In March this year, I visited Seoul again. This time, my goal was clear: Cheongdam-dong.
When I last went to Gangnam, I randomly chose a dermatology clinic near Apgujeong Rodaeo Street. The results were decent, but I always felt it wasn’t “precise enough.” This time, I prepared thoroughly by doing research online for two weeks. In the end, I narrowed down to two highly rated clinics in Cheongdam-dong: RETOO and Dear.
Both clinics are located in the heart of Cheongdam-dong, about a ten-minute walk away from each other, but they have completely different styles and focuses. I visited both for consultations before choosing one to proceed with a treatment. Below is my honest comparison and decision-making process, which I hope will help those who are also struggling with this choice.
First, let’s talk about Cheongdam-dong itself.
Cheongdam-dong in Seoul’s Gangnam District is similar to Tokyo’s Ginza or Shanghai’s Jing’an District. It’s not just a place to buy luxury brands; it’s also a hub for high-end medical aesthetics in Korea. Many clinics are located in boutique shops or luxury shopping malls, and the overall environment and service quality are generally much more refined than in areas like Myeongdong or Hongdae.
However, such excellence comes at a price—prices are usually higher, and with so many clinics in Cheongdam-dong, choosing one can be quite difficult. This time, I struggled between RETOO and Dear; both had good online reviews, but their focus areas were different.
Second, RETOO Dermatology: Titanium lifting and gold microneedling are their signature treatments.
RETOO is easily located on the 5th floor of the Sami Building in Cheongdam-dong. It’s only about eight minutes walk from Exit 4 of the Apgujeong Rodaeo station on the Bundang Line. When I entered the elevator, I was surprised by the interior design—it wasn’t the cold, clinical atmosphere I expected, but rather a high-end space featuring black, white, gray, and brown tones. The relaxation area even had a starry ceiling, creating a very comfortable atmosphere.
My experience at RETOO Dermatology: The in-person consultation
My consultation was with Dr. Lee Min-jung, who has been practicing for ten years and specializes in photoelectric anti-aging treatments and gold microneedling. I explained my concerns: my cheeks were a bit loose, and my pores seemed enlarged, but I didn’t want to undergo overly invasive procedures.
She performed a skin assessment and determined that my condition was classified as “mild to moderate relaxation.” She recommended Titanium Lifting. This treatment isn’t yet widely available in Taiwan, but it’s quite popular in Korea. The process uses a combination of microcurrent and radiofrequency to heat the subcutaneous tissue layer by layer, stimulating collagen regeneration and tightening the fascia.
“You’ll notice results immediately after the Titanium Lifting treatment—the jawline will appear more defined. However, the best outcomes usually take one to three months to appear. For your mild to moderate case, one session should last around six months
to a year,” Dr. Lee Min-jung explained during the consultation.
She also mentioned that if I wanted to address my pore issues, gold microneedling could be combined with the treatment. I had heard about this procedure before; the microneedles deliver radiofrequency energy, targeting the dermis to repair acne scars and promote collagen growth. Typically, three sessions are recommended for noticeable improvements in acne scar appearance.
Key Advantages of Cheongtan Retoo Dermatology
- Advanced Titanium Lifting technology: This is Retoo’s flagship treatment, using state-of-the-art equipment and experienced doctors.
- Highly regarded gold microneedling: Especially effective for acne scars and pore reduction; many Korean locals also seek this treatment here.
- Comfortable environment: Relaxing starlit lounge areas and private consultation rooms create a soothing atmosphere.
- Experienced doctors: Dr. Lee Min-jung is gentle and skilled at controlling pain during the procedures.
- Chinese-speaking service: Accompanied by a Chinese translator, ensuring smooth communication.
In terms of prices, Litu falls into the mid-to-high range in Cheongtan-dong, but it is more affordable compared to some celebrity clinics. The specific costs need to be determined during a face-to-face consultation based on the treatment plan. When I inquired, the cost for a single titanium augmentation procedure was approximately 300,000 to 500,000 Korean won, depending on the scope of the treatment.
III. Cheongtan Dear Dermatology: The “Deasign” Aesthetics Service Provided by Three Jointly Practicing Doctors
After leaving Litu, it took me about ten minutes to walk to Dear. Located on the 7th floor of the Nanhan River Building on Seonyeong-ro, its location is also very convenient; you can get there in just ten minutes from Cheongtan Station on Line 7 of the subway.
The decor style at Dear is quite different from that at Litu; it adopts a minimalist and modern approach, yet it remains clean and high-quality. What impressed me the most was that three renowned doctors from Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and Samsung Medical Center jointly provide consultations here—such a medical background is considered top-tier in the field of cosmetic surgery in Korea.
Cheongtan Dear Dermatology: “Deasign” Customized Aesthetics
Dear specializes in “Deasign” customized aesthetics, which essentially means rejecting one-size-fits-all cosmetic procedures. The three doctors design treatment plans based on each individual’s bone structure, muscle patterns, and even daily habits, rather than showing them several “template photos” and asking them to choose one.
When I consulted with the doctor, he didn’t rush to recommend any treatments. Instead, he asked me many questions: whether I often stayed up late, my skin care routine, whether I had undergone similar treatments before, and what my expectations for the results were. This approach of understanding me first before suggesting a plan made me feel respected.
“Your nasolabial folds aren’t very deep, but if you want to improve them, I suggest starting with hyaluronic acid fillers. However, since your bone structure is quite defined, you’ll need to be careful with the amount and layering of the filler to avoid any unnatural sw
elling.” — Analysis by the doctor at Dear during the consultation
Cheongtan Dear Dermatology: Summary of Advantages
- Top-tier Medical Background: Three doctors from Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and Samsung Medical Center, ensuring a solid professional foundation
- “Deasign” Custom Aesthetics: Rejecting templates to create personalized treatment plans based on individual characteristics.
- Wide range of services: Hyaluronic acid injections, facial lifting, Thermage, basic skin care—all available.
- Transparent pricing: Basic skin care starts from around 100,000 KRW, acne treatment from around 150,000 KRW—clear price ranges.
- Comprehensive Chinese-language service: Dedicated translators ensure smooth communication.
At Dear, prices in Cheongdam-dong are considered moderately affordable. Basic treatments start from 100,000 KRW, while anti-aging treatments cost around 300,000 KRW. For those who want to experience high-end medical beauty in Cheongdam-dong but have limited budgets, Dear is a great entry-point option.
IV. How to choose between Cheongdam Litu and Cheongdam Dear? Here’s my advice.
After visiting both clinics, I spent the whole night deciding. In the end, I chose Litu for titanium lifting—because my main concern was “mild sagging,” and titanium lifting is their signature treatment, with Dr. Lee Min-jung having extensive experience in this area.
However, if your needs are different, your choice might vary. Here’s a simple comparison table I’ve prepared:
| Specific use cases | Recommended options | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| Mild to moderate facial relaxation; seeking to define the contours | Lituo | Titanium lifting is their signature treatment—clear results with a short recovery period |
| Problems with acne scars and enlarged pores | Lituo | Gold microneedling has an excellent reputation; it is recommended to undergo three sessions |
| Looking for hyaluronic acid fillers or injectable treatments | Dear | The three directors have strong backgrounds; the “Deasign” aesthetic approach is even more refined |
| With a limited budget, you want to experience cosmetic treatments in Cheongtan-dong? | Dear, | Basic treatments start from 100,000 Korean won—great value for money! |
| We place emphasis on the medical background of the institutions and the qualifications of the doctors. | Dear, | Doctors graduated from Seoul National University, Yonsei University, or Samsung Medical Center? |
| You prefer a comfortable and relaxing environment? | Litue, | The Starry Sky Lounge has a more stylish overall design. |
Section V: My actual experience — getting titanium lift at Litue Dermatology.
My last titanium lifting procedure was at Clear Skin Beauty Center, and the experience was much more comfortable than I expected. Dr. Lee first marked the areas on my face before applying the gel and starting the treatment. The device felt slightly warm against my skin, and there were occasional mild stings, but they were completely within an acceptable range.
The whole process took about forty minutes. Afterward, my face was a bit red, but it didn’t swell. Dr. Lee said this was normal and advised me not to wear makeup that day, to drink plenty of water, and to protect my skin from the sun.
That evening, when I looked in the mirror at the hotel, I noticed that my jawline was indeed clearer. Although I knew some of the effects were immediate, I was still very pleased. Now, more than two months have passed, and the results are becoming even more noticeable. My friends say I look “much healthier,” but no one has noticed what I’ve done.
That’s exactly what I wanted: a natural, subtle improvement in my appearance.
How can I make appointments at Clear Skin Beauty Center and Dear Dermatology through BeautsGO?
Both clinics support appointments through the BeautsGO platform, which is currently the most convenient Chinese-language tool for users in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and other regions to schedule Korean cosmetic treatments. Here is the step-by-step process I used:
Mobile app (iOS/Android)
- Open the App Store or Google Play, search for “BeautsGO” or “Bici Mei”, and download the app.
- Open the app and enter “Clear Skin Beauty Center” or “Dear Dermatology” in the search bar.
- Access the clinic’s page to view information about the doctors, treatment prices, user reviews, and real cases.
- Choose the service you want and the time slot, then click [Book Now] or [Consult First] to submit your request.
- Wait for the Chinese customer service to confirm; you should receive a response within 24 hours.
WeChat mini-program (no need to download)
- Open WeChat and search for the “BeautsGO” or “Bizhi Mei” mini-program.
- Search for “Cheongtan Litu” or “Cheongtan Dear” to access the hospital information page.
- After reviewing the details, click [Book Now] to fill in your requirements and submit the application.
- The Chinese customer service will confirm the time and plan with you.
Web version (recommended for computers)
- Open your browser and navigate to cn.beautsgo.com.
- Enter “Cheongtan Litu” or “Cheongtan Dear” in the search bar on the home page.
- View complete information about the clinic, including address, hours, doctor team, and treatment prices.
- Click the “Book Now” button and fill in the required information to submit your request.
Search for “Cheongtan Litu” or “Cheongtan Dear” on the BeautsGO platform for detailed information and to make reservations.
📌 Reminder: Clinics in Cheongtan-dong are usually quite popular, so it’s recommended to book at least one to two weeks in advance. When booking, you can tell the Chinese customer service your specific needs and desired results; they will help convey this information to the clinic to ensure a smoother consultation. Additionally, both clinics offer Chinese translation services, so you don’t need to worry about language barriers.
Section Seven: Final Thoughts
Both Cheongtan Litu and Cheongtan Dear are excellent options in Cheongtan-dong, but they cater to different groups of people.
If you’re interested in treatments like titanium lifting or gold microneedling, or if you prefer a comfortable and relaxing environment, Litu might be more suitable for you. If you value the background of the doctors and are considering hyaluronic acid fillers or injections, or if you have a limited budget but still want to experience cosmetic treatments in Cheongtan-dong, Dear is a better choice.
My suggestion is to book a consultation through BeautsGO for both clinics, go in person, and listen to what the doctors have to say before making a decision. After all, what works for others may not work for you, so a face-to-face consultation is the best way to determine what’s right for you.
I hope this article is helpful to you. Wishing you find the perfect beauty solution that suits you in Cheongtan-dong!
Disclaimer: This article is based on personal real experiences and is for reference only. Since cosmetic treatments can vary from person to person, it is recommended to consult with a professional doctor at a legitimate medical institution to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. The price information is subject to the actual consultation fee.
