Before your appointment, know which device type is planned, what it treats and how much downtime it causes. In Korea, medical skin devices are approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Ask the doctor for the device name, the number of shots or lines, whether a new single-use tip is used and how settings are adjusted for your skin type.
1. Main Device Types
| Energy type | Examples | Main uses |
|---|---|---|
| Microfocused / focused ultrasound | Ultherapy, Shurink, Sofwave | Lifting and tightening |
| Monopolar radiofrequency | Thermage | Tightening and skin texture |
| Microneedle radiofrequency | Various fractional RF devices | Acne scars, pores, texture |
| Picosecond and Q-switched lasers | Laser toning, pico lasers | Pigmentation and skin tone |
| Fractional lasers | Fraxel, fractional CO2 | Scars and resurfacing |
| Vascular lasers and IPL | V-beam, IPL | Redness and visible vessels |
See our pages on Ultherapy and Thermage for how these two lifting devices differ.
2. Device Approval in Korea
Medical lasers, radiofrequency devices and focused ultrasound devices used in Korean clinics are medical devices approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (식품의약품안전처). Ask the clinic for the exact device name so you can compare treatments correctly.
3. Questions About Tips, Shots and Settings
- What is the exact name of the device?
- How many shots or lines will be used on each area?
- Is a new single-use tip or cartridge opened for my treatment?
- How are the settings adjusted for my skin type?
- Who will operate the device?
4. Downtime and Aftercare by Device
| Device type | Common short-term effects |
|---|---|
| Focused ultrasound, monopolar RF | Mild redness or swelling, usually short-lived |
| Laser toning | Mild redness for a few hours |
| Microneedle RF, fractional lasers | Redness, swelling and pinpoint marks for several days |
| Vascular lasers | Redness; bruising with some settings |
Use sunscreen daily after any laser or energy treatment, and follow the aftercare instructions for your device.
5. Matching Devices to Your Trip
- Schedule treatments with several days of downtime at the start of your trip.
- Treatments with minimal downtime can be scheduled closer to your flight.
- Tell the doctor about any events, photos or flights planned after treatment.
FAQ
Who approves medical skin devices in Korea?
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (식품의약품안전처) approves medical devices sold and used in Korea, including medical lasers, radiofrequency and focused ultrasound devices.
Are Ultherapy and Thermage the same type of treatment?
No. Ultherapy uses microfocused ultrasound with visualization, and Thermage uses monopolar radiofrequency. Both are used for skin tightening and lifting, but they deliver energy differently.
What does “shots” or “lines” mean in a price quote?
Shots or lines describe how many energy pulses a device delivers. The number affects price and results, so ask how many will be used for each area.
Why should I ask to see the tip or cartridge opened?
Many devices use single-use tips or cartridges with a set number of pulses. Seeing a new, sealed tip opened confirms that it has not been used before.
Can the same device be used on every skin type?
Not with the same settings. The doctor adjusts energy, depth and number of passes according to your skin type, skin thickness and the condition being treated.
APGUJEONG · GANGNAM · SEOUL
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- Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (식품의약품안전처) — medical device approval.
- Medical Devices Act of Korea (의료기기법) — regulation of medical devices.
- Korean Dermatological Association (대한피부과학회) — patient information on laser and energy treatments.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Results and suitability vary by individual.
