Key Points Overview
Establishment & Legacy
Established in 1995, Kim Ji-yeon Wish Plastic Surgery Clinic is recognized as the first plastic surgery clinic in Gangnam opened by a female plastic surgery specialist.
Veteran Leadership
Led by Dr. Kim Ji-yeon, a veteran surgeon with over 30 years of experience, a graduate of Yonsei University, and the 3rd female plastic surgery specialist from Severance Hospital.
Clinical Specialization
Highly specialized in breast surgery (augmentation, reduction, correction), guided by the philosophy "Women know women's hearts," focusing on empathy and comfort.
Safety Protocols
Adheres to a "1:1 Responsible Care System" with no shadow doctors and features a resident anesthesiology specialist, Dr. Lee Yu-jeong, ensuring patient safety.
Medical Leadership: Dr. Kim Ji-yeon
Academic Background & Credentials
- Graduated from **Yonsei University College of Medicine**.
- Completed internship & residency in Plastic Surgery at **Severance Hospital**.
- Board-certified Plastic Surgery Specialist, notably the **3rd female specialist** in Severance Hospital's history.
- Outpatient Professor at Yonsei University College of Medicine.
Professional Memberships & Activities
- Member, Korean Medical Association (KMA).
- Member, Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS).
- Member, Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (KSAPS).
- Member, Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand.
Industry Recognition
- **Motiva Opinion Leader:** Received a "Grand Award" in 2021 and a plaque of appreciation in 2020.
- **Miss Intercontinental Judge:** Served as a judge for the beauty pageant in 2018.
Clinic Overview & History
Establishment and Philosophy
Kim Ji-yeon Wish Plastic Surgery Clinic was established in **1995**, marking a significant milestone as the first private practice in Gangnam opened by a female plastic surgery specialist.
The clinic's identity is built around "Wish" (fulfilling beauty desires) and the slogan "Women know women's hearts," aiming to provide an empathetic, comfortable, and private environment distinct from large-scale, "factory-style" clinics.
Location & Facilities
Address: 7th Floor, 432 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Cheongdam-dong 80-4)Accessibility: Approximately 100 meters from Exit 3 of Apgujeong Rodeo Station, across from the Chanel flagship store. Situated in a high-end luxury district.
The facility includes a lobby, consultation rooms, and operating theaters. While described as clean and well-maintained, some patient feedback notes a slightly "old-fashioned" aesthetic, reflecting its long history.
Clinical Specialization: Breast Surgery
Core Procedures
- **Breast Augmentation:** Utilizing high-end implants such as Motiva, Mentor Xtra, and Sebbin.
- **Breast Reduction & Lift:** Correcting ptosis (sagging) and reducing volume for aesthetic and functional improvement.
- **Nipple/Areola Correction:** Including inverted nipple correction and areola reduction.
- **Re-operation:** Corrective surgeries for previous unsatisfactory outcomes.
Surgical Philosophy & Techniques
- **"I-Line" Cleavage:** Focus on creating a natural "I-shaped" cleavage for natural movement and tactile feel.
- **Full-Time Care:** Dr. Kim manages the entire process from consultation to surgery and post-operative care, ensuring consistent, personalized attention.
- **Safety Record:** The clinic promotes a claim of "37 years accident-free," emphasizing safety as a core value.
Anesthesiology & Safety Systems
A critical differentiator is the presence of a resident anesthesiologist.
- **Dr. Lee Yu-jeong:** A board-certified Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine Specialist (Catholic University of Korea, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital trained).
- **Role:** Ensures real-time monitoring during surgery and specialized pain management, a significant safety factor for general anesthesia procedures.
Market Reputation & Patient Analysis
Strengths (Positive Feedback)
- **Psychological Comfort:** Patients highly appreciate having a female surgeon for intimate procedures.
- **Detailed Consultations:** Dr. Kim provides realistic, thorough consultations, offering honest advice and detailed measurements.
- **Aesthetic Outcomes:** Frequent praise for natural shape, tactile feel, and "I-line" cleavage results.
- **Post-Operative Care:** Consistent and attentive post-op care, including laser treatments and direct check-ups by Dr. Kim.
Weaknesses & Considerations (Critical Feedback)
- **Cost:** Perceived as expensive, often noted as the most costly option among competitor clinics.
- **Wait Times:** Due to personalized 1:1 service, consultation and surgery wait times can be long.
- **Strict Recovery Protocols:** Extended periods of corrective garment wear (e.g., up to 3 months) which can be uncomfortable.
- **Facility Aesthetics:** While clean, some younger patients find the interior design slightly dated compared to newer clinics.
Conclusion
Kim Ji-yeon Wish Plastic Surgery Clinic stands as a veteran institution in the highly competitive Gangnam plastic surgery market. Its longevity (since 1995) and the continuity of its leadership under Dr. Kim Ji-yeon suggest a stable and reliable practice.
The clinic's primary value proposition lies in its **specialization in breast surgery** combined with a **female-centric approach**. For patients seeking breast augmentation or correction, the presence of a female specialist with over 30 years of experience, supported by a resident anesthesiology specialist, offers a compelling safety and comfort profile. While the cost may be higher than average and the facility less modern than some competitors, the emphasis on safety (no shadow doctors), detailed 1:1 care, and natural aesthetic results appears to sustain its positive reputation among its target demographic.