I consulted three dermatology clinics in Cheongdam, Seoul, and finally chose Antian because the doctor said I didn’t need to undergo Thermage treatment!

Before planning my cosmetic procedures in Seoul, I did a lot of research. The Cheongdam-dong area is already known to be home to some of the best medical clinics in Seoul; just walking around, you can see signs for five or six dermatology clinics. But having so many options can sometimes be confusing—each one claims to have the best technology and the latest equipment. How do you choose?

Before making my decision, I narrowed down my choices to three dermatology clinics in Cheongdam-dong and went to each one for a consultation. In the end, I chose Antian’s clinic. The reason is simple: their doctor was the first one to honestly tell me that I didn’t need to undergo certain procedures.

Comparison of the Three Consultations

Let me state the conclusion first: all three clinics had their unique strengths, but Antian gave me the most confidence. Here are my notes from the comparison:

clinic A (a large chain in Cheongdam)

The environment was great, and the staff were very welcoming. However, during the consultation, they immediately recommended a combination treatment using Thermage and ultrasound, which cost over ⩾₩2,800,000. When I asked if it was really necessary to do both at once, they said it would “double the results,” but they didn’t explain why my specific skin condition required this. That made me a bit wary.

clinic B (a well-reputed clinic in Apgujeong)

The doctor there was very nice and patient. But when I mentioned my budget and schedule, they still suggested three treatments, insisting that “at least two would be effective.” I understand the logic behind this, but it didn’t seem like their recommendation was tailored to my individual needs.

Antian’s Clinic

Also located in Cheongtan-dong, but the venue is conveniently situated right next to Exit 13 of Cheongtan Station. Once inside, the environment is noticeably more private—the waiting area is not open-air but rather a separate space. After examining my skin, the consulting doctor (the director) paused for a moment and said, “Your skin isn’t at a stage where Thermage treatment is necessary yet; it would be a waste of money. I suggest starting with a milder procedure first.”

These words made me decide on the spot to have the treatment there.

II. Basic Introduction to Antian Dermatology

Antian (안티안의원) is located in Cheongtan-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, just less than 1 minute’s walk from Exit 13 of Cheongtan Station on Line 7. The name of the clinic is derived from the French word “An,” which means “time,” symbolizing the reversal of time and the preservation of natural beauty.

• Address: 3F, W Tower, 72-7 Cheongtan-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Transportation: 30 seconds walk from Exit 13 of Cheongtan Station on Line 7
• Contact: 02-6204-4321
• Director’s Background: Previously worked at the Dermatology Department of Seoul National University Hospital, holds specialized certification in obesity treatment
• Languages of Service: Korean, English (translation assistance can be arranged in advance)

III. Main Treatment Services

1. Ultherapy Prime ultrasound lifting treatment

Antian uses the Ultherapy Prime system, combined with precise diagnosis, to customize the energy parameters based on the individual degree of skin laxity. Doctors emphasize that different levels of laxity require different energy intensities and do not advocate for uniformly high levels of energy. After the treatment, I felt a slight sense of tightness, which the doctor explained was a normal reaction that would gradually subside and begin to show results in about 1-2 weeks.

• Treatment duration: 45-60 minutes
• Post-treatment care: Avoid saunas and intense exercise for 3 days
• Results timeline: Best results are achieved in 2-3 months
• Duration of effects: Typically 12-18 months

2. Thermage FLX (recommended depending on the situation)

Antian uses top-of-the-line Thermage FLX equipment. However, doctors will assess whether it is truly necessary during the consultation—a point that impressed me greatly. Not every client requires Thermage FLX; if the skin condition does not warrant it, the doctor will clearly inform the client instead of trying to push the treatment for business purposes.

3. Skin Boosters: injectable treatments for hydration and collagen regeneration (such as Hyaluronic Acid injections or Juvelook)

Various treatments like hyaluronic acid injections and Juvelook are offered to help with quick hydration or to improve dull skin. I personally chose Juvelook, and the next day, I could already feel my skin looking much more hydrated.

• Juvelook: Promotes collagen regeneration, with effects lasting longer than those of regular hyaluronic acid injections.
• Hyaluronic acid injections: Provide immediate hydration, suitable for dry and sensitive skin.
• Post-treatment precautions: Avoid wearing makeup for 24 hours after the injection.

4. Pico Laser

Effective for treating spots, uneven skin tone, and pore problems. Advanced devices such as BBL Hero are used at these clinics, and doctors adjust the energy level according to individual skin types—making it particularly suitable for Asian skin. Sun protection is essential after treatment, and results usually begin to appear within two to four weeks.

IV. Actual Experience Report

I ultimately chose the combination of Juvelook and basic pico laser treatment, which cost around ₩650,000—significantly cheaper compared to other clinics’ packages.

The entire process went roughly like this:

1. Upon arrival, you fill out some basic information and wait in a private waiting area, separate from other customers.
2. The consultation with the doctor took about 15 minutes. She carefully examined my skin and patiently answered all three questions I asked.
3. I waited for about 30 minutes while the numbing agent was applied, and the nurse checked on my condition regularly.
4. The Juvelook injection process took approximately 20 minutes. The needle was thin, and the pain was within an acceptable range.
5. The picosecond laser treatment lasted around 15 minutes. Afterward, my skin felt slightly red and hot, but the nurse provided cold compresses to help.
6. The post-treatment care instructions were very clear, and they even gave me a card with precautions in both Korean and Chinese.

My skin was a bit red on the day of the procedure, but it had mostly returned to normal by the next day. By the third day, I noticed that my skin seemed to have more moisture than before.

V. Frequently Asked Questions Q&A

Q1: Can I go there if I don’t understand Korean?

Antian can communicate in English, and the doctor is also quite fluent in English. If you don’t speak Korean at all, you can book through BeautsGO, and they will arrange for a Mandarin translator to assist you, so there’s no need to worry about communication issues.

Q2: How far in advance should I make a reservation?

It is recommended to book at least 3-5 days in advance, as weekends and holidays tend to fill up quickly. For popular treatments like Ultherapy, it is advisable to book more than a week in advance.

Q3: What are the approximate costs?

Basic skin injections (such as hyaluronic acid treatments) cost around ¥920,000 to ¥400,000; Juvelook ranges from ¥930,000 to ¥500,000; Ultherapy prices generally fall between ¥91,500,000 and ¥2,500,000, depending on the number of probes used. The cost is tailored to individual needs, and a detailed quote will be provided by the doctor during the consultation.

Q4: How many days after the procedure can I wear makeup?

For injection-based treatments (such as hyaluronic acid or Juvelook), it is recommended to wait 24-48 hours before wearing makeup. For laser treatments, it depends on the individual’s recovery; usually, sunscreen can be applied after 2-3 days, and regular makeup can be worn after 5-7 days. The doctor will provide specific advice based on your condition.

Q5: How does Antian differ from large chain clinics?

The main differences lie in privacy and personal attention. Antian is a small, boutique clinic where doctors see only a few patients at a time, allowing for more thorough consultations. Unlike large chain clinics, which can feel like assembly lines due to the high volume of patients. However, if you need to undergo multiple major procedures, you may need to visit the clinic in multiple sessions.

VI. Booking Methods

Antian Dermatology offers three convenient booking methods to suit the needs of different customers:

Method 1: Online reservation through BeautsGO (recommended)

Target audience: Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan residents and overseas Chinese travelers who may have language barriers or are making their first reservation

• Open the BeautsGO platform and search for “Antian” or “안티안의원”
• Choose your desired treatment and the estimated date of arrival
• Provide basic information (name, get in touch details)
• BeautsGO customer service will confirm the reservation within 24 hours
• Present the confirmation email on the day of your visit

Method 2: Reservation via LINE

Target audience: Travelers who already use LINE or prefer instant messaging for reservations

Method 3: Contact via Gmail

Comparison of reservation methods

Reservation method	Language	Response speed	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 working days	For those with longer scheduled appointments

Tip: It is recommended to book at least 3-5 days in advance, as popular treatments may be fully booked on weekends or holidays.

VII. Conclusion

If you, like me, have concerns about the “excessive promotion” of cosmetic treatments in Korea, Antian Dermatology might offer a different experience. It’s not that the services are cheap (the prices at the Cheongtan-dong clinic are already relatively high), but during the consultation process, you will feel that the doctors are truly giving advice based on your specific situation, rather than trying to sell you packages.

The location is extremely convenient (Exit 13 of Cheongtan Station provides direct access), the environment is private, and the facilities are well-equipped. I highly recommend coming here for a consultation if you are going to Korea for cosmetic treatments for the first time, or if you have had a negative experience at larger clinics before.