If you follow my Korean adventures on The Toronto Seoulcialite, you may remember that at the end of July 2016 I got botox. Â I think we played a little fast and loose with my forehead, but getting my crows feet taken care of was kind of life changing. Â After getting botox I went traveling to Thailand. Â Rather than the 29 I had just turned (August 6th), people were guessing that I was somewhere between 22 and 24. Â As I edge closer to a single, nomadic 30, this was good news!
In 2015, just before coming to Korea, I was tying up some loose ends and used a gift certificate for and IPL facial in Toronto. Â The procedure was only about $150, and I thought I was going in for a lovely, relaxing time. Â This was not the case at all. Â For 15-20 minutes I had a cold gel all over my face and what felt like a tattoo gun piercing my skin at frequent intervals. Â It was one of the most painful beauty experiences of my life, and it’s one I would gladly repeat at bi-annual intervals. Â The results were amazing. Â My gray, Canadian winter skin had colour again. Â My broken capillaries were no longer visible. Â My IPL experience in Toronto was horrendous. Â This blogger’s experience was like my reaction when I had IPL in Toronto. Â Traumatic! Â I mean, it worked, but it was so painful!
Fast forward nearly two years to Seoul, Korea. Â I decided to face my fears and try it out again. Â This time, my IPL in Seoul was done by an actual surgeon (the same one who did my botox, actually). Â My IPL in Seoul started differently than in Toronto. Â In Toronto, they actually shaved every tiny hair off my face (except for my eyebrows, of course). Â Then they applied the gel. Â Here, the team was confused as to why I would want them removed. Â That made me a bit nervous (I was on edge because of my Toronto experience already), but we went ahead.
I don’t know why I was so worried! Â The procedure was a breeze and didn’t hurt a bit. Â Once the gel was on and I was comfy, we popped some goggles on and my surgeon got to work. Â a device was used to deliver a spectral range of light to my skin. Â It felt and sounded like the bright light from school pictures. Â The whole thing only took 15 to 20 minutes. Â My photofacial IPL in Seoul was such a difference to my hot, tattoo gun experience back home!
IPL treatments can be used to help restore the skinâs youthful appearance as it can remove age spots, sun damage, and redness from broken capillaries (something I struggled with after about 25). Â This process is called photo rejuvenation. Â Since there’s no down-time, it’s great for people on the go. Â I was shopping in Sinsa for a friends birthday immediately after. Â It’s a non-invasive procedure (it’s a facial, right?) and this round was quick and gentle.
My IPL in Seoul at VIP Plastic Surgery was 200,00 KRW, however the average price is about 567,174 KRW.  Connect with English-speaking VIP consultants at vipps@vipps.kr
Have you ever had an IPL in Seoul? Â What were your experiences here like vs. anywhere else you’ve tried the IPL? Â Let us know in the comments below!