“How about Elvia Dermatology?” This was the question I searched for no less than twenty times on Dcard and PTT before setting off. Online reviews were polarized: some said that Director Choi Won’s consultations were extremely detailed, while others thought they weren’t as impressive as expected. In this article, I will record in detail my entire experience at the Nonhyeon branch—including why I chose it, what questions were asked during the consultation, and the actual changes I observed two weeks after the treatment. I will present the facts without exaggeration or bias—so you can form your own judgment.
I. Why did I ultimately choose Elvia instead of those well-known brands in Gangnam?
To be honest, at first, my list consisted entirely of popular clinics located in areas like Cheongdam-dong and Apgujeong. But the more I researched, the more frustrated I became: appointments were available only three weeks later, responses were slow, and the customer service seemed to be sending mass messages. Since my trip was only scheduled for five days, I didn’t have the time to wait. It was elvia that caught my attention while comparing prices on BeautsGO. Although it didn’t have the same online presence as larger clinics, one detail really impressed me: its director, Dr. Choi Won, is a specialist in Dermatology. He used to be the director of the original The Heal clinic in Sinsa and the director of the Barobom Dermatology clinic. He also served as the head of the Dermatology department at the Gilongtae Hospital under the Ministry of National Defense.
There are numerous Dermatology clinics in South Korea, but in reality, only around 2% of the doctors are specialized in Dermatology – many clinics are run by general practitioners or plastic surgeons who also offer other medical services. For my needs, which involve laser treatments and injections on the face, it is far more important that the practitioner has a solid foundation in Dermatology than that the clinic has an impressive exterior. Additionally, elvia boasts 1:1 private treatment rooms, ensuring that the same doctor is responsible for both the initial consultation and the post-treatment care – this is a major advantage for someone like me who is concerned about changing doctors during the process. If you are going to South Korea for cosmetic procedures for the first time, you can refer to this comprehensive guide on skin care treatments in South Korea to get a better understanding of the entire process before choosing a clinic.
On weekdays at noon, the elvia store and waiting area near Nonhyeon Station are not very crowded.
II. During the 40-minute consultation, Director Cui asked me a series of questions that I never expected to be asked.
I made an appointment for 2:30 on a weekday. Please note that there is a lunch break from 1:00 to 2:00, so avoid coming during this time. Upon entering, you need to fill out a form first, and then Director Cui will conduct a personal consultation himself, without going through the preliminary screening process done by consultants. He uses a 3D skin scanner to examine your entire face, and then he asked some questions that surprised me a bit: have you been exposed to excessive sunlight in the past six months? Are you taking any acid supplements? Have you ever experienced skin darkening after laser treatments? How is your sleep? And how much stress are you under?
He wasn’t just repeating clichés; he was actually assessing the risks involved. For example, since I have a slight tendency to develop rosacea, he immediately pointed out that high-energy lasers couldn’t be used on the areas with visible blood vessels. Instead, the treatment needed to be done in multiple sessions using low-energy lasers to avoid making the symptoms worse. This approach of first discussing the potential risks and then explaining the expected results is completely different from the aggressive, “switch doctors immediately after the treatment” sales tactics I encountered at another clinic before. I had previously written a review of Gangnam V Dermatology, and they also adopted this practical approach—so you can compare their methods for yourself.
The final treatment plan decided upon was: 450 sessions of HIFU for the eyes, combined with Rejuran glow treatment and a small amount of Filler for the nasolabial Fold Correction. Director Cui said that I didn’t need Filler for my Nasolabial Fold Correction; just Lifting would be sufficient – once again, he advised me to opt for a less invasive treatment. To understand the differences between HIFU and the HIFU + Ultrasound combination, as well as whether they could be performed simultaneously, I relied on this detailed comparison of the two treatments. I recommend reading this information before your in-person consultation.
A side-by-side comparison showing the effects before and after the clinic’s authorization; the recovery period is approximately 7 to 14 days, and the results may vary from person to person.
III. Does it hurt when you do it? Let me explain it item by item.
Eye Thermage treatment: This procedure is performed after applying local anesthesia and takes approximately 45 minutes. The areas around the eyes where the bones are thinner may feel a bit sore, but the discomfort is tolerable and not as exaggerated as described online. Immediately after the treatment, the surrounding area of the eyes may turn slightly red, but this redness subsides after applying ice for 15 minutes.
Rejuran glow treatment: The injections were administered manually by Elvia herself, not by a nurse. The sensation of the needles was much more distinct compared to machine-assisted injections, but the injections were precise and did not cause any bruising. I chose a package that included anesthesia, and overall, the experience was satisfactory. The nursing team consisted of only three people, but they worked very smoothly together, and there was never any situation where I had to wait for a long time without getting any attention.
Filler: It can help fill in facial depressions, and the procedure takes only 5 minutes. Director Cui was very cautious during the treatment and advised me to come back for a follow-up assessment two weeks later. If the results weren’t satisfactory, more Filler could be injected. Interestingly, no single time was the amount of Filler used sufficient to achieve the desired result. I really appreciate this approach – many clinics would rather you get a larger dose in one go.
The consulting room is also equipped with the newly introduced HIFU.
IV. Are the prices transparent? I have compiled 15 points to help you understand this.
During the consultation, Elvia gave me a sheet of paper with all the prices clearly listed, so there was no sense of negotiating based on my appearance. Below are the reference prices for some popular treatments, listed in Korean won; the actual fees will be determined during the consultation:
Several observations: The price of RE2O Hydrating Treatment at ₩79,000 is relatively low in Gangnam and suitable for beginners; Potenza at ₩390,000 and AestheFill at ₩700,000 fall into the mid-range price segment. For more expensive treatments like Thermage, it’s advisable to compare prices horizontally – you can refer to the Seongsu SERENE price list or laurel’s anti-aging services. While elvia’s pricing is not the cheapest, I believe the extra cost is worth it considering the presence of a chief physician for personal consultations and a Dermatology specialist on-site.
The 1:1 private treatment room is also where postoperative sedation is administered.
V. On the 7th and 14th days, the real changes that occurred to me
Days 1–2: The Pores after the treatment closed, and my face was slightly swollen; the area treated with Thermage felt a bit tight. By Day 3, the swelling had subsided, and I could go out with light makeup. By Day 7, my Pores had become smaller, the sagging of my face had improved significantly, and the Lifting effect around my eyes looked very natural—nothing like the pulled-back look of plastic surgery; instead, my eye shape looked much more refreshed. By Day 14, the Filler used to fill in the hollows around my cheeks had also set in. Overall, my complexion looked great, and no one could tell I had undergone any treatment—precisely what I wanted.
I have to be honest: if you expect to look ten years younger immediately after the treatment, Dermatology can’t achieve that; that’s something plastic surgery can do. The essence of skin care is to improve the current condition and slow down the aging process, so your expectations need to be realistic. I’ve previously written about my actual experience at DIAR Dermatology, and it was also in this category where patients reported improvements in their skin tone. The two services have similar approaches, so you might want to read those articles together. Additionally, the article on elvia regarding Director Choi Won’s full-face Thermage treatment with 600 sessions is worth reading; it’s different from the treatment I had for my eyes, so anyone considering a full-face treatment might find it helpful to refer to this information.
On the 14th day, the change was evident in the spirit, not just in the face.
VI. Who is suitable for Elvia, and who doesn’t need to go through this process?
- Whether the doctor is a specialist in Dermatology is what makes the biggest difference for Elvia.
- For those who have skin issues such as pigmentation, red veins, acne, or scars, rather than just those looking to combat aging – it offers a comprehensive range of laser treatments.
- Those who are worried about the doctor being changed and who insist that the hospital director oversee the entire process, from the initial consultation to the post-operative care.
- For those whose itinerary includes the area near Nonhyeon Station and who prefer to avoid the crowded streets of Cheongdam-dong.
On the other hand, if you are considering procedures such as Double eyelid surgery or rhinoplasty, Elvia’s Dermatology department does not offer these services; if your budget is very limited and you want to try the cheapest form of glow treatment, Hongdae has more affordable options. The clinic is closed on Sundays and takes a lunch break from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, so please avoid scheduling appointments during these times.
VII. Frequently Asked Questions at the End: The Most Common Questions about Dcard/PTT
Q1: How is Elvia Dermatology? Will it cheat foreigners?
The quote I received during the in-person consultation was within the same price range as that of South Koreans who posted their treatment costs online; I did not notice any instances of double pricing. However, it is common for South Korean clinics to offer different combinations of treatments at varying prices, so it is important to request a detailed list of prices for each individual service rather than just relying on the total amount quoted.
Q2: Does Director Cui Yuan actually do it himself?
For that treatment, from in-person consultations, Thermage, hyaluronic acid injections to Filler procedures, it was all done by Director Cui personally; no nurses were involved. This is precisely what makes elvia so attractive and the reason why I’m willing to pay a premium for it.
Q3: Can I still go there if I don’t speak Korean?
The official website offers a Chinese version, and BeautsGO also provides Chinese-speaking customer service for reservations. I made my reservation through the platform and then went to the store, where I managed to communicate with the staff using a translation app and some gestures. It’s recommended to look up the relevant Korean terms in advance.
Q4: How soon after the procedure can I go shopping or fly?
The pores closed immediately after the treatment with the glow injection, and light makeup could be applied the next day; after the Thermage treatment, there would be a slight redness that would subside after applying ice. I was able to go shopping normally on the third day. It is best to avoid taking long-distance flights within 48 hours after the treatment, as the dry environment inside the plane is not conducive to recovery.
Q5: What is the biggest advantage of elvia compared to other Gangnam Dermatology clinics?
It’s neither the equipment nor the price; what really matters is the personal consultation provided by a specialist in Dermatology. Many clinics in Gangnam are well-known, but in reality, they hire doctors or nurses to handle the consultations. In contrast, Elvia is relatively transparent in this regard.
Q6: How can I make the reservation process as hassle-free as possible?
By booking through the BeautsGO platform, you can secure a fixed price and enjoy Chinese-speaking customer service. Just click the button below:
The above are my personal real experiences shared with you. The effects of these treatments can vary from person to person, so please consult a doctor for a customized plan. The prices mentioned in this article are for reference only and may be subject to adjustment.
VIII. Related Recommendations: These might also interest you.
When doing my homework, I read these articles several times. Reading about anti-aging treatments and injectable procedures in South Korea’s Dermatology field really helped me gain a better understanding of the topic.
