If you follow Korean celebrity skincare trends, you’ve probably 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 famous socialites—this clinic’s waiting list practically mirrors Seoul’s most intriguing “celebrity lifestyle.” 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-tier celebrity dermatology clinic”?
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 Jung-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 Jung-woo is particularly renowned for his expertise in titanium lifting and anti-aging phototherapy.
- What celebrities value most: 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 precision and minimalism—what professionals call “subtractive aesthetics.”
- Complete reservation 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 Korea that can skillfully perform Tune Face’s three-wave-length titanium lifting procedure. This is also a major 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 place is more than just a dermatology clinic; it’s a space where you’d want to spend more time.
Second question: 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 Roda-O Station on Line 3, near Apgujeong |
| 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 augmentation, ultrasound surgery, and anti-aging phototherapy from the School of Medicine at Korea University |
| Director | Park Hye-seon (박혜선) — Expert in injectable minimally invasive procedures, skin management, and women’s anti-aging treatments from the School of Medicine at Korea University |
| Chinese services available | Chinese translations are provided. Reservations can be made via WeChat or 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’s appointment, and the treatment I selected was Titanium Face Lift + Ultrasound Combination. 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 direct 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 cozy atmosphere—nothing like a typical clinic, but rather something between a high-end coffee shop and a luxurious spa.
The receptionist handed me a Chinese questionnaire with very detailed questions: Had I undergone any phototherapy 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 undergo.
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 conducts 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 recommendation in detail. His consultation insights left a deep impression on me:
- My skin laxity is particularly noticeable in the middle and lower areas of my face, especially on the right side. The energy from the ultrasound device should be focused primarily on the jawline and below the cheekbones, rather than being distributed evenly across the entire face.
- The lifting effects of the Tune Face treatment with its three wavelengths are 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 300-shot version of the Ultherapy will be sufficient; there’s no need to aim for a higher number of treatments.”
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 whole face): This is ELEV’s flagship treatment. It uses equipment from Alma Laser of Israel, which simultaneously emits these three wavelengths, targeting the superficial, middle, and deep layers of the dermis. The result is both lifting and a tightening of the skin, along with the promotion of collagen production. The most immediate sensation was that it was much more comfortable than any previous ultrasound treatment I had undergone—there was no stinging sensation, and instead, my whole face felt evenly warmed. The entire process took about 30 minutes, and Director Lee personally performed the treatment, frequently checking on how I was feeling.
- Ultherapy treatment (300 shots for the whole 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 from the ultrasound, 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 ultrasound therapy. Director Lee said that this swelling 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 cold compresses 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 – something 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 New 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 signature treatment)
| Treatment | Features and Details | 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 sagging; provides immediate brightening effects after treatment. | 700,000 – 900,000 |
| Tune Face full-face treatment: 80 kj (blue head / red head) | Advanced version: three-wave-length simultaneous lifting treatment, suitable for those over 30 years old with mild to moderate sagging. | 900,000 – 1,100,000 |
| Tune Eye (titanium lifting for the eye area) | Improves sagging around the eyes and upper eyelid relaxation; causes minimal discomfort and is highly favored by celebrities. | 300,000 – 400,000 |
| Tune Face + Tune Eye full-face package | Full-face treatment + eye area treatment 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 (Generation S / Generation M) | PCL collagen regeneration filler for natural results, lasting 1–2 years | 600,000 – 900,000 |
| Jojoba Hyaluronic Acid Filler (full range), 1cc volume | For nasolabial folds, apple cheeks, and tear troughs: layered injection technique for natural results | 450,000 – 650,000 |
| Prophilo long-lasting hydration treatment | Non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid for whole-face hydration, giving the skin a radiant inner glow | 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 recovery treatment was included for free. 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 fees upon arrival; the costs were completely transparent.
V. Three details that celebrities love most
These three details are the key reasons why celebrities prefer to come 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 makeup after the procedure, everything 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 has a principle that is widely known 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 ultrasound 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, making it counterproductive. Many of ELEV’s clients have been coming for treatments for over five years, and it is precisely because of this conservative and precise approach that their skin appears more resilient than that of their peers.
Detail Three: Post-treatment follow-ups via WeChat, so you don’t have to guess
Within 48 hours after the treatment, the clinic will send a message via WeChat to ask how you are recovering. If you report any abnormalities in a particular area, they will ask a translator to confirm the details 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 Medical College of Korea, top-notch expertise in titanium lifting procedures, and a conservative yet precise approach to ultrasound treatments, Director Lee Ting-woo’s skills rank among the best in Cheongdam-dong. The ample consultation time, clear explanations, and lack of aggressive sales tactics are all major strengths.
✨ Environment & Service Experience: 5 / 5
High-end beauty devices, Dyson hair dryers, luxury perfumes, Dior/Chanel cosmetics — every detail screams “You deserve this treatment.” No anxiety waiting for your appointment, no panic during the procedure, and a thoughtful post-treatment makeup routine. 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—because this is 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 is over 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 free 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 reservation request digitally. Customer service usually confirms it within 12 hours in Chinese, and you can simply show the reservation confirmation when you arrive. With platform-exclusive discounts and Chinese-speaking support, BeautsGO is the safest option for non-Korean speakers.
Alternative options: WeChat/official channels
You can search for the official WeChat account or KakaoTalk of ELEV Dermatology and leave a message in Chinese with details such as “From Taiwan/China”, the desired treatment, and the preferred appointment date. You can also fill out a consultation form on the clinic’s website; it’s recommended to provide your WhatsApp or WeChat contact information for easier communication in Chinese. During peak times, especially when Dr. Lee Ting-yu is available, it’s advisable to book 2–3 weeks in advance.
Eight: 7 Things You Must Do Before Your Appointment
- Stop using topical retinol one month before the treatment: Products containing retinoic acid can make the skin more sensitive, so it’s recommended to stop using them one month prior to 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 advisable to refrain from them for two weeks before the procedure.
- Bring your original passport: This is required for foreign patients and also helps with the process of getting a T-Money tax refund (you can claim 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 reservation process. Developing this habit will help you feel more at ease throughout the whole process.
Who Is ELEV Suitable For?
ELEV is a clinic that “builds its reputation on word-of-mouth and relies on repeat customers to maintain its high-end status.” If you fall into any of the following categories, ELEV is definitely worth considering:
- If I want to undergo titanium implantation, I hope to have it performed by a top Korean surgeon with extensive experience.
- This is my first time going to Korea for anti-aging treatments. I would like to find a clinic where I’m not pressured into certain procedures and where the director truly analyzes my needs.
- I strive for an extremely natural result that no one can tell was 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 procedure, so I don’t have to figure out my recovery on my own.
Situations where this option may not be suitable include having a very limited budget (some packages cost over 2 million Korean won) or if you only want a basic treatment that costs tens of thousands of won. In such cases, you might want to consider cheaper skin care clinics in the area.
Finally, as always, I recommend making reservations 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 professionals are truly trustworthy.
