Last week, I visited TheiA Dermatology in Gangnam, Seoul. This clinic, located on the 14th and 15th floors of the Addison Building, exudes a distinct sense of futuristic technology. From the moment you enter, it’s clear that this place is nothing like ordinary dermatology clinics. The reception area on the 14th floor is highly technologically advanced, and there are many patients from both China and Korea. The clinic director communicated entirely in Chinese throughout the consultation process. This article provides a detailed account of my entire experience, my true feelings, and the prices of the services offered. Sisters who are considering visiting this clinic should definitely save this article for later reference.
🏥 Actual photos of TheiA Dermatology: Technology Hall on the 14th floor + L-shaped treatment area 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 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, and it’s extremely popular, yet the waiting process is well-organized. The director conducts personalized consultations one by one, rather than just giving you a 5-minute quick check-up and sending you on your way. During the consultation, all your skin data is displayed directly on an electronic screen. You can discuss the treatment plan together with the director, and everything is clearly explained—what should be done and what shouldn’t be done—is made clear without any forced sales attempts.
🔬 Practical test of TheiA Dermatology’s AI detection system: 6-angle photography combined with data analysis – far more accurate than traditional in-person consultations
The first step upon entering the clinic is not to lie down immediately for the injection, but rather to undergo an AI skin analysis. 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 was significantly more detailed, with quantitative indicators for each aspect, rather than just a casual remark 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 observe without rushing into any treatment. This approach of letting “data speak” for itself is very reassuring, as it ensures that you won’t be pressured into undergoing unnecessary procedures. The entire process, including the test and the consultation, takes approximately 40 minutes, so there’s no need to rush.
💉 The equipment corridor of TheiA Dermatology: 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 the arrangement of the equipment—everything was displayed on both sides of the corridor! HIFU machines, Thermage devices, Potenza, Fraxel lasers… an entire row of advanced instruments was openly displayed there, creating a truly stunning visual impact. Not every clinic would dare to present its equipment in such a way; such visibility is a clear indication that the clinic truly has a comprehensive range of facilities.
The L-shaped layout of the treatment process ensures a smooth and efficient experience: examination → consultation → anesthesia application → treatment → post-treatment care. Completing the entire process in one round eliminates the need for back-and-forth movements. Although the individual treatment rooms are not particularly large, they are comfortable enough, and privacy is well protected, so there’s no need to worry about discomfort from neighboring 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 don’t have to pay any additional fees. Here are the prices of some 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 (facial treatment): Starting from ₩22.2 million (approximately NT$50,000)
- Rejuran PN Black Box (2 centum cores): Starting from ⩲525,000 (approximately NT$5,700)
- Lizne Glow Toner (1 centum core): Starting from ¥970,000 (approximately $1,600)
- Fraxel Laser Treatment (for the entire face): Starting from ¥4.2 million (approximately $4,500)
- Potenza Gold Potenza (for the entire face): Starting from ¥9.2 million (approximately NT$4,500)
- ONDA Lifting: Starting from ¥6.6 million (approximately $13,600)
- Biorite filler: Starting from ¥15 million (approximately NT$34,000)
Compared with other Dermatology clinics of the same level in Gangnam, TheiA’s prices are considered on the higher side. However, taking into account 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. The consultation itself is free of charge, and patients who complete the examination but do not decide to proceed with any treatment will not feel under any pressure.
👩⚕️ TheiA Dermatology Department Head conducts in-person consultations: treatment plans are displayed simultaneously on electronic screens, and standardized sales approaches are strictly avoided.
At TheiA, the in-person consultations 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 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.
What’s particularly remarkable is the simultaneous display on electronic screens – you and your supervisor 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. My supervisor suggested starting with fractional laser treatment first, rather than rushing into fillers. This honest and straightforward approach really reassured me.
🌸 Postoperative care at TheiA Dermatology: LED glow for relaxation + a Chinese-language care manual to take home
After the treatment, a nurse will apply a calming mask to your face and 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 and fruit acids within one week.
- It’s essential to enhance moisture retention; we recommend using 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 conducted in Chinese.
- Those who want to first undergo AI skin analysis to understand the true condition of their skin
- Those who value the quality of medical clinics and place great importance on privacy and service experience
- 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 (since TheiA targets the mid-to-high-end market).
- Those who wish for the director to perform the procedure personally (consultations are actually handled by the department head, not the director).
- I decided on the spot to go and wanted to schedule the procedure for the same day (it’s quite difficult to get a reservation at TheiA; it’s 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.
The transportation at TheiA is extremely convenient. It is located at the Edisons Building, just about a 3-minute walk from Exit 10 of Gangnam Station. There is a Starbucks right underneath the building, so you can enjoy a cup of coffee while shopping after completing 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. Given TheiA’s high popularity, it is very difficult to get a spot on the same day.
- You can make an online reservation through the BeautsGO platform, and it is possible to describe your 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 idea 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 – including the testing, the face-to-face meeting with the doctor, and the actual treatment – to ensure there is no rush.
❓ 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 led by specialist doctors. It combines AI analysis with personalized treatment plans – it’s definitely not the kind of service where you get a quick 5-minute assessment and then are immediately sent off to get injections. The treatment areas are designed for individual use, 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 South Korean customers; the prices for all services are the same for both foreigners and local Koreans, 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?
Certainly. From the consultation form to the in-person consultation and the post-operative care instructions, all services are provided in Chinese. The consultation form is available in both Chinese and Korean, and the care manual also comes in Chinese version, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers at all.
Q: Is it difficult to get a appointment at TheiA Dermatology?
To be honest, it’s really not easy to get a reservation, especially for Director Kim Jin-hyung’s appointments. It’s recommended to book at least 7 days in advance through BeautsGO. During peak seasons, such as the summer holidays or long weekends, it’s even more essential to secure your spot well in advance.
Q: What time does TheiA Dermatology close?
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.
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