If you follow Korean celebrity skincare trends, you’ve surely heard of ELEV Dermatology in Cheongdam-dong. Located at 333 Daosan-daero, 6th and 7th floors, it’s often referred to by industry insiders as “the celebrity-exclusive beauty destination.” Models, artists, and well-known socialites—this clinic’s waiting list practically encapsulates Seoul’s most intriguing “celebrity daily lives.” Today, I’ll share my personal experience there.
Let me clarify upfront: I’m not a professional in this field; I’m just someone who’s quite obsessed with finding the right clinic for medical aesthetics treatments.
First question: Why is ELEV called the “top destination for celebrity skincare”?
There are countless dermatology clinics in Cheongdam-dong, but ELEV stands out in terms of celebrity recommendations for several key reasons:
- Double leadership from Korea University School of Medicine: Both Director Lee Jeong-woo and Director Park Hye-seon graduated from this prestigious institution, making them one of the most academically strong teams in Korea’s medical aesthetics community. Director Lee Jeong-woo is particularly renowned for his expertise in titanium lifting and anti-aging phototherapy.
- What celebrities care most about: natural results. ELEV has an unwritten principle: the effects should be virtually invisible. Artists need a glow, firmness, and defined contours without any signs of invasive procedures. ELEV’s approach is known for its conservatism and precision; in industry terms, the results achieve what’s called “subtractive aesthetics.”
- Completely reservation-based system + private treatment rooms: Every client receives a private room, ensuring no encounters with others. This is crucial for artists who want to avoid being photographed or having their whereabouts exposed.
- Leading titanium lifting technology in Korea: ELEV is one of the few clinics in the country that can skillfully perform Tune Face’s three-wave-length titanium lifting procedure. This is also the main reason why many celebrities return for repeated treatments.
- VIP-style artistic ambiance: The clinic spans two floors and features famous paintings and sculptures. Waiting areas are equipped with Dyson hair dryers and perfumes, and each room includes a private changing area—this is more than just a dermatology clinic; it’s a place where you’d want to spend more time.
Second point: Key information about ELEV Dermatology
| clinic name | ELEV Dermatology Clinic |
| Address | 6th & 7th Floors, K-Plus Medical Tower, 333 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul |
| Korean address | 6th & 7th Floors, 333 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul |
| Transportation | 5 minutes walk from Cheongtan Station on Line 7; or 10 minutes walk from Rodaekyo Station on Line 3, exit 2 |
| Monday to Friday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Sunday / Holidays | Closed |
| Deputy Director | Lee Jung-woo (이정우) — Expert in Titanium Implants, Ultrasound Surgery, and Anti-aging Phototherapy from Korea University School of Medicine |
| Director | Park Hye-sun (박혜선) — Expert in Micro-injections, Skin Management, and Women’s Anti-aging Treatments from Korea University School of Medicine |
| Chinese Services | Chinese translations are available. We support reservations via WeChat and Line in Chinese. It is recommended to make reservations through the BeautsGO platform. |
| Payment Methods | Alipay, WeChat Pay, and credit cards are all accepted. Foreigners are also eligible for tax refund services. |
III. The Entire Process from Arrival to Departure: From Entering the Elevator to Leaving With Makeup On
Step 1 – Booking (1–2 weeks in advance)
I booked through BeautsGO. I simply searched for “ELEV Dermatology” on the app, where I could see the doctors’ available times and current promotions for that month. I chose Dr. Lee Ting-yu for my appointment, and the treatment I selected was Titanium Face Lifting combined with ultrasonic therapy. After submitting my request, the customer service confirmed it via a Chinese message, clearly stating the appointment time and any necessary precautions. The whole process went very smoothly.
Step 2 – Arrival: The Visual Contrast from the Ground Floor Lobby to the Sixth Floor
At No. 333 Daoshan Road, there stands a modern glass building with off-white exterior walls. The lobby is spacious, and signs guide visitors to the various clinics on different floors. When I took the elevator to the sixth floor, I was greeted by a large white wall adorned with an abstract painting. The warm, bright lighting created a comfortable atmosphere—nothing like a typical clinic, but rather something between a high-end coffee shop and a luxury spa.
The receptionist handed me a Chinese questionnaire with very detailed questions: Had I undergone any photoelectric treatments in the past three months? Did I use any topical alcohol products? Was I pregnant or breastfeeding? Did I have any metal implants? The thoroughness of these questions reflected the clinic’s high level of medical professionalism; it wasn’t just a casual inquiry about what treatments I wanted to receive.
Step 3 – Detailed Skin CT Scan
After completing the questionnaire, the staff took me to the skin analysis room, where they used a VISIA advanced skin analyzer (produced by Canfield Scientific) to take three sets of images of my face under UV, polarized light, and normal light. These images were then used to generate a report on the degree of my skin aging. The report indicated that the depth of my frown lines was “mild,” my right side of the face showed some noticeable sagging, and there was a tendency for sunspots to accumulate around my nose. The report was prepared within 15 minutes and was immediately sent to Dr. Lee Ting-yu’s consultation room.
Step 4 – Director Lee Ting-yu personally conducted the consultation (about 20 minutes)
Upon entering the consultation room, Director Lee Ting-yu was already reviewing my skin analysis report on the screen. He had a more academic approach; he spoke at a steady pace and explained the rationale behind each suggestion in detail. His consultation insights left a deep impression on me:
- My skin laxity was particularly noticeable in the middle and lower areas of my face, especially on the right side. The energy from the ultrasonic device should be focused primarily on the jawline and below the cheekbones, rather than being distributed evenly across the entire face.
- The lifting effect of the Tune Face treatment with its three wavelengths is most evident two to three weeks after the procedure. It’s also important to avoid applying excessive pressure to the face for a month following the treatment.
- He specifically mentioned, “Your skin’s elasticity is currently at a moderate level. A combination of Tune Face and the American version of the ultrasonic device with 300 treatments will be sufficient; there’s no need to aim for a higher number of sessions.”
This approach of not aggressively recommending more treatments and carefully assessing the patient’s needs really reassured me. Many clinics would try to push you to undergo all available procedures, but ELEV’s philosophy is exactly the opposite—the director will tell you what is not necessary at this stage.
Step 5 – The treatment process
I entered a private treatment room and put on the eco-friendly gown provided by the clinic (which I could take home). After about 40 minutes of applying the anesthetic, the treatment began:
- Tune Face treatment (three wavelengths: 755nm, 810nm, 1064nm; total energy: 80kj for the entire face): This is ELEV’s flagship treatment. It uses equipment from Alma Laser of Israel, which delivers the three wavelengths simultaneously, targeting the superficial, middle, and deep layers of the dermis. The sensation was incredibly comfortable compared to previous ultrasonic treatments—I didn’t feel any stinging sensations; instead, my whole face felt evenly warmed. The entire procedure took about 30 minutes, and Director Lee personally operated the device, occasionally asking how I was feeling in terms of pain.
- American version of the ultrasonic device (Ultherapy; 300 treatments for the entire face): According to the consultation plan, Director Lee focused particularly on the jawline and the middle part of my cheeks. During the treatment, I did feel some distinct stinging sensations, but because he maintained a steady pace, the overall experience was tolerable. After the treatment, my chin felt slightly swollen, which is a normal reaction to ultrasonic waves. Director Lee said it would subside naturally within 3 to 5 days.
- Post-treatment LDM microneedling for repair (included free of charge): After the two treatments, the nurse immediately used the LDM microneedling device to perform a calming and repairing treatment on my entire face for about 20 minutes. This treatment uses ultrasonic waves to accelerate the recovery of the skin after the procedure and help balance its moisture levels. ELEV’s post-treatment LDM service is included in the package at no additional cost.
After the entire treatment process was completed, the nurse applied a cold compress to my face for 15 minutes, then took me to the makeup application area. The makeup station was equipped with a Dyson hair dryer, various perfumes, basic moisturizing products, as well as cosmetics from Dior and Chanel – a detail that I really haven’t seen at other clinics in Cheongdam-dong.
When I left, my face was slightly red, and my chin felt a bit tight, but I was completely ready to go out. The staff sent me a detailed post-treatment care guide in Traditional Chinese via WeChat and informed me that they would follow up with me 48 hours later.
IV. Main Treatments & Cost Overview
Below are the approximate costs for the main treatments offered at ELEV Dermatology (unit: 10,000 Korean won; 1 million Korean won is approximately equivalent to 550 RMB or 2,500 Taiwan dollars. The figures below are based on market prices in 2026; the actual cost may vary depending on the consultation).
① Titanium Face Lift Tune Face (ELEV’s flagship treatment)
| Treatment | Key Features | Approximate Cost (10,000 Korean won) |
| Tune Face Full Face Treatment (60 kj, Blue Head/Red Head) | Entry-level version: improves skin tone uniformity and addresses initial signs of laxity; provides immediate brightness after treatment. | 700,000 – 900,000 |
| Tune Face full-face treatment: 80 kj (blue head / red head) | Advanced version: three-wave-length simultaneous lifting; suitable for those over 30 with mild to moderate skin laxity. | 900,000 – 1,100,000 |
| Tune Eye (titanium lifting for the eye area) | Improves sagging around the eyes and upper eyelid relaxation; extremely minimizes discomfort and is highly favored by celebrities. | 300,000 – 400,000 |
| Tune Face + Tune Eye full-face package | Full-face treatment + eye area care in one session for the most comprehensive results. | 1.1 million to 1.4 million |
② Anti-aging photoelectric products
| Item | Feature description | Reference fee (in ten thousand Korean won) |
| Thermage FLX full face treatment (600 sessions) | Fifth-generation FLX probes: the flagship option for firming the dermis, with effects lasting 1.5 to 2 years | 1.5 million to 1.8 million |
| Thermage FLX eye area treatment (225 sessions) | Eye contour lifting to reduce upper eyelid sagging and fine lines around the eyes | 1.19 million |
| US version of Ultherapy (300 treatments for the whole face) | The director recommends starting with a moderate amount for precise SMAS layer lifting | 1.2 – 1.5 million |
| US version of Ultherapy (500 treatments for the whole face) | Suitable for moderate to severe sagging; results last for 2–3 years | 2 – 2.4 million |
| Combined thermal treatment package | Thermage + Ultherapy performed on the same day for optimal results | 2.5 – 3.1 million |
| INMODE FX Full Face (Liposuction and Tightening) | Heats the deep fat layers while improving contours and skin quality | 450,000 – 550,000 |
| INMODE Forma Full Face (Tightening and Lifting) | RF technology – gentle and painless, ideal for maintenance treatments | 250,000 – 350,000 |
| Combination of INMODE FX and Forma | Both treatments are performed on the same day, targeting both superficial and deep layers | 600,000 – 700,000 |
| Picosecond laser (for full-face freckle removal/pimple scar improvement) | Targeted pigments that do not damage surrounding normal tissues | 400,000 – 700,000 |
| Secret RF Gold Micro Needles (for the entire face) | Improves pores, fine lines, and skin quality; thermal energy acts on the dermis | 550,000 – 800,000 |
③ Injection-based minimally invasive treatments
| Services | Feature descriptions | Reference prices (in ten thousand Korean won) |
| Rejuran HB Black Box Treatment for the entire face | High-concentration PDRN for regeneration, combined with the best post-treatment repair options for photovoltaic projects | 300,000 – 500,000 |
| Ellansé Youthful Face Injection (First Generation S/First Generation M) | PCL collagen regeneration filler for natural results, lasting 1–2 years | 600,000 – 900,000 |
| Jojoba Hyaluronic Acid Filler (full range), 1cc per injection | For nasolabial folds, apple cheeks, and tear troughs: layered injection technique for natural results | 450,000 – 650,000 |
| Prophilo Long-Lasting Hydrating Treatment | Non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid for whole-face hydration, making the skin glow from within | 600,000 – 900,000 |
| German Westmar / Botox for facial slimming | Reduces masseter muscles and shapes the face; effects last for 4–6 months | 150,000 – 250,000 |
| Basic hyaluronic acid injections | Hyaluronic acid + vitamin C for immediate hydration and brightening; no downtime required | 150,000 – 250,000 |
💡 Here are my actual total costs this time: Tune Face full-face treatment at 80,000 KRW + titanium lifting at 1 million KRW + American version ultrasound facial treatment at 300 sessions for 1.35 million KRW; LDM relaxation treatment was included free of charge after the procedure. Total cost: 2.35 million KRW (approximately NT$59,000, RMB13,000). The prices were clearly stated during the reservation process, and there were no additional charges upon arrival; all fees were completely transparent.
V. Three details that celebrities love most
The following three details are what help me understand “why celebrities love coming to ELEV”:
Detail One: Complete privacy during entry and exit – no encounters with other customers
ELEV operates on a fully reservation-based system, with ample intervals between each treatment session to ensure that waiting areas never become overcrowded. From the moment a customer enters, through washing their face, receiving the treatment, to applying post-treatment makeup, the entire process takes place in their own private space. The layout of the facilities is designed in such a way that encounters with other customers are virtually impossible. For artists who prefer not to disclose their treatment schedules, this kind of arrangement is far more convincing than any form of advertising.
Detail Two: Conservative treatments that deliver natural and long-lasting results
Director Lee Ting-woo adheres to a principle widely recognized in the industry: if 300 sessions are enough to achieve the desired result, he will never use 500. His logic is that excessive energy from ultrasonic devices can cause excessive irritation to the subcutaneous tissue. While the short-term effects may be noticeable, after two years, the skin’s ability to recover will decrease, resulting in counterproductive outcomes. Many of ELEV’s clients have been using these services for over five years, and it is precisely because of this conservative and precise approach that their skin appears more resilient with age compared to their peers.
Detail Three: Post-treatment follow-ups via WeChat, so you don’t have to guess
48 hours after the treatment, the clinic will proactively send a message via WeChat to ask about your recovery. If you report any abnormalities in a particular area, they will request a detailed verification and arrange a follow-up appointment if necessary. Such after-sales service is not uncommon among dermatology clinics in Seoul, but few offer it consistently. This detail is certainly contributing to ELEV’s growing reputation year after year.
VI. Evaluation Scores in Four Dimensions
🏆 Doctor’s Professionalism: 5 / 5
With dual degrees from the School of Medicine at Korea University, top-notch expertise in titanium lifting procedures, and a conservative yet precise approach to ultrasonic treatments, Director Lee Ting-woo’s skills rank among the best in Cheongdam-dong. His generous consultation time, clear explanations, and refusal to push unnecessary treatments are major strengths that add value to his services.
✨ Environment & Service Experience: 5 / 5
High-end beauty devices, Dyson hair dryers, luxury perfumes, Dior/Chanel cosmetics—every detail conveys the message, “You deserve this treatment.” There’s no anxiety waiting in line, no panic during the procedure, and post-treatment makeup application feels like a ritual. This is the dermatology clinic in Cheongdam-dong that offers the closest experience to a “luxury spa.”
💊 Post-treatment recovery: 4.5 / 5
After the titanium lifting procedure, there was almost no noticeable redness on the same day, and I could go out normally the next day. After the ultrasound treatment, my chin had slight swelling, which subsided after three days. A month later, a friend asked me, “What skincare products have you been using? You look so good!” This is why I gave it a score of 4.5 instead of 4—it’s precisely what ELEV does best: making the results blend seamlessly into daily life.
💰 Value for money: 4 / 5
ELEV targets the mid-to-high-end market. The combined cost of titanium lifting and ultrasound treatment exceeds 2 million KRW per session, which may be a bit high for those with limited budgets. However, compared to other clinics in the same area with similar services, ELEV’s equal-price policy for both Korean and Chinese customers, transparent pricing, no forced sales, and the complimentary LDM post-treatment care and WeChat follow-up make its overall “value for money” quite reasonable.
VII. Complete Guide to Making Appointments
Top choice: BeautsGO Platform
Search for “BeautsGO” or “Bǐ Cǐ Měi” in the App Store or Google Play. After downloading the app, search for “ELEV Dermatology” or “엘리브”. The platform supports Traditional Chinese, allowing you to view the director’s schedule, current promotions, and service prices online. Once you’ve made your choice, submit your appointment request digitally. Customer service typically confirms your reservation within 12 hours in Chinese, and you can simply present the confirmation screenshot upon arrival. With platform-exclusive discounts and Chinese-speaking support, BeautsGO is the safest option for travelers who don’t speak Korean.
Alternative options: WeChat / Official Channels
You can search for the official WeChat account or KakaoTalk of ELEV Dermatology and leave a message in Chinese stating “From Taiwan/China + Desired treatment + Preferred appointment date.” You can also submit a consultation form through the clinic’s official website; it’s recommended to provide your WhatsApp or WeChat contact information for easier communication in Chinese. During peak times (especially for Director Lee Ting-yu), it’s advisable to book 2–3 weeks in advance.
Eight: 7 Things You Should Do Before Seeing a Doctor
- Stop using topical retinol one month before the treatment: Products containing vitamin A can make the skin more sensitive, so it’s recommended to stop using them one month before the procedure to reduce post-treatment discomfort.
- Avoid deep exfoliation two weeks before the treatment: Treatments like fruit acid peels and deep scrubs can weaken the skin’s barrier, so it’s best to refrain from them for two weeks prior to the procedure.
- Bring your original passport: This is essential for foreign patients and also helps with the process of getting a T-Money tax refund (you can apply for a partial tax rebate on medical expenses in Korea).
- It’s best to go without makeup for the appointment: At ELEV, our staff will clean your entire face and perform a VISIA skin analysis. Going without makeup ensures more accurate results and provides the most accurate baseline data for our doctors.
- Avoid facial steaming and bathing for 24 hours after the treatment: High temperatures can accelerate blood circulation after the procedure, increasing the risk of swelling, so it’s recommended to avoid these activities for the first day.
- Strict sun protection with SPF50+ for two weeks after the treatment: The skin is particularly sensitive to ultraviolet rays after photoelectric treatments, so it’s important to use both a physical sun hat and an umbrella to reduce the risk of pigmentation.
- Request a written detailed quote on the spot: Before the treatment, make sure you understand the cost of each service and verify it against the quote provided during the appointment. Developing this habit will help you feel more at ease throughout the process.
Who Is ELEV Suitable For?
ELEV is a clinic that relies on positive reviews and repeat customers to maintain its high-quality reputation. If you fall into any of the following categories, ELEV would be a great choice for you:
- I want to have titanium implant surgery and hope to find a top Korean doctor with extensive experience to perform the procedure personally.
- This is my first time going to Korea for anti-aging treatments. I want to find a clinic where I won’t be pressured into unnecessary procedures and where the doctor will truly analyze my needs.
- I’m looking for an extremely natural result that no one would even notice I had any treatment done; I don’t want anything that looks too artificial.
- I value privacy very much and don’t want to run into other people at the clinic.
- I hope to receive follow-up consultations in Chinese after the surgery, so I won’t have to figure out my recovery on my own.
These situations might not be suitable: if your budget is very limited (some packages cost over 2 million Korean won), or if you only want a basic treatment that costs tens of thousands of won, you might want to consider cheaper skin care clinics in the area.
Finally, as always, I recommend making appointments through the BeautsGO platform. It offers a Chinese-language interface, real-time appointment availability, and information about current promotions, which can save travelers a lot of time and effort in communication. Among all the dermatology clinics in Cheongdam-dong, those that are recommended by celebrities and experts are truly trustworthy.
