What’s the main motivation for going to South Korea for medical aesthetics treatments? It boils down to one thing: “Enjoy top-tier equipment and more skilled doctors at just one-third of the cost back home.” Yet many women have no idea what the prices will be before they leave, only to be shocked by the price lists at the clinics or pressured into getting a bunch of unnecessary procedures. In this article, we’ll clearly outline the standard price ranges for the three most popular treatments at Hongbiao Dermatology—Ulthrea with 100 shots starting at 4,500 yuan, basic hyaluronic acid injections starting at 800 yuan, and Thermage FLX full-face treatment starting at 3,700 yuan—so you can have a clear idea before you set off.
I. Ulthrea: 100 sessions starting at 4,500 yuan – the best value option for non-surgical facelifts
HIFU is considered the “must-have cornerstone treatment” in South Korea’s Dermatology clinics, and almost every reputable dermatology practice offers it. It works by using high-intensity focused ultrasound to deliver energy precisely to the SMAS fascia layer of the skin—exactly the area that surgeons target during traditional facelift procedures. When the ONDO reaches 60–70°C, the Collagen contracts instantly, and new Collagen is gradually produced over 1–3 months after the treatment, with effects lasting around 1.5–2 years.
Why are the prices in South Korea only 1/3 of those at home?
In China, the price for a full-face treatment using the Ulthrea HIFU device typically ranges from 15,000 to 30,000 yuan. In contrast, at Hongbi Dermatology in South Korea, the cost starts at 4,500 yuan for 100 shots (approximately 300,000 to 500,000 South Korean won per 100 shots), with a full-face treatment using 300–400 shots costing around 8,000 to 12,000 yuan. The reason for this significant price difference is quite simple:
- Equipment density: There are over 20 clinics on a single street in Gangnam, and each one has an extremely high repurchase rate and utilization rate for HIFU devices, which helps reduce the cost per treatment.
- Original manufacturer price: South Korea is one of the largest global markets for medical aesthetics equipment, and Ultherapy’s pricing for clinics in South Korea is significantly lower than that in domestic markets.
- No import tariffs or additional costs: The equipment comes directly from South Korea’s supply chain, eliminating any intermediate steps.
Reference prices for HIFU (ranges at Red Mark clinics)
| Number of Posts Sent | Korean Won Price | Approximately equivalent to RMB | Suitable areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 shots | 300,000–500,000 | 1,600–2,600 RMB | Base chin line |
| 200 shots | 600,000–1 million | 3,200–5,300 RMB | Lower face + chin |
| 300 shots | 900,000–1.48 million | 4,700–7,800 RMB | Mid-to-lower face |
| 400 shots | 1.2 million – 1.95 million | 6,300–10,300 RMB | Full face, standard dose |
| 600 shots | 1.8 million – 2.86 million | 9,500–15,000 RMB | Full Face + Neck |
It is generally recommended that 300–400 sessions yield the best results for a full-face Lifting, with costs around 8,000 yuan. If you only want to undergo Thread Lifting along the jawline, 100 sessions are sufficient—almost equivalent to a fraction of the cost for a single treatment area with Thermage in China.
II. Basic Hyaluronic Acid Injection: Starting at 800 RMB – The “daily maintenance” treatment at Dermatology clinics in South Korea
In South Korea, Hydra Lifting is no longer considered a premium treatment—it’s more like an everyday maintenance procedure, similar to the frequent deep cleansing and hydration treatments we get back home. The essence of basic Hydra Lifting injections is to directly deliver hyaluronic acid into the dermal layer, achieving both immediate hydration and long-term moisture retention.
Basic hydrating treatment vs Rejuran vs Asce+ Exosomes hydrating treatment – what are the differences?
| Type | Korean Won Price | RMB | Key Ingredients | Suitable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Glow Injection | 90,000–150,000 | 480-800 RMB | Hyaluronic Acid | Daily hydration |
| Rejuran PN 2cc | 190,000–250,000 | 1,000–1,300 RMB | Polynucleotide PN | Collagen Repair |
| ASCE+ Exosomes | 290,000–350,000 | 1,530–1,850 RMB | Asce+ Exosomes + Peptides | Anti-aging & Regeneration |
| Custom Luxury Hydrating Treatment | 300,000–600,000 | 1,600–3,150 RMB | Complex Formula | Comprehensive improvement |
If you’re simply looking to brighten your skin tone and provide basic hydration, the Basic Glow treatment at 800 yuan is an extremely affordable option that hardly impacts your budget. For more noticeable anti-aging results, it’s recommended to upgrade to Rejuran or Asce+ Exosomes treatments. Red Mark Clinic uses genuine South Korea-made hyaluronic acid for all its basic Glow injections, with a Chinese clinic director verifying the origin of the products.
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Standard prices for the top 3 popular procedures
| 100 Treatments with Ulthrea | Starting from 4,500 RMB | Targeting the SMAS fascial layer · Lasts 1.5–2 years |
| Basic hydrating injection | Starting from 800 RMB | Deep Hydration · Instant Brightening |
| Thermage FLX Full Face Treatment | Starting from 3,700 RMB | RF Tightening · Results Last Around 1 Year |
Prices fluctuate with the seasons · Check the latest rates before you go for accuracy
III. Thermage FLX: Starting at 3,700 yuan for full-face treatment – the gold standard for radiofrequency tightening
Thermage FLX is widely recognized as the gold standard for RF tightening devices in both South Korea and international markets. Unlike HIFU, which targets the fascia layer, Thermage focuses on the dermal layer—using monopolar RF energy to heat the dermal collagen to around 65°C, thereby achieving both immediate tightening effects and long-term regeneration. Due to their differing penetration depths, HIFU and Thermage actually complement each other: HIFU is used for lifting, while Thermage works to tighten the skin.
Thermage FLX Price Reference (Red-Tagged Clinics Range)
| Area | Number of posts sent | Korean Won Price | Approximately equivalent to RMB |
|---|---|---|---|
| around the eyes | 225 shots | 1.4 million–1.5 million | 7,400–7,900 RMB |
| Lower face | 100 shots | 350,000–400,000 | 1,850–2,100 RMB |
| Full Face Foundation | 600 shots | 2.6 million–2.8 million | 13,700–14,700 RMB |
| Full Face Standard | 900 shots | 3.4 million–4 million | 17,900–21,000 RMB |
Note! The price mentioned in the title, “Thermage FLX full-face treatment starting at 3,700 yuan,” refers to REDMARK CLINIC’s introductory package of 100 shots (approximately 350,000 KRW per 100 shots). Many clinics offer a discounted rate for 100 shots to attract new clients, and this price is quite attractive if you’re just looking to try it out. However, a standard full-face treatment usually requires 600–900 shots, so plan to budget around 15,000–21,000 yuan.
Thermage vs Oligio: The Korean version of Thermage. Oligio vs Titanium Lifting – which one should you choose?
| Equipment | Technology | Price range | Duration of Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Version of Thermage FLX | Monopolar RF | 3,700–21,000 RMB | About 1–1.5 years |
| Korean-style Oligio | Monopolar RF (Korean-made) | Approximately 60-70% of the beauty version | About 8–12 months |
| Titanium Lifting | Three Core Glow Technology | Starting from 8,800 RMB | About 1 year |
For those with a larger budget, the beauty version of FLX offers top-notch results and comfort; for those on a tighter budget, the Korean version of Oligio or Titanium Lifting provides slightly less impressive outcomes but better value for money.
How bi
g is the price difference for the same procedure?
| Ulthrea for Full Face Treatment | South Korea: 4,500–8,000 RMB vs. Domestic China: 15,000–30,000 RMB |
| Thermage FLX Full Face Treatment | South Korea: 3,700–8,000 RMB vs. Domestic China: 12,000–25,000 RMB |
| Rejuran PN 2 centum core | South Korea: 1,000 yuan vs. Domestic China: 2,500–4,000 yuan |
The cost of flights and accommodation can be covered by the profit from one major project.
IV. Besides the three most popular options, what other high-demand procedures are worth considering?
Dermatology by Red Mark offers more than just these three treatments—here are a few others worth checking out:
| Project | RMB reference price | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Pico Laser for Spot Reduction | 2,000–5,000 RMB per session | Has sun spots, freckles, and acne scars |
| Rejuran PN 2 centum core | 1,000–1,300 RMB | Enlarged Pores and Loose Skin |
| Filler injection: 1 centum core | 800–2,600 RMB | Nasolabial Fold Correction, Tear trough correction, chin contouring |
| Botox for the chin | 1,300–1,800 RMB | Masseter hypertrophy and V-face treatment needs |
| Potenza | 2,400–3,700 RMB | Acne scars, Pores, skin type |
| Inmode Full Face Treatment | 3,100–4,700 RMB | Double Chin, Facial Fat Accumulation |
| ONDA Microwave Lifting 80KJ | Starting from 3,100 RMB | Alternatives for facial sagging and pain sensitivity |
V. Three practical package recommendations (categorized by budget)
Beginner Package (budget: 3,000–5,000 RMB): Basic hyaluronic acid injection + 1 centum core of Filler = A one-stop solution for hydrating the skin and filling in localized depressions
Anti-aging package (budget: 8,000–15,000 RMB): 300 shots of Ulthrea + 2 centum core of Rejuran PN PN = first lifts facial contours, then boosts collagen production
Advanced Anti-Aging Package (budget: 20,000–30,000 RMB): Thermage FLX full-face treatment with 900 shots + HIFU treatment with 300 shots = simultaneous targeting of both the dermal layer and fascial layer for enhanced cumulative results
The prices at Redmark Clinics fluctuate depending on the season and ongoing promotions (for example, they’re generally cheaper in winter than in summer). It’s recommended to search and compare options in real time on the BeautsGO platform, which features over 3,800 clinics and more than 5,557 certified doctors, so you can find the best value deal available. Keep one thing in mind: low price isn’t the key—equal pricing to that in Korea and China, along with high-quality equipment and skilled professionals, are what truly matter.