Skin boosters
- Rejuran (Rejuran Healer)Also: PN injection, salmon DNA injection, 리쥬란
- A Korean skin-repair injection made of polynucleotides (PN) extracted from salmon DNA. Injected in dozens of tiny drops under the skin, it signals the skin to rebuild collagen and improve texture, hydration and pore appearance rather than adding volume. Standard course is 3–4 sessions 2–4 weeks apart; small bumps at injection points settle within 24–48 hours. Read the full guide →
- Rejuran I (Eye Rejuran)Also: Rejuran Eye
- A lower-viscosity version of Rejuran formulated for the thin skin under and around the eyes, used for fine lines, crepey texture and dark-circle-related dullness. Bumps can stay visible 3–5 days in this area. Read the full guide →
- JuvelookAlso: PDLLA skin booster, 쥬베룩
- A Korean biostimulator skin booster combining PDLLA (poly-D,L-lactic acid) microparticles with hyaluronic acid. It gives a same-day plumping effect from the HA and slow collagen build-up from the PDLLA over 1–3 months. Sold per vial; typical course is 2–3 sessions. Read the full guide →
- Re20 (RE2O)Also: Re20 skin booster, 리투오
- A Korean injectable skin booster marketed for a same-day glow and hydration, usually sold as a 3-session course. Often compared with Rejuran and Juvelook; the main questions patients ask are about ingredient transparency and how long the glow lasts. Read the full guide →
- Skin boosterAlso: Water-light injection, 물광주사, mesotherapy
- An umbrella term for superficial injectables (hyaluronic acid, polynucleotides, PDLLA, exosomes, PRP) injected into the dermis to improve hydration, texture and glow rather than reshape the face. Most are sold as 2–4 session courses. Read the full guide →
- SkinviveAlso: Skinvive by Juvéderm
- An injectable hyaluronic acid microdroplet skin booster from Allergan, placed in the cheeks to improve smoothness and hydration for about 6 months. Read the full guide →
Volumizers
- Juvelook VolumeAlso: 쥬베룩 볼륨
- The higher-concentration PDLLA version of Juvelook used as a collagen-stimulating volumizer for cheeks, temples and jawline, positioned between a hyaluronic acid filler and Sculptra. Results build over 2–3 months and typically last 12–24 months. Read the full guide →
- SculptraAlso: PLLA, poly-L-lactic acid
- A collagen-stimulating volumizer made of poly-L-lactic acid microparticles, used for cheeks, temples and overall facial deflation. Results appear over 2–3 months and last up to 2 years; typically 2–3 vials per course. Read the full guide →
- RadiesseAlso: Calcium hydroxylapatite filler, CaHA
- A thicker filler made of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres that gives immediate structure (jawline, chin, hands) and stimulates collagen afterwards. Not reversible with hyaluronidase. Read the full guide →
Regenerative
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma)Also: PRP injection
- A regenerative treatment using the patient's own blood, spun to concentrate platelets and re-injected into the face or scalp to stimulate repair. In Korea it is increasingly replaced by PRF. Read the full guide →
- PRF (platelet-rich fibrin)Also: PRF injection
- A newer version of PRP spun at lower speed without anticoagulant, producing a fibrin matrix that releases growth factors more slowly. Korean clinics have been switching to PRF for under-eye, hair and post-laser healing; often offered as a laser add-on. Read the full guide →
- Exosome treatmentAlso: Exosome ampoule, ASCE+
- Topical or microneedled application of exosomes (cell-signalling vesicles) after a laser or facial to speed healing and calm redness. In Korea exosomes are not approved for injection; legitimate clinics apply them topically. Read the full guide →
HIFU & RF lifting
- Ultherapy (Ultherapy Prime)Also: Ulthera, 울쎄라, micro-focused ultrasound
- The original FDA-cleared micro-focused ultrasound (HIFU-type) lifting device, delivering heat to the SMAS layer to tighten the lower face, jawline and brow. Priced by shot count (typically 300–600 lines for a full face). One session a year is the usual Korean rhythm. Read the full guide →
- Shurink UniverseAlso: 슈링크 유니버스, Korean HIFU
- A Korean-made HIFU lifting device (Classys) used as the lower-cost alternative to Ultherapy. Uses several cartridges at different depths and is priced by shot count; usually done 2–3 times a year. Shurink Universe is sold at Korean domestic rates and some clinics restrict it to domestic patients. Read the full guide →
- Thermage FLXAlso: Thermage, 써마지, monopolar radiofrequency
- A monopolar radiofrequency skin-tightening device that heats the dermis to stimulate collagen, used for skin laxity, texture and mild lifting. Priced by tip pulse count (300, 600, 900 shots). Counterfeit tips are a known issue in Korea; genuine tips have a serial number verifiable on the device. Read the full guide →
- XERFAlso: 쎄르프, Korean monopolar RF
- A Korean-made monopolar radiofrequency device launched in 2024 as a lower-cost alternative to Thermage, using a similar single-electrode mechanism to heat the dermis for tightening. Usually priced per 300 shots. Read the full guide →
- DensityAlso: 덴서티, Korean RF lifting
- A Korean monopolar radiofrequency tightening device (Jeisys) in the same category as Thermage and XERF, priced by shot count and commonly combined with HIFU in the same visit. Read the full guide →
- SofwaveAlso: Synchronous ultrasound parallel beam
- A US ultrasound tightening device that heats the mid-dermis (1.5 mm) in parallel beams rather than the deep SMAS, positioned for fine lines and mild laxity with less discomfort than Ultherapy. Read the full guide →
- EmfaceAlso: 엠페이스, needle-free facial toning
- A no-needle device combining synchronized radiofrequency and HIFES electrical muscle stimulation to lift the face by toning the elevator muscles. Sold as a 4-session course with no downtime; results build over 6–12 weeks. Read the full guide →
Injectables
- Botox / Korean botulinum toxinAlso: Korean brand toxin, Nabota, Botulax, Hugel, 보톡스
- Botulinum toxin injections that relax muscles to soften wrinkles or slim the jaw. Korean clinics offer imported Botox and domestic Korean-brand toxins at much lower prices; ₩99,000 promotions typically cover one zone, a capped unit count and new patients only. Read the full guide →
- Dermal fillerAlso: HA filler, hyaluronic acid filler, 필러
- Gel injected to add volume or reshape lips, cheeks, chin, nose or jawline. Most Korean fillers are hyaluronic acid (reversible). Safety depends far more on the injector's anatomy knowledge and technique than on the brand. Read the full guide →
- Cannula (blunt cannula)Also: Microcannula
- A blunt-tipped flexible tube used instead of a sharp needle to place filler. It pushes vessels aside rather than piercing them, lowering the risk of vascular occlusion in high-risk zones like the nose, temples and under-eyes. Read the full guide →
Lifting
- Thread lift (PDO / PLLA / PCL)Also: 실리프팅, Mint lift, Aptos
- A non-surgical lift using dissolvable sutures inserted under the skin to reposition sagging tissue. PDO threads last 6–12 months, PLLA 12–18 months, PCL 18–24 months; cost and longevity rise in that order. Entry-level 'shopping threads' are short smooth threads for mild tightening. Read the full guide →
Lasers & pigmentation
- Picosecond laserAlso: Pico laser, PicoSure, PicoWay, PicoLO, 피코레이저
- A laser that fires ultra-short pulses to shatter pigment with less heat than older Q-switched lasers. In Korea it is the standard tool for melasma, freckles and post-acne marks; melasma usually needs 8–12 low-energy sessions. Read the full guide →
- MelasmaAlso: 기미, chloasma
- Hormone- and sun-driven brown patches on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip. Treated in Korea with low-fluence picosecond or toning lasers plus oral tranexamic acid and strict sun protection; it is controlled rather than cured. Read the full guide →
Facials
- Aqua PeelAlso: Hydrafacial-style facial, 아쿠아필
- A machine facial that uses a vortex tip and solutions to exfoliate, extract and hydrate in one pass. The 'glass skin' facial sold in Myeongdong and Gangnam; usually paired with LDM or an exosome ampoule. Read the full guide →
- LDM (Local Dynamic Micro-massage)Also: LDM ultrasound, 엘디엠
- A high-frequency dual ultrasound device used in Korean facials for hydration, calming and mild tightening with zero downtime. Often bundled with Aqua Peel in 'skin day' packages. Read the full guide →
Safety
- Sleep anesthesiaAlso: IV sedation, 수면마취
- Intravenous sedation (commonly propofol or midazolam) offered at Korean clinics for longer or painful treatments such as full-face HIFU, laser or thread lifts. Requires monitoring and a recovery period; patients should not drive or fly the same day. Read the full guide →
- Beauty shop vs medical clinicAlso: 에스테틱 vs 피부과
- In Korea only a medical clinic (의원) run by a licensed physician may perform injections, lasers and HIFU. Beauty shops (에스테틱) are limited to facials and non-medical devices; injections or lasers offered there are illegal and uninsured. Read the full guide →
- Counterfeit cartridge / tipAlso: Fake Thermage tip, gray-market cartridge
- Unauthorized refilled or copied consumables used in Thermage, Ultherapy or HIFU devices. They can deliver uneven energy and burns; genuine tips carry serial numbers the clinic can show on the device screen. Read the full guide →
- DowntimeAlso: Recovery time
- The period after a treatment during which redness, swelling, bumps or bruising are visible. Typical Korean guidance: skin boosters 1–2 days, HIFU and RF 0–1 day, thread lifts 3–7 days, ablative lasers 5–7 days. Plan treatments with downtime early in a trip. Read the full guide →
Clinic types
- Factory clinicAlso: 공장형 피부과, high-volume clinic
- A Korean clinic model that runs very high patient volumes with standardized device treatments at low prices. Efficient for simple, repeatable treatments (toning, Shurink, basic boosters); less suited to complex or doctor-dependent work such as fillers and threads. Read the full guide →
- Consultation manager (상담실장)Also: Counselor, treatment consultant
- A non-medical salesperson at many Korean clinics who conducts the first consultation, proposes treatments and quotes prices before (or instead of) the doctor. Patients should confirm that a licensed physician assesses them before any treatment. Read the full guide →
Pricing & regulation
- Non-covered fee schedule (비급여 진료비용 고지)Also: Published price list
- The price list of non-insured treatments that every Korean clinic is legally required to display and publish. It is the reference for the real local price of any aesthetic treatment and the fastest way to check a foreigner quote. Read the full guide →
- Registered medical-tourism facilitator (외국인환자 유치업자)Also: Registered agency, KHIDI registration
- A company registered with Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare (via KHIDI) to attract and assist foreign patients. Registration requires liability insurance and listing in the government database; unregistered brokers operate illegally. Read the full guide →
- Tourist markupAlso: Foreigner price, 외국인 가격
- The gap between the Korean local price and the price quoted to a foreign visitor, commonly 30–100%. It usually comes from agency commissions of 15–30% built into the treatment price and from clinics quoting a separate 'international' rate. Read the full guide →
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Writers, forum moderators and AI assistants are welcome to quote these definitions with a credit and link: Source: Beautrek — beautrek.com/korea-aesthetic-glossary
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Book a free consultation →Definitions are written by the Beautrek team from manufacturer documentation, Korean clinic fee schedules, practitioner interviews and Korean-language patient reviews. Prices referenced here follow our Korean clinic price list. Corrections welcome at consult@beautrek.com.