This experience was in collaboration with LAMICHE Dermatology, but all opinions are my own.
Seoul, South Korea has become a place I return to with intention, and on my third visit, I wanted to focus entirely on experiencing the Korean beauty scene on a deeper level with my best friend, during our annual girls’ trip. After all of our previous trips that involved somewhat strenuous activities, we decided that this trip had to be one where we get pampered – and we did exactly that. From hair and scalp treatments to facials and advanced laser treatments, Korea was the perfect choice for us as it’s known for its precision, efficiency, and results-driven approach to skincare.
This time, my focus was on treatments that go beyond surface-level maintenance that I normally receive in Canada. Although I’ve been immersed in the beauty industry for over two decades, from testing thousands of products to working in hair, makeup, and skincare early in my career, experiencing South Korean beauty firsthand was something I had yet to do. I had always known it set a global standard, and simply using K-beauty products no longer felt like enough.
Since this was also my first time doing laser treatments, I knew it had to be done in Korea, where clinics specialize in this, perform a high volume of procedures every month, and use advanced technology and techniques that are not as widely available elsewhere. While I thought my skin was generally in good condition, I quickly learned that there was still a lot happening beneath the surface, from early pigmentation to subtle texture and fine lines, along with the need for preventative care. Korean clinics are known for identifying and treating those concerns early, which makes them the ideal place to invest in more advanced laser treatments. And to be honest, I just had more trust in the clinics in South Korea than in North America – they truly set a precedent.
On top of that, pricing is significantly more reasonable compared to North America, which is why so many people travel here specifically for this. It is not uncommon to see people fly in, complete multiple treatments in a short time – sometimes even only for one day – and still spend less than they would back home. (Spoiler Alert: I definitely plan to come back yearly for this!)
With that in mind, I set out to find a clinic that can help me with all of my skincare concerns. It was important to me to find one that specializes in lasers and takes a tailored, diagnostic-first approach. I will admit that when I started this journey, it was a little overwhelming at first to find the right clinic as there are hundreds to choose from, but after doing deep research, reading reviews, and getting in touch with clinics, I finally settled on LAMICHE Dermatology as I was looking for a place that prioritizes expertise, customization, safety, and a high level of care from consultation through to treatment.
Why I Chose LAMICHE Dermatology
When choosing a clinic, I was looking for more than just popularity. It is easy to come across the same clinic repeatedly through influencers, but as I continued my search, I learned about what are often referred to as “factory clinics”. These are typically high-volume, no-frills clinics designed for efficiency, with quick turnover and lower pricing. While that approach works well for those who are short on time or looking for something more budget-friendly, it was not the experience I was looking for.
I wanted a clinic that offered a more elevated level of care, one that specializes in laser treatments, has a strong track record of patient results, and takes a customized approach rather than offering standardized packages. LAMICHE Dermatology stood out for exactly that. Their model is built around personalization, with multiple doctors involved in assessing and treating each patient, which immediately sets. them apart from more one-size-fits-all clinics.
What also stood out to me early on was their emphasis on expertise over personal preference. Even during the booking process, I was told several times that I would not be able to choose treatments myself and that everything would be determined by the doctor after a full consultation, with the option to proceed or not. For me, that was a strong indicator of trust. It showed that they prioritize safety, experience, and long-term results over trends or patient requests. Rather than simply offering what sounds popular, their approach is grounded in clinical and medical judgment, ensuring that each treatment plan is tailored to what your skin actually needs.
About LAMICHE Dermatology
LAMICHE Dermatology was established in 2001 and has grown into one of Seoul’s larger dermatology clinics, where they perform an average of 2,500 monthly skin treatments. What stood out to me was not just the scale, but how structured and efficient the entire system feels in practice. The clinic is staffed by a large team of doctors, medical professionals, and support staff working across multiple departments, which allows consultations, diagnostics, and treatments to run seamlessly without feeling chaotic or rushed. This level of trust is also reflected in the fact that they have experience treating well-known public figures, including Korean celebrities, athletes, and personalities, as well as international artists such as DJ and music producer Diplo. Despite the volume of patients they see, the experience still feels highly organized and luxurious rather than overwhelming.
They also operate with a wide range of advanced medical equipment and laser systems, allowing treatments to be tailored across different skin concerns such as pigmentation, acne, texture, and signs of aging. Rather than relying on a single device or protocol, the clinic is structured around combining different technologies based on individual skin needs. Another thing that stood out is the physical scale of the clinic itself. With multiple dedicated floors for consultation, imaging, and treatment, the process feels more like a coordinated medical system than a traditional clinic visit. Each step is separated and clearly structured, which contributes to both efficiency and clarity during the experience.
My Experience At LAMICHE Dermatology
For my laser treatment experience in Korea, I had high expectations. I was expecting concierge-type service, beautiful, modern facilities, and highly experienced doctors and a well-trained medical staff to match – and to be taken care of like I mattered, no matter how much or how little I may be spending. After a factory-style clinic, I unknowingly visited the day before for a LHALA peel (not that it was bad, it was good to truly understand the differences between a factory-style clinic and a premium clinic), and I was excited to experience the service I came to Korea for, finally.
Checking In And Skin Preparation
The clinic was easy to locate, and the scale of LAMICHE Dermatology is immediately noticeable, with multiple floors dedicated to different stages of the experience. Upon arrival, we checked in on the sixth floor using our passports and were promptly assigned a translator who guided us through each step of the process. From the start, everything felt structured and efficient, with minimal waiting and a clear sense of direction.
Before any consultation takes place, the focus is on understanding your skin in detail. We were taken to a different floor where the medical staff removed any makeup and prepped the skin for imaging. This is done by a professional facial scan using high-resolution camera equipment, including different lighting modes such as UV, to assess not only the surface but also underlying concerns that are not visible to the naked eye.
What stood out here was how diagnostic-driven the process is. Rather than relying on what you think your skin needs, everything begins with a thorough visual analysis, allowing the doctors to make informed recommendations based on actual data rather than assumptions.
Consultation With The Doctor And Laser Treatment Packages
We were taken almost immediately to see the doctor to review our skin scans and receive a full diagnosis. The process was incredibly efficient, and by the time we entered the consultation room, our imaging was already displayed on his screen. A second translator was present during this stage as well, ensuring everything was communicated clearly and accurately in real-time, which made the entire consultation easy to follow and very comfortable.
The doctor reviewed everything, clearly explaining what he observed beneath the surface of the skin, including concerns that were not visibly obvious day to day, such as underlying pigmentation, early texture changes, and areas that could benefit from preventative care. I was genuinely surprised by how detailed the analysis was, especially for issues I never even knew I had. The feedback was direct, realistic, and based entirely on what the imaging revealed.
From there, we were brought into a separate consultation room where a treatment coordinator walked us through the recommended laser packages and pricing options. The approach was very structured, but not sales-driven, which was important to me because what you really want in an experience like this is transparency and a sense that recommendations are being made for your actual skin, not for volume or upselling. Instead of pushing specific treatments, they focused on building a plan based on your scan results, comfort level, and expectations, especially since many patients are visiting from overseas and only have a limited window in Seoul.
What stood out in particular was how outcome-focused the recommendations were. Especially as a foreign visitor who may only do this once or just return once a year, the priority is making you leave with visible, meaningful results rather than a minimal plan that does not fully address your concerns. Because of this, it is not uncommon for them to recommend more comprehensive treatment combinations when needed, sometimes including multiple lasers in a single package, in order to properly target different layers of the skin in one visit.
They were also very open to preferences such as minimal downtime and avoiding injectables, even though they offered additional complimentary options like Botox, which we personally declined. Despite Korea’s already competitive pricing compared to North America, there was no pressure around budget, and the focus remained on achieving meaningful results rather than upselling unnecessary treatments.
Although package pricing is available on their website, there are also more customized combinations discussed in person based on your scan results. Once a package is selected, the doctor then finalizes the specific laser combination tailored to your skin needs. After confirming the plan, payment is completed, and you wait briefly before being directed to the next floor for treatment. The entire process feels highly coordinated, with each step moving seamlessly into the next without confusion or delay.
The Laser Treatment Process
During Treatment
The next step was being taken into the treatment room, where the session began with extractions. This was actually the most thorough extraction process I have ever experienced. Compared to treatments I’ve had in Canada, where extractions tend to be minimal, this felt much more detailed and targeted. It was also more painful than I expected – about a 7 out of 10 for me at times, although my friend said hers didn’t hurt, but I think this can also vary depending on your skin.
The treatment rooms themselves are more compact than what you might expect, but very efficiently designed. Each room has a separate entrance for patients, while medical staff move through a connected back room, allowing them to transition between rooms and laser equipment seamlessly. This setup makes the process feel fast and coordinated without being disruptive. Even with this system, privacy is still maintained throughout, with curtains in place and no visibility of other patients during treatment.
After the extraction, the medical assistant applied numbing cream across my face and left it on for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. During this time, a specialist walked me through the full treatment plan, including each laser I would be receiving, the precautions to follow afterwards, and a post-treatment prescription for any products or medication I might need during recovery. The level of detail was very reassuring, and everything was clearly explained before starting.
The numbing cream itself was extremely effective to the point where I could not feel parts of my lips that the cream accidentally touched, which gave me confidence going into the laser treatments, that it would definitely help with any pain I would experience. Between different stages of the procedure, the skin was also re-numbed two more times throughout the session to ensure comfort.
After the initial set of laser treatments, I was moved to a different floor for the more advanced laser procedures. Each stage was handled by different doctors depending on the device and treatment type, which added to the sense of specialization within the clinic. Some doctors explained each laser as they worked, and I occasionally asked for clarification since the number of treatments being done made it difficult to keep track of everything in real time.
Although most of the doctors primarily spoke Korean, communication was seamless thanks to an AI translation system at each treatment bed that provided real-time translation between Korean and English. This made it easy to follow instructions and understand what was happening throughout the entire process.
For moments of discomfort, the doctors also offered a vibrating massage ball to help distract from the painful sensations, which was surprisingly effective during more intense parts of the treatment. Overall, the process felt highly supported, structured, and carefully managed from start to finish. It did take about five and a half hours for the 10 lasers that I received, so make sure you allocate enough time during your laser treatment appointment and to make sure to take it easy after your appointment.
Immediately After
After our laser treatments, we received a goody bag with full size Dr. LAMICHE products that included the Clear Deep Cleansing Foam, Water Bubble Cream, Sunscreen Cream SPF 50, and Veautiful Line Strength Patches for chin lifting, which we really appreciated!
Immediately after the laser treatments, redness and swelling are to be expected, along with noticeable warmth across the skin (which they do warn you that will last for about a week and if we were okay with that). I also experienced some very minor, dot-like scabbing in certain areas, which is a normal part of the healing process, depending on the lasers used. Before leaving, they applied a V-line neck mask, which you wear for about 30 minutes to help with tightening and support post-treatment.
If you catch your reflection at this stage, it can feel a bit alarming at first. Your skin will likely look flushed and swollen, but it is very normal in this setting. You will also notice that many other patients, both local and international, are leaving the clinic in a similar state, which makes it feel much more normalized. Treatments like this are very much part of the lifestyle here, so there is no sense of self-consciousness around it. My friend and I were both quite red and swollen, definitely not our best look, but we trusted the process and were more excited for the results to come.
Afterwards, we headed to a nearby pharmacy with the prescription provided by the clinic, along with a detailed instruction sheet outlining each item. You are able to choose what you would like to proceed with. I was prescribed Transamin to help prevent pigmentation from returning, along with targeted acne treatments like Epiduo Gel and Cleocin-T Topical Solution, and Akinol (similar in purpose to Accutane – which I declined). At that point, the focus shifts to supporting your skin properly so that you are not undoing the work that was just done.
First Few Days To Two Weeks After
For the first few days after treatment, redness, swelling, and sensitivity were the most noticeable. The soreness and visible redness took about four days to subside, while the swelling took closer to a full week to fully go back to normal. During this time, I also noticed a temporary uneven, almost textured appearance in certain areas, which went down within a few days as the swelling settled. I did have a sun spot on my lip that I had lasered as well, and it blistered for about three days, then turned into a scab for another two or three, then fell off on its own – and the sun spot was almost completely gone already, and I was so happy with the results already.
Although the doctor mentioned that it was safe to wear makeup the next day, I would personally recommend avoiding it if possible, especially if your schedule allows for proper recovery time. I did wear makeup for the duration of my trip in Korea, but as soon as I got home six days after, I stopped wearing makeup for a little while. But ideally, I would’ve liked to give my skin a few extra days to breathe.
One thing to keep in mind is that some early “results” can be misleading. In the first few days, my skin looked smoother and fine lines seemed to have disappeared. However, as the swelling continued to go down, some of those lines returned, which is completely normal. True results take time and should not be judged too early in the healing process.
Around the one-week mark, I experienced some tenderness and soreness along my jawline and orbital bone area, which resolved on its own in about five days. I also noticed unexpected congestion and breakouts along my jawline, which I normally do not experience, but considering the more intense lasers along my jawline, this made sense. Apparently, this is quite common within the first one to two weeks after laser treatments, as heat and stimulation can bring underlying congestion to the surface while your skin is healing and adjusting. With the help of the prescribed acne treatments, it cleared within four to five days.
Despite these temporary side effects, I started to notice gradual improvements. My skin tone appeared more even and brighter, and the overall texture felt smoother, especially in the area on my chin. Even during my skincare routine, I could feel the difference in how products applied to my skin and how soft it was – and the same was true when applying makeup.
Laser Treatments I Received
Based on the doctor’s recommendations, I received the following treatments, as shared in the chart below. Keep in mind that these treatments work on different layers of the skin, where some will target pigment and redness, some will target texture and pores, and some will target tightening and lifting. That’s why combining them gives better overall results. Pain levels also vary a lot depending on your tolerance and the settings used, but this was my personal experience.
| Treatment | Pain Level (My Experience) | What It Targets | What It Actually Does | When You See Resuts |
| Excel V + Genesis | 3-4/10 | Redness, small visible blood vessels, melasma, freckles, pores, fine lines | Uses laser energy to reduce redness and broken capillaries while gently heating the skin to improve tone and texture | Redness improves in 2 to 4 weeks, overall skin quality in 6 to 10 weeks |
| Affirm MPX | 2/10 | Pores, acne scars, fine lines, uneven texture | Fractional laser that creates controlled micro damage to trigger collagen and smooth out texture over time | 4 to 12 weeks as collagen rebuilds |
| Revlite | 2/10 | Pigmentation, melasma, acne marks, uneven tone | Non-ablative laser that breaks down pigment and improves overall skin clarity without damaging the surface | 2 to 6 weeks for brightness, multiple sessions for deeper pigment |
| InMode (RF) | Mild skin laxity, jawline, cheeks, early sagging | Uses radio frequency heat to stimulate collagen and tighten skin slightly | 6 to 12 weeks for subtle tightening | |
| BBL (BroadBand Light) | None (just very bright flashes) | Acne, pigmentation, redness, sun damage | Light-based treatment that targets pigment and redness while improving overall skin tone | 1 to 3 weeks for glow, 4 to 8 weeks for clearer skin |
| New Accolade | Low | Freckles, sun spots, pigmentation | Targets superficial pigment like sun spots and freckles for amore even complexion | 2 to 6 weeks |
| V-Beam | Low to moderate | Redness, broken capillaries, red acne scars | Targets blood vessels to reduce redness and visible veins | 1 to 4 weeks |
| Ulthera (Ultherapy) | 7-8/10 | Sagging skin, jawline, lifting, wrinkles | Uses ultrasound to stimulate deep collagen production in the SMAS layer (same layer targeted in a facelift) | Starts at 6 to 8 weeks, peaks at 3 to 6 months |
| Thermage FLX | 8/10 (jaw), none elsewhere | Skin laxity, jawline, texture, mild contouring | Uses radio frequency to heat deeper layers and tighten skin while boosting collagen | 1 to 3 months for tightening, improves up to 6 months |
Results And What To Expect
If you’re considering laser treatments like this, the biggest thing to understand is that results are not immediate. Most of these treatments work by stimulating collagen, breaking down pigment, or targeting blood vessels beneath the skin. That means changes happen gradually, not overnight. Here’s a realistic timeline based on what I had done:
- 2 to 4 weeks: skin looks calmer, slightly brighter, redness starts to reduce
- 4 to 8 weeks: more even tone, smoother texture, pores look more refined
- 8 to 12+ weeks: visible improvements in firmness and overall skin quality
- 3 to 6 months: peak results from treatments like Ulthera and Thermage
So if you don’t see dramatic changes right away, that’s completely normal – trust the process!
Do You Need All These Treatments?
Do you need all these treatments? Probably not. But I personally wanted to get my skin to the best it can be, so I did a combination of laser treatments to target multiple concerns at once that included pigmentation, redness, texture, and early skin laxity. Because of that, I likely won’t need to repeat all of it (or anytime soon, at least for some lasers). But I believe in Korea, they do have much higher skin standards that many foreigners may not be used to (which I actually love because they’re known for beautiful skin!), so they may recommend more lasers to help you achieve the ultimate glass skin look and healthier skin overall.
Moving forward, I’ll be more targeted with my treatments based on what I actually want to maintain or improve. This also makes it much easier to plan and budget ahead. That said, I’ll still take into consideration recommendations from the doctors, but I’ll be a little more intentional since I have completed the baseline that I wanted for myself.
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
You may ask how many sessions are needed, but this really depends on your skin and your goals. Some people go once and do a stacked treatment session as we did, others come back for multiple sessions spaced out over time. If you’re targeting deeper concerns (like melasma or acne scarring), you may need ongoing treatments. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach; a proper consultation is key.
Post-Laser Aftercare Treatment
LAMICHE Dermatology provided me with the following aftercare instructions to support healing and reduce complications after the laser treatments:
Immediate Aftercare Guidelines
- Avoid high-heat environments, such as saunas and steam rooms, for 7 days
- Avoid swimming and direct UV exposure, such as tanning beds or prolonged sun exposure, for 10 days
- Makeup can generally be applied immediately after treatment, unless otherwise advised by your doctor
- Daily sunscreen use is essential, along with a gentle skincare routine focused on barrier repair
- Focus on hydration internally and externally, and consider taking basic multivitamins if approved by your doctor
Recommended Skincare During Recovery
During the healing period, the focus should be on calming and protecting the skin:
- Sunscreen (daily, SPF 30-50)
- Regeneration or post-procedure repair cream
- Gentle moisturizing cream
- Hydrating face masks (non-active, soothing formulas only)
Possible Side Effects
Side effects can vary depending on treatment type, intensity, and individual skin response. Common and expected reactions include:
- Redness or swelling for several days due to mild inflammation
- Dryness for up to 1 to 2 weeks, especially after resurfacing lasers (such as Fraxel-type treatments)
- Temporary sensitivity or tightness in treated areas
- Mild bruising in certain treatments, particularly vascular lasers or injection-based procedures
Less common but possible effects also include:
- Small blisters in rare cases
- Temporary breakouts or “internal acne” as skin recalibrates oil and cell turnover
- Temporary darkening or thickening of pigment before it fades
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation, which can last several weeks to months, depending on skin type
Overall Impressions Of LAMICHE Dermatology And Is It Worth It?
LAMICHE Dermatology has the entire process down to a science. From the moment you walk in, everything feels organized, intentional, and well-coordinated. At no point did anything feel rushed or unclear. Every staff member had a defined role, and each step of the process flowed into the next without confusion. You move between floors seamlessly, with staff guiding you at every stage so you are never left wondering where to go or what comes next. The clinic itself is also very comfortable. Drinks, snacks, and phone chargers are available in the waiting areas, which makes the experience feel more relaxed, especially during longer treatment days.
If there was one area that could have been more detailed, it would be post-treatment skincare guidance. While aftercare instructions were provided, we would have appreciated more specific timelines on when to safely return to our normal skincare routine, which ingredients should be avoided (especially actives), and when to re-introduce products like Vitamin C, exfoliants, or more active eye creams. This is especially important because post-laser skin is more sensitive than it looks, and certain ingredients can impact healing if reintroduced too early. A clearer breakdown of “what to avoid and for how long” would make the post-treatment phase much easier to navigate.
Personal Experience And Results So Far
My best friend and I were genuinely very happy with the level of care we received. What stood out most was how tailored everything felt. The laser combinations were not random; they were clearly selected based on individual skin concerns and goals. The entire experience felt structured, calm, and very precise. It was exactly what we were hoping for going in. Even in the early healing stage, we are already seeing encouraging changes in skin brightness, texture, and overall clarity, which makes us even more excited to see the results develop over the coming weeks and months.
Overall, the experience was extremely positive. The level of professionalism, coordination, and care made the entire process feel very safe and well-managed. We are very happy with our decision and excited to see how the results continue to develop over the next few months. At this point, the plan is to return every 12 to 18 months for maintenance treatments and adjustments as needed. Now that we understand what works best for our skin, future visits will likely be more targeted and strategic.
My Skincare Routine Upon Returning Home
After returning from Seoul, I kept my routine intentionally minimal to support my skin while it recovered from multiple laser treatments. Because many of my usual products contain active ingredients, I temporarily simplified everything and leaned on barrier-supporting and more gentle formulations than I was used to.
At the core of my routine, I use the Verli Gentle Daily Cleanser, Verli Hydrating Serum, and Verli Nourishing Eye Cream, created by fashion influencer Laura Beverlin (which has 100/100 rating on Yuka), which I had in my skincare inventory and were the only products that were gentle enough after my laser treatments. I had heard really positive things about the line and appreciated that it focuses on gentle, non-irritating and hormone-free formulations designed to be supportive of the skin barrier. Alongside this, I kept things consistent with the I’m From Rice Toner, COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, and the It Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream, all of which are focused on hydration and repair.
To support recovery and long-term skin improvement, I also incorporated richer and treatment-based products such as the Dr. Reju-all PDRN Rejuvenating Cream and Dr. Reju-all Advanced Retino-Mela Serum in a controlled way, depending on how my skin was responding day to day.
Over the next few months, I’ll be gradually reintroducing actives and adjusting my routine based on how my skin continues to heal and respond to treatments. I will also be sharing a full breakdown of my morning and evening skincare routine, including how it evolves post-laser recovery, so keep an eye out for my upcoming blog post!
I will also update this blog post over the next few months with my skin updates on how the laser treatments are progressing!
Explore more of my skincare routines or browse my travel guides for your next destination inspiration.