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Korean Skin Clinic Terms Explained for Expats
The short answer
Korean skin clinics use a mix of English loanwords and local shorthand, so terms like booster, shot, tightening and non-covered can sound unfamiliar even in English. This glossary explains common ones in plain English, and the doctor at Shinebom Clinic can clarify any term at your consultation.
Key facts
- Booster: an injection to improve skin quality
- Shot: one pulse or delivery from a device
- Non-covered: outside national insurance
- Touch-up: a small adjustment after the first treatment
- Tip: ask for any term to be explained
What do treatment words mean?
- Filler: a gel injected to restore or add volume. See the filler page.
- Botox: botulinum toxin used to relax muscles for lines, jaw slimming or skin quality. See botox.
- Skin booster: an injectable aimed at skin quality. Examples at the clinic include Rejuran, Juvelook, Sculptra, Radiesse and exosome.
- Lifting: a device or thread treatment for firmness and contour. See contour and lifting.
- Thread lift: dissolvable threads placed under the skin.
What do device words mean?
- Shot: a single delivery of energy. Clinics may quote a number of shots for a device treatment. Shinebom Clinic states that you receive the full stated shot count.
- Tip or cartridge: the single-use part of some devices. The clinic states that tips are not reused.
- RF: radiofrequency, heat energy used for firming.
- HIFU or ultrasound: focused ultrasound for deeper layers, such as Ulthera.
What do billing words mean?
Non-covered means outside national health insurance. VAT excluded means tax is added on top. A consultation fee is the charge for seeing the doctor, KRW 10,000 at Shinebom Clinic, VAT excluded. Read more in national health insurance and cosmetic care.
What do process words mean?
- Numbing cream or icing: comfort steps before treatment.
- Touch-up: a small follow-up adjustment, offered within one month for filler and botox.
- Downtime: time when you may see redness, swelling or bruising.
- Patch: a dressing, often removed the next day.
What if a term is still unclear?
Ask. Short, direct questions work in any language. See communicating in English. For the concerns behind these terms, browse concerns.
Frequently asked questions
What is a booster?
A skin booster is an injectable aimed at skin quality and hydration rather than adding volume.
What does service mean on a quote?
Ask the clinic. Terms such as this vary, and it is best to have exactly what is included written down.
What does downtime mean?
It is the time when redness, swelling or bruising may be visible after a treatment.
Related pages
General information from Shinebom Clinic, not personal medical advice. Results and recovery vary between individuals, and all procedures carry possible risks and side effects. A doctor will confirm what suits you at consultation.
Bloom yourself, in your own way
Tell us your skin concerns and dates in English. Shinebom Clinic is a 3-minute walk from Jamsil Station, exits 8 and 9.