I consulted three clinics in Cheongdam, Seoul – so why did I ultimately choose DERAaN for my ultrasound treatment? Both female directors personally performed the procedures, and they used genuine Ulthera probes!

When I decided to undergo ultrasound-assisted lifting in Seoul last month, I carefully researched three clinics in Cheongdam-dong. Each claimed to use genuine equipment and said that the procedures were performed by experienced doctors. However, what finally convinced me was when I visited DERAaN Cheongdam Clinic and the director personally told me that she was an officially certified Ulthera trainer (Train The Trainer). This is not just a marketing claim; it’s the highest level of certification awarded by Ulthera’s headquarters, and there are very few people in all of Korea who hold this title. In the end, I chose this clinic, and today I would like to share my entire experience with you.

What is DERAaN Cheongdam Clinic?

DERAaN Cheongdam Clinic is located at 406 Daosan-ro, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 2nd floor of Cheongdam First Tower, just a 3-minute walk from the Yaggujeong subway station. This area is already known as Seoul’s premier destination for cosmetic treatments, with many wealthy individuals, celebrities, and discerning mothers choosing to receive maintenance treatments here.

The clinic’s focus is clear: anti-aging, facial lifting, and collagen regeneration. Instead of offering a wide range of procedures or following a mass production model, they specialize in using top-tier devices such as Ulthera, Thermage FLX, and ONDA to achieve exceptional results. In fact, the clinic has even received the “Premium Collagen Center Black Label” certification and has been recognized as one of the “Top 50 Clinics in the World” for Silhouette Soft treatments.

What sets DERAaN apart is that both of its directors are highly certified specialists, not just nominal titles. They are also listed on the official website of the Korea Tourism Organization (VisitKorea Medical Korea), confirming their status as officially recognized medical institutions friendly to foreigners.

Secondly, the qualifications of the two directors gave me great peace of mind.

Director Lee Kyung-eun

Trained as a dermatologist at Samsung Seoul Hospital, she previously served as the representative director of Nell Hospital. Her certification in Ulthera technology is the highest level in Korea: Ultherapy Train The Trainer, which means not only does she possess top-notch technical skills, but she also trains other doctors on how to use Ulthera effectively.

She is also a key opinion leader for several cosmetic brands:

• She is the officially designated primary physician for Merz Aesthetics in Korea.
• Silhouette Soft (top 50 globally), Ellanse for young women, official KOL for Aptos thread lift.
• KOLs for devices such as ONDA, Sciton BBL, and Helios Pico.
• Academic council member of the Korean Society of Obesity Aesthetics, certified physician by the Korean Geriatrics Society.

Director Cho Han-gyeol.

Master’s degree from the Graduate School of Medicine at Chungnam National University, with clinical training at St. Mary’s Hospital in Gwangju. She furthered her studies at Refined MD and Renew MD clinics in California, USA. She is a certified Ultherapy practitioner and a Merz regenerative therapy trainer. She also participated in the Galderma Restylane Expert Symposium, which was attended by only 15 people worldwide, giving her international expertise in the field of anti-aging fillers.

Notably, the two directors complement each other in their areas of expertise—Director Lee is particularly skilled in the use of lifting devices and threads, while Director Cho has extensive experience in fillers and regenerative therapies. On the day of your consultation, the clinic will arrange for the most suitable director to treat you based on your specific needs.

III. In-depth introduction to the main treatment programs

✦ Ulthera

DERAaN’s most core and flagship treatment. Ulthera is the only HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) non-invasive lifting device globally approved by the FDA. Its uniqueness lies in the real-time ultrasound visualization during treatment, allowing doctors to clearly see the reactions of different skin layers on the screen and ensuring that the energy precisely targets the SMAS layer—the true essence of “seeing what you’re doing” during the procedure.

Many clinics on the market use imitation ultrasonic devices that cannot provide real-time image confirmation. At DERAaN, Director Lee is an officially certified Ulthera trainer who uses genuine original probes. Before each treatment, he provides detailed information about the probe specifications and the treatment level, ensuring complete transparency.

Target audience: Those who want to improve loose facial contours, neck wrinkles, eye area rejuvenation, or deepening nasolabial folds, as well as individuals over 30 years old who wish to take preventive anti-aging measures early on.

✦ Thermage FLX

The fourth-generation Thermage technology utilizes the AccuREP™ intelligent algorithm, which automatically adjusts the energy output after each emission to ensure that each treatment area receives the optimal amount of energy. The new 4.0 cm² Total Tip is 25% faster than the previous version and provides more immediate tightening results.

DERAaN recommends a combined treatment using Ulthera and Thermage FLX: Ulthera targets deep SMAS layers for lifting, while Thermage promotes collagen regeneration in the middle layers. This combination offers better results and longer-lasting effects than using either treatment alone.

✦ ONDA (4th-generation microwave lifting)

DERAaN is an official KOL hospital for ONDA equipment. ONDA uses microwave technology to penetrate deeper, affecting both the dermis and superficial fat layers. It is particularly suitable for lifting the lower face and jawline, as well as for mild double chin reduction. DERAaN was one of the first clinics in Seoul to introduce and master ONDA clinical techniques.

✦ Softwave

This newly approved FDA-certified ultrasound skin tightening treatment is often referred to as “the next generation of Ulthera.” Softwave uses wide-focus ultrasound, covering a larger area and causing less discomfort, making it ideal for first-time users or those who are sensitive to pain.

IV. Clinic Environment and Service Details

Upon entering DERAaN, the first impression is one of “quietness.” Clinics in this area generally do not accept large tour groups or offer special promotions, creating an atmosphere more akin to that of a private club. The staff are approachable and do not rush to sell services or make recommendations; instead, they first ask about your skin concerns and goals before arranging a consultation with the director.

Several noteworthy details:

• The clinic provides information in multiple languages (English + Chinese) and has been certified by VisitKorea as a friendly medical institution for foreigners.
• The director personally conducts consultations and develops personalized treatment plans; decisions are never made by nurses or assistants.
• The clinic is located in an ideal spot — just a 3-minute walk from Exit 4 of Yagugjeong subway station, with convenient parking nearby (parking maps are provided by the clinic).
• The Instagram account @deraanclinic regularly posts descriptions of treatments and case studies in Korean, giving you a glimpse of the clinic’s approach in advance.
• The official KakaoTalk account @더안청담의원 allows foreigners to consult in English or Chinese via KakaoTalk.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Does DERAaN accept appointments from foreigners?

A: Yes. The clinic provides foreign language materials, and it is also possible to make appointments in Chinese through KakaoTalk or the BeautsGO platform. It is recommended to contact them at least one week in advance; during peak times (Friday and Saturday mornings), earlier reservations are needed.

Q2: How much does it cost to have an ultrasound treatment once?

A: DERAaN does not disclose its prices on its website; you need to consult at the clinic or inquire through a platform. The cost for a full-face Ulthera treatment in the Qingtan area ranges from 600,000 to 1,200,000 Korean won, depending on the number of probes used and the areas treated. It is advisable to check prices in advance through platforms like BeautsGO for transparency.

Q3: Can Ulthera and Thermage be done on the same day?

A: The clinic recommends combined treatments, but they are usually scheduled separately, with at least a 2-4 week interval between them. During the consultation, the director will determine whether it is possible to perform some procedures simultaneously based on your skin condition.

Q4: How long is the recovery period after the procedure?

A: After an Ulthera treatment, there is no need for special rest. You may experience mild redness or tenderness on the day of the treatment, but these symptoms usually subside within 24-48 hours. Thermage FLX also requires little recovery time, and you can apply makeup normally afterward. The effects typically become apparent 1-3 months after the treatment and last for about 1-2 years.

Q5> What are the differences between the dermatology clinics in Qingtan and Hongda?

A> The clinics in the Hongda area cater mainly to younger customers, offer a variety of treatments, and provide good value for money, attracting a large number of clients. The clinics in Qingtan are positioned as more premium, with doctors generally having more experience. They are suitable for those who seek more personalized and detailed treatment plans and for those who have high expectations regarding the quality of equipment.

V. Appointment Methods

DERAaN offers three reservation methods to suit the needs of different customers:

Method 1: Online reservation through BeautsGO (recommended)

Suitable for: Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese customers who may have language barriers or are making their first reservation

• Open the BeautsGO platform and search for “更안청담” or “DERAaN”
• Choose your desired treatment and the estimated arrival date
• Provide basic information (name, contact details)
• BeautsGO’s Chinese customer service will confirm the reservation within 24 hours
• Just present the confirmation on the day of your visit

Method 2: Reservation via LINE

Target audience: Travelers who already use LINE or those accustomed to instant messaging communications.

• Join the official LINE account.
• Send your name (in both Chinese and/or English), the expected arrival date, and the treatment you would like to receive.
• Staff from the facility will respond within a few hours to confirm your reservation.

Option three: Schedule via Gmail.

• Send an email with the following information: your name, the planned arrival date, and the treatment you would like to consult about.
• Replies are usually given within 1–2 business days.

Comparison of booking methods

Booking methods	Language	Response time	Target audience
BeautsGO (Recommended)	Taiwanese Chinese	Within 24 hours	Travelers from Hong Kong/Taiwan, first-time visitors
LINE	Chinese/English/Korean	Within a few hours	Users who already use LINE
Gmail	Taiwanese Chinese	1-2 business days	Those with longer itineraries

Tip: It is recommended to book at least 3-5 days in advance, as popular times around weekends and holidays may fill up quickly.

VI. Basic Information about the Institution

Institution Name	DERAaN Thean Cheongdam Clinic (Gyeongan Cheongdam Hospital)
Address	2nd Floor, Cheongtan First Tower, 406 Daosan-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Abo ut a 3-minute walk from Exit 4 of Aygujeongno Station)
Telephone	02-540-5777
Opening Hours	Monday to Thursday: 10:00-19:00 (Lunch break: 13:00-14:00) Friday: 1 0:00-20:00 Saturday: 10:00-15: 00 (Open without interruption) Sunday and holidays: Closed
Main Treatments	Ulthera, Thermage FLX, ONDA, Softwave, Thread Lift
Official Website	aanclinic.com
Instagram	@deraanclinic

If you are also considering anti-aging treatments in Seoul, the seriousness and professionalism of Cheongtan Gaean really impressed me. Both directors personally handle the procedures, the qualifications of the staff are transparent, and the equipment used is genuine—these qualities are not uncommon in the Cheongtan area, but to combine them all and clearly communicate each one is what truly makes a place trustworthy.