Why is there a tenfold difference in price for the same procedure?

Price lists only state the name of the procedure and the price. However, even for the same procedure, the extent of consultation, design, dosage, and post-procedure care included varies from hospital to hospital. A significant portion of the price difference stems from these factors.

■ Things to check before the procedure
There are more things to check before undergoing a procedure than you might think. We look at facial asymmetry, skin thickness and elasticity, fat volume and sagging direction, and previous procedure history. In addition, we check for risks of bruising, edema, and hyperpigmentation, as well as medication history, and history of allergies, keloids, and infections. Finally, time is needed to explain the difference between the changes the patient expects and the changes that are actually possible. If this process is shortened, the plan will differ even if the procedure itself is the same.

■ Judgments continue during and after the procedure
During the procedure, decisions are made on which areas to avoid, which layers to access, and whether to inject the dosage at once or in divided portions. Decisions on how to correct left-right asymmetry and whether to adjust the intensity based on pain and skin reactions are also made on the spot. This includes the decision to stop immediately if adverse reactions are observed.
After the procedure, the task remains to distinguish between normal and abnormal reactions. You should be guided on what level of bruising, swelling, heat, and pain is normal, and there must be a designated place to contact if blisters, wounds, or skin color changes occur. There are also cases where immediate response is required, such as when vascular problems are suspected after filler.

■ Cheap procedures are not necessarily bad, and expensive ones are not necessarily good
A low price does not necessarily mean low quality. This is because cost structures, equipment holdings, and operational efficiency for specific procedures vary by hospital. Conversely, a high price does not guarantee better results. The outcome of cosmetic procedures is determined more by the combination of indication judgment, design, anatomical understanding, and post-procedure care than by the price of the product.
I say this: A good choice is not picking the cheapest hospital or the most expensive one, but choosing a place that can make judgments tailored to your face and skin condition.

■ Things to ask before consultation
First, confirm what the exact product name is, what the dosage or number of shots is, and what the scope of the procedure area is. The price for one area and the entire face is different. In addition, it becomes easier to compare if you check whether they verify your previous procedure history, whether there are established standards for responding to side effects and criteria for touch-ups, and whether they keep photo records to judge progress. If you are staying in Korea for a short term and receiving a procedure, I recommend checking in advance how you can contact and respond if any abnormalities occur after returning home.

※ This post is for the purpose of providing general medical information and is not an advertisement recommending specific treatments or procedures. As application may vary depending on individual conditions, please be sure to consult with the medical staff in charge.