SKIN TREATMENT IN KOREA
Introduction
To get skin treatment in Korea is a one of a lifetime experience. Over the past twenty years, beauty treatments embodying K-beauty have taken the world by storm. Factors such as the “Hallyu wave,” which is how Korean culture has spread across the globe in the form of our beloved K-dramas and K-idols, has significantly influenced the positive views of skin treatment in Korea. People simply want clear and flawless skin that many Korean celebrities possess.
With the continued use of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, Korean superstars not only advertise their beauty and skincare trends but also make it a worldwide phenomenon. Whether its merely introducing their skincare routines to getting skin treatment in Korea, it’s no question that K-beauty is indeed influential.
If you are looking to get skin treatment in Korea, look no further! We are here to help you.
There are several types of skin treatment options that we at Clinic Search can help you find and provide the services that you need.
The variety of plastic surgeries that we provide are listed below but are not limited to:
- Laser skin treatment
- Chemical peel treatment
- Injectables
- Hair removal
Seeing a dermatologist for a general skin condition
When faced with a general skin condition, you’ll probably be seeing a general practitioner or primary care physician. Though these doctors are sufficient to diagnose your general skin condition, we must acknowledge the expertise of a dermatologist – a doctor who specializes in skin diseases.
Seeing a dermatologist for a general skin condition could help you achieve an accurate diagnosis for your skin condition.
What is a dermatologist?
A dermatologist is a doctor that specializes in treating diseases of the skin, nails, hair, and mucus membrane disorders and illnesses.
They can also be involved in treating cosmetic issues that can revitalize and rejuvenate your appearance, and to take back your youthful and blissful look.
What is dermatology?
Dermatology is a branch of medicine specializing in treating diseases and disorders of the skin, hair, nails, and other mucus membranes.
As you can recall, our skin is the largest organ. Thus, healthy skin is an excellent indicator that you are in good shape and great overall health.
What are the common skin conditions that dermatologists treat?
An excellent clinical acumen, broad experience, and great intuition are what make a good dermatologist. Knowing the symptoms of a disease or disorder upon clinical presentation can lead a dermatologist to an accurate diagnosis of your condition.
Dermatologists treat a broad range of conditions, more than 3000 to be exact. The following are examples of conditions that often warrant an office visit:
Acne
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that have been plaguing patients around the world. The etiology of acne is varied and, therefore, can cause varying types of pimples. People with acne usually experience scarring and even worse low self-esteem that could lead to other complications.
Fungal infections
Fungal infections are often difficult to treat because of their eukaryotic nature. If bacterial infections could take just a week to treat, fungal infections could take up to a month! That is because they share the same cellular make up as we humans do.
A fungus called Candida is responsible for a variety of fungal infections that can thrive in your skin, nails, and hair. These include oral thrush, ringworm, athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), and balanitis.
Dermatitis and eczema
Dermatitis is known as the inflammation of the skin that has an accompanying itchy rash. Eczema, on the other hand, is the condition wherein your skin turns red, gets itchy and inflamed, gets rough, and then cracks. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema.
Warts
Warts are contagious, benign skin growths usually caused by an infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Though they seem to be buried, they only infect the top layer of your skin. A dermatologist will employ conservative treatment of warts through topicals and then proceed to surgical excision and cauterization if everything else has failed.
Hair loss
Hair loss is a common issue around the world, affecting more men than women. It is mostly due to genetic factors. However, several problems, such as head lice, could also contribute to hair loss.
Vitiligo
As you can recall, melanin is the natural pigment of our integumentary system. Vitiligo is a condition wherein the skin loses melanin in patches. The result is patches of light skin and areas of dark skin.
Nail problems
Ingrown nails, fungal nail infections, and trauma and damage to a tail are conditions that dermatologists treat. Nails are also a great indicator of your overall health.
Rosacea
This condition causes redness in the face, which could sometimes be accompanied by pustules, visible blood vessels, and the eyelids. These symptoms could spread to the entire face up to your chest and back.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis usually presents as skin that is thick, red, purple, as well as silvery and scaly. It is a chronic (long-term) autoimmune disorder that increases skin cell growth.
Laser Skin Treatment
For a laser to work best, you must find a laser designed to operate at a specific frequency to provide the best results. Though most lasers are suitable for most skincare applications, specific lasers work best for particular applications, that is, operating at specific frequencies to target specific problems. If your question is pigmentation, then you need a pigmentation laser and not the one designed for pores. The same goes for if your concern is your pores. You’ll need a pore laser.
When talking about lasers, you would want the most modern and advanced lasers in the market because it will damage your skin the least. Ablative lasers have longer recovery times than their non-ablative counterparts.
An important caveat is that comparing lasers based on price alone is like comparing apples to oranges. The amount of a laser is often determined by its original machine cost and its effectiveness in most cases.
Furthermore, laser treatments should never be done alone. It should be done with the application of a topical anesthetic, facial mask, and others. If you are not getting all of that, you are practically not getting the best results later on.
IPL laser treatment
IPL laser simply means intense pulsed light or IPL for short. It is commonly used to treat spots, wrinkles, and unwanted hair.
Furthermore, it also has a broad application as it can treat the following by minimizing or removing the following:
- varicose veins
- sun damage
- rosacea
- the hair on your face, neck, back, chest, legs, underarms, or bikini line
- freckles
- broken blood vessels on your face
- birthmarks
- age spots
What is the difference between IPL and lasers?
The only difference between the two is the types of wavelengths and the number of wavelengths that they focus on your skin.
IPL is incredibly similar to laser treatment but has a minute difference. A laser only focuses on one specific wavelength of light to your skin. In contrast, IPL focuses on your skin’s wavelength range, just like a flash of light.
The result of this “flash” of light is a more scattered targeting of the skin. Hence, it penetrates the dermis more than the epidermis, causing less damage to the skin’s top layer.
The result of this “flash” is that it destroys the pigment cells (melanocytes) through heat. It results in a fairer looking skin.
Before the procedure
Before the procedure, your dermatologist will perform a physical inspection of the areas that need to be treated and will let you understand what to expect during the process.
Your doctor will advise you to direct sunlight, tanning beds, waxing, collagen injections, drugs that induce bleeding such as aspirin and NSAIDs, and creams that contain vitamin A.
During the procedure
Your doctor will first clean the area with an antiseptic to disinfect the area. They will then rub a cold gel onto your skin and then proceed with the IPL laser treatment. You will be asked to wear protective glasses to protect your eyes from the light.
People often report that sometimes the pulses may sting. However, these all depend on your pain tolerance.
The treatment should take about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on which part of your body is being treated. Larger areas typically take longer to complete.
To get your desired results, you may need to have three to six repeat treatments that are spaced to let your skin heal. For hair removal, on the other hand, it will require 6 to 12 repeat treatments.
After the procedure
After the IPL treatment, you could go back to your routine. Take note, however, that the area of the skin treated will be sensitive and red for a few hours after the treatment. Most people report that it was like getting sunburned.
You may need to avoid getting in contact with hot water for the time being to prevent any irritation.
How well does IPL laser treatment work?
It all depends on the novelty of the IPL laser treatment device used. Newer IPL lasers work well for cosmetic treatments compared to older IPL lasers; these include fading blood vessels in the skin.
It can be said that for hair removal, on the other hand, that IPL lasers work best for dark-colored hairs as opposed to light-colored hairs.
Fraxel laser treatment
If you have skin problems like acne scars, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and dullness, you could simply peel them all away using Fraxel lasers. By peeling, you would reveal the fresh new layer of glowing and healthy skin hiding away from you! That’s precisely how Fraxel lasers operate and do wonders for your skin.
Dermatologists often admire the wonders of Fraxel lasers as it helps acne patients a lot with their acne scars. They say that their patients are inherently happy with it.
Types of Fraxel lasers
There are three types of Fraxel lasers, the Fraxel Dual, the Fraxel Restore, and the Fraxel Repair. Each has its benefits. Let’s go into each one of them.
Fraxel Dual laser
The Fraxel Dual laser is the one most commonly found in dermatologists’ offices. It has two lasers with different wavelengths all in one device. One laser targets pigmentation and sun damage while the other one penetrates deeper to target acne scars, wrinkles, and to correct texture.
Fraxel Restore laser
Fraxel Restore is another type of Fraxel laser treatment that is non-ablative. Therefore, no open wounds would happen during the treatment procedure.
Fraxel Repair laser
Fraxel Repair lasers are by far the most potent type of Fraxel laser. This laser utilizes an ablative carbon dioxide laser for the most severe cases. However, one downside to this is that this requires longer recovery time for complete healing.
How do Fraxel lasers work?
Regardless of the type of Fraxel laser used, the mechanism in which how it works is the same. The intense energy coming from the lasers creates minute columns of thermal damage in the skin that hasten the growth of new, healthy skin cells. It replaces the old damaged skin cells. It mostly works from the inside out! Your body’s natural healing process is just stimulated.
Before the treatment
You must not have any extensive acne breakouts, infections on the face, and open wounds to avoid further irritation. Your doctor will also ask you to stop using skin care products that contain retinoids a week before your treatment.
Before the procedure begins, a topical anesthetic will be applied to numb any pain that might happen during the process. The process will take about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the area you are being treated.
After the treatment
Sun protection is a must after the procedure, as your skin will be susceptible. You will need to avoid any strong skincare products like prescription-strength acne products on your skin for a week. Only use a gentle cleanser and gentle moisturizer while you are healing. Remember to avoid peeling and picking your skin at all times; this could lead to some irritation and even nasty infections.
CO2 laser treatment
CO2 laser treatment is a type of procedure wherein it involves the use of ablative lasers to help improve skin texture and appearance. This skincare procedure is usually performed by a dermatologist in his or her office.
CO2 laser treatments are usually used to eliminate deep wrinkles, scars, and warts.
Who are good candidates for treatment?
If over-the-counter (OTC) products have failed in treating age, sun, or acne-related skin problems, then CO2 laser treatment may just be right for you.
Several factors could affect what kind of cosmetic procedure is right for you. Individuals who naturally have lighter skin tones are less likely to have hyperpigmentation. Thus they are often good candidates. In the same light, individuals who have extensive acne breakouts or excessive sagging skin are usually not suitable candidates for this procedure.
What to expect from the procedure?
CO2 laser treatment will target the epidermis while at the same time using thermal energy to heat the lower layers of the dermis, thus promoting the production of collagen.
New collagen fibers, compared to old collagen fibers, help produce new skin that is more vibrant and radiant.
After the procedure, you could immediately leave your doctor’s office. You’ll most likely be prescribed with creams and ointments to help with your recovery. Make sure to follow all your doctor’s orders to avoid any further complications that may arise.
Chemical Peel Treatment
Cosmetic treatments that utilize chemicals being applied to the face, hands, and neck are called chemical peels. They are generally used to improve the appearance and overall texture and feel of the skin.
Chemical peels usually employ the process of exfoliation through the use of different chemical solutions. It eventually causes the skin to peel gradually. Once this occurs, a new layer of skin is revealed that appears smoother, less wrinkled, and less damaged.
People usually seek chemical peel treatment for several reasons, such as treating sun damage, acne scars, wrinkles, and fine lines, uneven skin tone, redness, blemishes, and melasma.
Aqua peel
For an excellent reason, one of the most common chemical peel treatments in Korean dermatology clinics is the aqua peel. By pulling out dirt trapped in the skin and removing blackheads, this quick treatment floods your skin with moisture afterward. This kind of therapy usually utilizes other potent compounds to deliver the best results. This peel utilizes only the natural exfoliating power of water combined with hyaluronic acid and other botanical ingredients. This combination of compounds removes dead skin cells without ever using harsh acids!
The results are incredible, which explains why it’s so popular with Korean women. Others are even visiting their dermatologists at lunchtime to have this treatment! With virtually zero recovery time, you could go back working immediately.
Acne peel
Acne peels don’t necessarily peel the skin, despite its name. It naturally exfoliates the skin rapidly, allowing dead skin cells to shed more efficiently. Through this process, dead skin cells and excess oil don’t clog your hair follicle, thus pore blockages or comedones, and ultimately pimples can be minimized.
Glycolic acid often is the most used peeling agent. Glycolic acids are also known as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). They are derived from sugar canes and are frequently used for light chemical peel treatments. Beta hydroxy acids are also gaining traction for use in acne peels.
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are related to AHAs and work pretty much the same way. They help minimize oil buildup in the pores and are less irritating compared to AHAs. Salicylic acid, a common OTC anti-acne ingredient, is the most utilized BHA for acne peel treatments.
While acne peels are useful for reducing blockages and breakouts, they are best used as an add-on to your regular acne treatment routine.
Injectables
Injectables, from the name itself, are treatments that are injected into a localized site or through your whole body through an IV line. These treatments usually yield immediate and noticeable results. Thus, treatments like injectable fillers, botox injections, vitamin injections, and Rejuran healers are gaining popularity among people around the world.
Dermal fillers
Soft, gel-like substances that are injected under the skin are called dermal fillers. They are usually done to treat several aesthetic problems such as smoothing of deep under-eye circles, adding volume to the lips, lifting of cheekbones, rejuvenation of the hands, and a lot more.
Dermal fillers can be made out of several substances, some synthetic and others naturally occurring. However, one of the most common compounds for dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring and is usually found in our skin. It plays a vital role in keeping your skin volumized and hydrated. Depending on the quality, hyaluronic acid fillers can last on average six months or more before getting absorbed by your body.
One of the main benefits of HA fillers, aside from their natural appearance when injected, is that a unique solution can dissolve them in case of an adverse event, or if the person dislikes the appearance. Also, most HA fillers are premixed with lidocaine, a numbing agent, to maximize comfort during treatment.
One of the pearls of hyaluronic acid fillers, aside from its ease of administration, is easily reversible. If in case there is an adverse reaction or if the patient doesn’t like the appearance, it could be dissolved easily through another shot.
Though hyaluronic acid is the most common and popular dermal filler, there are many more available compounds, such as calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, polymethyl methacrylate, and autologous fat. Each one of them has its advantages and disadvantages. Talk with your doctor to decide which one is right for you.
Botox
Botox is a drug that causes muscle weakness and muscle paralysis. If used in therapeutic doses, it can help minimize skin wrinkles and help treat some muscle conditions such as eyelid spasms and a lot more.
Botox is a protein that comes from the botulinum toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, the same bacteria that causes fatal food poisoning called botulism.
When used in responsible therapeutic amounts, botox could produce effective medical and aesthetic results. However, in excessive amounts, it could cause several life-threatening conditions such as muscle paralysis and even respiratory failure.
Though botox injections are best known for reducing skin wrinkles, botox can treat other conditions as well. These include eyelid spasms, crossed eyes, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), and other bladder conditions.
Though botox may be used more frequently, there are a lot of commercial versions of the botulinum toxin such as Botox (onabotulinumtoxin A), Dysport (abobotulinumtoxin A), Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxin A), Myobloc (rimabotulinumtoxin B), and Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxin A).
People usually refer to all of these as “botox,” but Botox is only the registered trademark of Allergan Inc.
Vitamin injections
Vitamins and supplements are becoming the rage nowadays. With more and more people becoming hooked to taking vitamins to improve their overall health, it would seem that taking vitamin injections would be much better as bioavailability is increased through injection.
Many vitamin injections include vitamin B12 injections and vitamin C injections. Each has its benefits. For example, vitamin B12 injections help with nerve function, while vitamin C injection help with immune function.
Though its primary purpose remains to treat vitamin deficiencies, there have been many new uses wherein these vitamin injections have remained useful.
Vitamin B12 injections are typically used to boost nerve function and to prevent neurological damage and degeneration. Vitamin C injections, on the other hand, is best used to optimize your immune function and to hasten wound healing.
In either case, it is best first to have a conversation with your doctor to decide which treatment is best for you.
Rejuran healer
In 2014, the Korean pharmaceutical company Pharmaresearch came up with a groundbreaking injectable treatment named the Rejuran healer. It has since become a highly popular treatment not only in Korea but also in other neighboring Asian countries.
It is no surprise that as we age, our skin ages too. This process is even sped up by external factors such as stress. When the skin ages, our skin gets less elastic. It is due to the diminishing collagen and elastic fibers in the skin, which makes our dermis layer thinner. This is the reason why when we get old; our skin feels thinner and more wrinkled.
The Rejuran Healer injection uses Polynucleotide (PN) to help the skin regenerate its tissue, make it thicker, and increase its elasticity. It also provides a noticeable reduction in wrinkles and makes you feel and look younger.
By making your skin regenerate its cells, it is very effective in treating large pores and reducing acne scars. It also has a reputation in making your skin tone brighter and making your skin smoother.
Hair Removal
Unwanted body hair can sometimes look aesthetically unpleasant. Thus, some people opt for hair removal, specifically laser hair removal.
In laser hair removal, unwanted hair can be removed through pulsating, intense beams of light. The laser penetrates the skin and goes through each follicle, thus inhibiting any future hair growth.
Though each person who wants this procedure is qualified, this procedure works best for those with a fair complexion and dark hair.
To get the best results, you need about five sessions of laser hair removal with periodic maintenance. Furthermore, it is highly recommended that you ask for a topical anesthetic beforehand to avoid any pain.
The treatment time will take approximately 30 minutes with a day of recovery. Don’t worry, as there will be minimal redness and swelling.
HI-FU
While facelifts are still popular nowadays, the high-intensity focused ultrasound (HI-FU) is a new cosmetic treatment that can be considered as a noninvasive and painless alternative to facelifts. Though being new, it is gaining popularity among individuals due to that reason. It uses ultrasonic energy to stimulate the production of collagen, which results in firmer and plumper skin.
HI-FU is widely known in the field of oncology due to its ability to treat tumors. However, it’s first reported use for cosmetic purposes was in 2008.
Several clinical trials have found HI-FU to be safe and effective for facelifts and for reducing wrinkles. People have noticed results within months of treatment without undergoing invasive surgery.
It is important to note, however, that HI-FU won’t work well with excessively sagging skin.
Facial HI-FU
By using ultrasound energy to penetrate the layers of skin below the surface of your skin, HI-FU causes the tissue to heat up quickly.
Once cells experience cellular damage, the damage hastens the cells to produce more collagen, the protein that confers structure to the skin—the marked production in collagen results in tighter, firmer skin with noticeably fewer wrinkles.
Not everyone is the right candidate for HI-FU, however. It works best for people older than 30 with mild to moderate skin sagging.
For people with sun-damaged skin or having a high degree of sagging, you may need several treatments before seeing noticeable results.
Older individuals who have extensive sagging skin, especially on the neck area, may need surgery.
Furthermore, for those with infections, open wounds at the site, cystic acne, and metallic implants in the treatment site, HI-FU is generally not recommended.
Conclusion
Here at Clinic Search Korea, we pride ourselves by providing our customers with the best services they can find in Korea. We strictly adhere to our motto, “honesty, prudence, and consistency.” Our motto is not only a reflection of our values but also a testament to the service that we give our customers.
We offer free online consultation, a reliable clinic finder, and a handy price calculator all just for you! Don’t forget to check the treatment options that we offer, such as plastic surgery, skin treatment, dental services, cell therapy, hair treatment, and general hospital services.
Contact us now for more information!