Skin
Sung Si-kyung’s ₩7.26 million skin-clinic bill: Does a higher price mean better results?
A video of singer Sung Si-kyung paying a staggering KRW 7.26 million at a dermatology clinic is attracting attention.
In the video posted on his YouTube channel ‘Sung Si-kyung,’ he visited a clinic to improve his skin condition before a Japanese album-cover shoot. After consultation, he chose 300 shots of Ultherapy, 600 shots of Thermage and 6 cc of Rejuran Healer. The clinic in the video stressed that ‘you should receive treatments like these at least once a year.’ The bill was KRW 7.26 million, surprising even Sung himself.
Online reactions were divided after the video appeared, ranging from ‘Isn't that too expensive even for a celebrity?’ to ‘For a celebrity, it is worth investing that much.’ What exactly are these procedures, sometimes called the premium lifting trio, that justify such a price? And is this price ‘normal’?
1. Thermage — the radiofrequency king of lifting
Thermage delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy into the dermis, generating heat to induce collagen regeneration. Heat causes collagen to contract, producing immediate firmness; as the underlying skin structure improves over time, wrinkles diminish. The effects are particularly clear when enlarged pores, fine lines and reduced elasticity occur together across the face. Treatment typically comes in 300- or 600-shot units, with prices rising as shots increase. Generally, 300 shots cost KRW 1.5–1.8 million and 600 shots KRW 2.5–3.5 million. The KRW 3.3 million Sung paid for 600 shots is at the higher, premium end.
Along with lifting, Thermage improves pores, refines texture and reduces fine lines, changing the overall impression of the face. Because of the nature of radiofrequency, thin or sensitive skin may develop side effects such as redness and a sensation of heat, making a prior assessment essential. Accurate depth control and practitioner experience, rather than heat damage, are the keys to results.
2. Ultherapy — ultrasound lifting that reaches the fascia
Ultherapy uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to deliver energy as far as the skin's SMAS, or fascial, layer. Whereas conventional lifting stays within the dermis, Ultherapy stimulates deeper layers, structurally lifting overall sagging, including the jawline, double chin and nasolabial folds. Its characteristic is a natural lifting effect appearing after two to three months, without a dramatic visible change immediately after treatment.
The average price for 300 shots is around KRW 1.3–1.7 million, although prices vary substantially with shot count. Sung's 300 shots at KRW 1.65 million are around average. Recently, Ultherapy has become more differentiated by shot count and area, allowing precise treatment of specific sites such as the eye area or jawline. As a nonsurgical method that lifts without incisions, recovery is short and outward signs are minimal. Some mistakenly believe that more shots always produce more dramatic results, but it is important to decide the treatment area and shot count after thorough consultation with a specialist. Other lifting approaches may be more suitable than ultrasound for faces with prominent bones or little dimension. A comprehensive analysis of skin condition and facial structure is needed beforehand.
3. Rejuran — synonymous with skin-barrier regeneration
Rejuran is a regenerative treatment injection that introduces PN (polynucleotide), extracted from salmon DNA, into the skin to repair damaged cells and strengthen the skin barrier. It is particularly effective for frequent skin problems, rough and thinning skin, and recurring fine lines or internal dryness. Rather than simply adding moisture, it is a therapeutic approach that improves the skin's underlying resilience. A typical session uses 2 cc and costs approximately KRW 300,000–500,000.
The 6 cc of Rejuran Sung received is more than the usual full-face amount (for thorough facial treatment and rapid recovery like Sung wanted, 6 cc is more effective). For precision, injections can be delivered by hand or with dedicated injection equipment. Rejuran comes in varieties such as Healer, Shining, HB and Eye according to purpose and area, allowing tailored combinations for brightening, firmness, reduced pain or the eye area. Irritation is relatively low and recovery relatively quick, though injection sites can temporarily look bumpy immediately afterwards. Most bumps are absorbed within a few days. Rather than acting only immediately, Rejuran Healer builds cumulative improvements in tone and elasticity through repeat sessions, so three to four treatments at regular intervals are recommended.
Are these procedures really worth KRW 7.26 million? What matters is ‘the right combination for me’
Looking at cost alone, Sung's combination falls in the upper price range. However, prices vary enormously with the clinic's equipment, cartridges, shot count and practitioner skill. Even for Ultherapy, effects depend on whether genuine tips are used and how many shots are distributed across which areas. It is difficult to compare prices simply because procedures share the same name.
What matters more is ‘which procedure and how many shots are appropriate for which skin condition.’ Stronger or more extensive lifting is not automatically better. For example, if skin is elastic but thin, a plan centered on Ultherapy rather than Thermage is needed. If cheek volume is limited, Thermage should take priority over Ultherapy, with localized additions such as Onda considered first. Excessive treatment raises the likelihood of side effects rather than benefits. Combining what is needed is more effective than relying on just one device.
For celebrities whose work places them before cameras, investing in skin is understandable. But these procedures cannot be the ‘basic option’ for everyone else. What matters is an accurate assessment through sufficient consultation before treatment, followed by a strategic combination matched to the skin. Precise treatment in ‘just the amount I need’ produces good results.
Entrusting your face to a dermatology clinic is no trivial decision. Rather than fearing a visit because an expensive treatment like Sung's became news, it is wiser to assess essential needs based on your own skin and receive the necessary procedures. One well-chosen treatment can give you confidence in the mirror for months.