If you search for “Thread Lifting in South Korea” on Dcard or REDnote, you will surely be overwhelmed by a plethora of options with various prices and recommendations. However, very few people tell you a crucial fact: the effectiveness of Thread Lifting depends 80% on the skills of the surgeon. For the same type of thread material, the angle and depth at which it is inserted by different surgeons can result in vastly different outcomes. Some people may look 5 years younger after the procedure, while others may experience indentations, Dimpleplasty issues, or even facial asymmetry.
This article will not provide a mere list of options; instead, I would like to start with a very practical question: Among the dozens of Dermatology clinics located along a single street in Gangnam, why is the Thread Lifting service provided by Rappoel Dermatology particularly worth considering? Let’s take a look at this introduction to Rappoel Hospital in South Korea in this issue.
I. Thread Lifting is not simply a matter of “inserting threads” – why is it particularly easy to make mistakes when undergoing Thread Lifting at Rappoel Hospital in South Korea for Asian facial structures?
Many Taiwanese people have a misconception about Thread Lifting, thinking that it simply involves inserting a few threads to pull the face up. However, Dr. Lee Chou-joong, the director of Rappoel Dermatology, provides a very accurate explanation on their official website: “The facial features of Asians—large cheekbones and well-defined contours—are not suitable for standardized surgical methods, as these might exacerbate existing flaws or cause indentations.”
I don’t mean to scare you. The most common side effect of Thread Lifting is “Dimpleplasty,” which occurs when doctors fail to select the appropriate type of thread and implantation method based on the fat density, bone structure, and skin type of your face. Factory-style hospitals often resort to the one-size-fits-all approach of “implanting XX number of threads all over the face,” resulting in varying outcomes—some patients get good results, while others end up regretting their decision.
Ultimately, Thread Lifting is a procedure that relies heavily on the doctor’s skill and experience. The same SilhouminT thread can produce completely different results when performed by a clinic director with 18 years of experience versus a newcomer who has just obtained their license. Therefore, when choosing a clinic, it is more important to consider how many years the director has been in the industry and how many procedures they have performed, rather than simply comparing prices.
II. For 18 years, he has focused on only one thing – why is Director Lee Joo-kyung known as the “Gangnam Rappoel” of Thread Lifting?
In South Korea’s Dermatology industry, the qualifications of the clinic director are 100 times more important than the appearance of the clinic itself. Director Lee Joo-hyung of Rappoel Dermatology boasts a background that can be considered top-tier in the Gangnam area:
- 🎓 Graduated from the School of Medicine at Inha University and completed the specialized physician training program at Inha University Hospital.
- 🏥 Former Director of Erene Plastic Surgery Clinic
- 🏥 Former Director of Aviju Gangnam Headquarters
- 🏥 Former Chief Physician at Bobby Plastic Surgery Center
- 🏥 Former Dean of Naser Dermatology Institute
- 🏥 Former Director of the Gangnam Headquarters of Me&Me
- 📜 Full Member of the Korean Association of Aesthetic Physicians
- 📜 Member of the Korean Association of Aesthetic Plastic Laser Medicine
- 📜 Member of the Korean Association for Filler and Botulinum Toxin Research
Take a look at his experience: every position he has held has been at the “dean” level, not that of a junior doctor. In Gangnam, where the competition in the medical aesthetics industry is extremely fierce, being able to serve as the dean of more than five well-known clinics is in itself the best endorsement possible. Moreover, unlike some deans who specialize in only one type of treatment, he has received practical training covering almost all mainstream thread Lifting and filler brands: Restylane practical training, Juvederm seminars, Sculptra courses, MERZ Academy programs, Allergan workshops, Dream-up thread Lifting workshops, Ultra V Lifting workshops… This means that he is not limited to just one type of thread; instead, he can choose the most suitable one for your facial features.
III. Why is Thread Lifting with SilhouminT at Rappoel Hospital in South Korea so special? A detailed analysis of the technical principles and advantages.
On the official website of Rappoel Dermatology, SilhouminT (실루민트 리프팅) is listed as their flagship treatment, rather than procedures using devices such as Ulthera or Thermage. This is quite interesting – when a clinic dares to highlight Thread Lifting as its primary offering, it indicates that the director has great confidence in their thread implantation techniques.
SilhouminT is an absorbable conical thread that uses its unique conical structure to secure the subcutaneous tissue, resulting in a more pronounced Lifting effect than conventional smooth threads. At the same time, it stimulates the production of Collagen. Its key advantages include:
- ✅ Immediate Lifting effects + sustained collagen regeneration
- ✅ Absorbable sutures are naturally metabolized within 6 to 8 months.
- ✅ No need for incisions, resulting in less pain
- ✅ Short recovery period; swelling usually subsides within 2–3 days.
But let’s get back to the key point we mentioned earlier: the threads are just tools; the actual results depend on the doctor’s expertise. Director Li’s approach is to first assess the density of your facial fat, your bone structure, and the type of your skin, before deciding which type of thread to use, how many threads to implant, and at which layer to insert them. This level of precision in “tailoring the treatment to each individual” is something that factory-style hospitals simply cannot achieve.
IV. The three principles of “subtraction aesthetics” proposed by Dr. Lee Joo-kyung of Rappoel Hospital in South Korea: It is often easier not to do something than to try to do it.
The sales approach of most Dermatology clinics in South Korea follows a “additive” model – what was originally intended to be just one treatment often ends up becoming three after consultation. Rappoel Dermatology, however, takes a completely opposite approach. They refer to this approach as “Aesthetic Eye Procedures,” which are based on three core principles:
❶ Details: Examine your face from all 360 degrees
It’s not just about checking symmetry from the front; instead, it’s about examining your facial shape, the movement of your expressive muscles, and your everyday microexpressions from various angles – including the front, 45-degree angles, the side, and upward views. Only by conducting such a comprehensive assessment can we identify the areas that need improvement and the strengths that should be emphasized. Many people are unaware of how their faces look from the side, which parts may appear sagging or sunken. It is only through this all-around evaluation that we can truly address these issues effectively.
❷ Personalized one-on-one service throughout the entire process: The hospital director takes full responsibility from the consultation stage all the way to the recovery phase.
This is very important: in many large hospitals, the process usually follows this sequence: “consultation by a counselor → preparation by a nurse → treatment by a doctor → post-treatment care by a nurse.” You may only have a 10-minute meeting with the hospital director. However, at Rappoel Dermatology, Director Lee takes personal responsibility for the entire process, from the pre-treatment assessment to the actual procedure and follow-up during the recovery period. This is also the reason why their patient satisfaction rate is so high – you don’t have to worry about not being able to get in touch with anyone after the treatment.
❸ Only do what’s necessary: Say no to “package-based sales”.
Rappoel’s official website states quite clearly: “Rappoel does not perform procedures in a mechanical, factory-like manner, simply replicating popular treatments.” Instead, they design their services with the mindset of “what I would want if I were in your position,” focusing only on what you truly need. This approach is particularly appealing to people from Taiwan, because what we fear most is being pressured into undergoing a bunch of unnecessary treatments when we visit South Korea.
V. Price list of Rappoel Hospital in South Korea – Lifting treatments + Filling treatments + Skin nutrition injections
The project structure of Rappoel Dermatology is quite interesting. Unlike other clinics that offer a wide range of services, it focuses exclusively on two core areas: Lifting and Filling.
🏋️ Lifting treatments
- SilhouminT Thread Lifting – The flagship treatment, using the thread materials personally selected by the clinic director
- Ulthera HIFU – Lifting with focused HIFU energy to target the deep fascia
- Thermage FLX – Radiofrequency facial tightening for collagen regeneration throughout the face
- ONDA Lifting – Microwave Lipolysis + Skin Tightening, ideal for those with Double Chin
- InMode – Dual-polar RF + Pulse glow, a multi-functional integrated system
- Oligio — A Korean-made HIFU device with a high cost-performance ratio
- Nose Lifting – A specialized procedure designed to address sagging nasal tissues
💉 Fillers
- Female clavicle augmentation – Another signature procedure at Rappoel, designed to enhance the contours of the collarbone.
- Male shoulder augmentation – Shaping broad shoulders for men
- Body filling – localized contouring and shaping
- Neck wrinkle filling – Improves fine lines and sagging in the neck area
💧 Skin Nutritive Injections (Skin Boosters)
- Rejuran Rejuran – PN/PDRN for skin regeneration
- Juvelook — PDLLA Collagen Regeneration Needle
- Cell Exosome — The Repair Power of Extracellular Asce+ Exosomes
🔬 Laser treatments and care services (reference prices)
| Project | Reference price (₩) |
|---|---|
| Dual-color laser treatment (1 session for the face) | ₩100,000 |
| Dual-color laser therapy combined with vitamin treatment | ₩150,000 |
| CO₂ laser (with a wavelength of less than 1mm per laser beam) | ₩10,000 |
| CO₂ lasers (2-3 mm per laser) | ₩30,000 |
| LDM Droplet Lifting | ₩120,000 |
| LDM (Rejuvenation/Relaxation/Rumination) | ₩70,000 |
| Tiny bubbles + acne removal | ₩100,000 |
| PHA Glow Skin Treatment | ₩250,000 |
| PHA Skin Treatment + LDM | ₩300,000 |
| PDT photodynamic therapy | ₩170,000 |
| Body lipolysis injection (1 area) | ₩99,000 |
| Signature Rappoel-V injection | ₩200,000 |
| Signature ContourTox | ₩89,000 |
⚠️ The above prices are for reference only; the actual charges will be subject to the hospital’s official quotation. For Lifting treatments such as thread lifting, Ulthera, or Thermage, due to significant differences in individual facial structures, a consultation is required before a quotation can be provided. All prices do not include a 10% value-added tax, and foreign tourists are eligible for tax refunds upon presenting their passports.
VI. FAQ on Common Issues at Rappoel Dermatology in South Korea
Q1: Is there a Chinese translation for Rappoel? Yes! Rappoel offers p
rofessional Chinese translation services and customer support throughout the entire consultation and treatment process. You can also make reservations through the BeautsGO platform, where the customer service is available in Traditional Chinese, so communication is completely seamless.
Q2: Is Thread Lifting with Rappoel painful? How long is the recovery period? Rappoel uses local anest
hesia, so the pain during the procedure is quite mild; most people describe it as a feeling of soreness and swelling. The swelling usually subsides within 2–3 days, and it is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise and saunas for at least 1 week. Compared to the discomfort associated with Ulthera treatment, Thread Lifting with Rappoel is relatively less painful.
Q3: What payment methods does Rappoel support? Cash, credit ca
rds (VISA/Mastercard/JCB), and Alipay are all available. Foreign tourists can receive a VAT refund of approximately 10% upon presenting their passports, which is equivalent to a 10% discount.
Q4: Which is more suitable for me – Rappoel Thread Lifting or Ulthera HIFU? It depends on your specific needs: Thread Lifting provides immediate a
nd noticeable Lifting effects, making it ideal for those with obvious signs of facial sagging; Ulthera, on the other hand, is better suited for preventive anti-aging treatments and deep fascia tightening. Some people also find that combining both methods yields more lasting results. Dr. Lee will recommend the most appropriate approach based on the condition of your face during the consultation.
Q5: What should I pay attention to when going to Rappoel for my first facial treatment? It is recommended to make an appointment
3–7 days in advance, especially for procedures like Thread Lifting that require a personal consultation by the director – these services are often fully booked during peak periods. Avoid taking anticoagulant medications such as aspirin before the treatment, and do not wear makeup on the day of the procedure. Also, refrain from engaging in strenuous exercise, using saunas, or drinking alcohol for 1–2 weeks after the treatment.
Q6: How long does the effect of Rappoel’s SilhouminT Thread Lifting last? Generally, the effect lasts for 6 to 12 months, depending on
an individual’s physical condition and lifestyle. The threads are naturally absorbed by the body after 6 to 8 months, but the Collagen production stimulated by this process persists for a longer time. Many people choose to have the treatment repeated every six months to maintain more stable results.
VII. Basic Information about Rappoel Dermatology in South Korea
| Project | For more details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Clinic Name | Dr. Rappoel’s Dermatology Clinic |
| 📌 Address | 5th Floor, 24, 77-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul |
| 🚇 Transportation | Walk 200 meters (in 1 minute) from Exit 10 of Gangnam Station on Line 2. |
| 🕐 Business hours | Monday to Friday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM (lunch break: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM) / Saturday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM / Sunday: Closed |
| 🚗 Parking | Mechanical parking lot adjacent to the Good Pharmacy on the first floor of the building (suitable for SUVs); valet parking service available for ¥40,000. |
| 💬 How to Make an Appointment | Consult via LINE, send an email via Gmail, or make a reservation with just one click through BeautsGO. |
VIII. How to Make an Appointment at Dermatology Rappoel in South Korea – LINE, Gmail, or BeautsGO
Are you ready? Click the button below and book your appointment now.
IX. Recommended Reading – More Tips on Medical Aesthetics in South Korea
- 📝 Actual Review of Laurel Dermatology in Cheongdam洞 | One of the top 1% Lifting specialist clinics in South Korea; after the Ultanium treatment, my friends all asked if I had lost weight.
- 📝 For those who fear pain during cosmetic procedures, choose this clinic! At THE LIFT Dermatology in Jeju, the ONDA Titanium Lifting procedure is completely pain-free.
- 📝 Seongsu Newlline Dermatology | Seoul’s most discreet Lifting specialist clinic, just 1 minute walk from Dodong Island Station
- 📝 Top Dermatology Clinics in Seocho District, South Korea | A Comprehensive Comparison of 6 Institutions: ALIVE·Galleria·Theia·Liftique·BTN·Dayone
- 📝 Just a 1-minute walk from Nonhyeon Station! Personal consultations are provided by Dr. Choi Won, the director of Elvia Dermatology. Practical experiences using Rejuran and Sofwave.