Is it the same for you too? You want to go to Myeongdong for cosmetic procedures, so you search for a lot of information online, but every clinic claims to be the best. The more you look into it, the more confused you become about whom to trust.
Especially for major projects like HIFU, no one wants to spend money only to find that the treatments are performed by nurses or that outdated equipment is used.
So, in this article, I have documented the entire process of undergoing the Ultherapy Prime treatment at the Cellin Myeongdong clinic. From why I chose this clinic, to how the director evaluated my face during the consultation, all the way to the results two weeks after the treatment was completed – everything is recorded truthfully, without any embellishments.
In short: I underwent 100 sessions of HIFU at the Cellin Myeongdong clinic. The entire procedure took approximately 40 minutes and was performed personally by Director Min Kyung-min, who graduated from Seoul National University. The cost starts from 9.35 million won, depending on the number of sessions and the area treated. There was almost no noticeable swelling after the treatment. By the 7th day, I could already see a clear improvement in the definition of my jawline, and the results were most evident by the 14th day. If you value having the treatment performed directly by a doctor rather than a nurse, this clinic is definitely worth adding to your list.
🔍 Why choose the Cellin store in Myeongdong?
To be honest, there is more than just Cellin among the Dermatology clinics in Myeongdong that offer HIFU treatments. I spent an entire afternoon comparing the official websites of several clinics, as well as Naver reviews and equipment information. In the end, I chose Cellin for three main reasons:
- Firstly, the director personally performs the treatments himself. Director Min Kyung-min is a Dermatology specialist who graduated from Seoul National University. All laser and HIFU treatments at Cellin are performed by him personally, rather than being entrusted to nurses or technicians. This is particularly important for me – I have seen too many cases where “patients schedule to see the director, but someone else actually performs the treatment.” In this regard, Cellin has an excellent reputation.
- Secondly, the equipment used is the latest model. Cellin utilizes Ultherapy Prime, not the older version of Ulthera. The probe of the Prime version delivers more precise energy and causes significantly less discomfort. The clinic also owns other originally certified devices such as Thermage FLX, Onda, and Shurink – it is certainly not one of those clinics that claim to be capable of performing various treatments just by owning one old machine.
- Thirdly, the location and services for foreigners. The clinic is located on the 1st floor of No. 16, 7th Street, Nandaemun-ro. It is only a 4-minute walk from Exit 7 of Ichijikyo Station or a 10-minute walk from Exit 5 of Myeongdong Station. They provide Chinese-speaking consultation services, and it is also possible to contact them via WhatsApp, which is really convenient for us foreigners.
For a more comprehensive review of Cellin and details about their services, I have previously written an article: Is the Cellin Dermatology clinic in Myeongdong just a standard operation? Based on my personal experience, you might want to check it out first before deciding whether to choose them.
📖 What exactly is HIFU Prime? Let me explain it in just one minute.
Before talking about the experience, let me briefly explain what HIFU Prime is. Otherwise, when we discuss the number of treatments and the depth of application later on, you might be completely confused.
Ultherapy Prime, the latest model of the Ulthrea series, is a non-invasive ultrasound lifting technology. Its principle involves using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to target the SMAS fascia layer deep within the skin—the very layer that is targeted during surgical facelifts. By applying thermal energy, this technique stimulates the contraction and regeneration of Collagen, thereby achieving a tightening and lifting effect.
Compared with the previous model of Ulthera, the advantages of Prime lie in the following aspects: more stable energy output (reducing the risk of overheating), a probe design that better conforms to the contours of the face (resulting in fewer dead zones), and a significantly improved level of comfort (the pain is reduced by approximately 30-40%).
In a nutshell: if you don’t want to undergo surgery but still desire noticeable lifting results, HIFU Prime is currently one of the most recognized non-invasive options available.
If you want to compare the prices of HIFU treatments at different clinics in Myeongdong, this article provides quotes from three institutions, which will help you get a better idea.
👨⚕️ On the day of the consultation: The director personally examined my face.
I arrived on Tuesday afternoon. The clinic is located on the first floor, and my first impression upon entering was that it was very clean and quiet—nothing like the crowded, assembly-line-like atmosphere I had expected. The receptionist could speak Chinese, and she asked me to fill out a questionnaire in Chinese, covering information such as my allergy history, previous treatments I had undergone, and the skincare products I was currently using.
After waiting for about 10 minutes, Director Min Jingmin personally came out to take me into the consultation room. It wasn’t the kind of interaction where he just glanced at me and then walked away; he actually spent nearly 15 minutes analyzing my face in detail.
The director pressed on my jawline, cheeks, and Double Chin area with his hands, explaining while doing so: “Your right jawline is slightly less distinct than the left one; this might be due to the habit of sleeping on one side. There isn’t much fat in the Double Chin area; the main issue is skin laxity. 100 units of filler in these two areas will be sufficient; there’s no need for the forehead.”
This really reassured me – he wasn’t the kind of person who would just say “Okay, whatever number you want” without considering my actual situation. Instead, he gave me advice based on my specific needs. In the end, he recommended 100 injections (for the lower half of my face, jawline, and Double Chin), with the price starting at ₩350,000. Since my budget was sufficient, the explanation was clear, and his attitude was professional, I decided to schedule the treatment right away.
💉 Treatment process: 100 injections – a truly authentic experience throughout the entire process.
Before the procedure, take photos for reference (one front view, one at a 45-degree angle, and one side view), and then apply the numbing cream for about 30 minutes. The numbing cream used by Cellin is of quite good quality; after applying it, the areas around the cheeks and jawline would already feel a bit numb.
Next came the crucial part – the director himself came in. He first marked the areas on my face with a pen (indicating the distribution of hair follicles), and then began the treatment.
To be honest, it’s not completely painless. Every time a hair is inserted, you feel a brief sensation of warmth—like someone gently patting your face with a hot towel—and then it disappears immediately. Most areas can handle the procedure without any discomfort, but around the edge of the jawline, where the bone is close to the skin, there might be a slightly more noticeable stinging sensation—though it only lasts for a fraction of a second.
The director was very attentive; after each few shots, he would ask me, “Are you okay?” and would also pause before proceeding to more sensitive areas. The entire treatment took about 35 to 40 minutes, during which 100 shots were administered. After it was over, the director checked me to make sure there were no any issues.
- ⏱ Anesthesia application: Approximately 30 minutes
- 💉 Injection time: Approximately 35–40 minutes (100 injections)
- 🎯 Areas treated: Lower half of the face + Jawline + Double Chin
- 😣 Pain level: 3-4/10 (The pain is more noticeable at the edge of the mandible; other areas are OKAY.)
- 👨⚕️ Operator: President Min Jingmin personally performed the entire procedure.
📅 Immediate post-treatment reactions + recovery details in the first 3 days
Immediately after the procedure: My face felt slightly warm, and the lines at both sides of my jaw were reddened, but there was no obvious swelling. The clinic applied some soothing cream and sunscreen to my skin, so I looked just like someone who had just finished exercising and was ready to go out immediately. That afternoon, I even went shopping in Myeongdong without any problems at all.
Day 1: The redness has subsided, but there is a slight soreness when pressing on both sides of the cheeks (similar to the effect of doing facial exercises the previous day), although this does not affect daily activities. The skin feels a bit rough to the touch, which is normal since the Collagen is currently being activated. I didn’t wear any makeup on this day; I only applied the moisturizer provided by the clinic.
On the 2nd to 3rd day: The soreness completely disappears. There is a slight sense of tension along the jawline, as if an invisible thread is pulling on it – this isn’t uncomfortable at all; instead, it gives one the feeling that the results are about to appear. On the 3rd day, you can resume your regular skincare routine, but avoid products that contain acids or exfoliants.
📈 On Day 7 and Day 14: The changes I observed
Day 7: This was the first moment when I truly felt something. When I looked in the mirror, the contours of my jawline seemed a bit clearer than before—not a dramatic change, but more like someone had subtly “tucked in” the flesh around my cheeks. The difference was even more noticeable when I took photos; the lines on my side face had become sharper and more defined.
Day 14: The week when the results are most noticeable! The skin in the area of the Double Chin has become much tighter, and when I pinch my cheeks, I can feel that it is now more “elastic” than before. The contours of my jawline have also become clearer, and friends always ask me, “Have you lost weight?” — In fact, my weight remains the same; it’s just that the contours of my face have become more defined.
To be honest, the HIFU is no magic. It won’t turn a round face into a V-shaped one, but it can indeed make the contours of your face clearer and more defined. From my experience, patience is key—the results start to become visible on the 7th day and reach their peak within 1 to 2 months.
💰 How much did this cost? The detailed breakdown of expenses is available for everyone to see.
The project I undertook this time and the related costs:
| Project | Costs |
|---|---|
| 100 HIFU treatments with Ultherapy Prime (lower half of the face + jawline + Double Chin) | Starting from ⩢350,000 |
| Consultation fees | Free of charge |
| Postoperative comfort care | Included in the treatment fee |
⚠️ Important notice: The above prices are based on my actual charges in 2026. The cost of HIFU treatment varies depending on the number of sessions, the area being treated, and the clinic used. Cellin’s prices in Myeongdong are considered mid-to-high-end (after all, the treatments are performed by the clinic director himself using state-of-the-art equipment), but they are by no means the highest around. If your budget is limited, you can also consider other clinics in Myeongdong. However, remember one key principle: The effectiveness of HIFU treatment depends 80% on who performs the procedure and what equipment is used – so don’t just focus on the price.
For more detailed information on the full prices of cellin products, please refer to this article: Prices of Cellin Dermatology in Myeongdong.
💡 Before and after the procedure, remember these important things at all times.
Preoperative preparations:
- Stop using irritating ingredients such as retinoic acid, retinol, and whitening essences one week before the procedure.
- Do not drink alcohol the day before the procedure (alcohol increases the risk of postoperative bruising).
- Going to the clinic without makeup that day (even removing makeup is part of the process)
- Bring your passport along – foreigners may be required to register.
- When making an appointment, please clearly state which area you want to treat and how many hairs you wish to have implanted, and make sure that the treatment will be performed “personally by the director of the clinic”.
Postoperative care:
- Do not take hot baths, use saunas, or engage in strenuous exercise within 24 hours after the procedure.
- Avoid acidic skincare products and exfoliation for the next 3 days.
- Increase sun protection within 1 week (this is very important! Ultraviolet rays can affect the production of Collagen).
- Do not undergo any other high-intensity phototherapy treatments (such as laser or Thermage) within one month.
- Drink plenty of water and consume more protein – after all, the raw material for Collagen is protein itself.
- Do not massage the area where the injection was administered (as this may disrupt the arrangement of Collagen).
| ✅ Advantages | ⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind |
|---|---|
| 👍 The injection was administered personally by President Min Kyung-min, who graduated from Seoul National University, rather than by a nurse. | 👎 The price in Myeongdong is considered mid-to-high; it’s not the cheapest option available. |
| 👍 The latest model of Ultherapy Prime – an officially certified device from the manufacturer | 👎 We are only open until 17:00 on weekends, so please plan your schedule accordingly. |
| 👍 With careful consultation, the director will take the time to analyze the structure of your face. | 👎 To schedule a consultation with the director, please reserve your time 1-2 weeks in advance. |
| 👍 Comprehensive Chinese services, and foreigners are treated with kindness. | 👎 Specializing solely in Dermatology; no plastic surgery services offered. |
| 👍 Located in the heart of Myeongdong, just 4 to 10 minutes away from the subway station on foot. | |
| 👍 The recovery period after the procedure is short, so it won’t interfere with your travel plans. |
🗣️ My conclusion is: if you ask me…
If you ask me whether it’s worth getting the HIFU treatment at Cellin’s Myeongdong store, I would say: It’s worth it, but there are certain prerequisites.
The premise is that you care about having the treatment performed by a doctor in person and are willing to pay a reasonable price for professional services; you are not seeking the “ cheapest” option. Cellin is not a clinic that focuses on low prices. Its value lies in the following aspects: the director who graduated from Seoul National University, the latest original equipment, the fact that all treatments are performed personally by the doctor, and the friendly attitude towards foreigners. Taking all these factors into account, I think the price of the HIFU treatment starting from 9.35 million won is quite reasonable.
However, if you are only interested in basic skin care and your budget is below 9.1 million won, then Cellin might not be the best option for you – you might want to consider other clinics in Myeongdong that offer better value for money. For a comprehensive ranking of clinics in Myeongdong, you can start by reading this article: Top 5 Recommended Dermatology Clinics in Myeongdong.
Next step: First, check the availability of Cellin treatments on BeautsGO, and then determine the area you want to treat and the number of hairs you wish to remove. If it’s your first time using HIFU, it is recommended to start with 100–150 hairs; you can increase the number if the results are satisfactory.
The above is a detailed record of my use of the Cellin HIFU device – from the moment I entered the clinic until the results two weeks later. I hope this information can be of some help to those of you who are considering using it ✨
❓ Regarding the Cellin HIFU, these are the most frequently asked questions people have.
Q: Is the HIFU equipment at Cellin’s Myeongdong store officially certified by the manufacturer?
A: Yes. Cellin uses the Ultherapy Prime model – the latest version available. The equipment is officially certified by the manufacturer; it is neither a copy nor an upgraded version of an older model. Both the official website of the clinic and the actual treatment site display the manufacturer’s certification marks. Before each treatment, a new probe is opened in front of the patient.
Q: Is 100 sessions of HIFU sufficient? How many sessions are required to achieve effective results?
A: 100 needles are sufficient for the lower half of the face (jawline + Double Chin area). Director Cellin will assess the number based on the shape of your face. If you also want to treat the entire face (including the Forehead and eye area), approximately 200–300 needles are needed. It is recommended to consult a doctor for a personal assessment before deciding on the number of needles to use.
Q: How long does it take to see the results after undergoing HIFU? And how long do these results last?
A: There will be a slight sense of tightness immediately after the procedure (due to tissue edema). The actual effects of Collagen regeneration begin to appear on the 7th day and reach their peak within 1 to 2 months. These effects generally last for 1 to 1.5 years, depending on an individual’s Collagen metabolism rate and lifestyle habits.
Q: Is the HIFU treatment at Cellin’s Myeongdong store painful? Is it necessary to apply any anesthetic?
A: Everyone has different tolerances, but to be honest, Ultherapy Prime is much more comfortable than the previous model. Before the treatment, Cellin applies a numbing cream for about 30 minutes. During the procedure, you may feel a warm sensation and slight stinging, especially around the edges of the jawline where the bone is close to the skin. Overall, however, these sensations are completely tolerable, so there’s no need to worry.
Q: How much in advance should foreigners schedule an HIFU treatment at Cellin?
A: It is recommended to make an appointment 1-2 weeks in advance, especially if you wish to be treated by the director personally. Cellin is off on Thursdays, so it is best not to schedule an appointment on that day. If you are in a hurry, you can also try walking in on the same day, but there is no guarantee that you will be seen by the director. Making an appointment through BeautsGO allows you to communicate in Chinese, which is much more convenient.
Q: Can I wear makeup on the same day after having an HIFU treatment? Will it cause too much swelling?
A: It is not recommended to apply makeup on the day of the procedure (with Pores open, there is a higher risk of infection). Cellin will provide you with basic post-procedure care and sun protection. The degree of swelling varies from person to person; in my case, it was almost invisible after the treatment, except for a slight redness at the edge of my chin, which disappeared within 2-3 hours. You can go out just like normal the next day.
📖 For further reading
If you are still hesitating about which Dermatology clinic to choose, these articles should be of some help to you:
- Is the Dermatology department at Cellin in Myeongdong like an assembly line? That’s what my experience there was like. A different perspective from within the same institution: My experience with Cellin’s service process.
- Prices at Myeongdong Cellin Dermatology (updated in 2026) — Comprehensive price list for all services offered at the same clinic
- How to make an appointment at Myeongdong Cellin Dermatology? A comprehensive guide to 5 different reservation methods – including all the details on how to reserve through the hospital’s own system.
- How much does the Ulthrea HIFU cost in Myeongdong? A comparison of prices from 3 clinics — Read this article if you want to compare the rates offered by different institutions.
- Going to Dermatology in Myeongdong for the first time? A must-read guide for beginners — from making an appointment to the post-treatment period, everything you need to know in one place.