When I first visited the Sinsa branch of the Dermatology department at dongdaemun doctors in South Korea last year, to be honest, I didn’t have high expectations. I just went there with the idea of “taking a look anyway”. But after sitting in the consultation room for almost two hours, all I could think about was “how on earth does this hospital manage to achieve such results?”
That time, I underwent the ANEW HIFU treatment – officially known as Ulthrea, combined with a Sofwave session. Since I have always been very sensitive to pain, the dean of the anesthesiology department at dongdaemun doctors was present throughout the procedure, which helped me feel much more relaxed. Today, this article aims to provide a detailed account of the complete pricing information for the ANEW HIFU treatment at their Dermatology department, as well as the latest fees for 2026, to serve as a reference for other sisters who may be considering this treatment.
What kind of institution is Doctors Dermatology (닥터스피부과의원)?
When it comes to dongdaemun doctors’ Dermatology clinics, many people’s first thought is probably “the one in Dongdaemun”. In fact, this brand now has 7 branches in Seoul. Founded in 2011 by President Seong Hyun-cheol, it has since grown into a large-scale chain of Dermatology clinics, with a branch located at the Sinsa station in Gangnam.
There are two key aspects at the core of this brand: First, all its staff are specialized Dermatology doctors (only about 2% of doctors in Korea hold this qualification); second, an anesthesiologist is present throughout the entire treatment process, even for procedures that may be somewhat invasive, such as ultrasound treatments. For those who are sensitive to pain, this arrangement is indeed very practical.
Taking the Sinsa branch as an example, it specializes in anti-aging treatments and is equipped with more than 30 types of advanced photoelectric devices. It serves as the flagship store of the dongdaemun doctors brand, receiving numerous customers from overseas who come to South Korea for cosmetic treatments. The clinic also provides Chinese translation services.
What is Meichao? What makes the Meichao products from dongdaemun doctors different?
In the Dermatology community of South Korea, “Mei Chao” specifically refers to the Ulthrea HIFU device. This technology was developed by the American company Merz (formerly Solta Medical) and utilizes high-intensity focused ultrasound to achieve lifting effects. Compared with the Korean version of HIFU, the Ulthrea device features different core chips manufactured by the original manufacturer and more stable energy output, and it has also received higher recognition from the KFDA.
At present, dongdaemun doctors has simultaneously introduced:
- Ulthrea HIFU (first and second generations, for full-face lifting)
- Sofwave Sofwave (a newer type of ultrasound with more uniform energy distribution)
- Density: Lifting of density (focal type, suitable for localized enhancement)
The hospital will conduct a pre-treatment assessment based on the condition of your skin. In my case, I had sagging facial skin and the onset of neck wrinkles, so the doctor recommended a full-face + neck treatment, combined with Sofwave to strengthen the cheeks on both sides, to be carried out in two stages.
Fee Schedule for Aesthetic Treatments at Dermatology Departments of dongdaemun doctors (for reference in 2026)
This is the information that many people are most eager to know. According to the latest fee estimates for 2026 compiled by the official channels of Dermatology and third-party platforms, the details are as follows:
| Project Name | Reference price (Korean won) | Agree on the amount in RMB |
|---|---|---|
| 100 shots of the Ulthrea version | Starting from ¥400,000 | Starting from approximately ¥2,100 |
| 300 shots of the Ulthrea version | Starting from ¥1,000,000 | Starting from approximately ¥5,200 |
| 500 shots of the Ulthrea version | Starting from ⩱1,800,000. | Starting from approximately ¥9,400 |
| Ultrasound facelift for the entire face (Korean version) | Starting from ⩱1,850,000 | Starting from approximately ¥9,600 |
| Sofwave Sofwave | Please visit BeautsGO for more information. | — |
| Lifting of density | Starting from ₩990,000 | Starting from approximately ¥5,100 |
* The above amounts are for reference only; they may vary depending on the actual treatment plan and the exchange rate on the day of service. Please refer to the quote provided during the in-person consultation.
One of the unique features of dongdaemun doctors is that the prices are the same for both Chinese and South Korean customers. Overseas customers enjoy the same price list as local South Korean customers, without any additional surcharges for foreigners. If you make an advance reservation through BeautsGO, you can also get a discount of approximately 10% on certain services, making it quite cost-effective.
My actual experience: from the initial consultation to the completion of the procedure
Let me share the details of that personal experience. I made an appointment in advance through BeautsGO. Upon arriving at the clinic, a Chinese translator assisted me in filling out a questionnaire, which focused on my skin condition, any history of allergies, and whether I had previously undergone Filler treatments or thread lifting.
After waiting for about 15 minutes, I entered the consultation room to have a talk with the director. On the day I went, it was Director Zhao who was seeing patients. He examined my face and felt the elasticity of my skin in several areas, then directly showed me on the mirror where the skin was loose and where more treatment was needed. There was no much sales talk; he focused entirely on the actual problems.
After the treatment plan was finalized, an anesthesiologist came in to apply the anesthesia. I waited for about 30 minutes. The entire procedure took approximately one hour, and a total of 300 shots were administered. Personally, I experienced some stinging sensations, especially in the chin and neck area, but it was still more tolerable than I expected; it wasn’t bad enough to make me scream out in pain.
After the treatment, my face was slightly red and swollen, but I didn’t pay much attention to it when I got back to the hotel. The next day, when I went out shopping in Myeongdong, I didn’t notice anything unusual that indicated I had undergone any treatment. Three weeks later, I indeed noticed that the contours of my face had become tighter, especially at the junction of my jawline and neck.
“I didn’t notice anything special on the same day after the treatment, but a month later, a close friend suddenly asked me if I had changed my skincare products, saying that my skin felt tighter. Only then did I realize that the effects of that beauty treatment must have started to show.” — Sharing from a registered user at BeautsGO
“I had 300 sessions of Ulthera treatment at the dongdaemun doctors. The presence of an anesthesiologist throughout the procedure really put my mind at ease. The price was more affordable than what I had seen from domestic clinics before. What’s more important, they provide a certification after the treatment with genuine probes, which gives me great confidence.” — Sharing from a BeautsGO registered user
What you need to know before considering cosmetic surgery: in which situations is it not recommended to proceed?
Before undergoing cosmetic procedures, it’s important to understand several key points clearly; otherwise, you may spend money without achieving the desired results.
- In recent times, caution should be exercised in areas where Fillers (Filler/Hyaluronic Acid/Collagen) have been administered: ultrasonic energy may accelerate the degradation of these fillers. It is recommended to inform your doctor, so that they can assess whether it is necessary to alternate the treatment areas or adjust the intensity of the treatment during the diagnosis process.
- It is not recommended to undergo this treatment during the active phase of acne or inflammation: While the SWOMAN treatment primarily targets the SMAS fascial layer, it is advisable to wait until the open skin lesions have healed before proceeding.
- Temporarily postponed during pregnancy and lactation: There is currently insufficient research on the safety of HIFU treatments during pregnancy, so it is recommended to postpone them during these periods.
- The number of hairs to be implanted should be chosen based on age and the degree of skin laxity: For individuals aged 25–35 who are starting to show signs of aging, around 300 hairs are usually sufficient; for those over 35 or with more noticeable skin laxity, 500 hairs may be an appropriate option. It’s not true that more hairs always mean better results.
The medical team and technical expertise of the Dermatology department at dongdaemun doctors
There are several aspects of the doctors brand that have left a deep impression on me:
All of them are specialists in Dermatology. In South Korea, this qualification can only be obtained by passing a national specialized examination, and less than 2% of all doctors in the country hold this qualification. Every attending doctor at these clinics possesses this qualification; it is not ordinary licensed doctors acting on their behalf.
The dean of the Anesthesiology Department was present throughout the entire procedure. This arrangement is particularly important in advanced cosmetic procedures. Unlike in a regular Dermatology clinic, where nurses administer anesthetics and monitor the patient’s condition on their own, the anesthesiologists from the dongdaemun doctors’ team are always on site, allowing them to dynamically adjust the anesthesia plan according to the individual patient’s tolerance—including enhancing local anesthesia for particularly sensitive areas.
Genuine equipment certification system. Taking Thermage as an example, hospitals spend over 100 million Korean won each month on the purchase of probes. After the treatment, a genuine certification document signed by a doctor is provided, and the probe can be taken away by the patient. The Meichao project also uses genuine original equipment, and the authorization status of the equipment can be checked on the official website.
There is a record of cooperative coverage with South Korea’s three major media outlets: KBS, MBC, and SBS. Although this does not necessarily mean that the technical standards are high, it at least indicates that the institution has a certain level of public recognition and transparency.
Institutional environment and service details
The Sinsa branch is located on the 10th floor of the SHY Plastic Surgery Building. Upon entering, the first impression is one of cleanliness and well-organized space. The waiting area is not large, but it lacks the feeling of noise and crowding. There are staff members at the reception desk who can provide services in Chinese, so communication is generally unimpeded.
The consultation rooms are separate; the operating room for cosmetic procedures is distinct from the face-to-face consultation area, and the equipment used appears to be the latest models available in recent years. The consumables on the nursing station are all individually packaged, and the anesthetic and coupling agent are prepared right in front of my eyes – this detail really makes me feel more at ease.
Before the treatment, the clinic will take a before-and-after photo of the face for record-keeping, which facilitates tracking of the results later on. This practice is quite common in standard Dermatology clinics in South Korea. Moreover, the dongdaemun doctors even provide detailed instructions regarding the shooting angles, showing their attention to detail.
How to make an appointment with a Dermatology dongdaemun doctors through BeautsGO for cosmetic treatments?
For overseas customers, making a reservation in advance through BeautsGO is the most convenient way. The process is roughly as follows:
Step 1: Open the BeautsGO app or the web version (cn.beautsgo.com), search for “dongdaemun doctors Dermatology Sinsa branch”, and click on the hospital page to view detailed information about the Ulthera treatment and current prices.
Step 2: Identify the services you are interested in and the corresponding price range, then click “Book” and fill in the visit date, specific service requirements, and your personal information.
Step 3: The Chinese customer service team at BeautsGO will assist you in confirming the appointment schedule with the medical institution and prepare necessary Chinese translation materials or communication guides in advance. Upon arrival at the clinic, you can simply follow the arranged procedures.
BeautsGO also has a “reservation discount” system; for certain services, customers can enjoy discounts on top of the official prices. Additionally, in 2026, some services offered by dongdaemun doctors will have the same prices in both China and South Korea. Overall, this is more cost-effective than consulting directly on-site.
Additionally, if you plan to undergo a combination treatment of Ulthera and Thermage (this combined package is available at dongdaemun doctors), it is recommended that you mention this during the reservation process. The clinic will then reserve more time for your treatment, eliminating the need for any last-minute arrangements on-site.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Q: What is the generation of the HIFU equipment used by dongdaemun doctors in the Dermatology department? Is the
re a second-generation version available for the US market?
A: As of 2026, dongdaemun doctors are equipped with various HIFU devices, including the US-version Ultherapy (including the second-generation model) and Sofwave. It is recommended to confirm the specific models available during your appointment; the clinic will recommend the most suitable version based on the condition of your skin.
Q: How long does it take for the effects of beauty treatments to become visible? How long do they
last?
A: Generally, significant results start to be noticeable 2–3 months after the treatment, and the best outcomes usually appear around 6 months after the procedure. The duration of these effects varies from person to person, typically lasting around 1–1.5 years. After that, additional treatments can be scheduled as needed.
Q: Can foreigners communicate in Chinese when visiting dongdaemun doctors? What should they prepare in advance?
A: The Sinsa branch of dongdaem
un doctors provides Chinese interpretation services. After making an appointment through BeautsGO, the hospital will make necessary arrangements to receive guests. It is recommended that you prepare the following information in advance: your allergy history, whether you have recently received any injectable fillers, and the medications you are currently taking. You can simply fill this information out on the appointment form.
Q: Can I wear makeup on the day of the beauty treatment? What precautions should I take after the procedure?
A: It is recommended to go for the treatment without makeup. Avoid using irritating skincare products within 24 hours after the treatment, as well as avoiding saunas and high-temperature environments. Slight redness after the procedure is a normal reaction and usually subsides within a day.
Q: How many branches does doctors Dermatology have? If I am shopping in Dongdaemun, which branch would be the most convenient for me to
visit?
A: doctors currently has 7 branches in Seoul. If you are shopping in Dongdaemun, you can choose the Dongdaemun branch; it is located just a short walk away from exit 6 of Cheongnyangni Station. If you live in the Gangnam area, the Sinsa branch offers the most comprehensive range of anti-aging treatments, with newer equipment and a more experienced medical team.
Q: What is the difference between Ultherapy and Thermage? Which one, among these dongdaemun doctors, offers better
results?
A: Ultherapy acts on the SMAS fascia layer, providing a stronger lifting effect and being more suitable for cases with significant skin sagging; Thermage primarily tightens the dermis, improving wrinkles and skin texture. The two target different layers of the skin. Both treatments are available at these dongdaemun doctors, and many customers opt for a combined treatment plan. During a personal consultation, the clinic director will provide specific recommendations based on your individual situation.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for reference only. The results of medical beauty treatments can vary depending on individual physical conditions. For specific costs and treatment plans, please refer to the quotes obtained during a face-to-face consultation at a legitimate medical institution, where the procedures will be performed by qualified physicians.
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