Getting Thermage FLX at Banobagi Dermatology
In Korea, skin is seen as a window into a person’s physical as well as mental state. Comments such as “Your skin looks dull today, is everything alright?” or “Your skin looks great, what did you get done?” are thrown around as a typical conversation starters. Here, you’re bombarded with endless beauty innuendos at every corner. As plastic surgery and dermatology clinics are just as accessible as skincare products, we’re starting to understand that the ageless glass skin adorned by Korean celebrities isn’t just from good at-home skincare practices.
The Mecca of Cosmetic Surgery
Korea’s advanced plastic surgery and dermatology procedures put Korea on the map as the Mecca of Cosmetic Surgery. However, the sheer number of choices are staggering and overwhelming even for a Korean native, let alone for someone who’s not fluent in the Korean language.
With endless plastic surgery and dermatology clinics of all sizes stacked in every other building, finding the right place is as difficult as finding a trash can or a payphone on Seoul’s streets. It’s almost impossible. This isn’t like shopping for a new lipstick where you can be adventurous and just take a chance.
Your Korean BFF for cosmetic procedures
In comes Seoul Cosmetic Surgery, a full-service medical tourism agency with impressive connections to all the best plastic surgery and dermatology clinics in Seoul. If you want plastic surgery or dermatology treatment, but don’t have a Korean BFF that will do the research, book appointments, and tag along to be your personal translator, Seoul Cosmetic Surgery is the answer.
I tried out Seoul Cosmetic Surgery beauty concierge service to find the clinic to give me that youthful plump skin I’ve been yearning for. Going in, I’ve already expressed to Seoul Cosmetic Surgery that I’d like a non-invasive treatment where I can return to work quickly without noticeable signs of treatment, yet I NEED something with results I can see. Pretty contradictory, I know… but Seoul Cosmetic Surgery came through. They not only scheduled my appointment for me with the fully-accredited Banobagi Clinic, but also got me a consultation with Dr. Barn, the person behind Banobagi Cosmetics!
The right clinic
Banobagi Dermatology, which is a part of the Banobagi Plastic Surgery Clinic, is conveniently located close to Yeoksam station in Gangnam. Since I live in Gangnam, I just hopped on the subway to get to the clinic, but if you are not familiar with getting around the city, Seoul Cosmetic Surgery provides pick-up and drop-off service. They provide everything down to flight and accommodation booking, and even a free 4-hour shopping tour upon request! Get the full service you guys… You don’t want to be stressing before or after your treatments.
With my Seoul Cosmetic Surgery coordinator at my side, who would also act as a translator if there’s a language barrier, I felt at ease while filling out necessary forms at Banobagi. Mind you, my Korean is currently good enough to fill out medical forms on my own, but if this was 7 years ago when I first landed in Korea… I would’ve definitely appreciated this service.
The right doctor
The consultation with Dr. Barn went very smoothly. He listened carefully to my concerns and expectations from treatments. We looked at the DermaVison photos of my face as he explained the analysis of my current skin condition. He recommended Thermage FLX as a treatment of choice for a non-invasive procedure that can smooth, tighten, and contour skin for an overall younger looking appearance.
I loved how he didn’t hesitate to explain what Thermage FLX is and how it works. That may be somewhat of a standard practice among doctors in North America (I can only compare to North America as I’ve not experienced medical procedure elsewhere in the world), but in Korea, a doctor who is willing to take the time to explain the theory and details of a procedure has been a rarity for me.
Thermage FLX
Thermage FLX is the improved, upgraded version of Thermage. It uses radio frequency technology to the deeper, collagen-rich layers of the skin. The applied heat causes collagen to contract and encourages new collagen formation over 3-6 months that will last for 1-3 years depending on skin condition and aging process.
Non-invasive yet intense
This is a quick one-time treatment with no down-time that promises gradual but long-lasting firmer and tighter skin. Theoretically, THE ANSWER to what I wanted. Pain was minimal and treatment lasted about an hour. Dr. Barn went above and beyond to pay extra attention to my areas of concern such as under-eye and jawline.
Thermage FLX at Banobagi Clinic
After Thermage FLX, I was led to the esthetician area of the clinic for cooling, regenerating, and calming sessions. By the time I was done with everything, I didn’t even notice any redness from Thermage FLX.
Dr. Barn picked up on some minor acne issues I was having and had me back at the clinic after a week for follow-up treatments to further help my skin regenerate and curb the acne issues. I loved how he knew exactly what I needed. After all, how good is my new youthful, firm and lifted skin going to look if it’s ridden with acne? Due to my sensitive skin, and also the fact that I don’t have my skin from my 20’s that can bounce back right away, even the most non-invasive skin treatments sometimes trigger breakouts. And it seems Dr. Barn already predicted that.
I went back to Banobagi weekly for a few more times for further skin improvement treatments such vitamin and antioxidant iontophoresis treatment and V-Beam laser.
My results
Now that it’s been over 4 months, I’m finally ready to share the verdict on my Thermage FLX journey. Below are a couple of my selfies with no makeup, 1 month and 3 months after Thermage FLX. What do you think?
I started to notice improvements of skin texture and firmness starting the first week. Around the 3 month mark, was when I decided that Thermage FLX is definitely worth it. Yes, it’s gradual, no overnight magic here. But it sure DOES turn back time! My skin is not only brighter and tighter, but it also has a youthful vibrancy I haven’t seen in years. I get a lot less comments about how tired I look. And I’ve had friends asking if I had fillers done. Nope, it’s just Thermage FLX! But I will also add that the meticulous way Dr. Barn took care of various minor skin issues following the Thermage FLX undoubtedly played a big part in my overall satisfaction.
My experience with Seoul Cosmetic Surgery has been such a pleasure. If I had chosen a random clinic on my own to get Thermage FLX done, I’m certain the process wouldn’t have been as effortless as it was with SCS. Banobagi Dermatology was the perfect match for me!
Have you thought about trying plastic surgery or dermatology procedures in Korea?
