Sang-wook. All the information regarding address, prices, and available treatments is provided in Chinese, so you don’t need to translate from the Korean website yourself.

When going to South Korea for cosmetic procedures, there are two things to worry about the most: first, not having the procedure performed by the director in person, and second, being pressured into choosing a package that isn’t right for you. My first impression of Melab was that it’s “small,” and my second impression was that it’s “meticulous.”

The clinic is located on the 3rd floor of Building 24, 157 Seonnyeong-ro, Gangnam-gu. The Lookee building is right below it, making it easy to get there from either Apgujeong Rodeo Station or Gangnam-gu Office Station. Upon entering, you’ll first undergo a VISIA skin analysis. Dr. Ho Sang-wook will then recommend a treatment plan based on the results, rather than asking right away, “What treatment do you want?”

What makes him most famous is his proprietary “Lab Enhancement Injection” – a treatment that, after using an Ulthrea or Thermage, involves precisely injecting PDRN (salmon extract) along with hyaluronic acid into the fascial layer, supposedly to strengthen the collagen support provided by the devices during lifting. While this combination of device therapy and injection isn’t unheard of in Gangnam, Melab has made it its core treatment approach.

The information below is compiled from the clinic’s announcements and the BeautsGO platform. The actual prices are subject to an in-person consultation at the clinic and any current promotions.

Booking: Melab operates on a 100% reservation-only system, so it’s recommended to book at least 3–5 days in advance. You can make reservations directly through BeautsGO, and you can also specify a request for Chinese translation. The reservation fee is ₩20,000, which will be deducted if you undergo any treatment on the same day; otherwise, it will be charged as a consultation fee.

Upon arrival: The 3rd floor isn’t very spacious, but the waiting area, consultation room, and treatment room are clearly separated. After confirming your appointment at the front desk, a Chinese-speaking director will come to assist you and take you for a VISIA skin analysis first.

In-person consultation: Dr. Kawai Asahi will personally review the test results and examine the signs of facial sagging and hollowing. He asks detailed questions—about daily routines, skincare routine, and any procedures previously undergone—before recommending a treatment plan. Since my main issue was early signs of aging-related sagging, he suggested a combination of “Ulthrea One Day” and “Lab enhancement injections”.

Treatment: After the HIFU procedure, the clinic director will administer targeted injections of reinforcing agents into the fascial layer. Anesthetic ointment is used first during the process, so the pain is lower than I expected, though there is still a sense of soreness around the ligaments when the injections are given.

Focus Point 1｜“Melab booster injections” aren’t a panacea – the key lies in combining them with specific devices. Many people t
hink these boosters are just regular hyaluronic acid treatments, but at Melab, they’re used in conjunction with the Ulthrea or Thermage devices. The process involves using the devices to stimulate collagen production, followed by the application of PDRN and hyaluronic acid to strengthen the fascia layer. If your goal is simply to hydrate your skin, this combination might not be suitable for you.

Focus Point 2｜Personal consultation and treatment by the director, but appointments are in hi
gh demand. Director Kawai Akihiko handles everything from the initial consultation to the actual procedure himself, rather than delegating it to nurses. As a result, appointments on Thursdays with extended hours and on Saturday mornings are particularly popular—it’s recommended to book them 1–2 weeks in advance.

Focus Point 3｜Closed on Sundays and public holidays. Open on Thursday
s in the evening. Hours of operation: Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday 10:30–19:00, Thursday 10:30–20:30, Saturday 10:30–15:00. Closed on Sundays and public holidays. Make sure to avoid scheduling appointments on Sundays, and Thursday evenings are ideal for those who have meetings during the day.

Focus Point 4｜VISIA scanning is included as standard in all treatments. The plan is customized based on the scan results r
ather than immediately recommending Thermage treatment. The doctor will first examine the data related to Pores, capillaries, wrinkles, and pigmentation before deciding which layers need treatment. This approach is particularly beneficial for those who are prone to allergies or unsure about what treatment would be best for them.

Focus Point 5｜Transparent Pricing with Changing Promotional Rate
s Prices are clearly displayed both in the clinic and on BeautsGO, with the same rate for both South Korea locals and foreigners. However, promotional packages (such as the Thermage + Juvelook combo) may change depending on the month, so it’s recommended to check the current price before you go.

Suitable for those who want a consultation with the chief physician, are open to combined treatments, and wish to achieve longer-lasting results after surgery. If you’ve already undergone Thermage or HIFU treatment and want to extend its effects further, considering this approach with injections might be a good option.

Not suitable for those who only want basic routine care, have extremely limited budgets, or are unable to commit to scheduled appointments. Melab’s pricing falls in the mid-range in Gangnam — it’s not the cheapest option around.

Quick tip: The reservation fee is ₩20,000. If you only come in for a consultation without any treatment, this amount will be charged as a consultation fee and cannot be refunded. So if you’re still hesitating, make sure to check the prices and options through BeautsGO first before deciding whether to pay the reservation fee.

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• DIORE Dermatology｜Thermage + ONDA Package & My Experience Booking Treatment

If you have any questions about Melab’s treatment options, the director’s availability, or prices, feel free to add me on WeChat to chat:

xycheng2204

Scan the code or search for the WeChat ID: xycheng2204

Disclaimer: This article is based on an individual’s genuine experience and compilation of publicly available information, and does not constitute a medical advertisement or recommendation. All prices and packages are subject to the latest updates posted by Melab Hospital and the BeautsGO platform; it is recommended to verify them again before making a reservation. As results can vary from person to person, please rely on the assessment provided by the hospital’s chief physician during a face-to-face consultation.