Who should you turn to for Thread Lifting in Gangnam, South Korea? With 18 years of experience, Director Rappoel can guarantee that your face will not sag after the procedure and will look even more natural.
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. Even with 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.
Instead of providing a mere list of options, I would like to start with a very practical question: Among the dozens of Dermatology clinics along a street in Gangnam Station, why is Rappoel’s Thread Lifting technique particularly worth considering?

Thread Lifting is not simply a matter of “inserting threads” – why are Asian facial structures particularly prone to mistakes when it comes to this procedure?
Many Taiwanese people have the misconception that Thread Lifting simply involves inserting a few threads to lift the face. However, Dr. Lee Chou-joong of Rappoel provided 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 may exacerbate existing flaws or cause indentations.”
I’m not trying 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 the patient’s 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 the procedure.

For 18 years, he has focused on only one thing: Why is Director Lee Joo-kyung regarded as an expert in Thread Lifting in Gangnam?
In South Korea’s Dermatology community, 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 specialist physician training program at the same institution.
- 🏥 Former Director of Erene Plastic Surgery Clinic
- 🏥 Former Director of Aviju Gangnam Headquarters
- 🏥 Former Director of the Bobby Plastic Surgery Clinic
- 🏥 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 background: every position he has held has been at the level of “dean” or director, not that of a junior doctor. In Gangnam, where the competition in the medical aesthetics industry is the most fierce in the world, being able to serve as the dean of more than five well-known clinics is in itself the best endorsement possible.

More importantly, the practical training he has received covers almost all mainstream thread Lifting and filler brands: Restylane practical training, Juvederm seminars, Sculptra courses, MERZ Academy, 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 thread for your facial structure.
Rappoel’s three principles of “subtraction aesthetics”: It’s easier not to do something than to do it excessively.
The sales approach adopted by most Dermatology clinics in South Korea is based on the principle of “addition” – what was originally intended to be just one treatment often turns into three after consultation. Rappoel, however, takes a completely opposite approach. They refer to their services 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 ensuring symmetry when viewed from the front; instead, it’s about examining your facial features, the movement of your expressive muscles, and your everyday microexpressions from various angles – including the front, 45-degree angles, the side, and the top angle – in order to identify areas that need improvement as well as strengths that should be emphasized.

❷ Personalized one-on-one care throughout the entire process: The 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 typically follows this sequence: “consultation by a counselor → preparation by a nurse → procedure performed by a doctor → post-operative care by a nurse.” You might only have a 10-minute meeting with the hospital director. However, at Rappoel, Director Li takes personal responsibility for the entire process, from the pre-operative assessment to the actual procedure and the follow-up during the recovery period. This is precisely why their patient satisfaction rates are so high.
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 do if it were for myself,” focusing only on what you truly need.

Rappoel Dermatology (Dr. Rapoel’s Clinic)
| Project | Reference price (₩) |
|---|---|
| SilhouminT Thread Lifting | Consultation and quotation |
| Ulthera HIFU | Consultation and quotation |
| Thermage FLX Thermage | Consultation and quotation |
| Female clavicle and scapula augmentation | Consultation and quotation |
| Dual-color laser (for the face) | Starting from ¥100,000 |
| LDM Droplet Lifting | Starting from ¥120,000 |
| PHA Skin Treatment + LDM Combination | Starting from ¥330,000 |
| Body lipolysis injection (1 area) | Starting from ¥999,000 |
Rappoel’s signature treatment, SilhouminT Thread Lifting – what makes it so special?
On its official website, Rappoel lists SilhouminT (실루민트 리프팅) as its flagship service, rather than machine-based treatments 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.
What other options are available besides Thread Lifting? A comprehensive overview of Rappoel’s services
Rappoel’s project structure is quite interesting. Unlike other clinics that offer a wide range of services, it focuses 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 body contouring
- Neck wrinkle filler – Improves fine lines and sagging in the neck area
💧 Skin Nutrient Injections (Skin Boosters)
- Rejuran Rejuran – PN/PDRN for skin regeneration
- Juvelook — PDLLA Collagen Regeneration Needle
- Cell Exosome — The Repair Power of Extracellular Asce+ Exosomes
🔬 Lasers and treatments (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 quote 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.

Just walk for 1 minute from Exit 10 of Gangnam Station – the transportation is even more convenient than you might think.
The location of SWOMAN can be described as “unbelievably convenient.” Just exit Exit 10 of Gangnam Station on Line 2 of the subway and walk 200 meters in the direction of Shake Shack to reach it; it is located on the 5th floor of Building 2 of the Zhiyue Tower. Taking the airport railway from the airport to Seoul Station and then switching to Line 2 takes approximately 70 minutes in total.
⏰ Business hours: Monday to Friday, 10:30–20:00 (lunch break: 13:00–14:00) | Saturday, 10:30–17:00 | Closed on Sundays and public holidays
🚗 For self-driving vehicles, there is a mechanical parking lot located next to the Good pharmacy on the first floor of the building (suitable for SUVs). The valet parking service costs ₩4,000 additional.

What is the experience like when getting a facial treatment at Rappoel? – Clinic environment & safety standards
Rappoel is not the kind of large hospital with revolving doors in the lobby and waiting areas that resemble those of a hotel. Instead, it more closely resembles a sophisticated private clinic. The moment you step inside, you are greeted by a sense of “quietness, cleanliness, and professionalism”—and this actually reassures patients, because they know that what attracts customers here is not just the decor, but the quality of the medical services provided.

In terms of safety, Rappoel emphasized three key points:
- 🔒 Safety Management: Strict hygiene and disinfection procedures; all products are imported in their original packaging.
- 🔒 Personalized 1:1 Solutions: We take into account your unique facial proportions and features to achieve the most natural and beautiful results.
- 🔒 Honest Medical Treatment: Only perform what is necessary, never promote unnecessary procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is there a Chinese translation of Rappoel?
Sure! Rappoel offers professional Chinese translation services and customer support, accompanying clients throughout the consultation and treatment process. You can also make reservations through the BeautsGO platform, where the customer service is available in Traditional Chinese.
Q2: Is Thread Lifting painful? How long is the recovery period?
Rappoel uses local anesthesia, so the pain during the procedure is minimal—most people describe it as a mild tingling or swelling sensation. The recovery period usually involves 2–3 days of swelling subsiding, and it’s important to avoid strenuous exercise and saunas for at least a week.
Q3: What payment methods does Rappoel support?
Cash, credit cards, or Alipay are all acceptable. Foreign tourists can claim a VAT refund of approximately 10% by presenting their passports.
Q4: Which is more suitable for me – Thread Lifting or HIFU?
It depends on your needs: Thread Lifting provides more immediate Lifting effects and is suitable for those with obvious facial sagging; Ulthera is better suited for preventive anti-aging treatments and deep fascia tightening. Dr. Lee will recommend the most appropriate option based on the condition of your face during the consultation.
Q5: Can I use a credit card at Rappoel?
Sure, we accept VISA, Mastercard, and JCB. For some services, Alipay is also available for payment. The parking service fee of ₩4,000 must be paid separately.
Q6: If it’s my first time getting a facial treatment in South Korea, how much in advance should I make the reservation?
It is recommended to make a reservation at least 3 to 7 days in advance through BeautsGO or the official Kakao account. This is especially true for procedures such as Thread Lifting, which require a personal consultation by the clinic director; popular times tend to result in full schedules.
Basic Information
🏥 Clinic Name: Rappoel Dermatology (라포엘의원)
👨⚕️ Re
presentative Director: Dr. Lee Joo-hyung – 18 years of expe
rience as a specialist physician
📍 Address: 5th Floo
r, 24, 77 Seocho-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
🚇 Tra
nsportation: 200m walk from Exit 10
of Gangnam Station on Line 2
📞 Telephone: 02-594-3335
⏰ Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday 10:30–20:00 (lunch break 13:
00–14:00), Saturday 10:30–17:00, closed on
Sundays
💳 Payment Methods: Cash/credit cards/PayPa
l (tax-refund available)
🌐 Website: rappoelclinic.co.kr
📱 Instagram: @rappoel_clinic
🎥 YouTube: @Dr.LeeJH_Rappoel
4ever Jeju Dermatology
How to make an appointment
There are three ways to make an appointment at Rappoel Dermatology:
- 💬 Booking recommended on the BeautsGO platform: Click here to book, and our Taiwanese-speaking customer service will respond immediately.
- 📱 Kakao Channel: Search for “Dr. Rapho” or scan the QR code on our official website.
- 📧 Gmail: Submit your requests via the official website’s consultation form.
Recommended Reading
- 👉 For those who fear pain during cosmetic procedures, choose this clinic! The Lift onda in Jeju offers Titanium Lifting without any discomfort throughout the process.
- 👉 A guide to getting a facial treatment during your trip to Jinzhou Lianyan Dermatology
- 👉 Gangnam NowMedi Dermatology: The low-key but highly competent clinic that South Korean girls all go to
- 👉 Seongsu-dong NewLine Dermatology: Get beautiful while enjoying a coffee at the nearby café!