TL;DR 

  • Ultherapy in Korea may seem appealing, but the experience can be impersonal and rushed.
  • Various factors from logistics to post-treatment care can add to unnecessary stress. 
  • This extra stress might not be ideal for everyone, especially those new to aesthetic treatments.

Ultherapy in Singapore has gained immense popularity as a noninvasive facelift, especially with endorsements from glass-skinned celebrities like Lee Min Ho. It’s tempting to think that getting Ultherapy in Korea, a teeming mecca for Southeast Asian aesthetics, would guarantee the best results. 

However, there are several important factors and risks to consider before making that decision.

The Reality of Getting Ultherapy in Korea

Experience and Environment

Experience & Environment of Ultherapy Korea

Despite their high medical tourism numbers, aesthetic procedures in Korea can sometimes be characterised by a cold, transactional atmosphere. Clinics often operate in a highly efficient, factory-like manner, where personal touch and patient comfort may be sacrificed for speed.

You might find yourself in a setting where privacy is minimal with a brisk and impersonal consultation process. Often, consultations in Korea could seem more like instructional discussions on procedural side effects and post-treatment care rather than meticulous assessments of individual suitability.

Example of Patient Information
Outpatient Survey for Ultherapy
Post-procedure: Cleansing, facial analysis and photo taking done within 10 minutes.
Example of Pass Card for Ultherapy
Example of a ‘pass’ card to indicate where to go after confirming your treatments.

This can be vastly unsettling, especially for first-time patients who have a myriad of questions about a new treatment. Even if you’re an aesthetic treatment veteran, there might be concerns you’d like to address.

Lack of a Customised Treatment Plan

It is not uncommon for patients to be persistent in doing a treatment, especially after seeing an ad online. If you fly all the way to Korea for Ultherapy, of course you wouldn’t want to leave without getting the treatment you’ve been planning for. 

However, it’s important to approach aesthetic treatments with an open mind, remaining flexible rather than fixating on a single treatment option. Sometimes you need more, or maybe not at all – that’s where a doctor’s consultation with an elaborate skin analysis should come in.

Dr. Akira Tan with a patient for Ultherapy

Developing an optimal treatment plan requires considerable care and time. Unfortunately, this level of thoroughness is often not possible in Korea, where procedures can be very fast and transactional. In many cases, the doctor may not have the time to assess whether the procedure is truly suitable for you.

Over-Selling and Bundling of Treatments

Laser Bundle & Machines
Laser bundle with occasional freebies.

Korean clinics often promote bundled packages that include multiple treatments, which can be tempting for those looking to get the most value for their money. While combination treatments can be beneficial and expedite results, they may not be necessary or suitable for everyone.

For example, Ultherapy is a comprehensive treatment that targets different layers of the skin. Since it’s a holistic facelift, it might be more cost-efficient to undergo Ultherapy alone rather than in conjunction with multiple treatments.

Often, and especially for newbies, patients can be easily persuaded into getting treatments they do not need if they are not well-researched and resolute enough.

Treatment plans for Ultherapy in Korea

Pain Management

Pain management is another critical aspect of aesthetic treatments. Various Singaporeans have raised an alarming common experience about getting aesthetic treatments in Korea- Not only are there limited pain relief options, often, pain relief might not be administered properly, likely due to the “factory line” nature of clinics.

Besides numbing cream, we employ a dynamic range of techniques, including oral painkillers, numbing cream, injections, and cooling methods, to ensure a more comfortable experience for all our patients.

Language and Technology Barriers

Many clinics, even those with good reviews, may have staff who need help with English. This can lead to miscommunication and heightened anxiety for patients who are already nervous about undergoing a medical procedure in an unfamiliar environment.

If you decide to go ahead with Ultherapy in Korea, make sure you have communicated with an English-speaking staff member, go with a Korean-speaking friend, or have interpreters who can assist on the day of your procedure.

You might have to download Kakao, a ubiquitous Korean app used for communicating, booking, and other transactions.

Logistics and Post-Treatment Care

Logistics and Post-Treatment Care for Ultherapy Korea
Documents detailing post-treatment care and form to purchase medication on your own at the pharmacy.

Booking an appointment at a Korean clinic can be cumbersome for international patients who might need help rescheduling appointments due to unforeseen travel issues, such as flight delays or a change of itinerary.

Post-treatment care is another concern. Ultherapy can sometimes result in side effects such as welts or discomfort. While these usually self-resolve, some cases may require medication or additional management.

Plus, given that the full effects of Ultherapy are only visible after 2-3 months, addressing any concerns or dissatisfaction after returning home to Singapore can prove challenging and inconvenient.

At our clinic, patients are welcome to contact us and return for a consultation whenever they have doubts or issues. We understand that choosing to undergo aesthetic treatments is no fickle decision, and we are committed to providing reassurance and support throughout your journey to achieving your desired results.

Experienced Practitioners

Dr Charlene and Dr Kailun receiving their certification for Ultherapy’s See, Plan, Treat (SPT) protocol
Dr Charlene and Dr Kailun receiving their certification for Ultherapy’s See, Plan, Treat (SPT) protocol

Ultherapy is a procedure with a standardised protocol, but achieving optimal results requires significant skill and experience.

Putting a regular driver in a Mercedes is unlike having Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel, and driving a car requires far more than just following GPS directions. In the same way, performing Ultherapy goes far beyond the administration of standard procedures.

At SL Aesthetic Clinic, our practitioners are trained in Ultherapy’s See, Plan, Treat (SPT) protocol and hold and Advanced Ultherapy Certification. We also carry the authentic Ultherapy machine.

Dr Lau receiving his Advanced Ultherapy Certification from Dr Dissapong, Ultherapy trainer
Dr Lau receiving his Advanced Ultherapy Certification from Dr Dissapong, Ultherapy trainer
SL Aesthetic Clinic Certificate of Authenticity that verifies our Ultherapy machine is genuine
Certificate of Authenticity that verifies our Ultherapy machine is genuine

Cost Considerations

Lastly, while Ultherapy has a standardised protocol and pricing should be relatively consistent globally, the overall cost of travelling to Korea for the procedure includes additional expenses like flights, accommodation, and potential unforeseen costs.

When factoring in these extras, it often turns out to be more economical to undergo Ultherapy treatment in Singapore, where you can avoid the added stress, costs and logistical challenges of travelling abroad.

Conclusion

While undergoing Ultherapy in Korea might seem appealing, we must recognise the above factors. From the potentially transactional nature of clinics and language barriers to the complexities of post-treatment care and cost considerations, opting for Ultherapy in Korea could involve significant losses, risks and inconveniences.

We want to feel safe when undergoing aesthetic treatments. For a more personalised, comfortable, and manageable experience, undergoing Ultherapy in Singapore is often a better choice.

At SL Aesthetic Clinic, we offer help from experienced practitioners, comprehensive pain management, and a straightforward process without the added stress of international travel.

At the end of the day, achieving the best results from aesthetic treatments involves more than just technology. Choosing to stay local can offer you peace of mind and ensure you receive the highest standard of care tailored to your individual needs.

Interested in Ultherapy in Singapore? Talk to us.

The aim of this article is to provide genuine feedback from online users about various clinics and their services. Our intent is not to disparage or damage the reputation of any clinic. We recognise that there are many reputable clinics that offer high-quality care and encourage readers to conduct their own research and consider multiple sources of information when making decisions.