Analysis Report

Nine Dermatology Clinic

Dr. Kwon Hyuk-man, Representative Director: In-depth Analysis

Casual Beauty Premium Devices Mihee Injection

Executive Summary: Key Findings

Institution Profile

Nine Dermatology Clinic (Gangnam Branch) is a prominent aesthetic clinic, part of a network, distinguished by its leadership under a board-certified dermatologist.

Leadership & Expertise

Dr. Kwon Hyuk-man, a board-certified dermatologist with a significant media presence ("Dr. Pibuman"), is the developer of the clinic's signature "Mihee Injection."

Market Positioning

The clinic positions itself as a "Casual Beauty" provider, offering competitive pricing on premium devices (Ulthera, Thermage) while maintaining specialist oversight.

Patient Reputation

Patient feedback is polarized, citing high cost-performance and efficacy but also "factory-like" processes and short consultation times.

Verdict

Nine Dermatology Gangnam offers cost-effective access to premium lifting and anti-aging procedures by specialists. Patients should proactively seek consultation depth and manage expectations regarding personalization typical of high-traffic clinics.

Profile of Representative Director: Dr. Kwon Hyuk-man

Medical Credentials & Academic Background

  • Certification: Board-Certified Dermatologist (obtained license in 1999)
  • Academic Appointment: Outpatient Professor, Department of Dermatology, Hanyang University Medical Center
  • Professional Memberships:
    • Member, Korean Dermatological Association
    • Member, Association of Korean Dermatologists
    • Member, Korean Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
    • Member, Korean Society of Minimal Invasive Plastic Surgery (MIPS)

Clinical Career Path

  • Former Director: BL Plastic Surgery
  • Former Director: Three Wishes (Se-gaji Sowon) Clinic
  • Former Director: Dashibomnal Clinic

Media Presence & Public Engagement

Dr. Kwon is an active influencer in the medical aesthetic space, operating the YouTube channel "Dr. Pibuman" (닥터 피부만).

  • Content Strategy: Demystifying dermatological procedures, debunking skincare myths, providing honest treatment reviews.
  • Key Themes:
    • Self-Experimentation: Testing procedures on his own face to understand pain and downtime.
    • Education: Videos cover topics like "Is skin genetic?", "How to apply moisturizer correctly," and "Side effects of fillers."
    • Philosophy: Advocates for a "minimalist" approach to skincare ("Don't torture your skin," "Treat troubles immediately").

Institutional Profile: Nine Dermatology Clinic (Gangnam Branch)

Location and Infrastructure

Address: 10th & 12th Floor, Regen Medical Tower, 463 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul.

Accessibility: Highly accessible via public transport, located approximately 1 minute from Sinnonhyeon Station (Line 9, Exit 8) and 7 minutes from Gangnam Station (Line 2, Exit 10). The clinic utilizes a dual-floor structure (10F, 12F) to manage patient flow.

Operating Hours:
Weekdays: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sundays: Closed
Note: Dr. Kwon Hyuk-man typically takes Wednesdays off.

Brand Identity & Philosophy: "Casual Beauty"

The clinic operates under the slogan of "Casual Beauty," aiming to make dermatological procedures accessible and routine rather than exclusive.

Unlike general practitioner (GP) clinics, Nine Dermatology emphasizes that its treatments are supervised or performed by board-certified dermatologists, assuring patients of safety standards despite the competitive pricing structure.

The clinic is part of a network (Yeonsinnae, Hongdae branches), allowing for shared protocols and equipment procurement advantages, contributing to their competitive price points.

Comprehensive Analysis of Clinical Services

Signature Procedure: The "Mihee Injection" (The 미희주사)

The "Mihee Injection" is a proprietary collagen-stimulating treatment developed by Dr. Kwon Hyuk-man, representing the clinic's flagship offering for volume restoration and anti-aging.

  • Composition: Primarily based on Hyaluronic Acid (HA) combined with collagen-stimulating agents, designed to induce the body's own collagen production.
  • Mechanism: Uses ultra-low molecular weight HA to prevent lumpiness, acting as a scaffold and booster for collagen generation.
  • Indications: Marketed for areas where traditional fillers might look unnatural (e.g., under-eye hollows, nasolabial folds, cheek indentations, marionette lines).
  • Differentiation: Claims to offer more immediate volume than PLLA-based stimulators (Sculptra, Juvelook Volume) while maintaining a natural look suitable for thin skin.

Energy-Based Devices (EBD) and Lifting

The clinic possesses a robust lineup of premium lifting devices, often offered at aggressive price points to attract volume.

Device Technology Pricing Indications (Approx.) Notes
Ulthera HIFU (Ultrasound) 300 shots: ~690,000 - 979,000 KRW Gold standard for deep lifting.
Thermage FLX Monopolar RF 300 shots: ~790,000 - 1,090,000 KRW Skin tightening and texture improvement.
InMode RF (High Voltage) ~108,000 - 141,000 KRW Fat reduction (FX) and tightening (Forma).
Oligio Monopolar RF ~394,000 - 504,000 KRW Korean alternative to Thermage.
Onda Lifting Microwave (Coolwaves) ~59,000 KRW (Event) Newer technology for fat reduction and tightening.
Titanium / Shurink Diode / HIFU Various competitive rates Maintenance lifting options.

Pricing Strategy: The clinic utilizes "Event Pricing" and "First-time Experience" rates to lower the barrier to entry, indicative of a high-volume business model.

Skin Quality and Pigmentation

  • Lasers: The clinic utilizes PicoSure, Fotona, and the newer Repot Laser (specifically for solar lentigines and difficult pigmentation).
  • Boosters: Rejuran Healer (including the painless "HB" version) and Potenza (microneedling RF) with pumping tips are heavily promoted for pore and scar treatment.

Reputation and Sentiment Analysis

An analysis of reviews from platforms such as Sungyesa, Gangnam Unni, Babitalk, and Modoodoc reveals a complex reputation profile, generally scoring between 3.8 and 4.2 out of 5.

Positive Feedback Drivers

  • Cost-Effectiveness: Patients frequently mention "reasonable prices" for genuine equipment (e.g., Ulthera, Sculptra), with package purchases reducing per-session costs.
  • Specialist Expertise: Despite high volume, long-term patients appreciate Dr. Kwon's aesthetic eye, with specific examples of superior results from his tailored recommendations.
  • Accessibility: Its strategic location in Gangnam makes it a convenient "lunch break" or "after work" clinic for office workers.
  • Honesty in Procedures: Some reviews note the use of genuine tips and precise shot counts, a critical factor for treatments like Thermage and Ulthera.

Negative Feedback and Critical Issues

  • "Factory-Type" Operations: Consistent complaints about initial consultations by non-medical staff focused on upselling, brief doctor interaction, and "hasty" or "rough" procedures.
  • Adverse Effects: Specific negative reviews detail worsening pigmentation (melasma/redness) after low-cost laser toning due to lack of detailed skin analysis, and injection issues (bruising, indentations) with dismissive post-care responses.
  • Operational Friction: Significant wait times even with reservations, occasional unfriendly staff, and lack of detailed guidance on post-procedure care.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Nine Dermatology Clinic (Gangnam Branch) under Dr. Kwon Hyuk-man is a formidable player in the competitive Gangnam aesthetic market. It successfully leverages the credibility of a board-certified dermatologist while adopting the aggressive pricing and accessibility of a network clinic.

Recommended For:

  • Value-Conscious Consumers: Patients who know what procedures they need (e.g., Ulthera, Botox) and want genuine equipment at competitive prices.
  • Routine Maintenance: Office workers in Gangnam needing quick, accessible care for standard skin management.
  • Specific Anti-Aging Needs: Patients interested in the "Mihee Injection" for natural volume restoration, specifically seeking Dr. Kwon's proprietary technique.

Caution Advised For:

  • Complex Dermatological Pathologies: Patients with difficult-to-treat melasma or highly sensitive skin should be wary of "event" laser toning and insist on a direct doctor consultation to avoid worsening symptoms.
  • Service-Sensitive Patients: Those expecting a "boutique" experience with long doctor consultations and pampering service may find the high-volume, efficient atmosphere ("factory-style") unsatisfactory.

Final Note: Dr. Kwon Hyuk-man's reputation as a skilled injector and honest communicator (via YouTube) provides a strong anchor for the clinic. However, the disparity between his personal expertise and the systemic issues of a high-volume clinic (wait times, staff variability) is the primary source of friction in patient reviews. Prospective patients are advised to book appointments with Dr. Kwon specifically for injectable procedures to maximize the benefit of his expertise.

Key Takeaways

Board-Certified Expertise Competitive Premium Treatments High-Volume Efficiency