The staff via whatsapp was friendly and responsive to accommodate last min change request to my appointment. The place was clean and comfortable and the lady doctor was helpful to suggest what’s good for me based on my needs. I find the procedures reasonably priced as there were some promotional offers. I managed to get there by 5.30pm for a last consultation and finished my treatments by 7:30pm (clinic closes at 7pm) yet besides the lady doctor who performed the procedures, the lady assistant who helped to clean and prep my face and the male interpreter who stayed with her to explain in English to me step by step what she’s doing— were patient and thorough, I didn’t feel rushed at all. I feel very pampered. I’ll certainly come back again the next time I’m in Seoul!
2 months agoWhy Our Doctor Recommends Staying Awake
Last updated:
If you are nervous about needles, being put to sleep for a filler or lifting treatment can sound like the obvious answer. Many Korean clinics talk about "sleep anesthesia," so patients often ask why our doctor does not recommend it. This page explains the two reasons, what sedation does and does not do, and how pain is managed while you stay awake.
The short answer
For lifting, fillers, injections and laser treatments, our doctor recommends staying conscious when possible, for two reasons. First, treatment quality: procedures that need fine adjustment go better when you can respond in real time. Second, safety: sedation is not the same as pain relief, and sedated patients can move suddenly, which raises the risk during injection or laser work.
What "sleep anesthesia" means in Korea
When Korean clinics say "sleep anesthesia," they usually mean IV sedation, sometimes called twilight sedation in English. It is not general anesthesia. You are made drowsy and are likely to have little memory of the procedure, but that is different from having the pain itself treated.
Reason 1: Treatment quality depends on real-time feedback
Lifting and filler treatments involve fine adjustments as the doctor works. Being able to tell the doctor what you feel, and to respond when asked, helps those adjustments. In our doctor's words: "For procedures like lifting or fillers that need fine adjustments, real-time communication with the patient helps."
Reason 2: Sedation is not pain relief
A common belief is that sedation means you will not feel anything. Our doctor explains it differently: "Sleep anesthesia doesn't mean you don't feel pain; it just means you won't remember it for a short time."
Patient-safety experts make the same distinction. The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation notes that amnesia, pain relief and sedation are different things, that some common sedation drugs are not pain relievers, and that "even sedated and sleeping patients respond to pain with movement." Their point is simple: pain, whether remembered or not, must be treated.
That movement is what matters during treatment. As our doctor puts it, people under sedation "often move suddenly or talk in their sleep, which can increase the risk during injection or laser procedures."
This is a recommendation, not a rule against sedation
Sedation given with proper monitoring is an established medical practice, and it has its place. Our doctor's view is about these specific treatments: "That's why I recommend having the procedure safely while you're conscious, if possible." If you have a particular reason to consider sedation, discuss it with the doctor during your consultation.
How pain is managed while you stay awake
- Numbing cream is applied about 20 to 30 minutes before injection treatments.
- Some formulas, such as Rejuran HB Plus, contain lidocaine.
- An automated injector device delivers each point more consistently than manual injection.
- You can tell the doctor at any point if something feels too strong.
To see which treatments tend to hurt more, read the skin booster pain ranking.
Being heard during treatment at Dami Skin Clinic
At Dami Skin Clinic in Yeouido, the doctor performs treatments directly, so the person adjusting the treatment is the person listening to you. English-fluent coordinators and interpretation support help you say what you are feeling in a language you are comfortable with.
Learn why the doctor who assesses you also treats you.
If you are very nervous about needles
Tell the doctor at your consultation. Knowing about your worries in advance helps the doctor plan comfort measures and explain each step before it happens.
Start through the consultation page or message the clinic on WhatsApp.
FAQ
Why doesn't your doctor recommend sleep sedation?+
For lifting, fillers, injections and laser, our doctor recommends staying awake when possible for two reasons: real-time communication improves treatment quality, and sedated patients can move suddenly, which increases risk.
Is sleep sedation the same as general anesthesia?+
No. What Korean clinics call sleep anesthesia is usually IV sedation, sometimes called twilight sedation. It makes you drowsy and affects memory, but it is not general anesthesia.
If I'm sedated, will I feel pain?+
Sedation is not the same as pain relief. You may not remember the pain afterward, but sedated patients can still respond to pain, sometimes by moving.
Is sedation dangerous?+
Sedation given with proper monitoring is an established practice. Our doctor's concern is specific: during injection or laser work, sudden movement under sedation can increase risk, so staying awake is recommended when possible.
How is pain managed if I stay awake?+
With numbing cream before treatment, lidocaine in some formulas, an automated injector, and by telling the doctor if anything feels too strong.
What if I'm very nervous about needles?+
Mention it at your consultation. The doctor can plan comfort measures and explain each step before it happens.
Which treatments does this apply to?+
Our doctor's recommendation covers lifting, fillers, injection treatments and laser procedures.
Book a Consultation
Want to talk through comfort before your treatment? Dami Skin Clinic's consultation includes:
- Personalized skin assessment
- Custom lifting & skin booster plan review
- Multilingual coordinator support
Address: 9th Floor, ILEX Tower, 375 Yeouidaebang-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (near Saetgang Station)
Phone: +82-2-364-3323
WhatsApp: message the clinic on WhatsApp
Website: damiseoulskinclinic.com
Instagram: @damiclinic_yeouido
What Our Customers Say
While getting ready for my wedding, I started looking into different skin treatments and ended up getting a skin booster injection along with Pico toning. My skin is naturally very thin and sensitive, so I was worried because it tends to react easily if a treatment doesn't suit me. But they carefully checked my skin condition first during the consultation, which made me feel a lot more comfortable. There was a little redness on the day of the treatment, but once I put on makeup the next day, it was barely noticeable. I was especially happy during my wedding photoshoot because my makeup went on so well My skin just looked healthy and fresh without needing heavy coverage!
2 months agoLove this Clinic! My husband got lifting and his skin looks amazing now, plus they have some snaks and English translator for your consultation 🫶🏻.
9 months agoVisited here two times, I have a good experience here. Having a doctor consultation every time before treatments to make sure the most suitable treatments for me. Mr. Kim is very helpful and kind helping me with english communication. 🥰
2 weeks agoI recently visited Dami Clinic and had a really great experience! The staff were extremely kind and welcoming, which made me feel very comfortable from the beginning. The doctor was not only kind but also very professional, explaining everything clearly and carefully. I especially enjoyed my Sylfirm X treatment, which helps with redness and pores. The whole process was smooth. I would definitely recommend Dami Clinic to anyone looking for professional skin care with a warm and friendly atmosphere! 🌸
11 months agoWhat are you interested in:
Working Hours:
Monday/Wednesday/Thursday : 10:00 – 19:00
Tuesday/Friday : 10:00 – 21:00
Saturday : 10:00 – 15:00
Lunch Break : 13:00 – 14:00
Last appointment is one hour before closing.
When using the subway
From Saetgang Station (Line 9 or Sillim Line)
Walk straight out of Exit 2 until you reach a corner. It is the building on the other side of the street on your left. Got to the black door on the left of the Mammoth Coffee place and go up to 9TH FLOOR.