In-depth Analysis Report

IH Clinic

Chief Director Hwang Jung-hoo Profile

Niche Market Aesthetics Research-Driven Care Celebrity Choice

Key Summary

Institution Overview

IH Clinic expanded and relocated to Apgujeong Station around July 2025, a strategic move to accommodate rapidly increasing reservation demand and expand treatment space.

Medical Staff Expertise

Chief Director Hwang Jung-hoo boasts a solid academic background (Chung-Ang Med, Harvard E.E., SCI papers) and serves as a Key Doctor for major medical devices (10Therma, 10Thera, Collaju).

Key Procedures & Characteristics

The clinic focuses on body petit surgery like ear and body fillers, its self-developed SDR scar treatment, and Lituo skin booster, excelling in niche markets.

Reputation & Awareness

Maintains high ratings (9.6-9.7) on platforms and is known as a clinic favored by idols and celebrities, building strong credibility.

Hospital Overview

Hospital Identity & Philosophy

IH Clinic operates under the motto "Natural but definite change." The name 'IH' is derived from Chief Director Hwang Jung-hoo's initials, embodying a core value of 'Design-centric' treatment.

It aims for precision procedures that consider individual facial proportions and harmony, focusing on maximizing each patient's unique charm rather than mechanical, standardized treatments.

Location & Facility Expansion

  • Relocation History: Originally near Sinsa Station, relocated and expanded to near Exit 3 of Apgujeong Station (3rd Floor, Samsin Building, 836 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu) as of July 16, 2025.
  • Background of Expansion: Decision driven by rapidly increasing reservation demand, leading to waiting time issues and lack of treatment space.
  • Facility Features: New Apgujeong headquarters features enhanced private treatment environments, latest lifting/laser equipment, a relaxed waiting area, and night clinics (until 20:00 weekdays) for accessibility.

Chief Director Hwang Jung-hoo Profile

Education & Qualifications

  • Medical Education: Graduated from Chung-Ang University College of Medicine.
  • Overseas Training: Holds Harvard Medical School E.E. (External Education) certified qualification. This program proves acquisition of the latest medical knowledge.
  • Professional Qualifications: 1st generation Obesity Specialist Certification, regular member of key aesthetic societies.

Research Achievements

  • SCI Paper Registration: Published 9 papers, including 4 as first author in SCI-level international journals, demonstrating scientific rigor.
  • In-house Technology Development:
    • SDR (Scar Deep Regeneration): Scar treatment solution.
    • Dual Pep-Ato: Scalp peptide ingredients.
    • Dr. Vino Bifidus B-3 Diet: Unique diet supplement.

Key Doctor & Advisory Activities

  • 10Therma Key Doctor: Spreading clinical know-how for high-frequency lifting.
  • 10Thera & Collaju Key Doctor: Active in ultrasound lifting and collagen skin boosters.
  • Other Advisory: Clinical education advisor for Restylane, Sculptra, Lituo, and Primelase.

External Activities & Awards

  • Judge: Appointed judge for Miss Korea and World Miss University.
  • Awards: Received Grand Prize in Medical Professional category at '10 People Who Shined Korea Awards'.
  • Media: Consultant for movies such as 'The Outlaws' and 'Unstoppable', linking with the entertainment industry.

Chief Director Choi Jun-won and other highly qualified medical staff also contribute to IH Clinic's cooperative medical system, ensuring comprehensive patient care.

Key Procedures & Competitiveness

Body & Special Area Fillers

IH Clinic excels in niche markets, offering signature procedures beyond facial aesthetics.

  • Ear Filler: Representative procedure, popular for correcting ear shape; thousands performed monthly with detailed design.
  • Body Filler: Specialized in large-volume fillers for pelvis, hip-dip, shoulders, breasts, and buttocks.
  • Head Shape & Others: High-difficulty special area procedures like back of the head and noble chin fillers.

SDR Solution (Scar & Wrinkle Treatment)

The SDR (Scar Deep Regeneration) solution, developed by Director Hwang Jung-hoo, is a technological differentiator.

  • Principle: Uses radiofrequency and laser energy to stimulate collagen production and activate skin regeneration.
  • Indications: Non-invasively applied for acne scars, pitted marks, pore reduction, and improving deep wrinkles (e.g., neck).
  • Features: Focuses on smoothing uneven skin surfaces and uniformly improving skin texture.

Lifting & Anti-aging

Utilizing advanced equipment and booster solutions for effective anti-aging treatments.

  • 10Therma: High-frequency lifting equipment; Director Hwang is a Key Doctor, emphasizing meticulous procedures.
  • Lituo: Skin booster injecting ECM for improving pores, scars, and elasticity by enhancing skin's regenerative power.
  • Collaju: Directly injects 99.9% pure collagen for immediate volume, elasticity, and self-collagen production.
  • Other Lifting: Ulthera, Thermage (laser lifting), Mint Thread (thread lifting).

IH Clinic also offers Botox, Hair Removal, and Diet Medication Prescription as part of its comprehensive aesthetic services.

Reputation & Market Response

Patient Reviews & Ratings

High Customer Satisfaction: IH Clinic maintains very high ratings on major aesthetic medical platforms.

  • Gangnam Unni: Rating 9.7/10 (approx. 715 reviews)
  • Yeoshin Ticket: Rating 9.6/10 (over 500 reviews)

Key Factors for Positive Reviews:

  • Design Satisfaction: "Director meticulously designs," "natural and pretty ear filler shape."
  • Friendliness: Positive evaluation for consulting managers and medical staff, absence of excessive treatment recommendations.
  • Pain Management: Well-managed during lifting procedures like 10Therma.
  • Trendy Needs: Satisfies demands like "I want to perk up my ears like NewJeans' Haerin."

Celebrity Marketing & Awareness

Known as a hospital visited by celebrities (idols, actors, athletes), IH Clinic builds credibility and a trendy image, sometimes nicknamed 'Idol's Primary Doctor'.

Points of Caution

Confusion Regarding Specialist Status: While phrases like "Treatment by Plastic Surgery Specialist" appear in some platform information, the official profiles of Chief Directors Hwang Jung-hoo and Choi Jun-won list 'Medical School Graduate' or 'Obesity Specialist' titles, not 'Plastic Surgery Specialist'.

Patients are advised to clearly check the specialist status of the doctor in charge before procedures. However, in aesthetic fields (fillers, lifting), procedure experience and design sense are often valued more than specialist qualifications, and the hospital's high ratings reflect its proven skill.

Comprehensive Analysis & Conclusion

IH Clinic can be defined as a 'Research-centric Design Aesthetic Clinic' that seamlessly combines Chief Director Hwang Jung-hoo's academic expertise with a keen sense for trendy procedures.

Summary of Key Features:

Academic-Based Procedures

Chief director-developed solutions (SDR) and multiple SCI paper achievements instill trust in procedure safety and professionalism.

Niche Market Preemption

A differentiated brand identity built by leading the market for fillers in special areas like ears, shoulders, and pelvis.

Emphasis on Customer Experience

Apgujeong relocation, private facilities, and meticulous counseling reflect a commitment to premium medical services.

"IH Clinic is ideal for consumers seeking personalized design and specialized area correction, and for patients desiring treatment from skilled Key Doctors using verified equipment."