During my trip to Busan this time, I documented the entire process of undergoing the VelyB Thermage FLX treatment, from the consultation stage to the post-treatment period. Many people have asked me: Just how much cheaper is the Thermage treatment in Dermatology clinics in Busan compared to those in Seoul? Is it really worth traveling all the way to Busan for it? My answer is: Not only is it cheaper, but the quality of the experience is no less than that in Gangnam.
Seomyeon of Busan: An Underestimated Holy Land for Medical Aesthetics
The Seomyeon area of Busan is the most bustling commercial district in the city center, and the density of Dermatology clinics there is second only to that in Gangnam, Seoul. The market prices for Thermage treatments in Dermatology clinics in Busan are 20-35% lower than those in Seoul. The reason is simple: rental costs in Busan are lower than in Seoul, so competition is more healthy, and clinics must rely on word-of-mouth to attract and retain patients.
For tourists from Taiwan, Busan has another advantage: Gimhae Airport is only 30 minutes away by subway from Seomyeon. It is therefore possible to arrange a trip that involves flying to Busan for Thermage treatment and then taking the KTX back to Seoul, which offers excellent value for money.
📊 Comparison of Thermage prices in Dermatology clinics in Busan
※ The prices in Seoul refer to the average levels in Gangnam in 2026; the actual prices shall be subject to the rates quoted by each clinic.
🏥 In-depth Review of VelyB Busan Seomyeon Branch (Led by Director Park Min-jun)
Main treatments: Thermage FLX, HIFU, anti-aging treatments. Location: 5 minutes’ walk from Exit 7 of Busan Seomyeon Station.
Consultation experience
I made an appointment for a consultation at 2 pm. The receptionist spoke Chinese fluently, and the waiting area was quiet and tidy, with herbal teas available – there was absolutely no sense of pressure or being bombarded with sales pitches. Director Park Min-jun spent about 25 minutes with me; he first examined my skin condition and then determined the HIFU treatment plan based on the distribution and degree of relaxation of my facial muscles. He specifically mentioned, “The thickness of the fat varies, so the energy settings also need to be adjusted accordingly; not everyone can use the same parameters.” This statement really reassured me.
Sensations during the procedure
The treatment for a full face using Thermage FLX in Dermatology at Busan takes approximately 90 minutes. Local anesthesia is administered before the procedure, and although the heat sensation is noticeable, it remains within an acceptable range. What impressed me the most was that the director personally performed the entire procedure himself, without any assistance from another person—something that is considered a very luxurious service at some clinics.
Postoperative results
On the day of the procedure, my face was slightly swollen, but the swelling completely subsided by the next day. Starting from the third day, I noticed that the contours of my lower face seemed to have tightened a bit, and my friends said that my complexion looked better. The director of the clinic mentioned that the effects of Thermage become most apparent after 2 to 3 months; however, even after just 3 weeks since the procedure, I could already notice significant Collagen contraction.
- ✅ Key features: Personal consultation by the director throughout the entire process, customized energy parameters, and post-operative follow-up via WeChat.
- ⚠️ Minor drawback: The schedule for Thermage FLX treatments is quite tight; it is recommended to make an appointment 3–4 weeks in advance.
Reservation method: Search for “s-sourire” on WeChat and send the message “VelyB+ Thermage FLX” to check the schedule of the Busan clinic.
🚨 5 things you must know before undergoing Thermage treatment
- Discontinue the use of retinol/hydroxyacids: Stop using them 2 weeks before the procedure to avoid excessive sensitivity after the surgery.
- Be sure to clarify the energy parameters: simply ask the director, “How much energy do you plan to use?” A legitimate clinic will tell you straight away.
- Differences between full-face treatments and targeted area treatments: When requesting a full-face treatment, it is essential to clarify which areas will be included in the service. In some clinics, the term “full-face” does not actually cover the area around the eyes.
- Is the cost of anesthesia charged separately? In some clinics, the cost of anesthesia is additional; be sure to confirm this during the consultation.
- For one month after the procedure, it is advisable to avoid other types of lasers: After Thermage treatment, the skin needs time to recover, so do not rush to undergo additional treatments.
✈️ Suggestions for the itinerary of Thermage treatment in Busan
- 🛬 Day 1, afternoon: Arrive at Gimhae International Airport → Take the subway to Seomyeon Station → Consultation and reservation (free of charge)
- 💉 Morning of Day 2: Complete Thermage FLX treatment (approximately 90–120 minutes)
- 🚄 Day 2, afternoon: Rest after the surgery, have a meal, and then take the KTX to Seoul to continue our journey.
- 📱 7 days after the procedure: Follow-up consultation via WeChat to confirm the recovery progress; the hospital director will also monitor the recovery remotely.
❓ Common Questions about Thermage in Dermatology at Busan
Q: How much cheaper is Thermage treatment at Dermatology clinics in Busan compared to those in Seoul?
Taking VelyB as an example, the cost of a full-face Thermage FLX treatment in Busan is approximately 1.8 million Korean won, while in Seoul, similar treatments at comparable clinics usually start from 2.6 million Korean won, meaning the cost in Busan is approximately 30-35% lower.
Q: Is VelyB a legitimate clinic?
VelyB is a legitimate Dermatology clinic in South Korea. The director holds professional qualifications in Dermatology from South Korea, and patients can request to see the relevant licenses on-site.
Q: How long after a Thermage FLX treatment can one fly on an airplane?
Generally, it is possible to fly 4 to 6 hours after the procedure. No special recovery is required after the surgery, so you can proceed with your normal travel plans.
🔬 Thermage FLX vs HIFU: Which option is more cost-effective in Busan?
Many women face the dilemma when choosing between Thermage and HIFU for Dermatology treatments in Busan – after all, the cost of HIFU is usually lower. When I consulted at VelyB, I asked the director to directly compare the two options for me. Here are his words (as translated and organized by me):
The director’s recommendation is as follows: For people aged 30–40 with mild skin laxity, Thermage FLX is an ideal choice, as its results are natural and long-lasting; for those over 40 years old who have noticeable Nasolabial Fold Correction or lower facial sagging, HIFU offers more significant lifting effects. Of course, the most accurate decision can only be made after the director examines the skin in person.
📍 Traffic Guide for Seomyeon, Busan
Visiting the Thermage clinic at the Dermatology department in Busan is conveniently accessible from various locations in Busan.
- ✈️ From Gimhae International Airport: Take the subway or light rail to Sasang Station, then transfer to Line 2 and get off at Seomyeon Station. The entire journey takes approximately 30–40 minutes, and the fare is around 2,000 Korean won.
- 🚄 From Seoul via KTX: Get off at Busan Station, then take Line 1 to Busan Station, and from there transfer to Line 2 to Seomyeon Station. The total travel time is approximately 15 minutes.
- 🚇 Exit from the subway station: Exit from Exit 7 of Seomyeon Station and walk straight for 2 minutes to reach the building where VelyB Clinic is located.
- 🚕 Taxi: Just tell the driver “Seomyeon Bellivie Dermatology”; Kakao Taxi can help with direct navigation.
🌸 Itinerary plans other than medical aesthetics treatments in Seomyeon, Busan
On the day after the Thermage treatment at the Dermatology clinic in Busan, it was actually not suitable to engage in strenuous activities, but going shopping, dining out, or taking short walks was completely OKAY. There are many great options in the vicinity of Seomyeon.
- 🍜 Seomyeon Pork Soup Rice Street: The holy land of Korean pork soup rice (돼지국밥); having a bowl of it after surgery is truly nourishing.
- 🛍️ BIFF Plaza: Just a 15-minute walk away. There are many young brands and snacks surrounding this outdoor film festival plaza.
- 🌊 Guang’anli Beach: A 15-minute taxi ride away. In the evening, you can go to the seaside to enjoy the breeze and admire the lights of the Guang’an Bridge.
- 😴 Cafes near the clinic: It is recommended to sit in a quiet place nearby after the procedure to allow your skin to stabilize naturally. Many clinics are located near such cafes.
📲 How to make an appointment
Both of the following methods offer Chinese-language services, including free consultation and quotation without any hidden fees.
💬 Method 1: Consult via WeChat
Search for the WeChat ID s-sourire and send “clinic + treatment package” to inquire about schedules and the latest prices.
📱 Method 2: Make an appointment through the BeautsGO App
Supported on iOS, Android, the web version, and WeChat Mini Programs – users can directly check for available clinic slots and confirm appointments online.
