SAERO Plastic Surgery
| Republic of Korea | Turkey | The USA | |
| Medication therapy for acne | from $300 | from $200 | from $400 |
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Please note that this is a general guide and individual experiences and results may vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Dr. Yeom Jihye holds prestigious memberships in key dermatology and aesthetic societies, bringing advanced acne treatment expertise to Forena Clinic.
Dr. Seung‑Hyung Noh is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He has extensive experience in revision surgery for major aesthetic procedures. He is known for managing complex revision cases that call for sound judgment and precise technique.
He earned his medical degree from Hanyang University College of Medicine. He completed training in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Hanyang University Hospital. He also completed a clinical training program at Columbia University in New York.
His approach puts safety, balance, and natural results first. He avoids overtreatment and uses the least necessary intervention. He is a full member of major Korean plastic surgery societies, including KSPRS.
Board-certified dermatologist with over a decade of expertise in acne therapy – Dr. Park leads BIOFACE Clinic with evidence-based protocols.
Uses prescription medications to treat acne by reducing inflammation and bacteria.
Dermatologists in Korea commonly prescribe combination therapies like Epiduo (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) and topical retinoids such as Differin for acne. Treatment often focuses on multimodal approaches and gentle, pharmacy-only medications like Acnon Cream or Noscarna Gel to manage inflammation and post-acne scarring.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While global brands dominate, Korean specialists at clinics like Forena Clinic often integrate these topicals with medical scaling or PDRN boosters. Data shows specialized aesthetic centers manage up to 20,000 patients annually by pairing standard medications with advanced skin barrier repair. This hybrid approach helps minimize the common irritation associated with potent retinoids like Aklief.
Patient Consensus: Many find that starting with adapalene or azelaic acid is more effective for sensitive Asian skin. Patients often recommend asking for custom-compounded formulas to reduce the risk of purging during the initial weeks.
Oral isotretinoin in South Korea is a strictly controlled medication requiring a prescription from a board-certified dermatologist. Regulation centers on mandatory monthly clinical monitoring, including pregnancy tests for women and blood panels to evaluate liver function and lipid levels before each 30-day refill is authorized.
Bookimed Expert Insight: South Korean clinics like Forena Clinic, which serves 20,000 patients annually, often favor low-dose long-term protocols starting at 20mg daily. This approach differs from the aggressive high-dose cycles common in the US. It aims to minimize the initial purging phase while reaching the same cumulative efficacy over 6 months.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that monthly bloodwork is non-negotiable for refills and suggest using local apps like GoodDoc to simplify booking these frequent appointments. While costs are generally low, many highlight the cultural drive for clear skin often leads to faster prescription starts compared to other countries.
Korean pharmacies offer specialized over-the-counter acne treatments focusing on inflammation, bacterial control, and scar healing. Top products include Acnon Cream for inflamed spots, Aclean Gel with 2% Salicylic Acid for clogged pores, and Noscarna Gel, a leading solution for fading post-acne marks and pigmentation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While pharmacies carry medicinal topicals, many patients achieve better results by visiting clinics like Forena Clinic, which serves 20,000 patients annually. Professional acne medication therapy in Korea typically ranges from $300 to $1,200, offering a more clinical alternative to over-the-counter products.
Patient Consensus: Many find Korean pharmacy products gentler than Western equivalents, often layering centella-based creams with hydrocolloid pimple patches to protect the skin barrier while healing active breakouts.
Injectable skin boosters are common adjunctive treatments in Republic of Korea rather than primary medical standards for active acne. While traditional protocols prioritize prescription topicals, oral isotretinoin, and chemical peels, boosters like Rejuran Healer and Exosomes manage inflammation, skin barrier repair, and post-acne scarring.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from major Seoul centers like Forena Clinic suggests a shift toward high-volume combined therapies. These clinics often bundle boosters with laser treatments to accelerate healing. While medications average $300, adding boosters significantly increases costs as they remain elective aesthetic procedures.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that boosters are premium add-ons for texture and glow rather than essential medicine. Many advise completing a course of isotretinoin before starting injections to avoid aggravating active breakouts.