A must-see for those considering medical beauty treatments in South Korea! Is the personal consultation provided by the director of Otena Hospital’s Myeongdong branch really reliable? Real user reviews on the Thermage + HIFU treatment packages in 2026.

Why go to Myeongdong, South Korea for HIFU and HIFU?

If you have been following the medical aesthetics industry in the past couple of years, you must have often heard friends say, “It’s more cost-effective to go to South Korea for Thermage treatment than to do it in China – even including the airfare and hotel expenses, it’s still cheaper.” This is no exaggeration. As a global leader in medical aesthetics technology, South Korea boasts several unique advantages that are difficult to replicate: its rigorous physician training system (specialists require 6 years of medical school study plus 4 years of residency training), rapid adoption of new equipment (South Korea was usually among the first in Asia to introduce technologies like Thermage FLX and Ultherapy), and significantly lower prices compared to similar clinics in China. Moreover, as Seoul’s main tourist area, Myeongdong offers excellent transportation convenience, with a wide range of shopping and dining options nearby. After your treatment, you can simply head out for a stroll – making it the perfect destination for a “medical aesthetics + tourism” experience.

However, there are simply too many HIFU clinics in Myeongdong – even a single street may have three or five of them, and the quality of these services varies greatly. It’s not easy for foreigners to identify which ones are truly reliable. Today’s article focuses on the Otina Hospital Myeongdong branch, which has gained an increasingly positive reputation in the Myeongdong area. We will provide an in-depth review of its two flagship treatments: Thermage FLX and HIFU, and also summarize real user feedback to help you determine whether this clinic, where the director personally attends to patients, is really worth the effort to visit.

Otena Hospital Myeongdong Branch: Location, Environment, and Basic Information

The Myeongdong branch of Otena Clinic is located on the 17th floor of 90 Namdamun-ro, Jung, Seoul, in the heart of the Myeongdong shopping district. It is only about 3 to 5 minutes away on foot from Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station on Line 4 of the subway, or about 1 minute from Exit 6 of Eupji-ro Entrance Station on Line 2. Situated on a high floor, the clinic enjoys excellent natural lighting and a spacious view, creating a contrast with the hustle and bustle of the lower floors in Myeongdong. As soon as you enter, you will feel the tranquil and professional atmosphere that characterizes this facility.

▲ Actual environment of the Otena Hospital Myeongdong branch

The interior of the clinic is designed with one-on-one private areas, allowing each customer to receive consultations and treatments in a separate room – unlike some large chain clinics where multiple patients share the same space. This arrangement is a significant advantage for customers who value privacy, especially when undergoing treatments like Thermage, which require the entire face to be exposed. The private environment creates a more relaxing atmosphere for patients.

Opening hours (South Korea local time):

• Monday and Friday: 10:00 – 19:00
• Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 10:00 – 17:30
• Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

⚠️ Note: Dermatology clinics in South Korea are open for a shorter duration on weekends (only until 5 pm) (unlike domestic clinics, which are open throughout the weekend). Please make sure to confirm the exact hours before making an appointment, especially if you are a working professional who can only schedule appointments on weekends.

▲ The consulting room environment at Otena Hospital

Director Kim Ji-eun personally examines the case: Is it really trustworthy?

The most prominent feature of Otina’s Myeongdong branch is the “personal consultation by the director”. The director, Dr. Kim Ji-eun, graduated from the Korean Academy of Head and Neck Medicine and has over a decade of clinical experience.

President Kim is known in South Korea’s medical aesthetics industry as someone who pays great attention to details—this nickname stems from her extreme emphasis on quality in treatment.

• During the in-person consultation, treatment is not initiated immediately. First, she uses the VISIA 7 skin analysis device to conduct a comprehensive assessment, covering over a dozen indicators such as Pore size, wrinkle depth, skin elasticity, and pigmentation. This step is crucial – many clinics rely solely on visual inspection before starting treatment, but the data provided by the VISIA instrument allows for the quantification of underlying issues, enabling more personalized treatment plans.
• Treatment process: During the Thermage treatment, the operator will ask the customer about their sensations throughout the procedure and adjust the energy parameters in real-time based on the feedback received. This is not the kind of “set the parameters once and forget about it” approach commonly used in assembly-line procedures; instead, the customer’s comfort is always kept top priority throughout the entire treatment.
• Aesthetic philosophy: She advocates that “naturalness is superior to drastic changes.” Instead of pursuing immediate visual results through excessive treatment, she emphasizes gradual improvements—whereafter others may notice that you look better, but are unable to pinpoint exactly what has changed. Only such results can be considered successful in the field of cosmetic surgery.

▲ Otena’s in-person consultation area

In terms of the team, apart from Director Kim, all the physicians at the clinic hold Dermatology licenses from South Korea and regularly participate in academic exchanges both domestically and internationally to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies. The nursing team consists of 6 members, and Chinese-speaking customer service is available from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, ensuring that patients can communicate in Chinese throughout the entire process, from making appointments to receiving post-treatment follow-up care.

In-depth Review of the Thermage FLX Treatment

The Otina store in Myeongdong uses Thermage FLX, the fifth-generation version of this technology. Compared to the previous generation CPT, FLX features several significant improvements:

• AccuREP™ Intelligent Probe: It can automatically detect the skin impedance and adjust the energy output in real time, eliminating the need for manual calibration by physicians as in older models. This not only simplifies the operation for practitioners but also ensures more even energy distribution and safer treatment for patients.
• Vibration-assisted technology: The treatment device is equipped with a built-in vibration motor that oscillates simultaneously during the release of radiofrequency energy. This mechanism, based on the principle of nerve interference, significantly reduces discomfort. Many patients have reported that the procedure is “less painful than expected” – of course, this also depends on the skill of the practitioner performing the treatment.
• Shorter treatment time: The treatment of 900 hairs on the entire face takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes, which is about 25% less time than with the previous version.

The process of undergoing Thermage treatment at Otina is roughly as follows:

1. VISIA assessment + in-person consultation (about 20 minutes): Director Kim will analyze your skin data to determine the treatment area and the appropriate energy setting.
2. Cleansing + Application of anesthetic (about 30 minutes): After cleaning the entire face, apply a topical anesthetic ointment.
3. Application of Thermage (about 45–60 minutes): The treatment is carried out area by area according to the facial grid, and Dr. Jin will personally perform the entire procedure, constantly asking you how you are feeling throughout the process.
4. Postoperative sedation care (about 15 minutes): Apply a soothing mask to reduce temperature and provide relaxation.

Regarding the timeline of results that many people are concerned about: Approximately 20-30% of the firming effect can be felt immediately after the procedure (this is due to the immediate contraction of Collagen); within 1-3 months after the procedure, new Collagen gradually forms, and the effects continue to improve; by 3-6 months, the effects reach their peak and can last for 1-2 years. For those who are concerned about the recovery period after Thermage treatment, the FLX version virtually has no visible recovery period at all – you can apply makeup and go out as usual on the same day after the procedure. This is also why it is particularly popular among overseas customers who travel to South Korea for treatments.

▲ OTENA otena Thermage Treatment Room

Actual results of the Ultherapy HIFU treatment

HIFU, also known as Ultherapy or ultrasonic knife, is another popular treatment offered by Otina. It is often compared to Thermage. The technical principle behind it involves focusing ultrasonic waves (HIFU), whose energy can penetrate directly through the epidermis and dermis, precisely targeting the deep SMAS fascia layer – a layer that is usually only accessible through facelift surgery.

The features of undergoing HIFU at Otina:

• Visual operation: The Ultherapy device is equipped with a real-time ultrasound imaging system, allowing physicians to see on the screen the exact depth and location where the energy is being delivered, ensuring that each treatment beam targets the correct layer. This is crucial for safety – applying the energy too shallowly will result in ineffective results, while applying it too deeply may cause damage to nerves.
• Three-level treatment: Unlike some clinics that only use one level of treatment, OTINA utilizes probes of different depths for different areas – a 4.5-mm probe is used on the SMAS fascia layer for lifting effects, a 3.0-mm probe for the deep dermis for firming, and a 1.5-mm probe for the superficial dermis for improving skin quality. The combined effect of these three levels is significantly more pronounced than using just one level.
• No recovery time required: After the procedure, your face may turn slightly red, but this effect will subside within a few hours, without affecting your subsequent activities in any way.

In terms of effectiveness, the results of HIFU are slightly slower to become apparent than those of Thermage – noticeable lifting effects usually start 2–3 months after the procedure, peak after 6 months, and last for approximately 1–1.5 years. Its strength lies in its ability to address issues related to “sagging”: problems with facial contours caused by loose fascia, such as a blurred jawline, excess flesh around the mouth, or Double Chin. HIFU is more targeted in addressing these issues than Thermage.

Thermage vs HIFU: How to choose? Can they be used together?

This is probably the issue that most people struggle with the most. Simply put:

Can they be done together? The answer is yes. Although both treatments target the face, they act at different layers: Thermage works on the dermis, while HIFU acts on the fascia, so there is no overlap between them. At Aotina, the combination of “Thermage + HIFU” is referred to as the “anti-aging golden duo.” This combined treatment can achieve IPCHEA improvements from the deep fascia to the superficial skin. Director Jin recommends that if budget and time permit, first undergo Thermage for full-layer tightening, followed by HIFU for targeted lifting. The overall effect of this combination is significantly better than performing either treatment alone. A single session can provide comprehensive anti-aging benefits that last for approximately 1.5 to 2 years.

If your budget is limited and you can only choose one option: if the main issue is skin laxity, then HIFU is the better choice; if there is significant sagging or blurred contours, then HIFU is still the recommended option. If you’re unsure, you can ask Dr. Kim to use VISIA data to help you make a decision during the consultation – this is far more reliable than making a choice based on intuition alone. For more information about options in the Myeongdong area, you can also read “Which HIFU clinic in Myeongdong is the best? Recommendations for Dermatology clinics offering Chinese-speaking consultations.”

Compilation of Real User Feedback from 2026

Below are some representative user reviews of Otina’s Myeongdong store found on various platforms, covering aspects such as Thermage, HIFU, and service experience:

“The dean is truly extremely attentive!” —— From REDnote user @L*** (March 2026)

“When I first went to South Korea for Thermage treatment, I chose Otina. During the consultation, Director Kim used VISIA to analyze my skin, and only then did I realize that my left side of the face was aging faster than the right side (due to sleeping on my side for a long time). Throughout the procedure, she kept asking me how I was feeling and adjusted the settings several times—it wasn’t just a one-time setting and then leaving it alone. After the treatment, my face was red immediately, but the redness disappeared after applying a mask, and by the next day, when I applied makeup as usual, there was no visible difference at all. A month later, when I looked in the mirror, I really noticed that my skin had become tighter! It wasn’t a stiff kind of tightness, but a natural, firming effect.”

“The location in Myeongdong is really convenient.” – Comment from Google user @C*** (January 2026)

I stayed at the Lotte Hotel in Myeongdong, and the clinic is just a 3-minute walk away. After the HIFU treatment, I could go shopping right away without any discomfort related to the recovery period. The Chinese-speaking customer service was excellent; everything from making the appointment to the post-treatment instructions was explained clearly in Chinese. The only slight downside is that there are usually quite a lot of people on Saturdays, so I had to wait for a while before it was my turn.

“Transparent prices, no aggressive sales tactics” —— User @M*** from the BeautsGO platform (April 2026)

“Before going, my biggest concern was that I would be pressured into adding extra services (I had had an unpleasant experience at another place before). But at Otina, that didn’t happen at all. After the consultation, Director Jin gave me three options to choose from and said that I could just pick one according to my budget without any forced additional services. In the end, I chose the Thermage full-face treatment with 600 treatment sessions. The amount I paid was exactly what was mentioned during the reservation process – no hidden fees at all.”

「SWOMAN + ultrasonic treatment in one go – an incredibly cost-effective solution」 —— Posted by REDnote user @S*** in February 2026

“I saved money for half a year and flew to Seoul to undergo the Thermage + ultrasound treatment at Otina. To be honest, during the ultrasound session, I felt some discomfort (especially around the jawline), but overall the experience was acceptable. Director Kim’s technique is very gentle. It’s been four months now, and my friends all say my face looks smaller. In fact, what happened was that my jawline became tighter and my facial contours became more defined. If you’re going to South Korea just for anti-aging purposes, this double treatment is definitely worth it!”

“The equipment and hygiene are truly reassuring” —— User @T*** from Creatrip (March 2026)

I paid special attention to the packaging of the Thermage probe; it was indeed sealed by the manufacturer. Once opened in front of my eyes, it could no longer be used after the treatment. The number of treatments administered could be seen on the machine’s screen, and after the procedure, they showed me the records to confirm that the promised number of treatments had indeed been carried out. This really reassured me, because after all, the difference in cost between the genuine Thermage probe and counterfeit versions lies precisely in this aspect.

Overall, the keywords that appear most frequently in user feedback are: attentive hospital director, smooth communication in Chinese, no sales pressure, convenient location, and natural results.

▲ The waiting area at Otena Clinic

Preoperative preparations and postoperative recovery tips

There are several key points to consider regarding preoperative preparation and postoperative recovery:

Preoperative preparations:

• Avoid using irritating skincare products such as retinol or fruit acids one week before the treatment.

Stop using any whitening or exfoliating products three days before the treatment.

• On that day, avoid wearing makeup and keep your face clean.
• Bring your passport along (foreigners must register upon arrival for treatment).
• If you are taking any medications or have any special medical conditions, be sure to inform your doctor in advance.

Postoperative care:

• After the procedure, your face may become red and slightly warm – this is a normal reaction that usually subsides within a few hours.
• Avoid high-temperature environments (saunas, hot springs, strenuous exercise) for one week after the procedure.
• For the first three days after the procedure, use mild cleansing products and avoid exfoliating or acidic skincare products.
• Strengthening moisturization and sun protection are the two most crucial aspects of post-operative care.
• Avoid undergoing any other facial cosmetic procedures within one month after the surgery to give Collagen sufficient time to regenerate.

Are there any side effects associated with Thermage treatments in South Korea? Redness and mild swelling that occur during legitimate procedures are considered normal post-treatment reactions and are not considered side effects. However, if persistent pain, blisters, or pigmentation changes occur, it is essential to contact the clinic immediately. Choosing a clinic like Otina, which uses genuine equipment, original probes, and is operated by professional physicians throughout the entire process, can significantly reduce the risk of side effects.

There is one more thing that many people overlook before undergoing any cosmetic procedure: the pre-procedure examination. Not all skin types are suitable for immediate treatment with Thermage or HIFU. If your skin is inflamed, allergic, experiencing an active acne breakout, or has recently undergone other invasive treatments, it may be necessary to wait until your skin has fully recovered. Before proceeding, we recommend consulting a Dermatology specialist in Myeongdong for a preliminary assessment. This pre-procedure checklist provides you with a detailed guide to conducting a self-examination before the treatment.

How to book an Otina appointment at BeautsGO? The complete process

The Otina store in Myeongdong offers various reservation methods, with the BeautsGO platform being highly recommended. It features a fully Chinese-language interface, transparent pricing, and dedicated customer service. The steps are as follows:

1. Download the BeautsGO App or open the WeChat mini-program: simply search for “BeautsGO” to find it.
2. Registration Account: You can quickly register using your mobile phone number or WeChat.
3. Searching for a clinic: Enter “Otina” or “otena” in the search bar and select the Myeongdong location.
4. View Services and Prices: Check the detailed descriptions and prices of services such as Thermage and HIFU.
5. Submit your reservation: Select the treatment you wish to undergo, as well as the date and time slot, and wait for the clinic to confirm it.
6. Arrival for the consultation: It is recommended to arrive 15-20 minutes in advance and bring your passport to complete the registration process.

If you are not very familiar with the overall reservation process for medical beauty treatments in South Korea, you may want to refer to this comprehensive guide on how to make reservations for medical beauty services in South Korea.

⚠️ Reminder: During peak periods, especially on weekends, and for appointments with Director Jin, it is usually necessary to book 1-2 weeks in advance.

Otena Hospital Myeongdong Branch

BeautsGO 認證

📍 17th Floor, 90 Namdaemun-ro, Jung, Seoul

🚇 3-5 minutes walk from Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station
on Line 4
🕐 Monday/Friday: 10:00-19:00 | Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday: 10:00-17:30 | Saturday/Sunday: 10:00-17:00

✨ Thermage FLX, HIFU, Laser Toning – the latest advances in aesthetic treatments

💰 Project price reference

Recommended Projects	Reference price
Female laser hair removal (for a single area)	Starting from ¥99,000
Laser Toning: Laser Skin Resurfacing (for the entire face)	Starting from ¥330,000
Botulinum Toxin Botox	Starting from ¥400,000
Skin Booster injections	Starting from ¥69,000
Thermage FLX / HIFU	Please visit BeautsGO for more information.

📅 立即在 BeautsGO 預約檔期，查看完整項目報價

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is the Thermage device at Otina’s Myeongdong store genuine? How can I confirm this?

Yes, Otina uses genuine Thermage FLX equipment. Here are ways to confirm its authenticity: ① The treatment head is packaged in its original sealed condition and will be opened right in front of you; ② The machine’s screen displays the remaining number of treatments, so you can verify the actual number of sessions administered after the treatment; ③ You can also request the anti-counterfeiting code on the probe packaging from the clinic for verification. Genuine probes are designed to be used once only and cannot be reused.

Q2: What if I don’t know Korean? Will there be any communication barriers?

There’s no need to worry at all. The Otina Myeongdong branch provides full-service support in Chinese, ranging from online consultations to in-store treatments and post-operative guidance – all assisted by Chinese-speaking customer service staff or translators. Although Dr. Kim primarily speaks Korean, the presence of translators ensures that communication quality is not affected in any way. The Chinese customer service is available online from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Q3: Can Thermage and HIFU be performed on the same day?

Certainly. In fact, Director Jin often recommends combining the two treatments. Typically, Thermage (for full-layer tightening) is performed first, followed by HIFU (for deep lifting). The entire procedure takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The advantage of doing them on the same day is that only one recovery period and one follow-up appointment are required, which saves time and makes the process more efficient.

Q4: Does undergoing Thermage treatment cause pain? Is anesthesia required?

Compared to the previous version, the pain level in the FLX version has been significantly reduced (the vibration assistance function helps distribute the pain), but it is still impossible to feel absolutely no discomfort at all. Most people experience a sensation of “heat and occasional stings”; this feeling is more pronounced in bony areas such as the jawline and Forehead. Before the procedure, a topical anesthetic ointment is applied for about 30 minutes, which can effectively alleviate any discomfort.

Q5: Are the prices of Otina considered expensive in Myeongdong?

Otina falls into the mid-range price segment among Dermatology clinics in Myeongdong. Basic treatments such as laser skin cleansing start from ⩢30,000, and these prices are even lower than those at most other clinics in Myeongdong; however, the costs of advanced treatments like Thermage and HIFU need to be checked through BeautsGO. The clinic adheres to transparent pricing policies, with no hidden fees, and the final price is always disclosed before the treatment begins.

Q6: How soon after the procedure can I wear makeup or travel?

After undergoing HIFU or HIFU treatments, the face may turn slightly red on the same day, but this effect usually subsides within a few hours. Most people can apply makeup normally the next day. If your schedule is very tight, you can schedule the treatment for the day before your departure and return home by plane after resting on the last day.

Q7: What are the advantages of Otina compared to other Dermatology clinics in Myeongdong?

The most significant differentiating advantage is that the consultations are conducted personally by the director herself—everything is handled by Director Kim Ji-eun herself, rather than being entrusted to less experienced doctors or nurses. Another key feature is the use of VISIA technology to assist in the facial assessment (a scientific approach rather than relying on intuition), as well as the provision of one-on-one private services (ensuring privacy) and full Chinese-language support (eliminating any language barriers). However, this service is not suitable for those who require complex plastic surgeries—Otina’s expertise lies in skin management and anti-aging treatments, rather than surgical operations.

How to make an appointment

If you are interested in the services mentioned in this article, you can make an appointment in the following ways:

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