What Should International Patients Ask During a Korean Skin Consultation?

Why the consultation is the most important step

For international patients, the consultation is often the only chance to talk with the doctor before treatment, and it may happen on the same day as the procedure. Arriving with clear questions helps you understand your options, avoid surprises with cost and recovery, and leave with a plan that suits your skin and your travel dates.

Below is a practical list of questions to bring to a skin consultation in Korea. You do not need to ask all of them, but choosing the ones that matter to you makes the conversation more useful. It can help to write your top three questions on your phone before you arrive, along with the dates of your trip, any medication you take and the names of treatments you have had before. If a word or explanation is unclear, ask the doctor to repeat it in simpler terms. Good clinics expect questions and will not rush you.

Questions about your skin and goals

What do you see as my main concern? A doctor may notice something different from what you came in for, such as volume loss rather than wrinkles.
Which treatment do you recommend, and why? Ask how the suggested treatment addresses your concern and what alternatives exist.
Is there anything you would not recommend for me? A careful doctor will tell you when a treatment is unsuitable.
What result is realistic? Ask what improvement is typical for someone with your skin, and how long it might last.
How many sessions might I need? Many treatments work best as a series, which affects planning if you live abroad.

Questions about safety and risks

What are the common side effects? Ask about swelling, bruising, redness and discomfort.
What are the rarer risks? For fillers, ask about vascular risk. For energy devices, ask about burns or nerve irritation.
Is this safe with my medical history? Share medication, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and past treatments.
Who performs the treatment? Ask whether the doctor will carry it out personally.
What happens if there is a complication? Ask how the clinic responds and how you can reach them after you leave Korea.

Questions about products, devices and cost

Clear answers here make it much easier to compare clinics and to understand exactly what you are paying for.

Products and devices

Which brand or device will you use? For toxins, ask about the brand and units. For fillers and boosters, ask about the product and volume.
How many shots, units or cc are included? This helps you compare quotes meaningfully.
Can I see the packaging or counter? Many clinics are happy to show sealed products or shot counters.
Can I have a record of what was used? Useful for future treatments or if you need care at home.

Cost and payment

Is the price including VAT? In Korea, published prices may exclude the 10% VAT.
Is this a first-visit price? Some clinics offer first-visit prices that apply once per new patient.
Are there extra charges? Ask about tips, numbing, consumables or follow-up sessions.
When do I pay? Ask whether payment is before or after treatment and which methods are accepted.

Questions about recovery and travel

How long is the downtime? Ask when you can wear makeup, exercise, drink alcohol or use saunas.
When can I fly? Especially relevant after injectables or stronger lasers.
When will I see results? Some treatments show change quickly, others over weeks.
What should I avoid? Ask for written aftercare instructions.

How consultations work at Daybeau Clinic Seomyeon

At Daybeau Clinic Seomyeon, consultations are available in English, Japanese and Korean, and a doctor confirms the plan before treatment. Payment is made at the clinic on the day of treatment after the consultation. Listed first-visit prices are in KRW with VAT excluded (10% VAT added at payment), checked October 2026, and apply once per new patient per item. Fillers, threads, Juvelook, Sculptra and Thermage FLX are quoted after consultation. Potenza tips are charged separately. See the price list and the English-speaking dermatology page.