This is something I've been wondering. Every year, thousands of people travel all the way to South Korea specifically for cosmetic procedures, even though most countries have plastic surgeons.

If you think about it, that's a huge commitment. Flights, hotels, recovery time, language barriers...yet people still do it.

From what I've read, a few reasons keep coming up:

• Surgeons perform a very high volume of facial procedures, so they gain a lot of specialized experience.
• The aesthetic seems to lean toward subtle, natural-looking results rather than obvious "worked on" features.
• There are entire districts dedicated to plastic surgery, making consultations, imaging, surgery, and aftercare relatively streamlined.
• Depending on the procedure, even after airfare, some people say the overall cost is competitive compared with what they'd pay at home.

Obviously surgery isn't risk-free anywhere, and choosing the right surgeon matters far more than choosing a country.

But I'm curious:

For people who actually went to Korea...

• Was it worth traveling?
• Were the results noticeably different from what you were offered at home?
• Did you feel the quality justified the trip?
• If you considered Korea but decided against it, what changed your mind?

I'd love to hear real experiences

Please help your boy here.

I’m a guy, 26, planning to have my rhinoplasty next March in South Korea.

Can you recommend any hospitals that are credible and really good with male Asian noses? At the same time, very natural.

Any tips that you can give me? Thanks!

Sia Clinic Gangnam

If your skin feels dull, thin, or tired no matter how much serum you layer on, the problem usually isn't your skincare routine — it's what's happening underneath your skin. That's exactly the gap Re2O was designed to close.

At Sia Clinic, Re2O has quickly become one of our most requested treatments for patients who've tried traditional skin boosters and still feel like something is missing. Below, we break down exactly what Re2O is, how it works, what results to expect, and whether it's the right fit for your skin.

What Is Re2O?

ECM skin structure with collagen elastin and hyaluronic acid

Re2O (also known by its product name, Elravie Re2O) is a skin booster developed by the Korean biomedical company Humedix. Unlike most injectable treatments that simply add volume or trigger your skin to slowly produce more collagen, Re2O works differently: it delivers real, human-derived structural proteins directly into the dermis.

Think of it this way — your skin's firmness, bounce, and hydration all depend on a support structure called the extracellular matrix (ECM), made up of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. As we age, sun exposure and time gradually break this scaffold down, which is why skin starts to look thinner, looser, and less radiant. Re2O doesn't just encourage your skin to rebuild this scaffold — it actively supplies the building blocks needed to reconstruct it.

How Re2O Works

Re2O skin booster injected into the dermis layer

Most conventional skin boosters (think PDRN or hyaluronic acid-based formulas) work indirectly. They hydrate the skin's surface or gently stimulate fibroblast cells, hoping the body will eventually produce more collagen on its own.

Re2O takes a more direct route. It's formulated from micronized human acellular dermal matrix (hADM) — essentially purified structural components sourced from real human tissue, processed to remove cellular material so the body doesn't reject it. When injected into the dermis, these ECM components integrate directly into your skin's existing framework, reinforcing it from within rather than waiting for your cells to catch up.

This is why Re2O is often described as addressing multiple skin concerns at once, rather than targeting just one issue:

• Loss of elasticity and firmness
• Enlarged or visible pores
• Fine lines and early wrinkles
• Uneven texture
• Dehydration and dullness
• Mild volume loss

What to Expect During Treatment

A Re2O session at Sia Clinic typically involves a series of fine injections into the dermal layer, customized to your skin's thickness and specific concerns. Because the treatment involves injections, some patients feel more sensitivity than with surface-level treatments — which is why we offer numbing options, including topical anesthetic cream, to keep the experience as comfortable as possible.

Most sessions take under an hour, and there's no surgical downtime — though you should plan for a few days of mild sensitivity.

Timeline: When You'll See Results

Re2O isn't an overnight fix, and that's actually a good sign — it means your skin is undergoing real structural change rather than temporary swelling.

• Weeks 1–2: Mild swelling or small bumps may appear at injection sites as the product settles; skin may feel slightly firmer.
• Weeks 2–3: Visible improvements begin — smoother texture, a healthier glow, and reduced dryness.
• 1–2 months: Elasticity, pore appearance, and overall skin quality continue to improve as the ECM components integrate.
• Up to 6 months: A single session's results can last up to six months.
• Beyond 1 year: With a series of three or more monthly sessions, many patients maintain results for over a year.

Aftercare: How to Protect Your Results

Because Re2O works at the dermal level, proper aftercare matters for both comfort and results. After your session, we recommend:

• Applying sunscreen diligently, since UV exposure accelerates ECM breakdown
• Keeping skin well-moisturized to support the healing process
• Avoiding alcohol, smoking, saunas, and intense exercise for about a week
• Skipping activities that raise skin temperature or cause excessive sweating in the first few days
• Being gentle with the treated area — avoid pressing, rubbing, or aggressive exfoliation

Mild redness, swelling, or small bumps are normal in the first few days and typically resolve on their own.

Re2O for Face vs. Re2O Fine for Under Eyes: What's the Difference?

Not all skin is treated the same way — and this is especially true around the eyes. At Sia Clinic, we use two distinct versions of this treatment depending on the area:

Re2O (Standard) — For Cheeks

https://preview.redd.it/iu30hik47kbh1.png?width=579&format=png&auto=webp&s=f342167543b6bd4abb34edcb8aa1a86c17595e5f

Standard Re2O is formulated with slightly larger ECM particles, delivered using a traditional needle. This makes it well-suited for firmer, thicker skin — which is why at Sia Clinic, we perform standard Re2O only on the cheeks. We do not use standard Re2O on the forehead, as the skin and underlying structures in that area call for a different approach.

Re2O Fine — For Under Eyes

https://preview.redd.it/2dmqryn57kbh1.jpg?width=670&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a81cfea99d821699799dd5863d08510fa5bef206

Re2O Fine is a micronized version of the same ECM technology, with particles refined down to roughly 50 microns — small enough to move smoothly through the thin, delicate tissue under the eyes without clumping or creating visible bumps. Because the under-eye area is so thin and constantly in motion, Sia Clinic administers Re2O Fine using a blunt-tipped cannula rather than a sharp needle.

Re2O Fine is commonly used to address:

• Under-eye hollows and mild volume loss
• Fine lines and crepey texture around the eyes
• Dullness or a tired appearance linked to thinning under-eye skin
• Dark circles related to skin thinness (rather than pigmentation)

Quick Comparison

	Re2O (Standard)	Re2O Fine
Treatment area at Sia Clinic	Cheeks only	Under eyes
Particle size	Standard	Ultra-fine (~50 microns)
Injection method	Traditional needle	Blunt-tipped cannula
Best for	Pores, texture, elasticity, dullness	Hollowness, fine lines, dark circles
Not used on	Forehead	—

If you're interested in treating multiple areas — say, cheeks and under-eyes — your provider at Sia Clinic can combine standard Re2O and Re2O Fine in the same visit, using the appropriate technique for each zone.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Re2O?

Re2O treatment at Sia Clinic Gangnam

Re2O tends to be the right fit if you:

• Have tried hydration-focused skin boosters before but felt the results faded quickly
• Are noticing early signs of skin laxity, thinning, or textural changes
• Want to address several concerns (pores, tone, firmness, hydration) in one treatment rather than multiple separate procedures
• Prefer a treatment built from human-derived materials rather than fully synthetic fillers

It may not be the best starting point if you're looking for dramatic volume correction or have very specific concerns better addressed by fillers, threads, or energy-based devices — during your consultation, our providers will help you determine whether Re2O alone, or a combination approach, makes more sense for your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Re2O the same as a regular skin booster?

No. Traditional skin boosters mostly hydrate the skin or gently stimulate collagen production over time. Re2O directly supplies structural ECM components, making it a more direct approach to rebuilding skin structure.

Q: How many sessions do I need?

A single session can last up to six months, but a series of three sessions spaced about a month apart is commonly recommended for longer-lasting results.

Q: Does Re2O hurt?

Because it's injected into the dermis, some sensitivity is normal, but numbing options are available to keep the treatment comfortable.

Q: Can Re2O be combined with other treatments?

Yes — many patients pair Re2O with other rejuvenation treatments for a more comprehensive result. Your provider can recommend a plan based on your skin goals during a consultation.

Q: What's the difference between Re2O and Re2O Fine?

Re2O Fine uses much smaller, micronized particles and is designed specifically for thin, delicate areas like under the eyes. At Sia Clinic, standard Re2O is injected with a traditional needle and used only on the cheeks, while Re2O Fine is delivered with a blunt-tipped cannula for the under-eye area, which is gentler and reduces the risk of bruising.

Q: Can Re2O be used on the forehead?

At Sia Clinic, standard Re2O is currently used only on the cheeks and is not performed on the forehead. Ask your provider during your consultation about alternative options for forehead concerns.

https://preview.redd.it/6f2pp3lx6kbh1.png?width=640&format=png&auto=webp&s=5211a037dfea78e691892e29ef7ae74814b2c135

I'm a native English teacher living in Korea,
and I'm planning to get breast augmentation.

However, I also want to change my regular dermatologist.

Is there a place that does both?

Absolutely do not post promotional comments; only those who have actually been there should comment.

Ps) I went to Eight Plastic Surgery because someone recommended it in the comments, and I'm super satisfied! It's amazing! Thank you!

While researching Korean dermatology clinics, I kept seeing comments saying that consultations are mostly conducted with a consultation manager or coordinator, and the doctor only sees my face briefly right before the procedure. Although operating methods may vary from clinic to clinic, I really wanted to ask the doctor who would be performing the procedure directly.

I felt I needed to hear directly from the doctor how they assess my face, what they think about the side effects I'm worried about, and what criteria they use to determine the intensity and scope of the treatment to put my mind at ease.

At Dion Clinic, there was an initial basic consultation and verification process, followed by a separate session to speak with the doctor in charge. I spoke directly with the doctor about the areas I was most concerned about and the results I didn't want.

What I remember most is that I asked not only about the desired outcome but also what I wanted to avoid. When I mentioned that I hated the feeling of my nasolabial folds looking unnaturally swollen, the doctor explained how they could adjust the amount and placement to account for that.

Although we spoke through an interpreter, they checked periodically to make sure I understood correctly, which helped alleviate my worry that my words might be shortened or misrepresented. However, having an interpreter definitely made the conversation longer; even asking a single question took some time because the interpreter kept going back and forth.

I didn't have a huge discussion with the doctor, but at least I didn't feel like I was entering the procedure room without knowing who was performing it. That is because the procedure was carried out after I had heard the explanation and given my consent.

Even after the procedure was over, I was able to ask the doctor again if I had any questions. Of course, friendly service is important, but personally, having the opportunity to speak directly with the doctor in charge was a bigger factor for me.

I’ve been looking at different skincare tools recently, and one thing I’ve realized is that product specifications only tell part of the story. You can compare numbers all day, but they don’t always explain what it actually feels like to use a device every day.

Before buying something, I usually start with the basics like battery life, charging method, weight, size, different operating modes, and whether it’s water-resistant or easy to clean. Those details definitely help narrow things down, but they still don’t fully reflect the real experience once you start using it regularly.

For example, I recently came the Booster Sonic, and it made me think again about how much difference real daily use can make compared to just looking at specs. On paper, a lot of devices seem similar, but the actual experience can feel very different once you start using them.

For me personally, comfort and ease of use matter just as much as performance. If a device feels good in the hand, is easy to control, and doesn’t feel tiring during use, it naturally becomes part of my routine. But if it feels awkward or complicated, even good specs don’t really help in the long run.

I also didn’t expect how much the “experience” side matters. Things like a gentle vibration, a relaxing sensation, or just how enjoyable the routine feels can completely change whether a product becomes a daily habit or ends up unused.

So I’m curious—when you’ve tried facial or skincare devices, what ended up mattering most in the long run? Were there any specs you thought would be important but weren’t, or small details that completely changed your experience?

What are some skin clinic that i as a foreigner should visit? Thank you :)

For anyone who has tried both Restylane and Belotero lip fillers, can you please share if the results were pretty similar or did you prefer one over the other for shaping, volume and lasting power?

Planning on getting lip fillers in Seoul and never tried Belotero, but it seems it is popular there.
FYI, I have thin lips but want a semi cherry-lipped result.

I did NOT receive any discount/incentive for this review.

Wanted to give my review of Forena Clinic in Hongdae for those thinking of a place to go. I do not have public social media and I was not asked to write a review. This will not contain prices. All prices are available online very transparently and they were the same in office.

My concerns: I have severe acne scarring on my cheeks and forehead, oily skin, discolouration, and heavy jowls/double chin. I am 5’6”/167cm and 150lbs/68kgs. I have a severe needle phobia and a low pain tolerance.

Booking process: I booked online through their website for 2 separate appointments. They were both last minute appointments and I went on a Monday and Friday both are 10:00am. I messaged them once on WhatsApp to ask a question and it took several hours to hear back but they had a thorough answer.

Arrival: This place was easy to find and not crowded at 10:00am. I arrived 10 minutes early and they spoke great English and got me checked in within 10 minutes. I recommend going on a weekday and going early to skip waiting.

MONDAY APPOINTMENT

Consultation: I opted for no AI skin analysis because I’ve been to MANY medspas and am very aware of my skin’s needs. I also went in with a list of treatments I was interested in. The consultation went quickly and the man was very nice and fairly knowledgeable in English, which made things go smoothly. I felt he was insistent on a few treatments but not pushy, and when I turned down a few, he did not persist any further. I decided on Potenza with Rejuran HB and full face Subcision with PDRN. We then took some baseline photos and then I put my things in a locker. Within 10 minutes, I was being numbed.

Potenza with Rejuran HB: They showed me the products they were using and verified their authenticity. My esthetician spoke fairly good English and walked me through the process. I numbed for about 20 minutes and we started with Potenza with pumping tip and topical Rejuran HB. This was not painful at all. 1 or 2 minor pinches on my forehead but it was overall extremely comfortable. Way less uncomfortable than standard microneedling. I would do this again.

Subcision with PDRN: I was given several nerve block injections (these pinched a bit) and I was a bit freaked out but my own fears were worse than the pain. Injecting the PDRN HURT. I didn’t take any breaks (my own decision — he kept offering), but I had to control my breathing and pinch my hand to stop focusing on the injections. This is on the level of lip filler pain. The additional cannula subcision in my cheeks was not painful, just very slightly uncomfortable. Even saying all this, I would get it done again.

Post-treatment: I was given some complimentary red light therapy and then a woman applied some cream and sunscreen. I was given 2 healing face masks to go and a prescription for antibiotics. I picked them up across the street (easy to find) and was on my way.

Healing: Minor bruising and redness for about a week. Able to be covered by makeup at about the 3-4 day. Very easy recovery and I’m already seeing a bit of improvement.

FRIDAY APPOINTMENT

Consultation: I got the same consultant as my Monday appointment and he was very easy to chat with. He reassured me that he wanted to recommend treatments for double chin fat that did not interfere with my Monday Potenza and subcision. He wrote them down in my chart so the doctors would know. My neck and chin was being numbed in about 5 minutes after my consultation.

Onda 60kj: I was under the impression that this was a pain free treatment but this was not comfortable. It started off okay but it started to feel like someone was grinding their knuckles against a bruise on my jaw. This had me clenching my jaw too grit through it. I noticed the doctor seemed more intent on completing things quickly this time around. It was overall bearable but definitely prepare for some aching discomfort.

Ultherapy Prime 200 shots: I WOULD NOT DO THIS AGAIN. At least for me, this was extremely uncomfortable and painful and I almost had to stop at 100 shots. It feels like you’re getting pinpoint CO2 laser under your chin but the pinpricks somehow feel like they’re also in your skull. I’ve had full face CO2, Rejuran injections, and medium depth chemical peels and this is by far the most uncomfortable experience I’ve had. The doctor was nice but firm and gave some numbing spray but it didn’t really help. I’d recommend only getting this if you can get nerve blockers.

Post-treatment: They put some sunscreen on my face, took some more pictures, and sent me on m y way.

Healing: I had a bit of under chin puffiness and tenderness the first couple days that was mostly unnoticeable to anyone but me. I resumed business as usual. I think it’s too soon to see if it has lasting results but I can update in a month or two.

Overall thoughts on Forena Clinic and my services as someone who is very familiar with these kinds of places: I generally think of this place positively and am satisfied with my experience, though I will say your mileage will vary depending on your pain tolerance and concerns Everything here was very foreigner friendly and I paid much less than I would have in California where I live.

I can highly recommend this place for those concerned about skin quality, as they are extremely clean, efficient, and caring. Despite the pain, they made me feel very comfortable and taken care of. I can’t say for certain if I would go back for any lifting or fat reduction treatments. It felt like the Onda and Ultherapy Prime treatments were more painful than I expected and the customer service by the doctors was more akin to what people describe from factory clinic services (and yes, Forena is a factory clinic but it often didn’t feel like one).

So that’s my experience. Feel free to ask any questions but I just wanted to give people expectations if they are looking for a clinic. I know I did a lot of research and ended up at Forena because my original clinic cancelled on me. :(( Overall I would come back to Forena for skin services.

I got filler (Ellanse) to my temple area yesterday morning and have an 18 step scalp spa booked for this afternoon. I’m worried the massage will displace my filler—should I cancel? I could also just get a regular haircut, but if they shampoo me too vigorously, maybe that will impact the filler as well… Is this a valid issue, or am I being paranoid? Help 😭

I have been doing a lot of research on skin tightening treatments here in Seoul and Ultherapy keeps coming up.

However, after reading through various forums and medical literature, I have developed a fear regarding the risk of facial fat loss. Since I already have a relatively lean face, the last thing I want is to end up looking gaunt or aged by thinning out what little volume I have.

I know that tech heavy treatments like this are common in the industry here, but I am curious if anyone who has actually gone through it has experienced this, or if it is more of an overblown concern in the online community.

I am looking for honest perspectives, not marketing talk. If you have any experience with this specific side effect or know of safer alternatives for someone with a slimmer face, I would really appreciate the input.

Thanks！

Considering getting Potenza (with exosomes) + facial fat dissolving injections a few days apart, is there any dangers/downsides to doing these procedures so close together?

I wanted to share my consultation experience since I found Reddit really helpful when researching useful information before my trip.

Overall, I had a really positive first impression. Since I wasn't familiar with Seoul and the general area, I actually arrived about few minutes late and felt a bit embarrassed. But the staff were incredibly kind and welcoming. They didn't make me feel bad about being late at all which was a huge relief. She offered me some water and recommended that I download the Naver Map, telling me that it's what locals use to get around. It immediately made me feel more at ease even though it was a small gesture. The consultation itself was in a private room, which made me feel comfortable.

Everything was conducted in English, and communication was smooth throughout with no language barrier or misunderstandings. Before my appointment, I was honestly worried that I'd be pressured into lots of expensive treatments. First, I saw the doctor, who asked about my concerns and what I wanted to improve, then shared his professional opinion and recommendations without being pushy or trying to upsell any unnecessary procedures.

Afterwards, a staff member came in to walk me through the details and pricing more clearly. I also found the pricing to be more reasonable than I expected, which I was pleasantly surprised about. They explained the treatment options clearly, and I never felt pressured to make a decision or add extra procedures.

Luckily, I left feeling very comfortable and impressed with the experience. I already have consultations booked with a couple of other clinics, so this is only my first consultation experience. I'll compare everything before making my final decision, and I'll update again after treatment if I decide to go ahead.

I’m getting 3 point facial contouring surgery in South Korea and I have already consulted with like 7 clinics and I am just losing my mind at this point trying to choose the right place. I’m considering Woori clinic heavily or Saero but I just need some opinions and if you have any SERIOUS suggestions of an actual good surgery clinic please let me know :))

Hi everyone!

I will be traveling to Seoul for 5 days at the end of July. Afterwards I will continue to travel for a few more weeks, mostly going to be outdoor and sunny. I really want to do skin treatments in Seoul, but I'm struggling to figure out what is safe given my itinerary.

My constraints:

• Treatments that can provide long lasting result from one session (since I can't do multiple sessions)
• Sun-safe/ low downtime. I wouldn't want to risk more pigmentation/ damage to my skin after treatment with the sun
• Non surgical and not interested in botox

My skin concerns are pitted acne scars, early signs of aging, pigmentation, sagging cheeks.

I was originally planning to book a consultation with a dermatologist. But if I can’t actually do most advanced treatments because of the sun/single-session situation, I wonder if paying the higher price is worth it? Or should I just save my money, go to a cheaper factory clinic, and stick to light treatments?

Is there any possibility for advanced treatments that fit my situation, or should I just stick to basic treatments? I'm also not familiar with the treatments so if recommendations are welcome too :)

Since both are collagen related would it be best to pair together?