What Actually Separates One Clinic From Another | Gangnam Seoul, Korea Dermatology Clinic Guide

In the consultation room, I often get asked, "Where does it well?"

At that time, I don't start by talking about facilities or equipment.

Instead, I look at two things:

• Is the medical staff experienced enough in performing the procedure?
• Does the clinic always go through a diagnosis process before the procedure?

Today, for those considering a dermatology clinic in Sinnonhyeon, I'd like to explain the exact criteria I apply in the consultation room.

Please take just one minute to read this.

Even for the same procedure, the first variable that determines the outcome is how much experience the medical staff has with that procedure.

Dermatological procedures are not an area that can be mastered in a short time.

Especially for procedures like Filler or Laser Lifting, where individual responses vary greatly, the difference between experienced hands and inexperienced hands can show in the results.

There's one misunderstanding here.

Many people interpret "sufficient experience" as a long history of opening a clinic.

However, the experience I'm referring to is not about years of practice, but rather how frequently and on how many different skin types the specific procedure you intend to receive has been performed.

Therefore, when you have a consultation, I recommend directly asking, "How have you performed this procedure so far?"

Even if dermatology clinics appear similar on the surface, the accumulated clinical experience ultimately determines the results.

The starting point for satisfactory results is always an accurate diagnosis.

If a procedure is performed without properly understanding the skin condition, it may lead to unexpected outcomes.

Before the procedure, it is necessary to check each of the following:

• Current skin condition
• Past procedure history
• Factors that could cause side effects

Information such as seemingly minor past history or skin sensitivity can serve as the basis for determining the procedure method and intensity.

If this step is skipped and the procedure is performed only according to a fixed method, it can easily become an approach that does not consider the individual's skin.

A thorough diagnosis is not a troublesome procedure, but the safest way to find the right treatment for your skin.

Whichever dermatology clinic you choose, I hope you will use 'procedures that are accurately diagnosed and reported' as your standard.

This principle is particularly evident in procedures with a wide range of responses, such as Rejuran, and you can find the same context in an article that summarizes how we view Rejuran effects and pain in the consultation room.

Based on consultation room experience, dermatology clinics can be categorized into the following two types.

Just by observing which signals appear during the first consultation, it can help in making a judgment.

If your skin condition doesn't necessarily require Laser Lifting or Filler, a medical professional who honestly tells you so becomes a standard of trust.

The cost doesn't necessarily mean better results, which is why I've previously discussed why we question if expensive procedures are truly better.

If you're unsure where to start, you can leave your condition via chat consultation now.

Before deciding on Filler and Laser Lifting, it is important to check the following in order:

• Is the procedure currently necessary?
• Has the cause of your concern been diagnosed first?
• Are the intensity and scope designed to suit your skin?

(※ The effectiveness and reactions may vary depending on individual skin conditions, so it is safer to decide whether to proceed after sufficient consultation and examination with medical staff.)

After the procedure, the treated area may experience the following reactions:

• Redness and swelling
• Pain or bruising
• Rarely, results such as burns or asymmetry

These possibilities can largely be prepared for by discussing them sufficiently with the medical staff before the procedure.

The same principle applies when you are considering multiple areas, such as the shoulders or trapezius muscles. We covered the decision-making process in more detail in Criteria for deciding whether to get shoulder filler and trapezius Botox together.

Rather than just setting criteria verbally, I've organized them into a sequence you can actually follow during a consultation.

1. Directly ask the medical staff about their experience with the procedure you intend to receive.
2. Request an honest assessment of your current skin condition.
3. Confirm in advance the possible reactions after the procedure and how to manage them.
4. Discuss together whether this procedure is truly necessary and if there are alternatives.
5. Get consultations from at least 2-3 places and compare their diagnostic methods.

Following this process often leads to greater satisfaction from a careful decision rather than a quick one.

If you are considering a procedure with many options, such as Titanium Lifting, it is also good to refer to Criteria to check before choosing a dermatology clinic.

To summarize:

First, is there a medical team with sufficient experience in that procedure?

Second, does the clinic always go through an accurate diagnosis process before the procedure?

These criteria may not seem special, but they are often the first things overlooked when focusing solely on quick procedures.

Situations where you are left with dissatisfaction after a procedure without sufficient diagnosis, or considering re-treatment, can be significantly reduced simply by choosing a clinic that thoroughly examines your skin during the initial consultation phase.

As you are entrusting your precious skin, I recommend calmly checking these two criteria rather than making a hasty decision.

If you find it difficult to decide, you can also feel free to ask us by chatting with us now.

What are the most important criteria when choosing a dermatology clinic?

The two key factors are whether the medical staff has sufficient experience with the procedure and whether an accurate diagnosis process is followed before the procedure.

Procedures performed by experienced medical staff may lead to more stable results, and clinics that proceed directly to treatment without diagnosis should be carefully considered.

Is it necessary to have a consultation before Filler or Laser Lifting?

Yes, it is absolutely necessary.

For both procedures, the effects and reactions can vary depending on the individual's skin condition, so it is essential to check the current condition, past history, and potential side effects before the procedure.

It is safer to decide whether to proceed after sufficient examination and consultation with medical staff.

Is an older clinic necessarily better?

Not necessarily.

What's important is not the clinic's history, but how much experience the medical staff has with the specific procedure you intend to receive.

Directly confirming the medical staff's experience with the procedure during the consultation can be a more practical criterion for judgment.

What reactions can occur after the procedure?

After Laser Lifting or Filler procedures, redness, swelling, pain, or bruising may occur, and rarely, burns or asymmetry may result.

Reactions can vary depending on individual skin conditions, so it is important to consult sufficiently with medical staff before the procedure.

How many places should I consult?

We recommend consulting at least 2-3 places directly, comparing them, and then making a decision.

Comparing each medical staff's diagnostic approach and procedure proposals can help you choose the right place more carefully.

The Filler, Laser Lifting, and Rejuran procedures discussed in this article have slightly different recovery patterns.

Laser Lifting procedures may cause a tingling sensation or redness immediately after treatment, while injection procedures like Filler or Rejuran may result in swelling and minor bruising at the injection site.

These reactions usually subside within a few days, and there can be individual differences.

Recovery speed can vary depending on the intensity and area of the procedure, as well as your usual skin condition, so we recommend confirming the expected reactions with your medical staff before the procedure.

The reason why the cost varies for the same Filler or Lifting procedure is that there is no fixed price.

For Filler and Rejuran, the composition varies depending on the type of agent used, the volume, and the number of areas. For Laser Lifting, it depends on the treatment area, number of shots, and specific areas.

Furthermore, there can be differences depending on whether pre-procedure diagnosis and post-procedure aftercare are included.

Therefore, rather than simply comparing prices, it is better to consider what is included in the cost.

The exact cost will be provided during the consultation after assessing your skin condition.

O.N Clinic is conveniently located within walking distance from Gangnam Station Exit 11.

As mentioned earlier, diagnosis before the procedure is important, so we recommend confirming your skin condition through a consultation first and then deciding on the appropriate treatment direction together.

You can inquire about appointments and consultations through online consultation.

Written by: Dr. Oh Seung-min (Chief Director, O.N Clinic; Graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine; Academic Committee Chairman, Korean Association of Laser, Dermatology and Hair). For more details on his background, please refer to Medical Staff Introduction. First published 2026-06-24 / Last reviewed 2026-08-15

This article is for general information purposes only, and appropriate treatment and results may vary depending on individual conditions.