“Going to Hongdae for contour injections—is it just a mass production process?” This is a question I’ve received countless times through private messages on REDnote. Many ladies say that clinics in Gangnam receive dozens or even hundreds of patients in a day; the consultation lasts only three minutes, the injection takes five minutes, and by the time it’s over, you don’t even know which brand of product was used—and that’s exactly what people worry about. So, after observing the process at Sienna SELENA Dermatology for an entire day on my third visit, I can say with certainty: it’s not a mass production process at all. Director Lee Sang-kyung personally handles every aspect of the service—from the consultation to the actual procedure. In one morning, he sees at most 8-10 patients. The starting price for contour injections is around 604 Taiwanese dollars, which is 30-40% cheaper than at similar clinics in Gangnam. This article delves into five key aspects—consultation process, injection prices, director’s qualifications, equipment, and customer reviews—to thoroughly address the question of whether this is really a mass production model. 👇
I. Is Hongdae S ELENA Dermatology a “assembly line” for medical beauty treatments? 🔍 Three key indicators to verify this.
1. Consultation time: 15–20 minutes – it’s by no means a matter of “taking a quick look before issuing a prescription”. The typical characteristic of fast-food-style clinics is that the consultation takes ≤5 minutes, with the consultant taking the lead while the clinic director merely handles the technical aspects. However, at Siena SELENA, the consultation is personally conducted by Director Lee Sang-kyung. After the VISIA skin analysis, the director will display the report on the screen and explain each detail to you, ranging from the moisture content of the stratum corneum to UV spots, from Pore distribution to the depth of wrinkles. The entire process takes 15–20 minutes. During this time, the consultant does not interrupt or promote any treatment packages; their role is merely to act as a translator.
2. Daily number of patients received: 8 to 10 people in the morning, which is significantly lower than the standard required for a streamlined operation. The core characteristic of a streamlined clinic is the ability to handle a large number of patients – treating 30 to 50 people in one morning, with an average consultation time of less than 10 minutes per patient. During my observation at Siena SELENA, I noticed that they adopt a reservation system and only schedule 2 to 3 treatment slots per hour. Based on their operating hours of 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, the maximum number of patients they can treat in a day is approximately 20 to 25 people (including those who undergo laser treatments, injections, or consultations). Among these, the number of patients receiving injection treatments personally performed by the clinic director does not exceed 10 people in half a day. Each patient enjoys a complete treatment process that takes at least 45 to 60 minutes from entry to departure.
3. Post-operative follow-up: Yes, it’s not just a simple “see you after the procedure”. At conventional chain clinics, the service ends right after the treatment, and no one will check whether there are any asymmetries three days later or how the results have progressed after a week. However, SIENA SELENA will send you post-operative care reminders via WhatsApp the day after the procedure (in both Chinese and English), and will actively follow up on your recovery after a week. If you experience any discomfort after returning home, you can also contact them directly via WhatsApp – something that is not commonly practiced at small and medium-sized clinics in South Korea.
II. Is Hongdae S WOMAN Dermatology a “assembly line” for medical beauty treatments? 👨⚕️ Let’s uncover the whole process of one-on-one consultations with the director.
1. Who will conduct the in-person consultation for you? It’s Dr. Sang Kyung Lee himself. This is the key factor in determining the authenticity of such services. Many clinics claim to offer “in-person consultations by the director,” but in reality, what you meet might be a “consultation manager” or another doctor. However, at S WOMAN, there is only one director: Dr. Sang Kyung Lee. He graduated from the Department of Medicine at Soonchunhyang University and completed his residency at Seoul Hospital of Soonchunhyang University. He has previously served as the director of the Hongdae and Myeongdong branches of Dr. Petit’s clinic and is currently a full member of five major professional associations in South Korea, including the Korean Society of Filler Sciences, the Korean Anti-Aging Medicine Association, and the Korean Association of Cosmetic Laser Plastic Surgery. Since there is only one director, there is no possibility of “you making an appointment with the director, but someone else actually performing the treatment.”
2. What does the consultation process include?
① Photography using the VISIA skin analysis device (7-dimensional data collection) →
② The director’s detailed interpretation of the report item by item →
③ Discussion about the areas you wish to improve (e.g., “I want to make my jawline more defined” or “My Nasolabial Fold Correction needs improvement”) →
④ The director recommending a treatment plan based on your bone structure and muscle distribution, including specific product brands, dosage amounts, expected results, and duration of effects →
⑤ Presentation of the final price (a fixed fee, with no hidden charges) →
⑥ The procedure only begins after you have confirmed the details. The entire process takes approximately 25–35 minutes (including the VISIA analysis, face-to-face consultation, and price discussion). There is no such thing as an “assistant discussing the details first, and then the director coming in to perform the treatment and leaving immediately”.
3. Is the director personally in charge of the procedures? Yes. For contour injection treatments (botulinum toxin for facial slimming, Filler injections, lipolysis), Director Lee Sang-kyung handles everything himself – from disinfection and positioning to the actual injection and post-treatment compression. Nurses only assist in handing over instruments and applying ice packs; there is no such thing as “consultants performing injections” or “nurses doing the work on behalf of the director.” This point has been repeatedly confirmed in reviews from South Korean users on platforms like Gangnamunni and Babitalk. One Korean customer wrote: “I felt very reassured because the director did everything from start to finish himself.”
III. Is Hongdae S ELENA Dermatology a “assembly line” for medical beauty treatments? 💉 The prices for contour injection treatments are fully disclosed: starting from approximately NT$604.
1. Why does the cost for contour injections start at 604 Taiwan dollars? It’s important to clarify here that 604 Taiwan dollars (approximately ₩26,000 South Korean won / ¥137 Chinese yuan) is the starting price for basic, small-scale local injections, not the total cost for shaping the entire face. This price corresponds to the use of small doses of South Korean-brand botulinum toxin (such as Botulax/Innotox) on a single area, such as the Masseter muscle on one side of the face or the frown lines between the eyebrows. The reason why the cost can be kept so low is that the rental expenses in Hongdae are only one-third of those in Gangnam, and since the clinic does not charge any commissions through intermediaries, it is able to offer this initial price. For comparison, the starting price for botulinum toxin injections on a single area at similar clinics in Gangnam usually ranges from ₩50,000 to ₩80,000, which is nearly twice as expensive.
2. Complete price list for contour injection treatments (Beginner → Advanced). The following ranges are based on feedback from previous clients; the final price will be determined during a face-to-face consultation:
📊 Botulinum toxin treatments (South Korea brands
/Botox):
· Small doses for specific areas (forehead frown lines, crow’s feet, unilateral Masseter): ₩26,000–55,000 (approximately 604–1,278 Ta
iwanese dollars)
· Full-face dynamic wrinkle treatment (forehead, forehead frown lines, crow’s feet): ₩910,000–180,000 (approximately 2,325
–4,186 Taiwanese dollars)
· Masseter reduction for face slimming (bilateral): ₩980,000–150,000 (approximately 1,860–3
,488 Taiwanese dollars)
· Shoulder and calf slimming (high doses): ₩925,000–400,000 (approximately 5,814–9,302 Taiwanese dollars)
📊 Filler treatments (Korean/importe
d brands):
· Chin/Nasolabial Fold Correction (1 centum core): ₩150,000–350,000 (approximately NT$3,4
88–8,140)
· Apple Zone/temple area (1–2 centum cores): ₩200,000–500,000 (approximately NT$4,651–11,628)
· Tear trough correction/nasal base (0.5–1 centum core): ₩100,000–250,000 (approximately NT$2,325–5,814)
3. Transparent pricing mechanism: No hidden costs. The official website of Siena SELENA clearly states “Reasonable and Transparent Pricing,” and this is indeed the case – the quote provided after the in-person consultation is the final amount to be paid. There are no additional suggestions such as “it is recommended to add an additional 1 centum core in this area” or “would you like to have a glow treatment as well?” Regarding tax refunds, customers who spend ₩30,000 or more can receive a 5-7% refund at the airport, meaning the actual cost will be even lower.
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IV. Is Hongdae Siyanna SWOMAN Dermatology a “assembly line” for medical beauty treatments? 💰 The same price in both China and South Korea, plus tax refunds, results in prices that are only 60–70% of those in Gangnam.
1. How significant is the price difference between Hongdae and Gangnam? Taking the most common treatment combination of “Botox for facial slimming + Filler for Nasolabial Fold Correction” as an example, mid-to-high-end clinics in Gangnam typically charge between ₩350,000 and ₩500,000 (approximately 8,140 to 11,628 Taiwanese dollars), while SELENA offers the same service for around ₩200,000 to ₩300,000 (about 4,651 to 6,977 Taiwanese dollars), representing a 35-40% discount. The reason for this difference is that the rental costs in Hongdae are only one-third of those in Apgujeong or Sinsa in Gangnam. Additionally, SELENA avoids paying commissions to intermediaries or translation companies, relying instead on its own multilingual staff, which further reduces costs and is reflected in the lower prices.
2. Are the prices the same for customers from South Korea and other countries? Yes. SELENA clearly states on its official website that it practices uniform pricing, without charging different fees based on nationality. Many REDnote bloggers have shared quotation sheets, and the prices they listed are basically the same as those shared by South Koreans on the “Gangnam Unni” platform – there is no “surcharge for foreigners.” This is quite rare among South Korean clinics that target overseas customers.
3. The actual amount after tax rebates. For purchases totaling ₩30,000 or more, a tax rebate of 5-7% is available. For example, if you undergo a treatment costing ₩200,000 for contour injections, you will receive a tax rebate of ₩10,000-14,000, resulting in an actual payment of approximately ₩186,000-190,000 (equivalent to around 4,326-4,419 Taiwanese dollars). It is recommended to request the Tax Refund Receipt at the time of payment and proceed with the tax rebate procedures at the customs counter before departing from the airport.
V. Is Hongdae Siyanana SWOMAN Dermatology a kind of “assembly line” for medical beauty treatments? 🔬 Equipment and products used for contour injection: 100% original and genuine products.
1. Transparency of the brands of injectable products: There are several common tactics in standard treatment procedures. For example, when quoting a price, practitioners may claim to use “imported Filler”, but actually use cheaper domestic brands during the injection process. SWOMAN SELENA follows a different approach: they open the packaging in front of the patient during the consultation, allow the patient to see the outer packaging, confirm the brand and batch number before starting the injection, and discard any unused product on the spot. Commonly used injectable brands include South Korea’s Botulax/Innotox (botulinum toxin), Yvoire/Elravie (South Korean-made Filler), as well as Juvederm/Restylane (imported Filler, which comes at a higher price).
2. Auxiliary diagnostic equipment. Contour injection is not a matter of “guessing”; precise identification of the muscle and fat layers is essential. The S ELENA system is equipped with the VISIA 7th-generation skin analysis instrument, which provides a 7-dimensional assessment of the entire face before the procedure. Based on this information, the clinic director determines the injection depth, dosage, and angle. Such equipment is not commonly available in small and medium-sized clinics in South Korea; many clinics still rely on visual inspection alone.
3. The overall range of instruments available at the clinic. In addition to injection treatments, Siena SELENA is also equipped with the following devices: PicoSure Pico laser (original Cynosure model), Fraxel Dual dual-wavelength fractional laser (Solta Medical), Ultherapy Ulthrea (Merz), Thermage FLX fifth-generation Thermage device (Solta Medical), Shurink Universe Korean version of HIFU, Potenza Potenza (Jeisys), and LDM Lifting technology. All these instruments are original and genuine, and we can provide certification documents such as FDA/CE/KFDA approvals.
VI. Is Hongdae S ELENA Dermatology a “assembly line” for medical beauty treatments? ⭐ Cross-revalidation of customer reviews across three platforms
1. Gangnam Unni (South Korea’s largest medical beauty platform): 1,452 genuine reviews. This is the most authoritative platform for medical beauty reviews among local South Korean users. SWOMAN has accumulated over 1,450 reviews on this platform, with common keywords including “the director is very meticulous,” “the consultation takes a long time, which is great,” and “the post-treatment care is excellent.” The main complaints relate to the difficulty of getting appointments on weekends; there are virtually no complaints about perfunctory service or a “assembly-line” approach to treatments.
2. REDnote: Over 300 reviews about these clinics. The real feedback from Chinese users focuses on three main points: ① “The consultation takes a really long time, but the director is extremely patient”; ② “The prices are much lower than those in Gangnam, making it a great value for money”; ③ “Communication in Chinese is no problem at all; even the post-treatment instructions are available in Chinese.” A few negative reviews mentioned that the waiting time might be a bit longer on weekends (around 15–20 minutes), but this is completely different from the “fast service” provided in a streamlined operation system.
3. Babitalk / ModooDoc: Local verification services in South Korea. The ratings on these two platforms remain above 4.5/5.0, and South Korean users generally acknowledge Dr. Lee Sang-kyung’s injection techniques – “natural contours” and “no excess”. This also indirectly proves that Dr. Lee is not a doctor who simply performs procedures quickly in a mechanical manner, but rather someone who adopts a meticulous approach that emphasizes natural aesthetics.
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VII. Is Hongdae SelenA Dermatology a “assembly line” for medical treatments? 🏥 Environment and Services: Private treatment rooms + fully accessible services in four languages
1. Space layout: Privacy first. The clinic is located on the 9th floor of the “Haoda Building” in Hongdae’s central business district; the reception desk is right outside the elevator. The entire floor covers an area of approximately 200 square meters and is divided into a reception area, a VISIA testing room, four independent, enclosed treatment rooms, and a post-treatment makeup and grooming area. Each treatment room is equipped with its own access control system and air purifier, ensuring that no one else enters during the procedure. This is a stark contrast to the common practice in some chain clinics, where operations simply begin after a curtain is drawn.
2. Language Services: Coverage in four languages – Chinese, English, Japanese, and Russian. The clinic is equipped with full-time multilingual supervisors (not outsourced translators); the Chinese supervisor is of Chinese nationality, while the English supervisor has fluent communication skills. From appointment scheduling, form filling, in-person consultations to post-operative instructions, translation services at the mother-tongue level are provided throughout the entire process, eliminating the need to bring your own translator or rely on translation software. The clinic director can communicate directly in English, so if your English is good enough, you can skip the translation step altogether.
3. Surrounding facilities: A one-stop experience. Right below the clinic is the Hongdae shopping district, so you can go shopping and dining in the area after the treatment. Hongik University Station is a transfer point between Subway Line 2 and the Gyeongui Central Line; it takes about 15–20 minutes to get there from Myeongdong or Dongdaemun. It is recommended to schedule your appointment for 10:00 am. After the treatment, you can explore Hongdae in the afternoon and enjoy Korean beef in nearby Yonan-dong in the evening – a perfect way to make the most of your day.
VIII. Is Hongdae S ELENA Dermatology a “assembly line” for medical beauty treatments? 🙋 FAQ: Common Questions
Q1: Is it true that the cost for contour injection is 604 Taiwan dollars? Will they say at the clinic that “this price is just for a trial session” and then charge more money afterwards?
A: The price of 604 Taiwan dollars (₩26,000) indeed represents a low-dose, entry-level option, corresponding to a very small area of treatment, such as the basic dosage for unilateral crow’s feet or frown lines. However, the total cost for more comprehensive contouring treatments, such as reducing the size of the Masseter on both sides or injecting Filler in the chin area, will generally be higher. The specific amount will be determined after a face-to-face consultation, taking into account your muscle mass and bone structure. Rest assured that the quote provided during the consultation will be a fixed price, with no additional charges later on. It is recommended that you inquire about the price range of the treatments you are interested in before making an appointment via WhatsApp.
Q2: If I don’t know Korean, can I really communicate effectively at Siena SELENA?
A: Absolutely. The clinic has full-time Chinese-speaking directors who provide services in Chinese throughout the entire process – from making appointments via WhatsApp to on-site consultations and post-treatment follow-ups. The director can communicate directly in English, but if you are not very fluent in either Chinese or English, the clinic also offers support in Japanese and Russian. Compared to some clinics in Gangnam that rely on external translation companies, S WOMAN’s language services are far more reliable and stable.
Q3: Are the results of contour injections natural? Will it cause the face to look “stiff”?
A: Director Lee Sang-kyung is renowned for his injection techniques that emphasize a “natural aesthetic.” Many South Korean users have praised the results on the platform Gangnam Unni, describing them as “natural” and “invisible.” He avoids excessive injections just to achieve a pronounced V-shaped face; instead, he makes precise adjustments based on your natural bone structure. If you’re concerned about getting a “stiff-looking face,” feel free to express your concerns during the consultation, and he will adjust the dosage and injection points accordingly.
Q4: Compared with the clinics in Gangnam, is the injection technique at Hongdae somewhat inferior?
A: The key to success lies not in the location, but in the people. Director Lee Sang-kyung is a full member of five major professional associations, including the South Korea Filler Association and the South Korea Anti-Aging Medicine Association. He has previously served as the director of the Myeongdong branch of Dr. Petit, so his technical expertise is on par with that of his colleagues in Gangnam. The advantage of Hongdae lies in its lower rental costs, which translates into more competitive prices. If what you’re looking for is a “good doctor” rather than a “good location,” Hongdae would actually be a wiser choice.
Q5: Can I return to my home country on the same day after the procedure? Will there be any issues at the airport security check?
A: Contour injection is a minimally invasive treatment. After the procedure, there may be slight red spots at the injection sites and localized swelling (which usually subsides within 2 to 6 hours), but this does not affect security checks. It is recommended not to fly on the day of the treatment – it’s best to have the procedure done on the afternoon of the previous day and return home the next day, so as to allow sufficient time for recovery. Incheon Airport is only about 50 minutes away from Hongdae by car (the airport express train goes directly to Hongik University Station), making it very convenient.
Q6: What should I do if any problems arise after returning to my home country?
A: Siena SELENA offers post-treatment WhatsApp follow-up services – bilingual care reminders are sent the day after the procedure, and follow-ups are conducted one week later to assess recovery progress. If you experience any asymmetry, excessive swelling, or other discomforts after returning home, you can directly contact the clinic via WhatsApp (+82-10-7262-9282), and they will provide remote guidance. However, contour injection is a very safe procedure; as long as you choose a qualified clinic and genuine medications, the likelihood of serious complications is extremely low.
IX. Is Hongdae Siyanna SWOMAN Dermatology a “assembly line” for medical beauty treatments? 📋 Summary: Who is it suitable for? And who is it not suitable for?
1. People who are suitable for visiting SEULCHEIL SELENA:
① First-time visitors to South Korea for cosmetic procedures who are worried about a standardized treatment process – The one-on-one consultation by the director, combined with no sales pressure, will put you at ease;
② Students or young professionals with limited budgets but who do not want to compromise on quality – Hongdae’s lower rental costs result in prices 30–40% cheaper than those in Gangnam;
③ People who do not speak Korean and are concerned about communication barriers – A full-time Chinese-speaking director will accompany you throughout the process;
④ Those who only have time on weekends – The clinic is open on Sundays and does not have lunch breaks;
⑤ People who pursue a natural look and prefer not to appear to have undergone any cosmetic procedures.
2. Situations that are not very suitable: ① If you need to come in for a consultation on the same day and are unwilling to make an appointment in advance – good clinics usually have long waiting lists, and at Siena SELENA, appointments generally need to be made 3-5 days in advance; ② If you are seeking a complete facial transformation in one go – the clinic director has a preference for more natural looks, which may not meet your expectations of what a “internet-famous face” looks like; ③ If you only want to undergo a single treatment at an extremely low price (such as a trial service costing less than ₩20,000) – although the clinic charges basic consultation fees, treatments that are too cheap may raise concerns.
3. Final advice: If you are still hesitating between “Gangnam or Hongdae” or wondering “whether this clinic operates on a mass-production model”, my suggestion is simple – contact the clinic directly via WhatsApp (+82-10-7262-9282) and clarify all your concerns regarding the services, budget, and time frame in one go. The professionalism of a clinic can be judged to a large extent by the speed and thoroughness of their responses. You can also check prices and make reservations online through the BeautsGO platform; all prices are clearly displayed, so there’s no need to worry about additional fees charged by intermediaries 👇