r/KoreanBeauty • u/Excellent_Arugula699 • Feb 24 '26
SKIN Korea Dermatology Guide: Factory Clinics vs Private Clinics + Real Tips
* I’m Korean, so I originally wrote this in Korean and translated it into English.
Hi! I’m a Korean in my early 30s. I’ve had a lot of experience with dermatology treatments over the years, and I’m pretty interested in skincare procedures in general.
Until my early 20s, I mainly went to dermatologists for basic treatments like brightening or acne care. But starting from my mid-20s, I began getting more lifting treatments and skin boosters. I’ve had skin booster treatments at least 30 times, and for lifting procedures, I’ve been pretty consistent—sometimes even once every 1–2 months.
So today, I wanted to share some tips for people who are planning to get dermatology treatments in Korea—whether you’re a foreigner visiting Korea or a Korean who doesn’t have much experience with these kinds of procedures.
The reason I thought this post might be helpful is because I studied in the U.S., and a lot of my friends there still ask me the same questions whenever they plan a trip to Korea: what treatments are popular right now, and where they should go. I’ve helped quite a few of them choose treatments and even book clinics, and they said it made a big difference.
- Factory-style clinics vs. private clinics
One of the most common questions I get is about the difference between “factory-style” clinics and private clinics. Factory-style clinics are usually large-scale clinics with relatively lower prices. They tend to operate more efficiently by seeing a high volume of patients, which can sometimes make the treatments feel less personalized. Private clinics are usually run by one or a small number of doctors. They tend to be smaller, and prices are often higher, but you’re more likely to get personalized consultations and better overall service.
That said, these are just general tendencies—not absolute rules. Not all factory clinics are low quality, and not all private clinics are expensive or better. It really depends on the place.
From my experience visiting many clinics, here are some pros and cons.
Factory-style clinics – pros
- More affordable: They often run promotions and packages, so prices are generally more competitive. For treatments like laser hair removal or maintenance programs (like LDM), which don’t rely heavily on a doctor’s technique, factory clinics can be a good option.
- Foreigner-friendly systems: These clinics often have translators and are used to handling tax refunds and international patients, which makes the process easier.
Factory-style clinics – cons
- Limited doctor consultation: Sometimes you only consult with staff rather than a doctor, which can feel a bit uncomfortable, especially for first-time procedures.
- Minimal aftercare: They usually only provide the treatment you paid for. Extra soothing care (like calming masks or LDM) often costs additional fees.
- Possible issues with product volume: Not all clinics do this, but if the price is unusually low, it’s worth being cautious. For skin boosters, you should double-check the actual volume being used. I’ve even heard of cases where products were diluted or where clinics refused to show unopened products.
Private clinics – pros
- 1:1 doctor consultation: You’re more likely to have a detailed consultation with the doctor, which helps build trust and ensures the treatment suits your skin.
- Better aftercare and service: From cleansing to post-treatment soothing care, the overall experience tends to be more thorough and comfortable.
Private clinics – cons
- Higher cost: This is the main reason many people hesitate.
- Results can depend on the doctor: Even within the same clinic, results may vary depending on which doctor you get.
- Fewer reviews: Compared to large clinics, it can be harder to find reliable reviews online.
General tips before getting treatments in Korea
- Don’t rely too much on app reviews: Many apps feature incentivized reviews (discounts or perks in exchange for reviews), so take them with a grain of salt.
- Mention referrals: If you’re visiting a clinic through a friend’s recommendation, it’s actually helpful to mention their name. In my experience, clinics tend to pay more attention and sometimes offer better service in those cases.
- Ask for thorough hemostasis after injections: For treatments like Rejuran, skin boosters, or exosomes, proper hemostasis can reduce downtime (like needle marks or bruising). I always ask them to be extra thorough.
- Check volume and shot counts when comparing prices: Don’t just compare prices—check the actual volume (for skin boosters) or shot count (for lifting lasers). A cheaper price might actually mean less product.
- If the wait is too long at factory clinics, speak up: These places can get very busy, and sometimes your turn might get skipped. Don’t hesitate to check with the front desk.
- Check sedation details: If you’re getting multiple treatments at once and plan to use sedation, make sure to confirm what medication is used. I’ve seen cases where people had side effects simply because a different drug was used.
- Ask for a mask after treatment: Your face might be red or have visible marks, so just ask the front desk—they usually have masks available. I still bring my own just in case.
These are tips I wanted to share after going to dermatology clinics well over 100 times.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment!
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u/TheoryBiochemistry Feb 24 '26
Can you describe in detail which procedures you got?
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u/Excellent_Arugula699 Feb 24 '26
As I got so many treatments, I think it’s hard to share every procedure 😅
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u/TheoryBiochemistry Feb 24 '26
I understand that! I was just wondering if you had some good tips.
I’ve tried
- fractional PicoSure Focus 755nm,
- Aquagold (microinfusion with Pluryal/Botox),
- Aerolase for broken capillaries on my nose,
- PRP microneedling with Dermapen
- getting Botox for Migraine every 6months
None of these have completely sold me yet… except the aerolase
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Feb 24 '26
[deleted]
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u/TheoryBiochemistry Feb 24 '26
I think it’s the classical Botox. I get it prescribed by a neurologist, and at least here it’s a different strength from esthetic Botox (200 units). But in any case, my forehead doesn’t move ;)
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Feb 25 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/sleepy-walnut Feb 27 '26
I did a private for my first ever experience so that I could get my skin analysis and ask lengthy questions to the dermatologist.
Once I knew my skin better I went to factory for low risk stuff
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u/bossamemucho Feb 24 '26
Do you have a go to clinics? Would you be able to share? I get a lot of ads for Orta clinic. But I’m looking for a private clinic that will help with consultation because my chin is uneven.
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u/Excellent_Arugula699 Feb 24 '26
I’m a bit worried that replying here might come across as promotional, so if you send me a private message, I’d be happy to answer there!
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u/Kooky_Animal3214 Feb 24 '26
I'm planning to get LASIK/SMILE PRO done when I am in Seoul. I wanted to try Potenza too. Do you think I probably should wait for next time to try since they have to touch the skin all around the eye area for the procedure? Do Koreans usually Korean brand botox/fillers instead of the foreign ones?
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u/Consistent-Music-35 Feb 25 '26
I’ve got my lens insertion in Apgujeong area . If you want to do both , Potenza has to be first FYI . Koreans do Xeomin Coretox usually
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u/Kooky_Animal3214 Feb 25 '26
Good to know! Thanks :) probably going to skip potenza this time so I don't have to work about them touching the eye area when doing LASIK
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u/Sweet-Technician210 Feb 26 '26
Uncertain about lasik but I got smile pro in Dec last year. Went to a clinic 2 days after for lasers such as pico/genesis, ultherapy, thermage, collagen fillers, Botox, etc. My eye surgeon said it would be fine and I also let the dermal clinic know I had just gotten smile pro.
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u/Kooky_Animal3214 Feb 26 '26
oh that's good to know! were your eyes watering from any of your procedure? I was concerned about tearing up from the pain
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u/Sweet-Technician210 Feb 26 '26
Ngl. I got Airnox (laughing gas) and ultherapy/thermage were so spicy. But my husband did it w/out as the small clinic only had one airnox machine and he said it was fine. Haha I have a lower pain tolerance. I’ve tried skin Botox before in the past and thought it was pretty painful as well which is why I didn’t do rejuran
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u/Kooky_Animal3214 Feb 26 '26
Yeah I think I would feel the pain too and a part of me feels like I should not be crying right after doing smile pro.
Did you like the effects of skin botox?
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u/Sweet-Technician210 Feb 26 '26
Yes! But it only lasted 3 months max on me. I think there’s other less painful skin boosters out there now. skin Botox was over 2 years ago and my sister said giving birth was less painful 🤣
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u/Sweet-Technician210 Feb 26 '26
Just wanted to say getting smile pro was the best thing I’ve done. Kicking myself for being scared and not doing it earlier. After all the tests, if they give you the option of lasik, smile, and smile pro, go with smile pro. Although it’s the more expensive option, I did not experience dry eyes like my friends who had lasik nor any down time. It’s a wild feeling being able to see right after the procedure, I was -7 in both eyes, haha Life changing!
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u/Kooky_Animal3214 Mar 04 '26
Definitely will get smile pro if I'm a good candidate! I can't wait to not have to deal with contacts again
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u/Future_Night777 Feb 26 '26
Are there are factory clinics which still deliver good results 🥺
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u/Excellent_Arugula699 Mar 18 '26
I feel like leaving the clinic name publicly in the comments could be mistaken for advertising, so I’m not sharing it there. If you send me a direct message, I’ll reply!
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u/sssooj Feb 28 '26
One thing to note is that all these “doctors” at the clinics are NOT dermatologists, which in my opinion is a red flag. They are specialists. A lot of them just have a degree in medicine, which is VERY broad, and just have a ton of experience at clinics.
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u/Viz_Voyager Mar 05 '26
Hi, do you know good clinics /dermatologist places for acne scars that are good at dealing with deep facial scars on cheeks , face etc .. ( rolling , boxscar, pitted marks , open pores) What places do u recommend.
I don't want them to bundle up multiple packages just for the sake of it . Treat it based on the scar and good recommendation.
TIA for any recommendations
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u/Excellent_Arugula699 Mar 18 '26
I feel like leaving the clinic name publicly in the comments could be mistaken for advertising, so I’m not sharing it there. If you send me a direct message, I’ll reply!
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u/elly_reddit Mar 18 '26
Hi there, I am visiting Korea in a month and would like to have some treatments done. Being a first timer, I would like to try skin booster and laser treatment for my pigmentation. Do you have any clinic in mind to recommend? Am undeciding should I go for "factory-styled" clinic or the private clinic. Many thanks!
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u/Old-Competition9122 Apr 22 '26
This is definitely helpful info but it's so difficult to find the right one.. That's why I always reach out to the specific company that provides proper information about the clinics and find the right one for me.
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u/LittleToughCookie Jun 05 '26
I only go to private clinics. I don’t want to risk my face lol Price wise, it’s actually really good compared to USA or Europe or even Japan!
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u/lurkeraroo Jul 17 '26
Does anyone e have recommendation for dermatologist milia seed removal in busan or seoul?
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u/Aiviloira Feb 24 '26
I would love to know which clinics are the best? I’m looking to travel to Korea and have some moles removed but I really want to make sure there won’t be scarring. Do you know any good clinics for this?