Before you arrive: book ahead and share the basics

Korean skin clinics run on tight schedules, and popular slots fill quickly, especially on weekends. Booking ahead is the simplest way to be seen on the day you want; walk-ins depend on availability. When you request a consultation, mention your travel dates, your main concerns and any treatments you have had in the past year, such as fillers, threads, toxins or lasers.

If you use retinol or other strong actives, take blood thinners, or have taken isotretinoin recently, say so early. Some treatments need a pause beforehand. Read should I stop retinol before treatment? and our full guide to preparing for your clinic appointment.

What happens on the day, step by step

Check-in and medical form. You complete a short health questionnaire covering medications, allergies, pregnancy and past procedures. Bring photo ID, such as your passport, for registration.
Photos for your record. Many Korean clinics take standardized photos so your doctor can compare your skin over time. They stay in your private medical record.
Consultation with a doctor. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, consultations are held in English and usually take 15–30 minutes. Your doctor examines your skin, explains the options that fit your goals and your schedule, and tells you honestly when a treatment is unlikely to help.
Quote and consent. You receive a plan that lists the amount of each treatment (shots, lines, cc or units) and the price. You sign consent only once your questions are answered.
Cleansing and numbing. Makeup is removed. For many lasers, radiofrequency devices and injections, a numbing cream is applied for about 20–40 minutes.
Treatment. Performed by a licensed medical doctor. Most facial treatments take 10–60 minutes.
Soothing and aftercare. A calming mask or cooling may follow, and you leave with written aftercare instructions.

Korean clinic terms you will hear

Term	What it means	Example
Shots	Number of energy pulses delivered by a device	Thermage FLX 300 or 600 shots
Lines	Number of ultrasound lines delivered	Ulthera Prime 100 or 300 lines
cc or ml	Volume of injected product	Rejuran Healer 2cc, filler 1cc
Units	Dose of botulinum toxin	Forehead or jaw Botox
Korean vs imported toxin	Locally made brands vs Botox (Allergan), Xeomin or Dysport	Botulax, Nabota, Coretox
Course or series	A set of sessions spaced days or weeks apart	Pico toning, 5–10 sessions

Pricing per unit makes quotes easy to compare once you know the terms. Our guide to shots, lines and cc explains it in detail.

How long to allow

Visit type	Typical time at the clinic
Consultation only	30–45 minutes
Wrinkle Botox or a quick laser toning session	About 45–60 minutes including consultation
Skin booster such as Rejuran Healer	About 1–1.5 hours including numbing
Lifting such as Thermage FLX or Ulthera Prime	About 1.5–2.5 hours including numbing
Several treatments combined	About 2–3 hours

Your first-visit checklist

Passport or other photo ID
A list of your medications and supplements, including aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E or blood thinners, which can increase bruising
Names and dates of past fillers, threads, toxins or lasers, if you know them
Your flight date home, so your doctor can plan around any downtime
Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for afterward
Clean skin, or light makeup that is easy to remove

Prices, VAT and payment

Prices at Korean clinics are quoted in Korean won (KRW) and often exclude 10% VAT, so always ask whether a quote is VAT-inclusive. The special VAT refund that foreign patients could once claim on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026, so budget for the full amount. Our 2026 VAT update explains the change, and the payment and tax page covers how billing works at Dernia. You can browse indicative costs in our price guides. Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation.

Tips for a smooth first visit

Ask to see what is used. Sealed tips, cartridges and product boxes can be opened in front of you, and many devices display a shot counter. This is normal practice in Seoul.
Take your time. Korean clinics move quickly, but you can always ask for a moment to think. You should never feel pressured to add treatments.
Start conservatively. If a treatment is new to you, a moderate dose or a single session is a sensible start, especially before a long flight.

After your visit

Follow your written aftercare and keep the clinic's contact details handy. Mild redness, small injection bumps and slight swelling are common and usually settle within hours to a few days, depending on the treatment. Learn what is normal and what is not in our guide to side effects and when to contact us, and read our general aftercare advice.

When you are ready, book a consultation and your doctor will build a plan around your trip. You can also read how a visit to Dernia works or explore more planning guides before you travel.

Do I need to book in advance at a Korean skin clinic?

Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends and longer treatments such as lifting. Walk-ins depend on the day's availability. Sending your travel dates when you book helps the clinic plan your visit. See do I need to book in advance?

How long does a consultation take?

Most consultations take 15–30 minutes. Complex plans, or several concerns at once, can take a little longer. You are welcome to ask questions until you feel clear about the plan.

Can I have treatment on the same day as my consultation?

Often, yes. Most non-surgical treatments can be done straight after the consultation once the doctor confirms you are suitable and time allows. Some plans, such as a series of sessions, start on day one and continue later in your trip.

Will the doctor speak English?

Dernia Clinic Myeongdong offers consultations in English, so you can discuss your goals, risks and aftercare directly with your doctor.

Should I arrive with makeup on?

Light makeup is fine because the team will cleanse your skin before treatment. Arriving with clean skin saves a little time, especially if numbing cream is needed.

Why do Korean clinics take photos?

Standardized photos help your doctor assess your skin and track changes between visits. They are kept in your confidential medical record.

Before you go

How to prepare for your appointment — what to stop, bring and plan
Questions to ask at your consultation — a ready-made list
Shots, lines and cc explained — how Korean clinics price treatments
How to choose a skin clinic in Seoul — a neutral checklist

Practical information

How it works — your visit at Dernia from booking to aftercare
How long does a consultation take? — what to expect on timing
Do you offer consultations in English? — language and communication
Payment and tax — KRW pricing and VAT in 2026

Popular first treatments

Pico Toning — gentle laser for tone and glow with no real downtime
Wrinkle Botox — quick and easy to fit into a trip
Rejuran Healer — a popular Korean skin booster
First Glow Package — a low-downtime introduction

Dernia Clinic Myeongdong

First Visit to a Korean Skin Clinic: What to Expect