I looked at three dermatology clinics in Cheongtan-dong and finally decided to have titanium lifting at ELEV: All the medical records of Director Lee Ting-woo are available for consultation.

To be honest, I spent nearly half a year struggling with the decision to get titanium lifting. I first came across many posts on REDnote claiming that it made you look younger instantly, but then I also saw some disturbing cases of failure—the kind of swollen appearance that I definitely didn’t want to experience. So before flying to Seoul, I did a lot of research and listed several well-reviewed clinics in Cheongdam-dong. I consulted each one one by one. ELEV Dermatology was the final choice, and I’m documenting the whole process today.

My first impression of ELEV Dermatology in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul: it was quieter than I expected, with no sense of pressure to buy anything.

Walking about 10 minutes from Seokdong Station on the subway, you’ll reach ELEV Dermatology on Dosan-daero. The building has a low-key, dark design without any large signs; you might easily pass it by if you weren’t looking for it. Upon entering, the staff greeted me in Korean, but as soon as I explained I had made an appointment through BeautsGO, they switched to Chinese, ensuring no communication barriers throughout the process.

The waiting area is small but well-decorated in off-white tones with wooden elements. There are several Korean fashion magazines and guidebooks to Cheongdam-dong. What stood out most was the quietness of the clinic—no loud announcements or pressure to rush you into making decisions.

Dr. Lee Ting-woo personally conducted the consultation: a graduate of Korea University with over 10 years of experience in lifting treatments, and he spent more than 40 minutes examining my face.

What impressed me the most was that Dr. Lee Ting-woo himself took the time to consult with me. At many large chain clinics, a “director’s consultation” might just be a formality, with assistants or interns actually doing the work. But at ELEV, it was different. After examining my face and skin, Dr. Lee spent about 15 minutes conducting a thorough assessment before discussing the treatment plan.

Dr. Lee Ting-woo has a solid background: he graduated from the Medical Department of Korea University, served as the director of the Myeongdong Lielang Clinic, and later opened ELEV, focusing on “personalized, non-conveyor-belt” care. He explained that choosing between titanium lifting and the ultrasonic knife isn’t just about which option is more expensive, but rather about the degree of skin laxity and fat distribution. In my case, he suggested titanium lifting because my skin still had some elasticity, and the procedure could target the lower jaw area more precisely without the need for a full-face treatment with the ultrasonic knife. This approach of not pushing expensive options convinced me to choose ELEV.

Record of the ELEV Titanium Lifting treatment on that day: The entire process took only 50 minutes from entering the clinic to finishing.

After confirming the treatment plan, it could be carried out immediately. First, my skin was cleaned, and then an anesthetic was applied and left on for 30 minutes. The anesthetic worked very well; I hardly felt any significant pain during the treatment, except for mild stinging and a warm sensation.

The principle of titanium lifting is to use radiofrequency energy emitted by a titanium probe to deeply heat the dermis and SMAS fascia layers, thereby stimulating collagen production and contraction. Compared to treatments like Thermage or ultrasound, titanium lifting has the advantage of causing less pain and requiring a shorter recovery time. Director Lee Ting-yu personally performed the procedure, explaining in detail the angle and settings of the probe for each area—from the chin line to the lower edge of the cheeks. I lay down throughout the procedure and felt a mild warmth; it was completed in about 50 minutes.

After the treatment, my face felt slightly red and warm. The staff provided me with post-treatment instructions (including a Traditional Chinese version) and advised me to avoid hot environments and refrain from massaging my face for a week. The whole visit took place around 2 PM, so it didn’t interfere with my plans to continue exploring Cheongdam-dong that day.

Prices for titanium lifting at ELEV Dermatology in 2026: Is Cheongdam-dong expensive? How does it compare to Taiwan and Hong Kong?

I asked many friends this question and also inquired directly with the clinic during my consultation. ELEV’s pricing is transparent and fixed, unlike some clinics where additional fees are revealed only after the initial consultation.

Treatment options available at ELEV Dermatology	Korean reference prices (₩)	Approximate Hong Kong dollar amounts	Approximately NT$
Titanium treatment (40kJ per area)	Starting from ¥390,000	Starting from HK$2,200	Starting from NT$9,000
Titanium treatment (80kJ for the entire face)	Starting from ¥750,000	Starting from HK$4,300	Starting from NT$17,500
Thermage FLX (full-face version for US customers)	Starting from ⩹2,800,000	Starting from HK$16,000	Starting from NT$65,000
US version ultrasonic scalper (300 shots)	Starting from ⩹91,350,000	Starting from HK$7,700	Starting from NT$32,000
INMODE diamond superplastic treatment (full face)	Starting from ⩹91,200,000	Starting from HK$6,900	Starting from NT$28,000
Hyaluronic acid filler (1cc)	Starting from ¥250,000	Starting from HK$1,400	Starting from NT$5,800

For a full-face titanium lifting procedure that costs ¥975,000, that’s approximately NT$17,500 in Taiwanese dollars. Similar RF lifting treatments in Taiwan cost around NT$35,000 to NT$55,000, while in Hong Kong they range from HK$8,000 to HK$15,000. Considering the round-trip airfare and accommodation in Seoul, the cost-effectiveness of having two to three procedures during one trip is indeed quite good.

One month after the ELEV titanium lifting procedure: the actual changes I observed

On the day of the procedure, my skin was slightly red, but there was no swelling at all. The next day, it felt a bit tight, which is a normal reaction due to collagen contraction. By the third day, it had returned to normal. The jawline seemed tighter, but there was no noticeable stiffness or “done-looking” effect.

The most obvious change after one month was the definition of my jawline. Areas that had started to sag became tighter, giving my face a more defined shape. Some friends around me wondered if I had gotten a new haircut; no one guessed that it was a treatment. That’s exactly the kind of “invisible improvement” I wanted. Additionally, the texture of my skin improved; my pores looked smaller, and my skin felt overall more firm.

According to Director Lee Ting-woo, the optimal results of titanium lifting usually occur around 3 months later, as the continuous growth of collagen gradually enhances the effects. The results last for approximately 12 to 18 months, after which a maintenance treatment can be scheduled depending on individual circumstances.

Here’s the actual process for foreigners to schedule a consultation at ELEV Dermatology in Seoul: I did it in just three steps using BeautsGO.

For those who don’t speak Korean, the biggest concerns when considering cosmetic procedures in Seoul are often communication issues and the booking process. This time, I used the BeautsGO platform, and the whole process was really smooth—I found ELEV Dermatology on the app, selected the treatment I wanted, and chose a appointment time. I received a confirmation within about a day, and on the day of the appointment, a Chinese translator accompanied me throughout the entire process, so I didn’t need to communicate with the clinic myself at all.

Here is the basic process for making an appointment:

• Go to BeautsGO and search for “ELEV Dermatology” or “Cheongdam-dong Dermatology”.
• Choose the treatment you want (for example, Titanium lifting) and enter your estimated arrival date.
• BeautsGO’s customer service will confirm your appointment within 24 hours and provide you with any necessary instructions.
• On the day of your appointment, simply present the confirmation letter; a Chinese translator will be there to assist you throughout the process.
• After the treatment, you can check the post-treatment feedback and follow-up appointment details on the app.

Some honest words for those considering titanium lifting in Seoul

I ultimately felt it was worth it to decide to go to Korea for titanium lifting. But before making that decision, there were a few things I thought it was important to clarify:

• Don’t just look at the appearance or reputation of the clinic: Clinics in Cheongdam-dong and Gangnam-gu are often beautifully decorated, but what really matters is whether the doctor examines you personally and whether their communication is sincere. What impressed me about ELEV was that Director Lee Ting-yu didn’t push unnecessary treatments on me.
• Titanium lifting isn’t suitable for everyone: If you already have significant fat accumulation or deep skin laxity, you might want to consider INMODE or ultrasound therapy. The director will recommend the best option based on your specific condition, so don’t preconceive the outcome yourself.
• Post-treatment care is crucial: ELEV provides instructions in Traditional Chinese. After returning to Taiwan or Hong Kong, make sure to follow the guidelines for sun protection and moisturization—the duration of the results also depends greatly on your daily skincare routine.
• Reservations must be made in advance: Director Lee Ting-yu’s appointment slots are limited, so it’s recommended to book at least two weeks in advance during peak seasons. Using BeautsGO to make reservations can save you a lot of time and avoid language barriers.

FAQs about ELEV Dermatology

Q1: Where is ELEV Dermatology located in Seoul? Is it easily accessible?

ELEV Dermatology is located on the 7th floor of 33-36 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The nearest subway station is Hakdong Station (Bundang Line), which is about 8 to 10 minutes on foot. Taxis are also very convenient in the Cheongdam-dong area; it takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to get there from Gangnam Station.

Q2: Does Director Li Tingyou always perform personal consultations?

When booking a titanium lifting treatment through BeautsGO, it can usually be guaranteed that Director Li Tingyou will personally consult and perform the procedure. It is recommended to specifically indicate in the reservation notes your preference for a personal consultation, and the customer service will help confirm if a spot is available.

Q3: What is the difference between titanium lifting and Thermage? Which one is more suitable for me?

Simply put, titanium lifting uses radiofrequency (RF) energy, which acts primarily in the dermis layer. It causes less discomfort and allows for faster recovery. Thermage, on the other hand, uses deeper-penetrating energy and is more effective for more severe signs of skin laxity, but it is also more expensive and may require a longer recovery period after the procedure. It is best to let a doctor determine which treatment is right for you after a face-to-face consultation.

Q4: Are there Chinese translators available for foreign patients undergoing treatments at ELEV?

For foreign customers who book through BeautsGO, Chinese translation services are provided throughout the entire process, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers. Post-treatment instructions are also available in Traditional Chinese.

Q5: How long does the effect of ELEV titanium lifting last?

According to the clinic, the effects of titanium lifting peak around 3 months after the procedure and generally last for 12 to 18 months. Your personal skincare habits (such as sun protection, moisturization, and avoiding extreme temperatures) can affect how long the results last. It is recommended to follow proper after-care routines.