When looking at a Korean medical aesthetics price list, don't just compare the most prominent numbers at first. What you really need to confirm is:What treatment specifications the price corresponds to, which fees are included, whether an additional 10% VAT applies, and which items may be adjusted after an in-clinic consultation.
Common pricing methods for Korean medical aesthetics include shots, cc or ml, vials or bottles, treatment area, and number of sessions. Even with the same treatment name, the final cost may differ if the device model, product brand, treatment scope, or inclusions vary.
Quick Summary
To determine if a quote is clear, it should answer at least six questions: what device or product is used, which area is treated, how many shots or what dosage is used, who performs the procedure, which services are included, and what the total price is including tax. Only quotes with identical specifications and inclusions are suitable for direct comparison.
Why can't you judge Korean medical aesthetics prices by the treatment name alone?
"Thermage," "Rejuran," and "microneedle RF" are only clues to the treatment or product category, and do not fully represent the treatment plan. For energy-based devices, for example, the same name may cover different models, tips, treatment depths, shot counts, and areas. For injectable treatments, it also involves product versions, volume per vial, number of vials used, and whether they are combined with other products.
Therefore, when you see a low price, first determine whether it is for a complete plan, a local trial price, or a basic specification. A price without stated scope and quantity usually cannot be directly compared with a full quote from another clinic.
What does "shots" mean in the price list?
"Shots" is commonly used for energy-based devices such as ultrasound, RF, and some laser devices, and represents one way of counting device outputs or treatment points. 300 shots, 600 shots, or 900 shots do not directly correspond to an effect level, nor can they be judged independently of the treatment area and device type.
When inquiring about treatments priced by shots, it is recommended to confirm the following at the same time:
the full brand and model of the device;
the specific number of shots corresponding to the quote;
whether the treatment scope is the full face, lower face, periorbital area, neck, or other areas;
whether original or disposable tips and other consumables are used;
how the shots are allocated, and whether the plan is designed by a doctor after consultation;
how the price changes at each tier when adding more shots.
More shots are not always better. Facial conditions, skin thickness, fat distribution, previous treatments, and risk tolerance all affect the plan. The specific number of shots and parameters should be determined by a doctor after an in-person consultation.
What do "1cc," "2cc," and "1 vial" mean respectively?
cc and ml can be understood as equivalent in volume, with 1cc equal to 1ml, but the same volume does not mean different products can be directly compared. Product formulations, concentrations, applicable layers, injection sites, and single-vial packaging may differ.
When you see "1 vial," "1 bottle," or "1 box," you also need to confirm the original packaging specifications. One product vial may be 1cc, 2cc, or another volume; some treatments are priced by bottle, set, or total volume after mixing.
| Price Unit | Requires Further Confirmation |
|---|---|
| cc / ml | Full product name, volume per vial, total dosage, injection site, and whether other products are mixed in. |
| vial / bottle / box | Original packaging specifications, whether the full amount is used, whether it is opened on site, and how any remaining product is handled. |
| session / course | How many sessions are included, interval between sessions, validity period, whether it is limited to the same area, and the rules for incomplete courses. |
| Area | The boundaries of full-face or localized treatment, and whether areas such as the periorbital region, neck, forehead, and nose are charged separately. |
Do Korean medical aesthetics prices require additional VAT?
Taxable cosmetic and medical services in South Korea are generally subject to 10% value-added tax. If a price list is marked "VAT not included" or "excl. VAT", you can estimate it using the following method:
Tax-inclusive base price = listed price on the page × 1.10
For example, if the listed price on the page is 490,000 KRW with no additional items, the base amount after adding 10% VAT is 539,000 KRW.
Please note that this is only the tax-inclusive base price. If anesthesia, consumables, medication, post-procedure care, or additional treatment areas are not included in the listed price on the page, these must be calculated separately on top of this amount.
As of 2026/9, the statutory period for the special VAT refund rule for cosmetic and plastic surgery medical services for foreign visitors ended on 2025/12/31. This means that for related medical services received in 2026, medical VAT refunds can no longer be processed under this special provision. Tax regulations may be adjusted, so you should still confirm the latest implementation guidelines with the clinic before making payment.
Besides the treatment price, what additional fees might there be?
The inclusions vary across different clinics and treatments. When receiving a quote, you can check item by item whether the following are already included:
Doctor consultation fee or doctor designation fee;
Skin test or imaging analysis fees;
Topical anesthesia, local anesthesia, or other anesthesia fees;
Disposable probes, needles, syringes, or other consumables;
Medication, cold compress, sedation management, or post-procedure care;
Additional areas such as periorbital region, neck, and jawline;
Additional products or equipment in combination treatments;
Fees for follow-up visits, touch-up treatments, or handling of abnormal conditions;
10% VAT;
Fees that may arise from reservation deposits, rescheduling, and cancellations.
A more practical calculation method is:
Estimated total payment = base treatment price × quantity + fees for excluded items such as anesthesia, consumables, and care + VAT
If a certain fee is already tax-inclusive or included in the package, it should not be double-counted. Ask customer service to list "included" and "not included" items in writing — this is easier for subsequent verification than only receiving a single total figure.
How do you compare quotes from two clinics?
When comparing quotes, you can create a simple table of matching specifications. The treatment name is only the first column; what truly determines comparability also includes model, quantity, treatment area, doctor, consumables, and taxes.
| Comparison item | Quote A | Quote B |
|---|---|---|
| Full name of equipment or product | Record brand, model, or version | Record brand, model, or version |
| Quantity and Scope | Record the number of shots, cc, vials, and treatment area | Record the number of shots, cc, vials, and treatment area |
| Performing Staff | Doctor who conducts the consultation and the actual performing staff | Doctor who conducts the consultation and the actual performing staff |
| Included Items | Anesthesia, consumables, aftercare, etc. | Anesthesia, consumables, aftercare, etc. |
| Total Price Including Tax | Confirm the final estimated amount | Confirm the final estimated amount |
If the specifications of the two quotes do not match, you can first ask customer service to align them to the same number of shots, dosage, and treatment area before comparing. Low-priced trial treatments may be suitable for understanding the process, but they should not be mistaken for the price of a complete treatment plan.
How to ask clearly about pricing in one online consultation?
When consulting B:AID or other Korean medical institutions, you can directly send the following information:
The issues you most want to improve and the specific treatment areas;
The name of the treatment you are considering, or ask the doctor to recommend a suitable direction;
The device model, number of shots, dosage, or number of vials you wish to confirm;
Whether the listed price includes VAT;
Whether doctor consultation, anesthesia, consumables, medication, and post-treatment care are included;
If the treatment plan changes after arriving at the clinic, whether the total price will be reconfirmed before the procedure;
Rules for reservation deposits, rescheduling, and cancellations;
Expected treatment date and acceptable recovery period.
Online quotes can usually only serve as a reference range. Photos, written descriptions, and past treatment history can help organize your needs, but they cannot replace an in-person examination. If the treatment plan or cost changes after you arrive at the clinic, you should reconfirm the treatment details and total price including tax before starting the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the amount on the price list the final payment amount?
Not necessarily. You need to confirm whether the price includes 10% VAT, and whether consultation fees, anesthesia, consumables, medication, additional treatment areas, and post-treatment care are charged separately. The safest approach is to request a written breakdown of included and excluded items.
Why does the same treatment have very different prices at different clinics?
It may be related to the device model, product version, number of shots or dosage, treatment scope, performing staff, consumables, service content, and promotion period. Only when these conditions are aligned can prices be directly compared.
Between 300 shots and 600 shots, which one should I choose?
You should not choose based solely on the number. The number of shots and their distribution must be decided by a doctor, taking into account the device type, treatment area, facial condition, previous treatments, and risk assessment. More shots are not necessarily better for everyone.
Does a label of 1cc represent the full dose for one treatment session?
Not necessarily. 1cc only indicates volume. You should also confirm the product name, original packaging volume, total number of vials used, injection sites, and whether it is combined with other products.
Can foreign tourists still get a Korean medical VAT refund in 2026?
According to current regulations as of 2026/9, the special VAT refund scheme for cosmetic and plastic surgery medical services for foreign tourists expired on 2025/12/31. Therefore, related services received in 2026 are not eligible for a refund under this special scheme. General shopping tax refunds and medical service VAT refunds are separate systems.
Can I get an exact total price through online consultation?
Customer service can provide a reference range based on published prices and the information you provide, but skin condition, treatment area, and appropriate parameters still require an in-person assessment. The final treatment plan and cost should be reconfirmed by both parties before treatment begins.
This article is for general price information purposes only and does not replace a doctor's consultation, diagnosis, or individualized medical advice. Whether a treatment is suitable, as well as the specific number of shots, dosage, parameters, and recovery plan, should be determined by a doctor based on your medical history and in-person condition. Prices, promotions, and tax rules may change. Please confirm with the clinic on the day of your appointment before booking or making a payment.
