“What’s the biggest regret when going to South Korea for medical aesthetics?” It’s not choosing the wrong procedure, but spending a fortune and booking an appointment at a prestigious clinic only to have the treatment done by assistants through a conveyor-belt system, with the doctor disappearing after less than five minutes of examination. This has been the worst pitfall I’ve encountered while visiting clinics in Gangnam over the years. But when I stepped into SIA Shiya Dermatology at 488 Gangnam-daero in Central Square, and learned that all three directors—Lee Woo-ryeol, Kim Sung-min, and Park Sang-won—were former key members of MUSE Clinic, and that the clinic was equipped with two Thermage FLX units and two Onda units—unique configurations available nowhere else in South Korea—with no waiting times at all, I decided right away to write this honest review. Below, I’ll break down SIA Dermatology from five aspects: background, equipment, doctors, prices, and overall experience—to help you figure out whether it’s really worth making the trip just to visit this clinic in South Korea 👇
I. How is SIA Dermatology in South Korea? Behind the scenes: The three key directors of MUSE left to start their own practice together
1. From MUSE to SIA: This isn’t the launch of a new clinic by beginners, but rather the independent operation of a seasoned 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-gu. The three directors—Lee Woo-ryeol, Kim Sung-min, and Park Sang-won—all came from the core team of the renowned South Korean chain Muse Clinic, bringing with them not only over a decade of clinical expertise but also a complete set of standardized operational methods. With a business license number of 637-36-01436, the clinic spans two floors covering 224 pyeong in area, featuring 21 private consultation rooms, 7 treatment rooms, and 2 VIP rooms—making it one of the largest independent dermatology clinics in the Yeoksam area of Gangnam.
2. Dr. Lee Yu-ryeol: A renowned anti-aging expert based in Apgujeong. Former director of Muse Clinic and a regular guest on KBS Joy’s “Beauty Check-in,” he enjoys widespread recognition among South Korea’s general public through his media appearances. His core expertise lies in Thermage FLX treatment, ultrasound lifting, and customized comprehensive anti-aging solutions. He employs a unique “uneven distribution strategy” for Thermage treatments—out of 600 shots applied across the face, 60% are focused on the Nasolabial Fold Correction area down to the jawline (the mid-to-lower face), 30% target the Apple Zone up to the cheekbones (the mid-face), and 10% are used for the forehead and neck transition zones. This approach yields significantly better results in improving blurred jawlines and prominent Nasolabial Fold Correction compared to average distribution methods.
3. Kim Sung-min + Park Sang-won: A two-in-one solution for injectable cosmetic treatments and body sculpting. Director Kim Sung-min also comes from Muse’s elite team of doctors, with over 10 years of experience in injectable procedures. His approach is conservative and natural, emphasizing that “fillers should enhance facial structure rather than simply add volume.” He uses Filler in layered techniques—medium cross-linking density for structural support and low cross-linking density for smooth skin transitions—and delivers precise Botox injections to avoid any unnatural appearance. Director Park Sang-won boasts over 15 years of experience in Dermatology. He has appeared on KBS2’s “Slam Dunk” and is the most experienced among the three directors in body sculpting. He specializes in SWOMAN-style micro-sculpting with layered fixation and multi-point anchoring techniques, as well as Onda ultrasound lipolysis.
II. How is SIA Dermatology in South Korea? Dual Thermage Onda units: The ultimate advantage of avoiding queues in Gangnam
1. Two genuine Thermage FLX units imported from the U.S. Anyone who’s been to Gangnam knows that at the popular Dermatology clinics, there’s often only one Thermage unit available for use from start to finish, with weekend appointments frequently scheduled three weeks in advance. SIA has equipped itself with two authentic Thermage FLX units produced by Solta in the U.S., which means two treatments can be conducted simultaneously on the same day—patients don’t have to wait in the waiting room until another client finishes. The anti-counterfeiting tracking codes for each probe are verified on-site, and the original cost of each probe is around 80,000–100,000 Korean won, ensuring they’re not reused. This clinic is one of the very few in the Gangnam area that offers “zero wait times” for Thermage treatments.
2. Two units of Onda Coolwaves, exclusively available in South Korea. Onda is a microwave fat-lowering and skin-tightening device produced by Italy’s DEKA company. It uses focused ultrasound to selectively destroy fat cells while stimulating Collagen contraction, making it highly effective in addressing issues such as Double Chin, blurred jawlines, and excess fat in the lower face. It’s extremely rare to find clinics in South Korea with more than two Onda units, and SIA has managed to acquire two of them—many local users on Korean websites specifically travel just for this reason. In addition, there are two Inmode FX units (for skin tightening), two S-line micropigmentation devices (for layered Lifting), one Ulthera Prime unit (the American version with enhanced capabilities, with more units being ordered), and one Soprano Titanium unit (for pain-free hair removal and gentle skin tightening from Israel’s Alma). The total investment in these devices places this newly opened Dermatology clinic among the top tier in terms of equipment sophistication.
3. Why does having two treatment units matter so much for your experience? In clinics with just one device, if the previous patient takes longer than expected, the entire process—from consultation to anesthesia, treatment, to post-procedure cooling—gets delayed. What was scheduled for 2 p.m. might not start until 4 p.m. With two units, by the time the previous patient finishes the anesthesia and lies down, the second unit is already preparing the parameters for your treatment. This isn’t just about being “faster”; it’s about avoiding having your time wasted due to someone else’s delays. For international clients who fly all the way to South Korea specifically for this purpose, this factor is even more important than saving a few tens of thousands of won.
🃏 Book an appointment at SIA Shiya Dermatology on BeautsGO
III. How is SIA Dermatology in South Korea? An Honest Review: From Mark-Vu 8-Dimensional Analysis to the Director’s Personal Oversight of Every Step
1. The first step — Mark-Vu 8-dimensional skin analysis, which is by no means a mere formality. After making an appointment on BeautsGO and arriving at the clinic, a Chinese-speaking nurse guided me through the Mark-Vu skin scanner test, which generated a detailed report based on eight factors: pigmentation spots, Pores, collagen density, oil balance, elasticity, moisture levels, texture, and pigmentation. The report showed that my Nasolabial Fold Correction depth was 2.3/5, my lower jaw line score was 2.8, and my overall collagen density was low, indicating a “early aging + mild sagging” condition. Compared to many clinics that just write up a treatment plan after a quick glance, having data-based insights provides much greater reassurance.
2. The second step involves a 15-minute in-person consultation with Dr. Lee Yu-ryeol, during which he analyzes my skin condition without pushing any package deals. After reviewing the report, he gently pressed my cheekbones, cheeks, and jawline to assess the degree of sagging in each area. He made it clear to me, “You’re currently at an early to moderate stage of aging. I recommend a full-face Thermage FLX treatment with 600 shots, focusing on strengthening the jawline and Apple Zone areas. If budget permits, combining it with 40kJ Titanium Lifting will yield even quicker results—Thermage targets deeper layers of Collagen, while Titanium Lifting tightens the superficial fascia.” Instead of immediately suggesting a costly flagship package worth 3.6 million, he offered me two options based on my skin condition, which was really appreciated.
3. The entire treatment takes 50–60 minutes, with the director personally administering each shot. Forty minutes after the anesthetic was applied, Dr. Li personally carried out the procedure using 600 heat-based MAGIX FLX shots across the face. The injection order follows this sequence: Forehead → Cheekbones → Cheeks → Chin line → Neck. The cheekbone area and chin line are the most sensitive spots; I couldn’t help frowning a few times during the process, but the vibration feedback from FLX made the pain much less intense than expected. Not a single step was delegated to an assistant—something that’s almost unheard of at chain Dermatology clinics. An ice-cooling mask was applied right after the treatment, and the slight redness faded within 4 hours. With sunscreen applied, it was completely invisible that any treatment had been done. By the third week after the procedure, the chin line began to look noticeably firmer, and my Apple Zone lifted slightly. Friends around me asked if I’d lost weight, to which I just smiled secretly without giving an explanation.
IV. How is SIA Dermatology in South Korea? 2026 Price List: Thermage starts at 1.2 million KRW, combined package at 1.99 million KRW, flagship 360-degree treatment at 3.6 million KRW – all prices fully disclosed
1. All Thermage treatments at SIA come with transparent pricing. The full-face FLX 600 version starts at around ₩1.2 million Korean won (approximately ¥6,240), and this price does not include 10% value-added tax. The Thermage probes are disposable original consumables, and SIA allows customers to scan QR codes on-site for verification. Compared to similar domestic devices, whose full-face treatment costs range from ¥12,000 to ¥28,000, SIA’s prices still ensure a solid profit even when flight and accommodation costs are taken into account, especially for multiple treatments. The effects of Thermage treatment last around 18 months, making it an excellent value for money per session.
2. A detailed breakdown of the three package options.
| Package Name | Included content | Reference Price (KRW) | Approximately RMB | Total price for the single service | Provincial Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermage Basics | Full Face FLX 600 Shots | Starting from ₩1.2 million | Starting from ¥6,240 | — | — |
| Thermage + Titanium Lifting | 600 units of FLX + 40kJ Titanium Lifting + Korean botulinum toxin for 1 treatment area | ₩1.99 million | ¥10,350 | ₩1.2 million + ₩500,000 + ₩80,000 = ₩1.78 million | The package is more cost-effective when including Botox. |
| Quad-Package Flagship Plan | 600 shots of HIFU + 600 shots of Thermage + 60kJ of Titanium Lifting + 40kJ of Onda | ₩3.6 million | ¥18,720 | ₩2 million + ₩1.2 million + ₩800,000 + ₩800,000 = ₩4.8 million | Save ₩1.2 million (about 25%) |
| Filler injection | 1ml (brand affects price) | Starting from ₩200,000 | Starting from ¥1,040 | — | Domestic price: ¥3,000–6,000/ml |
| Onda Facial Fat Dissolution | Double Chin/Lower Face Area | ₩600,000–1,000,000 | ¥3,120-5,200 | — | — |
| SWOMAN Line Micro-Sculpting Lifting | Pricing based on treatment area | In-person consultation to confirm | — | — | — |
3. Important notes on prices. The figures listed above are reference prices for 2026; the actual cost will depend on an in-person consultation at the clinic. All pricing in Dermatology clinics in South Korea does not include a 10% value-added tax, which will be added at the time of payment. Cash refunds for foreign tourists have been discontinued starting in 2026, so please check the current exchange rate on the day of your visit. It’s recommended to use the BeautsGO platform to verify real-time prices and avoid outdated information. Services such as Botox treatments and SWOMAN contouring are priced based on the area treated, and an accurate quote can only be provided after an in-person consultation.
V. How is SIA Dermatology in South Korea? SIA vs MUSE: Former employees leave to start their own clinics — what are the key differences?
1. The same procedure is 40,000–50,000 KRW cheaper at SIA. The pricing strategy of the three directors at SIA is quite straightforward—these procedures are approximately 40,000–50,000 KRW lower than those offered under the Muse system. The reasoning behind this is that as a chain brand, Muse incurs additional costs such as store rent, brand fees, and management commissions. In contrast, SIA being a personal brand run by three directors eliminates these intermediate costs from the chain structure, allowing for more flexible pricing. What’s saved isn’t the quality of service, but rather the premium associated with being part of a chain brand.
2. Standardized procedures with added personalization. The three clinic directors developed comprehensive standardized operating procedures (SOPs) during their time at MUSE. After leaving, they not only retained this advantage but also made more refined personalized adjustments based on it. Taking Thermage as an example, Director Lee Yul-ryeol’s 60/30/10 treatment dosage distribution strategy is a customized approach developed further from the MUSE standard procedures, offering greater specificity compared to the “uniform dosage allocation” used in chain clinics. Additionally, since the directors handle the treatments personally rather than delegating them to assistants, the consistency of the procedures is more reliable than in chain systems.
3. The equipment setup offers a significant competitive advantage. MUSE chain clinics typically come standard with one Thermage unit and one HIFU unit. In contrast, SIA is equipped with two Thermage units plus two Onda units—both of the limited number of Onda units available in Korea are located at SIA, representing an investment in equipment that’s hard even for chain networks to match. For customers, this means more than just having “more equipment”; it translates into doubled flexibility in scheduling and improved treatment efficiency.
VI. How is SIA Dermatology in South Korea? Top 3 ideal candidates + essential tips to avoid pitfalls
1. The three ideal customer groups. The first group consists of clients aged 30–50 who have a clear need to combat aging and are considering treatments like Thermage or HIFU—here, SIA offers two Thermage FLX units, combined with Director Lee Yu-ryeol’s specialized treatment approach that distributes energy unevenly across the skin. It’s rare to find a clinic in Gangnam that can provide both of these services. The second group includes overseas patients who prefer to avoid mass-produced treatment protocols and insist on being treated personally by a director—with Chinese-speaking nurses ensuring seamless communication throughout the process, plus three directors handling all treatments directly, this setup is particularly convenient for those visiting Korea for the first time. The third group are those looking to undergo Onda microwave lipolysis combined with photorejuvenation treatments—Korea has only two Onda units available, making this clinic the only option. Moreover, Onda is especially effective for reducing Double Chin and shaping the lower face, and when used together with Thermage, it creates a synergistic effect.
2. Situations where it’s not suitable. If your goal is purely to get the lowest price—SIA’s pricing in Gangnam falls into the mid-to-high range, which is significantly higher than that of Dermatology clinics in student-heavy areas like Hongdae and Sinchon. If you only need a very basic procedure such as Botox for a single area, flying all the way to South Korea just for a treatment that costs only a few hundred yuan in China makes little sense due to the high expenses for flights and accommodation. Additionally, if you have an acute outbreak of sensitive skin—any phototherapy treatments should be avoided while the skin barrier is damaged; it’s better to wait until your skin condition stabilizes before scheduling such appointments.
3. Six key tips to avoid pitfalls. ① Make sure to schedule your appointment through official channels (BeautsGO/Gangnam Wuyou mini-program), rather than relying on private agents—agents can charge an additional 15–30% surcharge. ② When confirming the price, ask clearly whether VAT is included. In South Korea, Dermatology clinics typically list prices without the 10% value-added tax, which is added at the time of payment. ③ Ensure that the procedure will be performed by the chief physician yourself; specify this when booking, and then confirm again with the Chinese-speaking nurse upon arrival. ④ Avoid visiting clinics on public holidays in South Korea, as substitute doctors may be assigned during those days. ⑤ Strictly follow the doctor’s post-procedure instructions: avoid steaming or massaging your face for 48 hours, refrain from using saunas for 7 days, and never use substitutes for the prescribed recovery products. ⑥ Bring sufficient South Korean won in cash or an international credit card, as SIA does not currently support direct payments via Alipay or WeChat.
🃏 Book an appointment with SWOMAN SIA Shiyaa — Check the availability of all three doctors in real time
VII. How is SIA Dermatology in South Korea? FAQ: Six top questions on everyone’s mind when visiting South Korea for medical treatments
Q1: What if I don’t know Korean? Will I get panicked if I can’t understand what’s being said?
A: There’s absolutely no need to worry. SIA has a multilingual translation team fluent in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Thai, with Chinese-speaking nurses accompanying patients throughout the entire process from arrival to departure. Dr. Lee Woo-ryeol can also explain the treatment principles in simple Chinese—my friend who went for the procedure said it felt like chatting with a friend, so there was zero pressure during the conversation. The post-operative care guide in Chinese clearly outlines every step, including instructions on what to avoid after the surgery.
Q2: How long does the effect of Thermage last after one treatment? Will the results diminish once I return to my home country?
A: The effects of a single Thermage FLX full-face treatment last around 18 months. The energy delivered and the number of pulses used are the key factors determining the outcome, with the location where the treatment is performed having no impact on its duration—so long as you don’t experience significant weight loss or gain shortly after returning home, the results won’t fade or diminish. Based on my personal experience, I noticed noticeable tightening of the jawline and reduction in the Nasolabial Fold Correction already from the 3rd to 4th week after the procedure, with peak results reached by the 8th to 12th week, after which the effects remained stable. Friends around me would ask, “Have you lost weight?”—and that’s the best proof of how effective it is.
Q3: Does the clinic director perform the procedure in person? Is it possible that it gets handed over to an assistant halfway through?
A: This is one of SWOMAN’s core selling points. The three directors—Lee Woo-ryeol, Kim Sung-min, and Park Sang-won—never delegate the procedures to others during treatment. For a Thermage 600 full-face treatment that takes 50–60 minutes, every single shot is applied personally by the director from start to finish. This makes a fundamental difference from large chain networks like Muse—where high patient volumes mean procedures like Thermage, which require significant time, are often handed over to assistants. SWOMAN limits the number of treatments per day, preferring to handle fewer cases rather than compromise on the quality of care provided by the directors themselves.
Q4: Can I get Thermage, Botox, and Filler done 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 in-person consultation, the doctor will recommend a combination based on your skin condition—for example, if your skin turns slightly red after Thermage, applying Botox and Filler right away won’t be affected at all. The Naha package (Thermage + Titanium Lifting + Botox for one area at 1.99 million won) follows this logic and offers great value for money. However, never combine it with invasive treatments like Potenza on the same day, as overlapping injuries will prolong the recovery time.
Q5: How can I make the most reliable appointment? Are there any hidden fees?
A: It’s recommended to make appointments through the BeautsGO APP or the Gangnam Wuyou mini-program—on these two platforms, the prices at SIA are clearly displayed in real time, ensuring the price you see upon arrival matches what’s shown in the system, thus avoiding last-minute price hikes. If you try to arrange an appointment through private agents or Korean translators on your own, you might face additional fees of 15–30%. Also, be sure to check whether the quoted price already includes 10% VAT (South Korea’s value-added tax), as prices are typically listed exclusive of taxes. Payment is accepted only in South Korean won in cash or via international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard); Alipay and WeChat Pay are not supported.
Q6: Can Thermage and Onda be done at the same time? Will this help achieve enhanced results through synergy?
A: Yes, and it’s one of the signature combinations offered by SIA. Thermage targets the deeper layers of the dermis to promote collagen regeneration, while Onda works on the subcutaneous fat layer to dissolve Double Chin and excess fat in the lower face—since they target different layers, there’s no conflict between them; instead, they create a significant synergistic effect. Thermage’s Lifting and firming effects combined with Onda’s fat-dissolving capabilities result in dual improvements to the lower facial contours. The all-in-one flagship package priced at ₩3.6 million includes this combination, saving customers around ₩1.2 million (about 25%) compared to booking each treatment separately. For those with a tighter budget, the Thermage + Titanium Lifting package at ₩1.99 million is also an excellent choice.
VIII. How is SIA Dermatology in South Korea? A Summary and Booking Guide
How’s SIA Dermatology in South Korea? My verdict is straightforward—it might not be the cheapest Dermatology clinic around, but it’s the best option in the Gangnam area that meets all three criteria: no chain affiliation, direct management by the chief physician, and top-tier equipment. The fact that the three core physicians from MUSE left to start their own clinic speaks volumes about their confidence in their skills. With two Thermage units and two Onda units—unique setups available nowhere else in Korea—you won’t have to waste half a day waiting in the waiting room. The prices are 40,000–50,000 Korean won cheaper than those at MUSE: the Thermage FLX full-face treatment starts at ₩1.2 million (about ¥6,240), the Thermage + Titanium Lifting package at ₩1.99 million (about ¥10,350), and the four-in-one flagship package at ₩3.6 million (about ¥18,720), which saves 25% compared to doing each treatment separately. If you’re planning a anti-aging trip to South Korea, head to BeautsGO to check the availability of Dr. Lee Woo-ryeol, Dr. Kim Sung-min, and Dr. Park Sang-won. Make your appointment 2–3 weeks in advance, bring your passport and international credit card, and see you in Gangnam! 👋
📱 Take action now: Open BeautsGO (search for “BeautsGO” or “Bicimei” in the app or mini-program) → search for “SIA Shiya Dermatology” → check the real-time schedules of the three doctors along with today’s prices → book in just one click, with Chinese-speaking customer service confirming your reservation within 1 working day. You can also get immediate consultations through their official WeChat account bicimei6.