Basic Korean HIFU treatments in Seoul typically cost approximately ₩50,000 to ₩500,000, depending on the device and number of shots. Full face-and-neck treatment may cost ₩300,000 to ₩1,200,000, while premium Ultherapy generally ranges from ₩800,000 to ₩3,500,000. Patients should compare the exact device and shot count rather than the term “HIFU” alone.

What Is HIFU Treatment?

HIFU stands for high-intensity focused ultrasound. It delivers focused ultrasound energy into selected tissue depths to stimulate collagen remodeling and improve mild skin laxity.

HIFU may be used to improve:

• Mild facial sagging
• Early jowls
• Reduced jawline definition
• Mild cheek descent
• Brow laxity
• Loose skin beneath the chin
• Mild neck laxity
• Fine lines
• Overall facial firmness

HIFU provides gradual, non-surgical tightening. It cannot remove significant excess skin or reproduce the results of facelift surgery.

Which HIFU Devices Are Available in Korea?

Korean clinics may offer several HIFU systems, including:

• Shurink Universe
• Liftera
• Doublo
• Ultraformer
• LinearZ
• Ultherapy
• Ultherapy Prime

The term “HIFU treatment” does not identify the actual device. Prices can differ significantly between Korean-made platforms and premium imported systems such as Ultherapy.

Basic HIFU Treatment Cost

Entry-level HIFU treatments usually focus on a limited facial area or use a smaller number of shots.

Typical prices include:

• Promotional small-area HIFU: ₩50,000 to ₩100,000
• HIFU 100 shots: ₩50,000 to ₩150,000
• HIFU 200 shots: ₩100,000 to ₩250,000
• HIFU 300 shots: ₩150,000 to ₩400,000
• HIFU 400 shots: ₩200,000 to ₩500,000
• HIFU 600 shots: ₩300,000 to ₩800,000

Prices vary according to the device and treatment protocol. Shot counts should not be compared directly across different machines.

Shurink Universe Cost

Shurink Universe is one of the most widely available Korean HIFU treatments. It may use dot cartridges for focused lifting or linear cartridges for faster energy delivery across broader areas.

Expected prices include:

• Shurink Universe 100 shots: ₩50,000 to ₩100,000
• Shurink Universe 300 shots: ₩100,000 to ₩300,000
• Shurink Universe 400 shots: ₩150,000 to ₩400,000
• Shurink Universe 600 shots: ₩250,000 to ₩600,000
• Shurink full face and neck: ₩300,000 to ₩800,000

Promotional pricing may be lower, but it can apply only to selected cartridges or limited treatment areas.

Liftera Cost

Liftera uses focused ultrasound and may offer both line-type and pen-type applicators. The pen applicator can be used for smaller or curved facial areas.

Typical prices include:

• Small-area Liftera: ₩80,000 to ₩200,000
• Liftera 300 shots: ₩150,000 to ₩400,000
• Full-face Liftera: ₩250,000 to ₩600,000
• Face-and-neck Liftera: ₩400,000 to ₩900,000
• Liftera with another lifting treatment: ₩500,000 to ₩1,200,000

Ask whether the treatment uses the line applicator, pen applicator, or both.

Doublo Treatment Cost

Doublo is another Korean ultrasound lifting system used for facial and neck tightening.

Expected prices include:

• Small-area Doublo: ₩80,000 to ₩200,000
• Doublo 300 shots: ₩150,000 to ₩400,000
• Doublo 600 shots: ₩300,000 to ₩700,000
• Full face and neck: ₩400,000 to ₩900,000

The total cost depends on cartridge depth, shot count, treatment area, and clinic.

Ultherapy Cost

Ultherapy is a premium microfocused ultrasound treatment that includes real-time ultrasound imaging.

Typical prices include:

• Ultherapy 100 shots: ₩300,000 to ₩700,000
• Ultherapy 300 shots: ₩800,000 to ₩1,800,000
• Ultherapy 400 shots: ₩1,100,000 to ₩2,200,000
• Ultherapy 600 shots: ₩1,800,000 to ₩3,500,000
• Full face and neck: ₩2,000,000 to ₩4,000,000

Ultherapy generally costs more than Korean HIFU because of its branded technology, genuine cartridges, imaging system, and treatment protocol.

HIFU Cost by Treatment Area

Prices may also be calculated according to the facial area.

Estimated costs include:

• Brow area: ₩50,000 to ₩300,000
• Cheeks: ₩100,000 to ₩500,000
• Jawline: ₩100,000 to ₩500,000
• Under the chin: ₩100,000 to ₩500,000
• Full face: ₩200,000 to ₩800,000
• Neck only: ₩200,000 to ₩700,000
• Full face and neck: ₩300,000 to ₩1,200,000

Ultherapy pricing for the same areas will generally be higher.

Eye HIFU Cost

Eye HIFU uses shallower cartridges to treat the brow and selected skin around the eyes.

Typical prices include:

• Small brow treatment: ₩50,000 to ₩200,000
• Korean eye HIFU: ₩100,000 to ₩350,000
• Eye HIFU with Eye Rejuran: ₩300,000 to ₩800,000
• Eye Ultherapy: ₩300,000 to ₩800,000
• Eye Ultherapy and Eye Thermage: ₩1,500,000 to ₩2,500,000

Eye HIFU may improve mild laxity, but it cannot remove prominent eye bags or significant excess eyelid skin.

Neck HIFU Cost

HIFU may be used along the jawline, beneath the chin, and across selected neck areas.

Expected prices include:

• Under-chin treatment: ₩100,000 to ₩400,000
• Jawline and submental HIFU: ₩150,000 to ₩500,000
• Neck HIFU: ₩200,000 to ₩700,000
• Full face and neck: ₩300,000 to ₩1,200,000
• Ultherapy face and neck: ₩2,000,000 to ₩4,000,000

Significant loose neck skin or platysmal bands may require surgical treatment for meaningful correction.

HIFU and Radiofrequency Combination Cost

HIFU may be combined with radiofrequency because the treatments affect the skin differently.

Common combinations include:

• HIFU with InMode Forma: ₩300,000 to ₩800,000
• HIFU with Oligio: ₩700,000 to ₩1,800,000
• HIFU with XERF or Volnewmer: ₩800,000 to ₩2,500,000
• Ultherapy with Thermage: ₩2,000,000 to ₩6,000,000

HIFU may provide focused lifting, while radiofrequency can improve overall firmness and skin quality. Not every patient needs both.

HIFU and Botox Cost

Jaw Botox may be combined with HIFU when both masseter muscle width and skin laxity affect the lower face.

Typical prices include:

• HIFU with Korean jaw Botox: ₩200,000 to ₩700,000
• HIFU with imported jaw Botox: ₩300,000 to ₩900,000
• HIFU with skin Botox: ₩300,000 to ₩900,000
• HIFU V-line package: ₩300,000 to ₩1,000,000

Jaw Botox reduces muscle volume; HIFU targets tissue laxity. Neither treatment changes the underlying jawbone.

HIFU and Rejuran Cost

Rejuran may be added when the patient wants to improve pores, fine lines, texture, and elasticity along with lifting.

Expected prices include:

• Korean HIFU with Rejuran 2 cc: ₩400,000 to ₩1,000,000
• HIFU with Rejuran 4 cc: ₩600,000 to ₩1,300,000
• HIFU with Rejuran HB: ₩500,000 to ₩1,200,000
• Ultherapy with Rejuran: ₩1,200,000 to ₩4,000,000

Rejuran may cause visible injection bumps and swelling even when the HIFU procedure itself has little downtime.

HIFU and Contouring Treatment Cost

HIFU may be combined with treatments intended to reduce facial fullness or improve jawline definition.

Typical packages include:

• HIFU with contouring injection: ₩200,000 to ₩700,000
• HIFU with InMode FX: ₩250,000 to ₩800,000
• HIFU with jaw Botox: ₩200,000 to ₩900,000
• Premium V-line program: ₩500,000 to ₩1,500,000

Patients with thin faces should be cautious about combining several fat-reduction and energy-based treatments, as excessive treatment may worsen facial hollowing.

Why Are Some HIFU Treatments So Cheap?

Low advertised prices may apply to:

• Only 100 shots
• A small treatment zone
• A basic Korean HIFU device
• Limited cartridge depths
• First-time patients
• Short-term promotional pricing
• Prices before 10% VAT
• Treatment without aftercare

The clinic should clearly identify the device, shot count, treatment area, and cartridge depths.

Does a Higher Shot Count Mean Better Results?

Not necessarily. A higher shot count may provide broader coverage, but excessive or poorly placed treatment can increase discomfort and unwanted fat loss.

An appropriate treatment plan should consider:

• Facial size
• Fat distribution
• Skin thickness
• Degree of sagging
• Previous treatments
• Areas of facial hollowing
• Desired result

A smaller number of well-placed shots may be more appropriate than a high-shot package for some patients.

Is HIFU Painful?

HIFU may cause brief sensations of heat, tingling, aching, or electrical discomfort.

Pain may be stronger:

• Along the jawbone
• Near the teeth
• Around the forehead
• In areas with thin tissue
• With deeper cartridges
• At higher energy settings

Many clinics use topical numbing cream and oral pain medication. Local anesthesia or sedation may be available for stronger treatment.

Additional Pain-Control Costs

Possible fees include:

• Numbing cream: Often included or ₩10,000 to ₩50,000
• Oral pain medication: Often included
• Local anesthesia: ₩50,000 to ₩150,000
• Nerve block: ₩50,000 to ₩200,000
• Sleep sedation: ₩100,000 to ₩300,000 or more

Patients receiving sedation should arrange safe transportation afterward.

How Long Do HIFU Results Last?

Results develop gradually as new collagen forms. Improvement may become more noticeable over two to three months.

Results may last approximately six months to more than one year depending on:

• Device
• Treatment intensity
• Age
• Skin laxity
• Shot placement
• Lifestyle
• Weight changes
• Individual collagen response

Affordable Korean HIFU may be repeated more frequently than Ultherapy, but the schedule should be based on medical assessment.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

Some patients receive one treatment and evaluate the results over several months. Others complete a short series or receive maintenance treatment.

A general schedule may include:

• Korean HIFU: One to three sessions
• Maintenance treatment: Every six to twelve months
• Ultherapy: Often one session followed by later maintenance

Receiving high-energy treatment too frequently may increase the risk of tenderness, nerve irritation, or facial fat loss.

HIFU Downtime

HIFU usually involves minimal visible downtime.

Temporary effects may include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Tingling
• Temporary numbness
• Mild bruising
• Sensitivity when touching the face
• Temporary aching around the jaw

Most patients can return to normal activities shortly after treatment.

Possible Risks

Potential complications include:

• Burns
• Welts
• Prolonged swelling
• Temporary numbness
• Nerve irritation
• Facial asymmetry
• Fat loss
• Increased hollowing
• Unsatisfactory lifting

The treatment should be carefully planned for patients with thin faces, prominent cheek hollows, or limited facial fat.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

HIFU may be suitable for patients who:

• Have mild-to-moderate facial laxity
• Have early jowls
• Want improved jawline definition
• Prefer minimal downtime
• Want gradual, subtle lifting
• Are not ready for surgery
• Have realistic expectations

Patients with significant loose skin or advanced sagging may need a surgical facelift or neck lift for more substantial correction.

Are Foreigners Charged More?

Some Korean clinics offer the same pricing to local and international patients. Others have international packages that may include:

• English-speaking consultation
• Interpretation
• Longer appointment time
• Private treatment rooms
• Booking coordination
• Follow-up assistance

Request an itemized quote showing the device, shot count, treatment areas, anesthesia, and VAT.

Is VAT Included?

Cosmetic HIFU treatment is generally subject to 10% VAT. Some clinics include VAT in the displayed price, while others add it during payment.

The cosmetic medical VAT-refund program previously available to foreign visitors ended on December 31, 2025. International patients should budget for the full VAT-inclusive price unless the clinic confirms a different current arrangement.

Before booking, ask:

• Is 10% VAT included?
• Is the promotion available to foreigners?
• What is the exact HIFU device?
• How many shots are included?
• Which facial areas are covered?
• Are numbing and aftercare included?
• What is the final payment amount?

How Much Should Foreigners Budget?

For basic Korean HIFU, budget approximately ₩50,000 to ₩300,000.

For a full-face Korean HIFU treatment, budget approximately ₩200,000 to ₩600,000.

For face-and-neck HIFU, budget approximately ₩300,000 to ₩1,200,000.

For genuine Ultherapy, budget approximately ₩800,000 to ₩3,500,000.

For a premium HIFU and radiofrequency combination, budget approximately ₩1,000,000 to ₩6,000,000 depending on the devices.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

Before receiving HIFU treatment in Korea, ask:

• What is the exact device name?
• Is this Korean HIFU or genuine Ultherapy?
• How many shots are included?
• Which cartridge depths will be used?
• Is the treatment full face or limited area?
• Will the neck or eye area be included?
• Who will perform the procedure?
• Are numbing and aftercare included?
• Is 10% VAT included?
• What results are realistic for my anatomy?

Final Thoughts

HIFU treatment costs in Korea range from approximately ₩50,000 for a small promotional treatment to more than ₩3,000,000 for premium Ultherapy.

International patients should compare the exact device, shot count, cartridge depth, treatment area, pain management, and final VAT-inclusive price. The safest and most effective plan is based on facial anatomy and the degree of laxity—not simply the lowest price or highest number of shots.