Dermatology and skin care in Korea: what international patients should know

What does dermatology in Korea cover?

It covers two different things: treatment of skin diseases, and cosmetic procedures that change how the skin looks. Clinics often do both, but the consultation, the risks and the follow-up are not the same.

How long should you stay in Korea for a skin procedure?

Plan for more days than the procedure itself takes. You need time for the consultation, for any redness, swelling or peeling to settle, and for a check by the clinic before you fly home.

How long the skin takes to settle depends on the procedure and on you. Ask the clinic in writing how long visible effects usually last for the procedure you are considering, and book your return flight after that period rather than before it.

• Arrive at least a day before the procedure so the consultation is not rushed.
• Avoid strong sun, saunas and heavy exercise for as long as the clinic advises.
• If the plan needs several sessions weeks apart, ask whether one trip is enough or whether you would need to return.

What should you ask a clinic before you book?

Ask who will treat you, what exactly will be done, what it costs in total and what happens if there is a problem after you return home. Get the answers in writing.

• Is the doctor who will perform the procedure a board-certified dermatologist?
• Which device or product will be used, and how many sessions are planned?
• What is the total cost, including tax, medicines and follow-up visits?
• What side effects are possible, and how often do they occur?
• How long will redness, swelling or other visible effects last?
• Who do I contact, and in which language, if I have a problem after I go home?
• Is the clinic registered to treat foreign patients?

What does a typical clinic visit look like?

A visit usually moves from consultation to skin assessment, a written plan and consent, the procedure and then aftercare instructions. You should understand and agree to the plan before anything is done.

1. Consultation: you describe your concern, medical history, allergies and current medicines.
2. Assessment: the doctor examines your skin and explains which options are suitable and which are not.
3. Plan and consent: you receive the plan, the cost and the possible side effects, and you sign a consent form.
4. Procedure: carried out on the same day or at a later appointment.
5. Aftercare: you receive instructions and any prescribed medicine, and a follow-up is scheduled if needed.

Doctors in Korea are required to explain a procedure and obtain your consent for surgery and certain other procedures. If you do not understand the explanation, ask for an interpreter before signing.

How do you handle aftercare once you are home?

Agree on aftercare before you leave Korea: what to watch for, how to reach the clinic and what records you will take with you.

• Ask for a written summary of what was done, including product or device names and settings where relevant.
• Keep receipts and the consent form. You may need them for follow-up care or a complaint.
• Ask how the clinic handles questions from abroad, for example through a messaging app or email, and in which language.
• See a doctor at home promptly if you notice signs of infection or a reaction, and tell them what was done.