Tentherma as a Medical Tourist in Korea: Does It Hurt?

Comfort and What Happens During Treatment

The treatment takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Anesthetic cream is used. Warmth or a brief feeling of heat from the radiofrequency energy may be felt during treatment, but a cooling system is used to protect the skin surface and reduce discomfort. The energy intensity is adjusted to your skin condition and the treated area. You can tell your doctor what you are feeling at any time.

Aftercare and Daily Activities

It varies by person, but daily life is generally possible right after treatment. Face washing and light makeup are possible from the day of treatment. Right after treatment, a temporary tightening sensation may be felt. Avoid rubbing the treated area too much or having a strong massage. It is best to avoid saunas, alcohol and strenuous exercise for about 1 week after treatment. To help the skin recover, keep it well moisturized and protect it from the sun.

Which of these applies may vary with the patient’s skin condition and the aim of treatment, and the doctor decides.

Common Reactions

Temporary redness, warmth, mild swelling or tightness may occur, and it usually eases within a few days.

Serious Side Effects

Rarely, temporary pain or stiffness may occur, and it eases naturally over time.

Results and Maintenance

The effects may last about 6 to 12 months. Depending on your skin elasticity, maintenance treatment about every 6 to 12 months is recommended. The recommended interval may vary with how quickly your skin ages and your lifestyle. Your long-term treatment plan is personalized after your examination.

Common Situations and Concerns

Many short-stay visitors plan simple schedules on the treatment day. You can keep the day flexible so you can move at a comfortable pace. Entire medical team is committed to ensuring that you feel comfortable and at ease throughout your consultation and treatment. If you have an important event or photo shoot coming up, a few days of flexibility after your appointment can help. WhatsApp messages are answered during clinic hours, and the clinic responds as promptly as possible. For personal advice, ask your doctor.

About Min Clinic

Min Clinic is registered as a dermatology clinic. Three doctors practice at the clinic, and two of them are board-certified specialists. Dr. Min Young-Soo is an adjunct professor at Hanyang University and was formerly deputy director of NB Clinic, Gangnam Station branch. At Min Clinic, all medical aesthetic procedures are performed directly by a doctor.

Anesthetic cream is used. Normal daily activities are generally possible right after treatment. The effects may last about 6 to 12 months. The treatment takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Depending on your skin elasticity, maintenance treatment about every 6 to 12 months is recommended. The recommended interval may vary with how quickly your skin ages and your lifestyle. Face washing and light makeup are possible from the day of treatment. Avoid rubbing the treated area too much or having a strong massage. Temporary redness, warmth, mild swelling or tightness may occur, and it usually eases within a few days. It is best to avoid saunas, alcohol and strenuous exercise for about 1 week after treatment. To help the skin recover, keep it well moisturized and protect it from the sun. Rarely, temporary pain or stiffness may occur, and it eases naturally over time. While energy is delivered, a cooling system protects the skin surface and reduces excessive heat and discomfort. Right after treatment, a temporary tightening sensation may be felt. How long the effects last depends on skin condition, the degree of aging and lifestyle, but they generally last about 6 to 12 months. After that, maintenance treatment can be planned for you after checking your skin elasticity and contours. Pain and heat vary from person to person. Warmth or a brief feeling of heat from the radiofrequency energy may be felt during treatment, but a cooling system is used to protect the skin surface and reduce discomfort. The energy intensity is adjusted to your skin condition and the treated area. It varies by person, but daily life is generally possible right after treatment. Temporary redness, heat, mild swelling or tightness may appear, but they generally ease over time.

Prices are the same for Korean and international patients. VAT is charged separately at the applicable statutory rate. Same-day treatment may be possible depending on appointment availability and the doctor's schedule. Patients are asked to contact the clinic during the recovery period with any questions or discomfort. Min Clinic does not perform medical aesthetic procedures, including Tentherma, during pregnancy. Skincare treatments may be available after consultation. Patients under 19 may be treated with the consent of a parent or guardian. Upon request, treatment records can be provided as a detailed medical statement.

WhatsApp messages are answered during clinic hours, and the clinic responds as promptly as possible. Inquiries can be made through WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, WeChat and email. English-, Chinese-, and Japanese-speaking staff are available on-site to assist foreign visitors. Min Clinic is open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 19:00, Friday from 10:00 to 20:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 15:00, with a lunch break from 13:00 to 14:00 on weekdays, and the clinic is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay and JCB cards are accepted, as are Apple Pay, WeChat Pay and Alipay. PayPal is not accepted, cash is accepted in Korean won only, and payment may be split across two cards with no card surcharge. Parking is available in the Daedong Tower building, and valet parking is offered for a fee. If you need to change or cancel an appointment, please contact the clinic in advance. In accordance with Korean tax law, VAT refunds for cosmetic medical services provided to foreign visitors are no longer available for treatments received on or after January 1, 2026. Times, distances and transportation costs are approximate and provided for reference only. Actual times may vary depending on the treatment plan, route and current conditions.

Getting Here

Exit 5 of Apgujeong Rodeo Station (Suin-Bundang Line) is the nearest exit to the clinic at 4F, Daedong Tower, 326 Dosan-daero. From Exit 5 it is about 5–10 minutes on foot. The building stands at Hakdong Intersection, with an Olive Young store on the ground floor. At Gangnam-gu Office Station (Line 7 and Suin-Bundang Line), leave by Exit 3 or 3-1. From Exit 3 or 3-1 it is about 7 minutes on foot. Parking fees can be confirmed with the clinic.