What is the main motivation for people to go to South Korea for medical aesthetics treatments? In short, it boils down to this: “Get top-notch equipment and more experienced doctors at just one-third of the domestic prices.” However, many women have no idea about the actual costs before they travel. Once they arrive at the clinic, they are often shocked by the price lists or end up having unnecessary treatments recommended to them. In today’s article, we will clearly explain the approximate price ranges for the three most popular treatments at Red Mark Dermatology: the Ulthrea HIFU treatment starts from 4,500 yuan for 100 sessions, basic hyaluronic acid injections cost starting from 800 yuan, and the Thermage FLX full-face treatment begins at 3,700 yuan. This information will help you have a clear idea of the costs before you make your trip.
I. Ulthrea: Starting from 4,500 yuan for 100 treatments – the king of cost-effective alternatives to surgical facelifts
The HIFU is considered the “entry-level ace treatment” in Dermatology in South Korea, and virtually every reputable Dermatology clinic offers it. Its mechanism involves using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to deliver energy precisely to the SMAS fascia layer of the skin – the exact area that surgeons target during traditional facelift procedures. When the ONDO reaches 60-70°C, Collagen contracts instantly and begins to regenerate gradually within 1-3 months after the treatment, with the effects lasting approximately 1.5-2 years.
Why are the prices in South Korea only one-third of those in China?
In China, the cost of a full-face treatment with the Ulthrea usually ranges from 15,000 to 30,000 yuan. In South Korea, at the Red Label Dermatology clinic, the price starts from 4,500 yuan for 100 treatments (approximately 300,000 to 500,000 South Korean won per 100 treatments), and the cost for a full-face treatment using 300 to 400 sessions is around 8,000 to 12,000 yuan. The reason for this price difference is quite simple.
- Equipment density: In Gangnam, there are over 20 clinics along a single street. The repurchase rate and utilization rate of HIFU devices in each clinic are extremely high, which effectively reduces the cost per use.
- Original purchase price: South Korea is one of the largest markets in the world for medical beauty equipment. The purchase prices offered by Ultherapy manufacturers to clinics in South Korea are significantly lower than those in domestic markets.
- No additional costs due to import tariffs: The equipment itself is part of South Korea’s supply chain, with no intermediate links involved.
Reference prices for HIFU (range for clinics marked in red)
| Number of treatments | Korean won price | Equivalent to approximately RMB… | Suitable areas for treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 pieces | 300,000 to 500,000 | 1,600 to 2,600 yuan | Basic lower jaw line |
| 200 pieces | 600,000 to 1 million | 3,200 to 5,300 yuan | Lower face + chin |
| 300 shots | 900,000 to 1.48 million | 4,700 to 7,800 yuan | mid-to-lower face |
| 400 shots | 1.2 million to 1.95 million | 6,300 to 10,300 yuan | Conventional dosage for the entire face |
| 600 shots | 1.8 million to 2.86 million | 9,500 to 15,000 yuan | Full face + neck |
It is generally recommended to use 300-400 hairs for optimal results across the entire face, and a budget of around 8,000 yuan should be sufficient to achieve this. If you only want to perform Thread Lifting on the chin area, 100 hairs will be enough, which is roughly equivalent to the cost of treating just one area using HIFU in China.
II. Basic Glow Injection: Starting from 800 yuan – the “daily maintenance” approach in South Korea’s Dermatology clinics
In South Korea, Hydra Lifting is no longer considered a luxury treatment – it has become more like a routine maintenance procedure, similar to the frequency at which we undergo deep cleansing and hydration treatments in our home country. The essence of basic Hydra Lifting injections is to directly administer Filler into the dermis, achieving both immediate hydration and long-lasting water retention effects.
What are the differences between basic glow treatments, Rejuran treatments, and Asce+ Exosomes glow treatments?
| Type | Korean won price | RMB | Key Ingredients | Suitable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Glow Toner | 90,000 to 150,000 | 480 to 800 yuan | Hyaluronic acid | Daily hydration |
| Rejuran PN 2 centum core | 190,000 to 250,000 | 1,000 to 1,300 yuan | Polynucleotide PN | Collagen repair |
| ASCE+ Exosomes | 290,000 to 350,000 | 1,530 to 1,850 yuan | Asce+ Exosomes + Peptides | Anti-aging and Regeneration |
| Customized luxury glow skincare treatments | 300,000 to 600,000 | 1,600 to 3,150 yuan | Compound formula | Comprehensive improvements |
If you simply want to improve your skin tone and get basic hydration, the Basic Hydrating Treatment priced at 800 yuan is an excellent entry-level option that hardly affects your budget. If you are seeking more noticeable anti-aging effects, it is recommended to upgrade to Rejuran or the Asce+ Exosomes Hydrating Treatment. The Basic Hydrating Treatments offered by these clinics use genuine South Korean hyaluronic acid, and the source of the products is verified by Chinese-speaking managers.
Standard prices for the three most popular treatments
| 100 shots of the Ulthrea version | Starting from 4,500 yuan. | Focusing on the SMAS fascial layer: maintenance effects last for 1.5 to 2 years. |
| Basic glow injection therapy | Starting from 800 yuan | Deep hydration · Instantly radiant skin |
| Thermage FLX Full Face Treatment | Starting from 3,700 yuan | Radiofrequency tightening – results last for approximately 1 year |
Prices fluctuate with the seasons; it’s best to check the prices before you set off.
III. Thermage FLX: Starting from 3,700 yuan for the entire face – the gold standard for radiofrequency tightening treatments
Thermage FLX is recognized by both South Korea and the international market as the gold standard for radiofrequency tightening devices. Unlike HIFU, which acts on the fascia layer, Thermage primarily targets the dermis layer – it uses monopolar radiofrequency energy to heat the dermal collagen to around 65°C, thereby achieving immediate tightening effects along with long-term regeneration. Due to their different depths of action, HIFU and Thermage are actually complementary treatments: HIFU is responsible for “lifting” the skin, while Thermage focuses on “tightening” it.
Reference prices for Thermage FLX (range for clinics marked in red)
| Location | Number of treatments | Korean won price | Equivalent to approximately RMB… |
|---|---|---|---|
| around the eyes | 225 shots | 1.4 million to 1.5 million | 7,400 to 7,900 yuan |
| lower face | 100 pieces | 350,000 to 400,000 | 1,850 to 2,100 yuan |
| Full-face foundation | 600 pieces | 2.6 million to 2.8 million | 13,700 to 14,700 yuan |
| Full-face standard treatment | 900 pieces | 3.4 million to 4 million | 17,900 to 21,000 yuan |
Attention! The phrase “Thermage FLX full-face treatment starting from 3,700 yuan” in the title refers to the 100-shot introductory package offered by Red Label clinics (approximately 350,000 Korean won per 100 shots). Many clinics offer a trial price of 100 shots to attract new customers, and if you just want to get a feel for the treatment, this price is quite affordable. However, a standard full-face treatment usually requires 600–900 shots, so it is recommended to budget around 15,000–21,000 yuan for this procedure.
Thermage vs Oligio, the Korean version of Thermage – how to choose? Titanium Lifting vs Oligio’s Lifting technology – which one is better?
| Equipment | Technology | Price range | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| American version of Thermage FLX | Monopolar radiofrequency | Ranging from 3,700 to 21,000 yuan | Around 1 to 1.5 years |
| Korean version of Oligio | Monopolar RF (Korean-made) | Around 60-70% in the Yumei version | Around 8 to 12 months |
| Titanium Lifting | Three-core optoelectronics | Starting from 8,800 yuan | About one year |
If you have a generous budget, consider the beauty-enhancing version of FLX – it offers top-notch results and comfort; if your budget is limited, the Korean version of Oligio or Titanium Lifting is a better option, as although their effects are slightly inferior, they offer a higher cost-performance ratio.
ig is the price difference for the same product?
| Ulthrea for the entire face | In South Korea, the cost ranges from 4,500 to 8,000 yuan, while in China it ranges from 15,000 to 30,000 yuan. |
| Thermage FLX for the entire face | In South Korea, the cost ranges from 3,700 to 8,000 yuan, while in China it ranges from 12,000 to 25,000 yuan. |
| Rejuran PN 2 centum core | In South Korea, it costs 1,000 yuan, while in China, the price ranges from 2,500 to 4,000 yuan. |
The cost of the flight ticket and accommodation can be covered simply by the profit from a large project.
IV. Apart from these three popular areas, what other high-value projects are worth pursuing?
The Dermatology department at Red Label Clinic offers more than just these three services; the following ones are also worth paying attention to:
| Project | Reference price of the RMB | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Pico laser for freckle reduction | 2,000 to 5,000 yuan per session | There are sunspots, freckles, and acne scars. |
| Rejuran PN 2 centum core | 1,000 to 1,300 yuan | Enlarged Pores and Flabby Skin |
| Filler injection of 1 centum core of Filler | Ranging from 800 to 2,600 yuan | Nasolabial Fold Correction, Tear trough correction, and the chin area |
| Botulinum toxin for the chin | 1,300 to 1,800 yuan | Masseter hypertrophy and the demand for a V-shaped face |
| Potenza | 2,400 to 3,700 yuan | Acne scars, Pores, skin texture |
| Inmode full-face treatment | 3,100 to 4,700 yuan | Double Chin, facial fat accumulation |
| ONDA Microwave Lifting with 80KJ of energy | Starting from 3,100 yuan | Alternative solutions for facial sagging and fear of pain during treatments |
V. Three practical package recommendations (classified by budget)
Entry-level package (budget: 3,000 – 5,000 yuan): Basic hyaluronic acid injection + 1 centum core of Filler injection = Instantly achieve hydration and fill in local depressions.
Anti-aging package (budget: 8,000 – 15,000 yuan): 300 treatments with Ulthrea + 2 centum core of Rejuran PN = First, lift the contours; then replenish collagen.
Intensive anti-aging package (budget: 20,000 – 30,000 yuan): 900 HIFU treatments for the entire face + 300 HIFU treatments = A dual-pronged approach targeting both the dermis and fascia layers, resulting in enhanced effects.
The prices at Redmark clinics can vary depending on the season and promotional activities (for example, they are generally cheaper in winter than in summer). It is recommended to search and compare prices in real-time on the BeautsGO platform, which lists over 3,800 participating clinics and more than 5,557 certified doctors, to find the most cost-effective option at the moment. Remember one key principle: low price is not the main criterion; what really matters are comparable prices to those in Korea, high-quality equipment, and excellent technical expertise.