I finally made it to THE HEAL Dermatology recently, and this article is a detailed record of my experience there. It’s neither an official press release nor a brand collaboration piece; it’s just the honest account of an ordinary Taiwanese girl. If you’re also considering getting Pico laser treatment in Gangnam, Seoul, this article should help you save at least three days of research time. Many people have privately asked me about THE HEAL, so I spent a week gathering information before making the trip. In short: it’s worth going, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
🔬 Comprehensive review of THE HEAL Dermatology: from the moment you step in until two weeks after the procedure
📍 Why was THE HEAL Dermatology chosen in the end?
In the medical aesthetics industry of Gangnam, Seoul, the density of clinics ranks among the top three in all of Asia; one single building may even house four or five such clinics. Initially, I considered around 7 or 8 options, but ultimately, I chose THE HEAL Dermatology for a very simple reason: President Su Xin has a clear track record of professional experience, does not engage in mass-scale, standardized treatments, and charges reasonable fees without any arbitrary price increases.
THE HEAL Dermatology has been operating in Gangnam, Seoul for 10 years. The founding director, Dr. Su Shin, comes from a university-affiliated hospital and has specialized in Pico laser treatments for over 18 years. Such expertise places him among the top professionals in South Korea’s clinic industry – many clinic directors have in fact switched fields, while those who truly have a specialized background and have dedicated themselves to the same field for a long time are relatively rare. I checked Dr. Su Shin’s research publications on Naver in South Korea, and indeed, he is not the kind of person who merely holds a title without actually doing any work.
Another positive aspect is that the Chinese-speaking manager at THE HEAL Dermatology responds very quickly. During my first consultation, I asked over a dozen questions via WeChat, and they patiently answered each one of them without any pressure to place an order immediately. This is particularly important for overseas customers – dealing with language barriers is already stressful enough, and if the service provider keeps pushing sales, it can significantly damage the overall experience.
🏥 Practical Tests in the Environment: The Appeal of High-Quality Products vs. the Industrial Look
The first impression upon entering THE HEAL Dermatology is “calmness” – not the kind of quietness that suggests emptiness, but rather a sense of order and professionalism. The waiting area can accommodate around 8 to 10 people, but on the afternoon I visited, there were only 5 customers waiting. At the reception, a Chinese-speaking manager confirmed my appointment and understood my needs in simple Chinese before offering me a cup of warm water.
The consultation room is equipped with all the necessary facilities: a VISIA skin analysis device, high-definition cameras, and a large-screen monitor for comparison. Director Su Xin first had me undergo a VISIA examination and then explained my skin condition item by item—instead of asking me right away, “What treatment would you like to have done?” This order is very important because it shows that the doctor is focusing on your needs, rather than the treatments he wants to recommend.
The hygiene standards in the corridors and treatment rooms also reassured me: disposable sheets were used, doctors washed and disinfected their hands before each procedure, and the equipment was opened in front of my eyes. I paid special attention to the Pico laser equipment – Director Su Xin took the initiative to show me the brand label and purchase date of the machine, something that many clinics do not bother to do. In South Korea, there are actually quite a number of clinics that rent used equipment, and such details can directly affect the effectiveness and safety of the treatments.
💬 In-person consultation experience: The suggestions given by the director were truly unexpected.
After reading my report, the first thing Dean Su Xin said was, “You don’t need to go to such great lengths.”
“Your basic condition is quite good, so Pico laser treatment is a reasonable choice. However, I don’t recommend undergoing multiple treatments at once. First, undergo the Pico laser treatment, and then come back for a follow-up in three weeks to assess the results before deciding on the next step.”
This statement completely boosted my trust in THE HEAL Dermatology. Previously, when I consulted other clinics, they almost always suggested things like “you could try hyaluronic acid treatment again” or “adding botulinum toxin would give better results” – it was pure sales talk. However, THE HEAL Dermatology did the exact opposite. Director Su Xin even went so far as to suggest that I cancel two treatments I had planned, saying, “You don’t need them now; you can consider them later if you really need them.”
The final decision was to undergo only the Pico laser treatment, which cost 180,000 South Korean won (approximately NT$4,860 or HK$1,152). There were no hidden fees or additional sales pitches; the post-treatment care package and repair cream were all included in the price.
🛏️ Actual experience during the treatment: Is it painful? How long does it take to complete?
The numbing effect lasted for 30 minutes; the anesthetic worked very effectively, with only the edges of the face remaining slightly sensitive. The entire procedure took approximately 30 minutes, and President Su Xin was present throughout the whole process. Before treating each area, he would always remind the patient, “This part will feel a bit hot—just bear with it.”
I would rate the pain level at 3.5 out of 10 — it was more of a burning sensation than a stinging pain. During the procedure, I could feel that the doctor’s technique was very steady, with no sudden accelerations or decelerations; the rhythm was consistently maintained. On two occasions, I raised my hand to indicate that I needed a pause, and Director Su Xin immediately stopped and waited until I was ready before continuing. Such respect for the patient’s comfort is truly commendable.
After the procedure, the nurse applied a soothing mask to my face. About 15 minutes later, she removed it, and when I looked in the mirror, I saw only slight redness—much milder than I had expected. Before leaving, the Chinese-speaking supervisor gave me a card with post-treatment instructions and her WeChat contact information, saying I could ask her any questions at any time if there were any issues.
📅 Post-treatment Follow-up: A detailed record from Day 1 to Day 14
- Day 1: There was a slight redness, and the area felt slightly warm to the touch. The clinic provided me with a post-treatment care kit, instructing me not to get the area wet, not to wear makeup, and not to use any acidic skincare products for the first three days. At night, I accidentally pressed on my side face while sleeping, causing a slight stinging sensation, but it wasn’t serious.
- On the 3rd day: The redness had completely subsided, and my skin began to become smoother. The previously thick hairs had noticeably become finer, and I was quite surprised by this speed — usually, it took about a week to see any changes after undergoing other treatments.
- Day 7: The day when the effects were most noticeable. A colleague asked me if I had changed my foundation – but in fact, I hadn’t applied any makeup at all. The firmness and glow of my skin had improved significantly, especially the definition of my jawline, which was much clearer than before.
- Day 14: The results remained stable, with no rebound at all. The person in charge of the Chinese-speaking group kept tracking my recovery progress on WeChat and reminded me of the optimal interval between treatments if I decided to have a second session. Overall, I think the results achieved for the price of 180,000 Korean won are definitely worth it.
Free consultation · Traditional Chinese language services · Quick reservation
💰 Analysis of the transparency of fees at THE HEAL Dermatology
The following are the actual prices I paid and the information I obtained. All these quotes are from local suppliers in Gangnam, Seoul, and do not include any additional fees charged by agents or middlemen.
💡 Money-saving tips: Clinics in Gangnam, Seoul generally do not accept price cuts, but you can ask about “follow-up treatment discounts” or “package deals”. THE HEAL Dermatology offers packages that combine Pico laser treatments with post-treatment care, which are approximately 10% cheaper than purchasing these services separately. Additionally, the exchange rate is also an important factor – recently, the Korean won has been favorable compared to the Taiwanese dollar and Hong Kong dollar. It is recommended to check the current exchange rate before traveling.
🔍 For a quick reference to other highly-rated clinics in Gangnam, Seoul
When considering Pico laser treatments, it’s not necessary to limit your options to just one clinic. I also researched several other well-reputed clinics in Gangnam, Seoul, and here are the key points:
🏥 Dayone Dermatology (Led by Director Kim Jung-joo)
Featured product: Hyaluronic acid injection, reference price: 150,000 Korean won (approximately NT$4,050). This product is particularly popular among overseas customers at the Gangnam headquarters. For those with specific needs regarding hyaluronic acid injections, it is recommended to schedule a consultation before making a decision.
🏥 Alive Dermatology (Led by Director Kim Tae-hyun)
Featured treatment: Thermage, reference price of 2.2 million Korean won (approximately NT$59,400). Personally conducted by the clinic director. Suitable for those with specific needs regarding Thermage treatment; it is recommended to schedule a consultation before making a decision.
Free consultation · Traditional Chinese language services · Quick reservation
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about THE HEAL Dermatology
- How far in advance should one make a reservation? The number of overseas slots available for President Su Xin is limited to only 3-5 per day, so it is recommended to book at least 2-3 weeks in advance. During the peak seasons (March to May, September to November), it is even necessary to reserve even earlier.
- Can I leave on the same day after the treatment? Yes. Pico laser treatment is a minimally invasive procedure; you can leave 30 minutes after the treatment. However, it is recommended not to take a flight the next day, as changes in air pressure may affect the recovery process.
- What do I need to bring? A passport (for registration), any previous medical beauty treatment records (if available), and post-treatment repair cream (which will be provided by the clinic). Fasting is not required.
- How long does the effect last? The effects of Pico laser treatment usually last for 6 to 12 months, depending on an individual’s metabolic rate. Former President Su Xin recommends a maintenance treatment every 8 to 10 months.
- Are there any side effects? In the short term, mild redness and swelling may occur, but these usually subside within 1 to 3 days. Choosing a experienced clinic director to perform the procedure can minimize the risks.
📲 How to Make an Appointment
💬 Method 1: Quick reservation via WeChat
Scan the QR code to add us on WeChat: s-sourire – it’s fast and saves you time! Just send “THE HEAL Dermatology + Pico Laser” to inquire about our schedule and latest prices. We usually respond within 30 minutes.
📱 Method 2: Make an appointment through the BeautsGO App
Supported on iOS, Android, web version, and WeChat Mini Programs – users can directly check the available appointment times at THE HEAL Dermatology, confirm appointments online, and compare prices and reviews of other clinics as well.
