Last week, I visited TheiA Dermatology in Gangnam, Seoul. This clinic, with its “future-tech” atmosphere on the 14th and 15th floors of the Addison Building, felt completely different from ordinary dermatology clinics from the moment I entered. The reception area on the 14th floor has a strong technological vibe, and there were many patients from both China and Korea. The clinic director communicated entirely in Chinese throughout the consultation process. This article details the entire experience, my true feelings, and the prices of the services offered. Sisters who are considering visiting this clinic should save this article for later reference.
🏥 Actual photos of TheiA Dermatology’s environment: Technology Hall on the 14th floor + treatment area arranged in a “U” shape on the 15th floor
TheiA is located on the 14th and 15th floors of the Addison Building at No. 407 Gangnam-daero. As soon as you enter the 14th floor, you are immediately impressed by the reception area—its design features a minimalist white aesthetic combined with cool-colored lighting. Electronic screens display the details of each consultation in real time, allowing customers to discuss treatment plans directly with the therapists, thus enhancing the efficiency of communication. It doesn’t feel like a traditional clinic at all; rather, it’s more like stepping into a technology exhibition hall.
The hall is filled with customers from both China and Korea; it’s very popular, but the waiting process is well-organized. The director conducts individual consultations one by one, rather than using a rushed, five-minute procedure to send you away. During the consultation, all your skin-related data is displayed directly on an electronic screen. You and the director can review the reports together and discuss the best course of action—everything is explained clearly, without any forced sales attempts.
🔬 Practical testing of TheiA Dermatology AI detection: 6-angle photography combined with data analysis, resulting in much greater accuracy than traditional in-person consultations
The first step upon entering the clinic is not to lie down immediately for the injection, but to undergo an AI skin analysis first. The Visia detector is used to take photos from six different angles, providing a comprehensive digital overview of various aspects of the skin—including Pores, skin pigmentation, redness, and signs of deep aging. I had undergone skin tests at other places before, but Theia’s report is significantly more detailed; each aspect is accompanied by quantitative indicators, rather than vague statements like “your skin is dehydrated” after a quick glance.
The test results are directly displayed on the electronic screen in the consultation room, and the room manager will explain each item to you in detail – indicating where there are signs of early aging, where extra moisturization is needed, and where it is possible to wait and take no immediate action. This approach of letting “data speak” for itself is very reassuring, as it ensures that you won’t be pressured into undergoing unnecessary treatments. The entire process, including the test and the consultation, takes approximately 40 minutes, so there’s no need to rush.
💉 The TheiA Dermatology equipment corridor: HIFU devices and Thermage systems are all displayed together in a visually stunning way.
The 15th floor is the treatment area, designed with a L-shaped layout. All the rooms are single-person rooms, providing excellent privacy. However, what impressed me the most was that all the equipment was displayed on both sides of the corridor! HIFU machines, Thermage devices, Potenza, Fraxel lasers… an entire row of advanced equipment was openly displayed there, creating a truly stunning visual impact. Not every clinic would dare to display its equipment in such a way; such openness is a clear indication that the clinic truly has a comprehensive range of facilities.
The L-shaped layout of the treatment process also ensures that the entire consultation and treatment sequence proceeds smoothly: examination → face-to-face consultation → anesthesia application → treatment → post-treatment care. Completing the entire process in one round eliminates the need for back-and-forth movements. The individual treatment rooms are not particularly large, but they are comfortable enough, and privacy is well protected, so there is no need to worry about discomfort caused by the adjacent beds.
💰 TheiA Dermatology price list: Titanium Lifting starts from ¥9.4 million, Thermage treatment costs ¥2.2 million; the same prices apply in both China and South Korea, with no additional charges.
One of the biggest advantages of TheiA is that the prices are the same as those in South Korea; foreigners do not have to pay any additional fees. Below are the prices of several popular treatments that were inquired about on that day, for your reference:
- Titanium Lifting (for the face): Starting from ¥4.0 million (approximately $9,000)
- Thermage (for the face): Starting from ₩22.2 million (approximately NT$50,000)
- Rejuran PN (2 centum cores): Starting from NT$925,000 (approximately US$5,700)
- Lizne Glow Tonic (1 centum core): Starting from ¥970,000 (approximately $1,600)
- Fraxel Laser Treatment (for the entire face): Starting from NT$9.2 million (approximately US$4,500)
- Potenza Potenza Gold Micro-Needles (for the entire face): Starting from NT$920,000 (approximately US$4,500)
- ONDA Lifting: Starting from ¥6.6 million (approximately $13,600)
- Botox fillers: Starting from ¥15 million (approximately NT$34,000)
Compared with other Dermatology clinics of the same level in Gangnam, TheiA’s prices are on the higher side. However, considering additional services such as AI-based examinations, one-on-one consultations with department heads, and full Chinese-language support, the cost-performance ratio is actually quite good. There is no charge for the initial consultation, and patients are free to decide whether to proceed with any treatments after the examination without feeling under pressure.
👩⚕️ TheiA Dermatology Department Head conducts in-person consultations: treatment plans are displayed simultaneously on electronic screens, and standardized sales approaches are strictly avoided.
The in-person consultations at TheiA are conducted by the department head, not the hospital director. At first, I was a bit concerned about whether the department head had enough expertise, but overall, the process seemed quite professional. The department head would analyze each item in detail based on the AI assessment report, determining which issues needed to be addressed immediately and which could wait. The suggestions given were always reasonable and didn’t feel like any forced sales attempts.
The most remarkable feature is the simultaneous display on electronic screens – you and the team leader can view the same screen while discussing treatment options, which is far clearer than the traditional method where the doctor simply tells you what to do. On that day, I realized that my dark spots were more severe than I had imagined. The team leader suggested starting with fractional laser treatment first, rather than rushing into fillers. This honest and straightforward approach really reassured me.
🌸 Postoperative care for TheiA Dermatology treatments: LED glow for relaxation + a Chinese-language care manual to take home
After the treatment, a nurse will apply a calming facial mask to your skin and then use LED red light therapy for approximately 15–20 minutes. The entire process is very relaxing, and you won’t feel rushed at all. Afterwards, you will be given a Chinese-language care manual that provides detailed instructions.
- Within 24 hours, only use clean water to wash your face; avoid using any skincare products that contain alcohol or nicotinamide.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, steam baths, and saunas within 3 days.
- It is essential to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50; physical sun protection methods should be given priority.
- Mild peeling may occur 3 to 5 days after the procedure; this is a normal reaction and should not be scratched.
- Avoid using irritating ingredients such as retinol or fruit acids within one week.
- It is essential to enhance moisture retention; it is recommended to use medical-grade repair creams.
👥 Who is TheiA Dermatology suitable for? These groups of people should definitely give it a try, while others may want to consider other options first.
After trying it out, I believe TheiA is particularly suitable for the following types of people:
- For those going to South Korea for cosmetic procedures for the first time and who need all communications to be in Chinese.
- Those who want to first undergo an AI skin analysis to understand the actual condition of their skin
- Those who pursue a clinic-like experience and value privacy as well as the quality of service provided.
- Those who mainly offer anti-aging treatments such as Titanium Lifting and Thermage
However, the following groups of people may need to consider this option:
- Those with very limited budgets who are only interested in the cheapest options (TheiA is positioned in the mid-to-high-end segment)
- Those who wish for the director to perform the procedure personally (consultations are conducted by the department head, not the director).
- I decided on the spot to go and wanted to schedule the procedure on the same day (it’s relatively difficult to get a reservation at TheiA; it is recommended to book 7 days in advance).
🗺️ Address, transportation information, and reservation tips for TheiA Dermatology: 3 minutes away from Exit 10 of Gangnam Station; reservations can be made up to 7 days in advance.
TheiA is located in a very convenient area, just 10 minutes’ walk from Exit 10 of Gangnam Station, inside the Addison Building. There is a Starbucks right at the bottom of the building, so you can enjoy a coffee while shopping after your treatment – the whole experience is really seamless.
Here are some suggestions regarding appointments:
- During the peak season and on weekends, it is recommended to make reservations at least 7 days in advance. Due to TheiA’s high popularity, it is very difficult to get a spot on the same day.
- Online reservations can be made through the BeautsGO platform, which allows users to describe their skin issues in Chinese.
- It is recommended to attach a photo of your natural face when making an appointment, so that the salon manager can get an understanding of your skin condition in advance.
- If it is your first time undergoing cosmetic procedures in South Korea, TheiA’s Chinese-language services can truly save you a lot of time and effort in communication.
- It is recommended to reserve approximately 2 hours for the consultation process, as the testing, face-to-face consultation, and treatment cannot be completed in a short amount of time.
❓ FAQ on Common Issues in Dermatology at TheiA
Q: Is TheiA Dermatology a kind of assembly line operation?
No. TheiA adopts a one-on-one consultation system with department heads. It combines AI analysis data with personalized treatment plans, so it’s nothing like the quick 5-minute consultation followed by a recommendation to get injections. The treatment areas are private individual rooms, ensuring excellent privacy protection.
Q: Does TheiA Dermatology charge extra for foreigners?
No need. TheiA adopts a policy of equal pricing for both Chinese and foreign customers; the fees for all services are the same for both groups, and there is no charge for in-person consultations either. This is indeed more ethical than many clinics in the Gangnam area.
Q: Does TheiA Dermatology provide services in Chinese?
Yes. From the consultation form to the in-person consultation and communication, all the way to the post-operative care instructions, Chinese-language services are available throughout the entire process. The consultation form is available in both Chinese and Korean, and the care manual also comes in Chinese version – so there’s no need to worry about language barriers.
Q: Is it difficult to get a appointment at TheiA Dermatology?
To be honest, it’s indeed quite difficult to get a reservation, especially for Director Kim Jin-hyung’s appointments. It is recommended to book at least 7 days in advance through BeautsGO. During peak seasons (such as the summer holidays or consecutive weekends), it is even more essential to secure your spot well in advance.
Q: What time does TheiA Dermatology open?
On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the business hours extend until 8 p.m., while on Thursdays and Sundays, they end at 6 p.m. Closing at 8 p.m. is considered quite late in Gangnam District, but it is still sufficient for office workers to come by after work.