To be honest, many people around me react to HIFU with the question, “Won’t that be very painful?”

But after the treatment, I truly realized that whether it hurts or not completely depends on the equipment and the clinic you choose. This time, I went to Abijou in Myeongdong and had the second-generation Ulthrea treatment. The whole process was much more comfortable than I had imagined. Below is my detailed experience, from the consultation to the actual treatment, including the cost and the recovery period – everything is shared truthfully.

Appearance of Abijou Ya Mi Zhu Store in Myeongdong
▲ Exterior of Abijou Ya Mi Zhu Myeongdong Store

What are the differences between the second-generation and the first-generation Ulthrea?

Let’s start by clarifying a point that many people misunderstand: there is not just one type of HIFU.

There are numerous models of HIFU devices available on the South Korean market – including the South Korean version of SHURINK, Doublo Gold, and various other HIFU devices, with prices ranging from tens of thousands to over one million South Korean won. However, the device that has truly received FDA approval in the United States and is globally recognized for its stable and effective results is Ultherapy (the American version of the HIFU device).

The main differences between the second-generation Ulthrea (Ultherapy Prime) and the first-generation model lie in two aspects: First, the imaging is clearer – the second generation features an upgraded real-time ultrasound imaging system, allowing physicians to see a live image of the subcutaneous tissues during treatment. It is clear at which layer the energy is being applied, resulting in significantly higher precision compared to the first generation. Second, the comfort level has been greatly improved – the energy delivery mode of the second generation is more gentle, reducing discomfort significantly. For someone like me who is sensitive to pain, there is virtually no negative impact after the treatment.

To use the words of a doctor: The first generation is like driving without a navigation system, while the second generation uses GPS, ensuring that every turn is taken in the correct direction.

Why did I choose the Yamei Pearl store in Myeongdong?

To be honest, there are simply too many Dermatology clinics in Myeongdong. I had done some research before and even looked at the top 5 clinics in Myeongdong, but in the end, I chose Yami Zhu for three reasons:

Firstly, it is a well-established local brand in South Korea. Since its establishment in 2006, Yameizhu has developed into a chain with 18 stores, providing services to over 3.5 million people in total. It is not one of those small clinics that disappear after just two years of operation, which really reassures me. Especially for treatments like HIFU, which require the expertise of physicians, only large brands can afford to maintain a stable team of medical professionals.

Secondly, we provide dedicated Chinese translators. I’ve seen many people asking how to deal with language barriers when undergoing medical beauty treatments in Myeongdong. At Yami Zhu, from filling out the consultation form, undergoing skin examinations, receiving consultations from the director, to getting post-treatment explanations, a Chinese translator is always present throughout the entire process, and no additional fees are charged. When I went for a consultation that day, it took nearly 15 minutes just to discuss the issues on my face and the desired results with the director. I didn’t feel at all like I was being rushed or treated in a hurried manner.

Treatment Room of Abijou Ya Mi Zhu Store in Myeongdong
▲ Abijou Ya Mi Zhu Myeongdong Branch Treatment Room

Thirdly, the transportation is truly convenient. The Yabijuzhu Myeongdong store is just a 3-minute walk from the Eupji-ro entrance station of the Seoul Metro Line 2, and it is located next to the Times Work building, in the same complex as the Ibis Styles hotel. For people like us who go to Seoul to shop and take advantage of medical beauty treatments at the same time, location is of utmost importance – after the treatment, we can head straight to Myeongdong to shop without any delay.

My actual experience at the Yameizu Myeongdong store

I went there on Wednesday afternoon. Since the Yami Pearl service operates on a limited reservation system, it is recommended to make a reservation at least 1 to 3 weeks in advance. Upon entering, I was impressed by the bright and clean environment—it wasn’t the cold, impersonal atmosphere typical of traditional medical facilities, but rather resembled that of a high-end skincare clinic. The receptionist spoke Chinese and asked me to fill out a questionnaire regarding my skin condition in Chinese.

After completing the form, the translator took me for a Mark View skin examination. The device scanned my face, and then we took the results to the director’s consultation room. After reviewing them, the director told me directly: “The loss of Collagen in the area around your jawline is quite noticeable, so the effect of HIFU would be very satisfactory; however, the skin on your Forehead is still fairly firm, so there’s no need to use the highest intensity.” This approach—instead of constantly promoting treatments, it simply informs you that you might not need too many procedures—actually made me feel more trusting.

The entire procedure took approximately 40 to 50 minutes. First, a numbing cream was applied for about 30 minutes, after which the director began the treatment. The pain during the second-generation SWOMAN procedure was actually less severe than I had expected – there was a slight stinging sensation in the lower jawline and around the Double Chin area, but it was completely within tolerable limits. Most importantly, the director would check the ultrasound images on the screen after each shot to ensure that the energy had reached the SMAS fascia layer before proceeding with the next injection. This detail really reassured me.

After the treatment, my face turned slightly red, but it didn’t swell too much. The clinic provided me with an ice pack to apply for 10 minutes, and after some basic moisturizing care, they let me leave. The entire process, from entering the clinic to exiting, took about one and a half hours.

Waiting Area of Abijou Ya Mi Zhu Store in Myeongdong
▲ Waiting area of Abijou Ya Mi Zhu Myeongdong store

How much does the second-generation HIFU actually cost?

This is probably the part that everyone is most interested in – let’s just give the numbers straight away.

I had the second-generation Ultherapy Prime treatment at the Yami Zhu Myeongdong clinic. The treatment involves 300 HIFU sessions, and the price starts from ⩺1,089,000 Korean won (approximately NT$25,000 to $27,000, depending on the exchange rate). This is only the cost for the face; if you also want to treat your neck or Double Chin, the number of sessions will increase, and so will the price.

For comparison: The Korean version of this ultrasound device (such as SHURINK) costs approximately ⩨986,900 for 300 treatments, which represents a price difference of over 10 times. But what exactly are the differences? They lie in accuracy, FDA certification, the experience of the physician performing the treatment, and the durability of the results after the procedure. In my opinion, if you’re just looking to try it out, the Korean version is fine; but if you, like me, prefer something reliable and high-quality, then the second-generation American version is definitely the safer choice.

In addition, Yami Zhu also offers a combo package: 300 sessions of the Ulthrea HIFU + 600 sessions of the Thermage FLX = ₩2,356,200. Thermage focuses on tightening the upper layers of the skin, while the HIFU is designed for Lifting of the deeper fascia layers; combining the two treatments yields more comprehensive results. However, due to budget constraints, I only opted for the HIFU this time, haha.

It is worth mentioning that Yami Zhu implements a “same price in China and Korea” policy, and tax refund receipts can be issued on the spot. In addition, the provision of Chinese translation services throughout the process is completely free of charge, making it actually more affordable than one might expect. Compared with the price list of DAN-A that I had seen before, the prices offered by Yami Zhu are considered to be within a reasonable range when compared to those of similar institutions in the United States.

The recovery period and results after the procedure

The day after the treatment: My face was slightly red and felt a bit warm, but it didn’t prevent me from going out. I went straight to Myeongdong to shop and eat fried chicken afterwards, and there were no problems at all. The clinic said that I could wash my face normally on the same day, but I should avoid using very hot water.

On days 2 to 3: The skin feels a bit sore, similar to the muscle ache after exercise, especially in the area of the jawline. This is normal and indicates that the Collagen is beginning to respond to the stimulation.

Day 7: The soreness has completely disappeared. When looking in the mirror, I can notice that the contours of my face are a bit clearer than before, especially around the jawline and the area of the Apple Zone.

One month later: The results began to become truly visible! The firmness of my face had significantly improved compared to right after the treatment, and my jawline finally had a defined “structure,” making me look much better in side views when taking photos. The doctor said that the optimal effects of HIFU are usually seen after 2 to 3 months, because it takes time for Collagen to regenerate. So, this is not yet the final result.

⚠️ Important recovery precautions: Within one month after undergoing HIFU, avoid visiting places with high temperatures, such as saunas or hot yoga studios; also, do not simultaneously undergo other high-energy phototherapy treatments (such as laser therapy or IPL) as this may affect the results. Sun protection is of utmost importance—if you don’t use sunscreen, the effectiveness of the treatment will be reduced by half.

Comparison with other institutions

Friends I have visited around me who have undergone treatments at DAN-A’s clinics are mostly located in Myeongdong and Gangnam. Here are my thoughts after making some comparisons:

Myeongdong vs Gangnam: The facilities in Gangnam clinics are generally more up-to-date, but the prices are also significantly higher, and it’s more difficult to get a reservation. In Myeongdong, due to fierce competition, the prices are more competitive, and the convenient transportation makes it more user-friendly for tourists. If you have enough time, you might want to look at a map showing the locations of clinics in Myeongdong first to understand the characteristics of each area before making a decision.

Yami Zhu vs DAN-A: Deputy Director Pei Zhahe of DAN-A enjoys a very good reputation, but DAN-A targets a higher-end market and its prices are relatively higher. The advantages of Yami Zhu lie in its large scale (18 chain stores), the same prices as those in South Korea, and its well-developed Chinese-language services, making it ideal for those visiting South Korea for medical aesthetics treatment for the first time and looking for stability and reliability.

Yameizhu vs. Rejuran Specialized Clinics: If you mainly want to undergo Rejuran treatments, you can refer to the comparison article regarding Rejuran prices for more information. However, Yameizhu’s strength lies in its comprehensive medical aesthetics services – offering a range of treatments from HIFU and Thermage to Rejuran and botulinum toxin injections, effectively meeting all your needs through one single clinic.

Preoperative Preparation Checklist

If you decide to undergo HIFU treatment at Yameizhu, make sure you have prepared the following before you proceed:

  • Discontinue the use of retinol and acid products 7 days before the procedure to prevent excessive skin sensitivity.
  • Proper sun protection is essential: Start using effective sun protection measures 2 weeks before the procedure; damaged skin is not suitable for HIFU treatment.
  • Inform about any medications you are taking: Anticoagulants such as aspirin must be reported to the institution in advance.
  • Arriving without makeup: The institution will help with cleaning, so it’s actually more convenient to go there with natural skin.
  • Bring your passport: It is required for tax refunds, so make sure to bring it along.
  • Book 1 to 3 weeks in advance: Yami Zhu operates on a limited reservation system, so it’s highly unlikely you’ll be able to get a spot if you arrive at the last minute.

Reservation methods and contact information

There are several ways to schedule a Yami Pearl treatment:

  • On the BeautsGO platform: Simply search for “Abijou/Abijou” to view the complete details and prices. The prices are updated in real-time with the official website. This is also the most recommended way to place an order, as Chinese-speaking customer service is available to assist you throughout the reservation process.
  • Direct reservation via WeChat: Add the WeChat ID abijou_cs and send your name, the pinyin of your passport, your date of birth, the desired appointment date, and the specific treatment you are interested in.
  • Creatrip: You can also book a reservation by searching for “Abijou”.

📍 Address: B1 Floor, Times Work Building, 78 Namdaemun-ro, Jung, Seoul

🚇 Transportation: Exit of Line 2 Subway, Branch B; it takes about 3 minutes to walk from there.

🕐 Business hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00–20:30 (night services are convenient for tourists who spend the day shopping) | Saturday, 10:30–16:30 (no lunch break) | Closed on Sundays and during South Korea’s public holidays

📋 Want to reserve a table at the Abijou boutique store in Myeongdong?
Click the button below to enter BeautsGO. Search for “Abijou” or “Yami Zhu” to view the prices and make reservations.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the differences between the second-generation Ulthrea and the Korean version of the HIF
U? A: The American version has FDA approval and is equipped with an ultrasound real-time imaging system, allowing doctors to visualize the different layers of the skin, thus ensuring greater precision and safety. The Korean version is cheaper but lacks this real-time imaging feature, which results in differences in effectiveness and durability.

Q: How long does the effect of an HIFU treatment last? A: The
effects of a single treatment usually last for 1 to 2 years, with the optimal results appearing 2 to 3 months after the procedure. Subsequent annual treatments can help maintain these effects.

Q: Is the HIFU really that painful? A: The second gene
ration is much more comfortable than the first. After applying the anesthetic cream, you will feel a slight stinging sensation, but it’s definitely not painful to the point of being unbearable. People who are sensitive to pain can easily tolerate it.

Q: How soon after the procedure can I wear makeu
p? A: Generally, you can wear makeup on the same day, but I recommend waiting for 24 hours to be on the safe side.

Q: Does Yami Zhu need to be translated? A: No need at all! Througho
ut the entire process, a professional Chinese translator will be present to assist you. From the consultation stage to the post-treatment instructions, everything will be provided in Chinese, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers.

Q: Can HIFU and Rejuran be done at the same time? A: It is generally not reco
mmended to perform these treatments on the same day; it is best to wait 2–4 weeks in between. You can consult the medical institution for specific arrangements.

Q: Can I just walk in and get the Yami Pearl service on-site? A
: It is not recommended, as reservations are limited. It is advised to make a reservation 1-3 weeks in advance through BeautsGO or WeChat.

The above is my complete experience sharing regarding the use of the second-generation Ulthrea HIFU at Yami Ju in Myeongdong. To be honest, I was quite hesitant at first – should I choose the Korean version or the American version? Which clinic should I go to? And how many treatments should I receive? But after having it done, my conclusion is this: if what you seek is “stability” and “peace of mind”, then the second-generation Ulthrea HIFU at Yami Ju is definitely worth considering. If you still have any questions after reading this, feel free to message us on LINE or WeChat at BeautsGO – I will definitely respond to you. 🙌

If you are still hesitating about which Dermatology clinic to choose, these articles should be of some help to you: