How about South Korea’s SWOMAN Dermatology? All three directors come from the core team of MUSE, and the dual Onda devices at Remage do not require waiting in line.

“What is the most disappointing thing about going to South Korea for cosmetic procedures? It’s not necessarily choosing the wrong treatment, but rather spending a lot of money and booking a consultation at a prestigious clinic only to find that the actual procedure is carried out by an assistant while the doctor disappears within five minutes of the appointment. This has been one of the biggest pitfalls I’ve encountered over the years when investigating clinics in Gangnam. However, when I visited SIA Siya Dermatology at 488 Gangnam-daero, Central Square, and saw that all three directors—Lee Yul-yeol, Kim Seong-min, and Park Sang-won—were former key members of the MUSE Clinic team, and that the clinic was equipped with two Thermage FLX machines and two Onda machines, both of which are exclusively available in South Korea, without any waiting lists at all, I immediately decided to write this detailed review. Below, I will analyze SIA Dermatology from five aspects: background, equipment, directors, prices, and customer experience, to help you determine whether it’s really worth flying all the way to South Korea just for this clinic👇

I. What about South Korea’s SWOMAN Dermatology? Behind the scenes: The three core directors of MUSE collectively left to start their own business.

1. From MUSE to SIA: This is not the debut of a novice operator, but the independent operation of a mature team. SIA Dermatology was officially established in December 2025 on the 4th and 5th floors of the Central Square building at 488 Yeoksam-ro, Gangnam District. The three founding directors—Lee Yul-yeol, Kim Seong-min, and Park Sang-won—all come from the core team of the renowned South Korean chain brand Muse Clinic. What they brought with them was not only over a decade of clinical expertise but also a comprehensive set of standardized operational frameworks. With the business license number 637-36-01436, this two-story clinic covers a total area of 224 pyeong, featuring 21 private treatment rooms, 7 therapy rooms, and 2 VIP rooms—making it one of the largest and most advanced dermatology clinics in the Gangnam area that are not part of any chain network.

2. Director Lee Yul-yeol: Apgujeong represents the highest level of anti-aging experts in South Korea. Formerly the director of Muse Clinic and a regular guest on KBS Joy’s “Beauty Check-in,” he enjoys considerable media recognition among the general public in South Korea. His core areas of expertise include Thermage FLX treatments, ultrasonic lifting procedures, and comprehensive anti-aging treatment plans. His approach to Thermage treatments features a unique “non-uniform laser distribution strategy”: out of 600 laser pulses applied to the entire face, 60% are focused on the area from the Nasolabial Fold Correction to the chin line (the lower middle part of the face), 30% are allocated to the Apple Zone and the zygomatic bone area (the middle part of the face), and 10% are used for the forehead and neck areas. This approach proves significantly more effective in improving issues such as blurred chin lines and prominent Nasolabial Fold Correction than a uniform distribution of laser pulses.

3. Kim Seong-min + Park Sang-won: A dual guarantee for injectable cosmetic procedures and body shaping. Director Kim Seong-min also comes from Muse’s team of experienced physicians, with over 10 years of clinical experience in injectable treatments. His approach is relatively conservative and natural, emphasizing that “fillers should enhance structure rather than simply increase volume.” He uses Filler in multiple layers—medium-crosslinkage levels for supporting the facial structure and low-crosslinkage levels for creating a smooth transition on the skin surface. The injection sites are precisely targeted to avoid any unwanted effects. Director Park Sang-won has more than 15 years of clinical experience in Dermatology. He even appeared in the KBS2 program “Slam Dunk” and is the one among the three directors with the most extensive experience in body shaping. He specializes in S-line micro-sculpting techniques, multi-point fixation methods, as well as Onda ultrasonic lipolysis.

II. How about South Korea’s SWOMAN Dermatology? The dual Thermage Onda system: the absolute confidence that there will be no waiting lines in Gangnam.

1. Two genuine Thermage FLX devices from the US. Anyone who has been to Gangnam knows that it is common for popular Dermatology clinics to have a full schedule for Thermage treatments throughout the weekend, with waiting lists extending up to three weeks. SWOMAN has directly purchased two genuine Thermage FLX devices from Solta Corporation in the US, which means that two treatments can be conducted simultaneously on the same day. Patients do not need to wait in the waiting area for the previous treatment to finish. The anti-counterfeiting traceability codes on each probe are verified immediately upon scanning. The original cost of each probe is approximately 80,000 to 100,000 Korean won, so there is no possibility of reusing them. This makes SWOMAN one of the very few Dermatology clinics in the Gangnam area that can offer “0-wait-time Thermage treatments”.

2. Two units of Onda Coolwaves, uniquely available only in South Korea. Onda is a microwave lipolysis and skin-tightening device manufactured by the Italian company DEKA. It uses focused ultrasonic waves to selectively destroy fat cells while stimulating the contraction of Collagen, making it particularly effective in addressing issues such as Double Chin, blurred jawlines, and excess fat in the lower face. It is extremely rare for any institution in South Korea to own more than two Onda units; SWOMAN managed to acquire two directly. Many local residents on Korean online forums specifically mention this as a major attraction of this Dermatology clinic. In addition, the clinic is equipped with two Inmode FX units (for skin tightening), two S-line microneedling devices (for layered Lifting), one Ulthera Prime unit (the enhanced version of the US-made Ulthera device, with additional purchases planned), and one Soprano Titanium unit (for pain-free hair removal and light skin tightening using Israeli Alma technology). The total investment in these devices places this newly opened Dermatology clinic among the top in its category.

3. Why does the use of two devices directly affect your experience? In a clinic with only one device, if the previous patient takes longer than expected, the entire process—from consultation to anesthesia, treatment, to ice application—will be delayed, meaning that a consultation scheduled for 2 PM might not actually start until 4 PM. However, with two devices, as soon as the previous patient finishes the anesthesia and lies down, the second device can already begin preparing the necessary parameters for your treatment. This isn’t just about “being faster”; it’s about “not having your time wasted due to others’ delays.” For overseas customers who travel specifically to South Korea for medical treatments, this factor is far more important than saving a few tens of thousands of South Korean won.

🃏 Book an appointment at SIA Shi Ya Dermatology at BeautsGO

III. How about South Korea’s SWOMAN Dermatology? A real-life experience: from the eight-dimensional assessment by Mark-Vu to the entire treatment process explained in detail by the director himself.

1. The first step – the Mark-Vu eight-dimensional skin assessment is no formality. After making an appointment on BeautsGO, I went to the clinic, where a Chinese-speaking nurse guided me through the Mark-Vu skin scanner test. This test generated a detailed data report covering eight aspects: skin pigmentation, Pores, collagen density, oil balance, elasticity, moisture levels, texture, and hyperpigmentation. The report showed that my Nasolabial Fold Correction depth was 2.3 out of 5, my jawline score was 2.8, and my overall collagen density was on the low side, indicating that I fell into the “early signs of aging + mild skin laxity” category. Compared to many clinics that simply issue a treatment plan after a quick glance, having these objective data provides much more reassurance.

2. The second step: Dr. Lee Yu-ryeek conducted a 15-minute in-person consultation and did not recommend any pre-packaged treatment plans based on the analysis results. After reviewing the report, he gently pressed my jawline, cheeks, and lower face to assess the degree of sagging in each area. He clearly explained to me, “You are currently at an early to moderate stage of aging. I recommend a full-face Thermage FLX treatment with 600 pulses, focusing particularly on the jawline and Apple Zone areas. If your budget allows, combining this with a 40kJ Titanium Lifting procedure will yield even more immediate results—Thermage targets the deeper layers of Collagen, while Titanium Lifting helps tighten the superficial fascia.” Instead of immediately suggesting a costly flagship package, he provided me with two options based on my skin condition, which was really appreciated.

3. The entire treatment took 50–60 minutes, and Dr. Li personally administered each injection. Forty minutes after the anesthetic took effect, Dr. Li applied 600 Thermage FLX treatments to my entire face. The injection sequence was as follows: Forehead → Jawline → Cheeks → Chinline → Neck. The jawline and chinline are particularly sensitive areas; I couldn’t help but frown during some injections, but the vibration feedback from the FLX device ensured that the pain was much less intense than expected. Throughout the entire process, Dr. Li did not delegate any of the injections to his assistants—something that is virtually impossible in chain Dermatology clinics. Immediately after the treatment, I applied a cooling mask, and the slight redness on my skin disappeared within 4 hours. After applying sunscreen, it was completely impossible to tell that I had undergone any treatment. By the third week after the procedure, the lines around my chinline had become noticeably tighter, and my Apple Zone had slightly raised. Friends around me asked, “Have you lost weight?” I just smiled without giving an explanation.

IV. How about South Korea’s SWOMAN Dermatology? Price list for 2026: Thermage treatments start from 1.2 million KRW, combined packages cost 1.99 million KRW, and the flagship package is priced at 3.6 million KRW – all details are publicly available.

1. All SWOMAN treatments are priced transparently. The full-face version of the SWOMAN FLX 600 starts at approximately 9.12 million Korean won (around ¥6,240), and this price does not include a 10% value-added tax. The SWOMAN probes are disposable original factory consumables, and their authenticity can be verified by scanning the QR codes on-site at SIA. Compared with similar devices in China, whose full-face treatment prices range from ¥12,000 to ¥28,000, even when including flight tickets and accommodation expenses, performing two or more treatments at SIA still results in a substantial profit. The effects of SWOMAN treatment last for approximately 18 months, making it an extremely cost-effective option.

2. A detailed breakdown of the three main packages.

3. It is important to understand that the prices listed above are for reference only in 2026; the actual fees will be determined after a face-to-face consultation at the clinic. In South Korea, all Dermatology services are priced without including a 10% value-added tax, which will be added at the time of payment. In 2026, cash refunds for foreign tourists have been discontinued; therefore, exchange rate fluctuations should be based on the current day’s rates. It is recommended to check the real-time prices on the BeautsGO platform to avoid any information discrepancies. Services such as botulinum toxin injections and SWOMAN treatments are priced according to the specific area being treated; an accurate quote can only be provided after a face-to-face consultation.

V. How about South Korea’s SWOMAN Dermatology? SIA vs MUSE: The former employer leaves to start its own business – what exactly are the differences?

2. The same treatment is priced 40,000 to 50,000 Korean won cheaper at SWOMAN. The pricing strategy of the three directors behind SIA Shiyaya is very clear: the same treatment is approximately 40,000 to 50,000 Korean won cheaper than under the Muse franchise system. The logic behind this is as follows: As a chain brand, Muse incurs additional costs due to rent for franchise stores, brand royalties, and management commissions; whereas SIA is the personal brand of these three directors, eliminating the intermediate costs associated with a chain system and allowing for more flexible pricing. What is eliminated is not the quality of the services provided, but rather the additional value added by the chain brand framework.

2. Standardized operations with greater personalization: During their time at MUSE, the three directors developed comprehensive standardized operating procedures (SOPs). After establishing their own businesses, they not only retained this advantage but also made more refined personalized adjustments based on these procedures. Taking Thermage as an example, Director Li Yuliè’s 60/30/10 hair density distribution strategy is a personalized approach that builds upon the MUSE standard procedures, and it is more targeted than the “uniform hair density distribution” practiced in chain systems. In addition, since the three directors personally handle these operations themselves without delegating them to assistants, the stability of these procedures is further ensured compared to chain systems where tasks may be assigned to subordinates.

3. The equipment configuration offers distinct advantages. MUSE chain clinics typically come equipped with a standard setup of one Thermage device and one HIFU device. SIA, on the other hand, has directly invested in two Thermage devices and two Onda devices; among these, the two Onda devices in South Korea are both located at Siya – an investment in equipment that even chain systems find difficult to replicate. For customers, this means not just having more equipment, but also a double increase in the flexibility of appointments and the efficiency of treatments.

VI. How about South Korea’s SWOMAN Dermatology? Three target populations + important tips to avoid common pitfalls

1. The three most suitable groups of people:
The first group consists of customers aged 30–50 who have a clear need for anti-aging treatments and are interested in undergoing HIFU or SIA’s FLX treatment. With two units of SIA’s FLX equipment and Dr. Lee Woo-ryeol’s unique non-uniform radiation distribution technique, few clinics in Gangnam can meet both these requirements simultaneously.
The second group includes overseas patients who prefer personalized care and insist that treatments be performed by the clinic’s directors themselves. With Chinese-speaking nurses providing seamless communication throughout the process and all three directors personally handling each treatment, this setup is particularly convenient for first-time visitors to Korea.
The third group consists of those who want to combine SWOMAN’s Onda microwave lipolysis with glow anti-aging treatments. As South Korea has only two Onda units, this clinic offers the only option in this regard. Moreover, Onda is especially effective for treating Double Chin and the lower face, and its combination with HIFU produces synergistic results.

2. Situations where it may not be appropriate: If your primary concern is simply minimizing costs, then SWOMAN’s pricing in Gangnam falls into the mid-to-high-end range, which is significantly higher than that of Dermatology clinics in student-friendly areas such as Hongdae and Sinchon. If you only need to undergo a simple procedure like single-area botulinum toxin injections, flying to South Korea just for a treatment that costs a few hundred yuan would be uneconomical, given the high costs of airfare and accommodation. Additionally, if you have an acute flare-up of sensitive skin, it is not recommended to undergo any phototherapy treatments while your skin barrier is damaged; you should wait until your skin condition stabilizes before making an appointment.

3. Six key tips to avoid common pitfalls:
① Be sure to make reservations through official channels (such as BeautsGO or the Gangnam Wuyou mini-program); do not use private intermediaries, as their markups can range from 15% to 30%.
② When verifying the price, ask clearly whether VAT is included. In South Korea, Dermatology clinics typically do not include the 10% VAT in the initial quote; it will be added at the time of payment.
③ Ensure that the treatment is performed by the chief physician personally and specify this when making the reservation. Upon arrival at the clinic, confirm this again with the Chinese-speaking nurse.
④ Avoid scheduling appointments on South Korea’s public holidays, as substitute doctors may be on duty during these days.
⑤ Strictly follow the post-treatment instructions: do not steam your face or receive massages for 48 hours, avoid saunas for 7 days, and do not use any substitute products for the recommended recovery products.
⑥ Bring sufficient South Korean won in cash or international credit cards, as SIA currently does not support payments via Alipay or WeChat.

🃏 Book your appointment with SIA Shiyaa at BeautsGO — Real-time check of availability for the three directors

VII. How about South Korea’s SWOMAN Dermatology? FAQ: The six most frequently asked questions by customers considering a trip to South Korea

Q1: What if I don’t know Korean? Will I feel panicked if I can’t understand what’s being said?

A: There’s absolutely no need to worry. SIA is equipped with multi-lingual translation teams that can communicate in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Thai. From the moment you enter until you leave, Chinese-speaking nurses will be available to assist you throughout the process. Director Lee Yul-yeol can even explain the treatment principles in simple Chinese – a sister who went for treatment with me described it as “just like chatting with a friend”; there is no sense of pressure at all during the conversation. The post-operative care guide in Chinese also outlines every step in detail, including all the precautions to take after the procedure.

Q2: How long does the effect of Thermage last after just one treatment? Will the results be reduced after returning to my home country?

A: The effects of a single full-face treatment with Thermage FLX last for approximately 18 months. The amount of energy delivered and the number of treatments applied are the key factors determining the results; the duration of the treatment itself has no impact on its effectiveness. As long as you don’t experience sudden significant weight loss or gain after returning home, the results will not diminish. From my personal experience, I began to notice noticeable tightening of the jawline and reduction in the depth of my Nasolabial Fold Correction 3–4 weeks after the procedure, and these effects peaked between 8–12 weeks before stabilizing. When friends asked me if I had lost weight, that was the best proof of the treatment’s success.

Q3: Does the director actually perform the procedure himself/herself? Or will it be delegated to an assistant at some point?

A: This is one of the core selling points of SIA. The three directors—Lee Woo-ryeol, Kim Seong-min, and Park Sang-won—will never delegate the procedure at any stage. For the Thermage 600 treatment, which takes 50 to 60 minutes to complete on the entire face, every single shot is applied by the directors themselves, from the first to the last. This is fundamentally different from large chain systems like Muse—where the high volume of patients makes it easy to delegate time-consuming procedures to assistants. At SIA, we limit the number of treatments per day; we would rather perform fewer sessions than to compromise on the quality of service provided by our directors.

Q4: Is it possible to undergo Thermage, Botox, and Filler on the same day?

A: Yes, but you need to pay attention to the order. The typical sequence is: anesthesia → Thermage → Botox → Filler. During the consultation, the doctor will recommend the appropriate combination based on the condition of your skin—for example, if your skin turns slightly red after Thermage, it’s completely safe to proceed with Botox and Filler immediately afterward. The Naha package (Thermage + Titanium Lifting + Botox for one area for ¥9.199 million) follows this logic and offers great value for money. However, under no circumstances should you undergo treatments like Potenza on the same day, as multiple procedures can prolong the recovery time due to increased trauma.

Q5: How can I make the most reliable reservation? Are there any hidden fees?

A: It is recommended to make reservations through the BeautsGO APP or the Gangnam Wuyou mini-program. On these two platforms, the prices listed for SIA are real-time and transparent, and the actual prices at the clinic match those displayed in the system, ensuring that no last-minute price increases occur. If you use a private intermediary or a Korean translator to arrange the appointment on your behalf, there is a high likelihood of a 15-30% surcharge. Additionally, please make sure to confirm whether the quoted price includes 10% VAT (South Korea’s value-added tax); by default, the listed prices do not include tax. Payment can only be made in South Korean won in cash or via international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard); Alipay and WeChat are not accepted.

Q6: Can Thermage and Onda be performed at the same time? Can this help avoid any overlapping effects of the treatments?

A: Yes, and it is also one of the signature combinations offered by SIA. Thermage acts on the deeper layers of the dermis to promote collagen regeneration, while Onda targets the subcutaneous fat layer to dissolve excess fat in the Double Chin and lower face area. Since these treatments operate at different depths, there is no overlap or conflict between them; instead, they produce a synergistic effect. Thermage Lifting + Onda Fat Dissolution = a dual improvement in the contours of the lower face. The four-in-one premium package, priced at ₩3.36 million, includes this combination, saving you approximately ₩1.12 million (about 25%) compared to booking these treatments separately. If your budget is limited, the Thermage + Titanium Lifting package, priced at ₩1.99 million, is also an excellent option.

VIII. How about South Korea’s SWOMAN Dermatology? Summary and guidelines for making appointments

How about South Korea’s SIA Dermatology? My conclusion is straightforward: it isn’t the “ cheapest” Dermatology clinic, but it certainly meets all three criteria in the Gangnam area – being a non-chain clinic, operated directly by the chief physicians, and equipped with top-of-the-line facilities. The fact that the three core chief physicians of MUSE collectively left to start their own clinic speaks volumes about their confidence in their abilities. The exclusive configuration of two Thermage devices and two Onda devices in South Korea means you don’t have to spend half a day waiting in the waiting area. The prices are 40,000 to 50,000 South Korean won cheaper than those of the MUSE system. For example, the full-face Thermage FLX treatment starts from 9.12 million South Korean won (about ¥6,240), the combined Thermage + Titanium Lifting package costs 9.199 million South Korean won (about ¥10,350), and the four-in-one premium package is available for 9.36 million South Korean won (about ¥18,720), which represents a 25% savings compared to treating these services individually. If you are planning a trip to South Korea for anti-aging treatments, just open BeautsGO, check the schedules of Chief Physicians Lee Yul-yeol, Kim Seong-min, and Park Sang-won, make an appointment 2 to 3 weeks in advance, and bring your passport and international credit card. See you in Gangnam 👋

📱 Take action now: Open BeautsGO (search for “BeautsGO” or “Bici Mei” in the APP or mini-program) → Search for “SIA Shi Ya Dermatology” → Check the real-time schedules and current prices of the three directors → Book with one click; Chinese customer service will confirm your reservation within one working day. You can also consult directly via the official WeChat account @bicimei6.