As a plastic surgeon, I’m always curious about skincare treatments and procedures from around the world. Recently, I had my first extensive facial tuneup at The Doctor’s Clinic, Sinsa Office, in Seoul.  Here are my insights as a patient AND as a plastic surgeon.  

The Consultation Process

My adventure began with a personal referral from a friend, and NOT social media or advertising. Unlike many places where you consult with a patient coordinator first, my only consultation was with a dermatologist. At least for me, this ensures that a medical professional is involved from the very beginning of the treatment plan.

The consultation was thorough, with a translator present to ensure clear communication. After a careful examination, the dermatologist provided a detailed diagnosis and treatment plan. Following this, I met with a patient coordinator to handle payment and care coordination.

Tailored Treatment Plan

The dermatologist crafted a personalized treatment plan addressing multiple concerns:

1. Brown Spots and Verruca: CO2 Laser treatment was recommended for seborrheic keratoses and verruca
2. Overall Skin Texture: Interestingly, the dermatologist suggested Skin Botox instead of popular treatments like Rejuran skin booster.
3. Jowling and Neck Skin: Ulthera treatment was prescribed to tighten the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System).

It’s worth noting that the dermatologist didn’t recommend RF microneedling for the face and neck. As I’ve often observed in my practice, face and neck skin differ significantly, making it challenging to apply the same laser treatment to both areas. Moreover, laser treatments on the neck are generally not optimal, especially for Asian skin types.

The Treatment Experience

The actual treatment day was comprehensive and well-organized:

1. Facial preparation with numbing cream (20-30 minutes)
2. IV drip of Pethidine (known as Meperidine in the US) for pain management
3. Ulthera treatment (1000 pulses/jolts)
4. Skin Facial with Botox
5. CO2 Laser for brown spots
6. Post-treatment care (cleansing, ice pack facial, hydrocolloid patches)

The pain levels varied throughout the procedures

• Ulthera: Initially painless, increasing to 6/10 by the end
• Skin Facial with Botox: Surprisingly painful (7-8/10)
• CO2 Laser: Moderate discomfort (6/10)

Immediate Aftermath and Short-Term Care

Immediately after the treatment, I had numerous tiny scabs but experienced no pain or itching. The short-term care routine included:

• Careful face washing
• Applying hydrocolloid bandages to red spots
• Diligent use of sunscreen

Cultural Observations

One fascinating aspect of my experience was the social acceptance of visible skincare treatments in Korea. Despite having noticeable post-treatment effects, I was able to go about my daily activities without drawing attention. This speaks volumes about the normalization of skincare procedures in Korean culture, at least where are all of the skin care clinics and plastic surgery clinics are located.  

Professional Insights

As a plastic surgeon, I was particularly impressed by two aspects of my experience:

1. The initial consultation was conducted by a dermatologist, not a patient coordinator.
2. The same dermatologist who did the consultation also performed the procedures.

This continuity of care ensures that the treating physician has a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s needs and medical history.

Financial Considerations

For those considering similar treatments in Korea, it’s worth noting that there’s a 10% tax rebate available at the airport upon departure, which can significantly offset the cost of procedures. Also, getting a combined treatment session helps to reduce the overall costs. 

In conclusion, my Korean skincare journey helped me look more like the sexy beast I feel inside, and was  fascinating from a doctor’s perspective. It’s not normal in the USA – or anywhere else that I’m aware of – to get all of these 3 different treatment options in 1 overall session. Koreans love efficiency!