TL;DR: For people with mild to moderate laxity and a tight budget, Shurink is a solid choice.
What to expect: The procedure lasts 20 to 40 minutes, but anesthesia is optional, as most people describe minimal discomfort (think mild heat and pressure). Downtime is minimal, and any post-treatment redness or swelling usually subsides within 1-2 days, making it one of the easiest treatments to fit into your busy schedule.
Pricing: Approximately 150,000 to 300,000 ₩ (approximately 111 to 222 USD) per session for a standard area. It depends on the clinic and number of shots.
high frequency tightening
HIFU and radiofrequency tightening are sometimes talked about together, but they have different effects. HIFU penetrates deeper and targets the underlying structural layers of the skin, such as SMAS, while RF works within the dermis, delivering controlled heat to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The result is firmer, smoother skin over time.
The good news is they’re not competing. And in fact, many clinics recommend combining the two as part of a broader protocol. This is a multi-layered approach where HIFU addresses the underlying structure and RF improves things close to the surface, such as fine lines and texture.
Note: If you are visiting Seoul for the first time and want to keep things simple or on a budget, one of the solo treatments is definitely a good place to start. No matter what you are told (or sold to), you don’t have to do everything at once to see meaningful results.
Thermage
Thermage has been the gold standard in RF tightening for many years, and Seoul is one of the best places in the world to get it. The quality, expertise, and prices compared to what you would pay in the US make the decision easier for many.
The latest generation device, Thermage FLX, uses monopolar radiofrequency waves to deliver energy deeper into the skin than most RF devices. Monopolar technology works by sending energy from a handpiece through tissue to a grounding pad placed elsewhere in the body, usually in a large area covered by muscle, such as the lower back, abdomen, or thighs. This energy stimulates a wound healing response that leads to the production of new collagen over the next several months, resulting in gradual improvement in firmness.
Tip: Thermage prices in Seoul vary widely. Clinic location, practitioner, device generation, and number of shots are all taken into account. This is a significant investment, so we recommend researching and consulting at least two locations before committing.
What to expect: A numbing cream is applied beforehand. During the treatment, which lasts 45 to 90 minutes, you will feel a moderate heat sensation (although some people report that it may feel more intense). Downtime is minimal and some redness usually subsides within 1-2 days. Most people report seeing full effects 3 to 6 months after treatment. Therefore, the effects will definitely come slowly, but depending on the initial skin condition, the effects can last for 1-2 years.
Pricing: Full face (600 shots): approximately 1,000,000 to 2,800,000 won ($770 to 2,150 USD). Full face and neck (900 shots): approximately 2,000,000 to 3,800,000 KRW (1,540 to 2,900 USD). Zone below the eye area: approximately ₩800,000 to 1,500,000 (~$615 to $1,150 USD)
Source: Allure – www.allure.com
