Analysis Report

DM Plastic Surgery

In-depth Analysis of Representative Director Yoo Won-min

Anti-Aging Expert SMAS Lifting Patient Safety

Key Highlights

Institution Overview

DM Plastic Surgery is located near Apgujeong Station, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It is a clinic where two specialists (Yoo Won-min, Lee Ju-hong), alumni of Yonsei University College of Medicine, perform specialized treatments by field.

Rep. Director Yoo Won-min

A plastic surgery specialist and Ph.D. with over 25 years of experience. He served as the Chief of Plastic Surgery and Professor at Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University. His main field is anti-aging (facelift, lifting).

Major Procedures

Core competencies are 'SMAS Facelift', which corrects the SMAS (fascia) layer and retaining ligaments—the root causes of skin sagging—and 'SMAS Mini Facelift (Micro Lifting)', which aims for minimal incisions.

Reputation & Characteristics

Emphasizes safety by operating a real-name practice without shadow doctors and a CCTV observation system. Director Yoo's consultation style avoids overtreatment and delivers medical opinions firmly; evaluations coexist as 'honest and professional' depending on the patient, or 'somewhat cold/level-headed'.

Director Yoo Won-min Profile

Education & Qualifications

  • ∙ Graduated from Yonsei University College of Medicine & obtained Ph.D. in Medicine.
  • ∙ Obtained Plastic Surgery Specialist certification at Yonsei University Gangnam Severance Hospital.

Major Career (Academic & Clinical)

  • ∙ Former Professor of Plastic Surgery at Yonsei University Severance Hospital.
  • ∙ Former Chief of Plastic Surgery at Yonsei University Gangnam Severance Hospital (approx. 16 years).
  • ∙ Exchange Professor at Yale University Hospital, USA.
  • ∙ Advisory Doctor for Mylike Plastic Surgery Hospital (China), Judge for Miss Korea Finals (5 times).
  • ∙ Over 25 years of experience in plastic surgery, with over 20 years specializing in lifting.

Academic Society Activities

  • ∙ Lifetime Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KPRS).
  • ∙ Regular Member of the Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (KSAPS).
  • ∙ Regular Member of the Korean Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association.
  • ∙ Sub-specialist of the Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand.

DM Plastic Surgery Information

Operational Philosophy

DM Plastic Surgery operates under the slogan "Your beauty is DM's pride."

  • ∙ Core Values: Safety and Harmony.
  • ∙ Principle: Cosmetic surgery should not damage function, aiming for natural results suited to each patient's facial characteristics.
  • ∙ System: Adopts a 'Dedicated Attending Physician System' with specialized medical staff for each field.
  • ∙ Medical Staff: Two representative directors (Yoo Won-min for Anti-Aging, Lee Ju-hong for Eye/Nose/Revision) maximize expertise.

Location & Facilities

  • ∙ Location: 2F Jinwoo Bldg., 158 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (579-1 Sinsa-dong).
    (Near Apgujeong Station, the center of plastic surgery in Korea)
  • ∙ Medical Hours: Weekdays 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
    (Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays)
  • ∙ Safety Features: CCTV in operating rooms, resident anesthesiologists (cooperative diagnosis), emergency rescue equipment, dedicated recovery rooms.

Major Procedures (Anti-Aging Focus)

1. SMAS Facelift

DM Plastic Surgery's representative high-difficulty procedure that corrects fundamental causes of aging.

  • ∙ Principle: Dissects, pulls up, and fixes the SMAS layer and precisely dissects retaining ligaments for natural tissue relocation.
  • ∙ Target: Middle-aged patients with severe cheek sagging, nasolabial folds, and collapsed jawlines.
  • ∙ Focus: Aims for natural and long-lasting results by manipulating deep fascia layers, not just skin.

2. SMAS Mini Facelift (Micro Lifting)

A method for patients seeking less invasive options with reduced recovery time.

  • ∙ Features: Micro-incision of about 3~5cm inside the hairline.
  • ∙ Differentiators: While general mini lifts often pull only the skin, DM's mini lift pulls the SMAS layer together and dissects parts of retaining ligaments through the incision.
  • ∙ Effects: Minimal scarring, rapid recovery, improvement of jawline and cheek sagging while maximizing lifting.

3. Other Anti-Aging Procedures

  • ∙ Forehead Lift: Corrects forehead wrinkles and sagging eyebrows using an endoscope.
  • ∙ Facial Fat Grafting: Grants volume by grafting autologous fat into hollowed areas.
  • ∙ Neck Lift: Improves neck wrinkles and 'turkey neck' deformation.

Surgical Philosophy: "Honest Practice"

Director Yoo emphasizes "surgeries expected to have minimal effect are not recommended."

  • ∙ Principle: Dissuades patients if risks outweigh benefits or changes won't be significant, even if requested.
  • ∙ Priority: Prioritizes patient's long-term satisfaction and safety over commercial profit.

Reputation & Patient Experience Analysis

Positive Evaluations

  • ∙ High Expertise & Reliability: University hospital professor background and over 20 years of experience instill great confidence. Clear explanations based on abundant anatomical knowledge.
  • ∙ Natural Results: High satisfaction among patients preferring natural, younger-looking results over an unnaturally pulled face ('plastic monster').
  • ∙ No Overtreatment: Consultations are described as "conscientious" and "trustworthy," recommending only necessary procedures.
  • ∙ Safety System: Real-name surgery and CCTV installation address concerns about shadow doctors (ghost surgery).

Considerations & Mixed Evaluations

  • ∙ Consultation Style (Likes/Dislikes): Director Yoo's firm consultation style, sometimes described as "chic" or "abrasive," might not suit all patients, especially those who insist on specific surgical methods.
  • Director Yoo acknowledges this, stating his preference for clear conclusions over vague promises, stemming from his university hospital background.
  • ∙ Waiting Time: Due to the hospital's popularity, patients may experience longer waiting times for consultation or surgery.

Rating Data:

  • ▪ Gangnam Unni: 9.4~9.7 / 10.0 (Over 6,400 reviews)
  • ▪ Sungyesa: 3.9 / 5.0 (149 evaluations) - Considered decent in plastic surgery communities.

Comprehensive Analysis & Conclusion

Competitiveness of DM Plastic Surgery

DM Plastic Surgery demonstrates a model combining "university hospital-level expertise" and "customized service of a private clinic." Director Yoo Won-min's facelift approach incorporates reconstructive surgery concepts, reflecting his decades of experience at university hospitals.

Recommended Target Patients:

  • ∙ Middle-aged Anti-Aging: Patients in their 40s or older who desire definite and fundamental wrinkle improvement.
  • ∙ Safety-Oriented Patients: Those with high anxiety about ghost surgery, valuing safety systems such as resident anesthesiologists and CCTV.
  • ∙ Valuing Professional Opinion: Patients who prefer a doctor's clear and firm diagnosis and appreciate honest counseling, even if it means refusing unnecessary surgeries.

Key Considerations

  • ∙ Consultation Preparation: Since Director Yoo prefers patients to listen to medical proposals, it's efficient to clearly explain concerns but engage with an open attitude towards surgical methodology.
  • ∙ Cost Factor: As it is not a low-cost event clinic, it is suitable for patients who prioritize the perfection and safety of the surgery over cost.

DM Plastic Surgery's Core Values:

Orthodox Practice Surgical Results Excellence Medical Principles Adherence

Positioned as an 'Orthodox' institution, prioritizing medical principles over flashy marketing.

Note: Exact costs must be confirmed through 1:1 consultation by inquiring directly with the hospital.