Analysis Report

Apgujeong Seoul Plastic Surgery

Lee Min-gu, Representative Director In-depth Analysis

Natural Beauty Elite Medical Staff Patient Safety

Key Summary

History and Scale

Opened in 2000, possessing over 20 years of clinical data, established as a landmark hospital near Apgujeong Station.

Medical Team Expertise

Major medical staff, including Representative Director Lee Min-gu, are alumni of Seoul National University College of Medicine and specialists from Seoul National University Hospital.

Major Procedures

Shows strength in Anti-aging (Face Lift) and youth-restoring surgery for middle-aged, emphasizing safety with resident anesthesiologists.

Reputation and Characteristics

Known for pursuing 'naturalness', enhancing individuality. High trust due to long operation, but mixed reactions on waiting times/conservative approach.

Representative Director Lee Min-gu

Education & Major Career

  • Education: Graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine, Ph.D. in Plastic Surgery from the same graduate school.
  • Training & Clinical Experience: Completed residency and fellowship in Plastic Surgery at Seoul National University Hospital.
  • Major Positions:
    • Former) Head of Plastic Surgery at Seoul National University Boramae Hospital.
    • Former) Director of COREA Plastic Surgery in Beijing, China.
    • Current) Advisory Doctor and Clinical Professor at Seoul National University Hospital Plastic Surgery (Adjunct as of 2024).

Academic Activities & Media Presence

Director Lee is an active regular member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and the Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and also holds regular membership in the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). He continues active academic activities, holding a solid position within the academia, such as serving as a chairperson or moderator at symposiums in basic medicine and plastic surgery education fields.

He has a strong attachment to clinical practice, stating his dream is "to see patients in active duty for another 20 years." He has appeared on numerous broadcasts (KBS, Channel A, YTN, etc.) conducting interviews on topics such as preventing plastic surgery side effects, delivering correct plastic surgery information, and anti-aging surgery trends, continuing communication with the public. He particularly emphasizes the importance of functional plastic surgery, such as ptosis correction, aiming for surgeries that improve quality of life as well as aesthetic improvement.

Hospital Overview & Infrastructure

History and Location

Apgujeong Seoul Plastic Surgery opened in 2000 and is one of the first-generation large plastic surgery clinics that has been operating for about 25 years. It is located at 840 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (598 Sinsa-dong), situated near Exit 4 of Apgujeong Station, offering excellent accessibility.

The hospital has grown alongside the Korean plastic surgery market, evolving into a medical institution that performs not only simple cosmetic surgery but also reconstruction and high-difficulty surgeries.

Clinical Philosophy & Operation System

The hospital's core slogan is "The beginning of healthy and safe beauty". This reflects the will to prioritize patient safety over unreasonable surgeries.

  • Customized Treatment: Aims for minimal incision and non-incision customized plastic surgery that brings out the individual's unique image.
  • Cooperation System: Establishes a cooperative system between plastic surgery specialists and anesthesiology/pain medicine specialists to monitor safety throughout the entire surgical process.

Safety Infrastructure

  • Resident Anesthesiologist: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine specialists reside in the hospital and perform 1:1 dedicated anesthesia, immediately responding to emergencies. 'Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA)' is also provided for pain management.
  • Advanced Monitoring and Equipment: Equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment equivalent to university hospitals and creates a transparent medical environment through the installation of CCTV in operating rooms.
  • Emergency Response System: Equipped with automated external defibrillators (AED) and emergency situation manuals, it checks patients' vital signs in real-time.

Signature Procedures

Anti-aging & Face Lift

Director Lee Min-gu's main field, including face lifts, forehead lifts, and lower blepharoplasty.

  • Focuses on solving fundamental causes of aging.
  • Aims for natural expressions beyond simply smoothing wrinkles.

Eye Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Rich clinical experience not only in double eyelid surgery but also in ptosis correction and middle-aged eye surgery (upper/lower blepharoplasty).

  • Addresses functional problems like lack of eye-opening strength.
  • Aims to improve satisfaction after surgery.

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Centered around Director Choi Joong-hyuk, professionally performs deviated nose correction, hump nose surgery, and nose revision.

  • Prefers methods that minimize implants or utilize autologous tissues.
  • Reduces potential side effects.

Breast and Body Contouring

Performs breast augmentation, reduction, and liposuction, proceeding safely under the presence of an anesthesiologist.

  • Comprehensive body contouring solutions.
  • Ensured safety through dedicated anesthesia.

Reputation & Patient Review Analysis

Positive Evaluation

  • Natural Results: Many patient reviews emphasize "natural and not excessive" outcomes, and results that are "harmonious like my original face."
  • Stability and Trust: High trust stemming from over 20 years of operation and its reputation as a Seoul National University alumni hospital. Patients appreciate the kindness of consultants and a non-coercive atmosphere.
  • Aftercare: Numerous reviews commend meticulous post-operative swelling management and progress checks, highlighting the benefit of long-term observation.

Considerations & Criticisms

  • Waiting Time and Reservations: As a popular hospital, some patients report long waiting times or difficulty securing reservations.
  • Conservative Approach: Patients seeking flashy and dramatic changes might find the hospital's 'naturalism' philosophy somewhat conservative, leading to reactions like "the change is not significant."
  • Post-op Dissatisfaction Cases: While common across all clinics, some cases of dissatisfaction exist regarding persistent swelling, asymmetry, or unmet expectations, often stemming from individual recovery or aesthetic differences rather than malpractice.
  • Addressing Safety Concerns: Following past industry incidents, the hospital transparently communicates its commitment to accident prevention and responsibility, notably emphasizing its resident anesthesiologist system to alleviate patient anxiety.

Comprehensive Analysis & Conclusion

Apgujeong Seoul Plastic Surgery is a resilient hospital that has maintained its reputation for nearly 25 years in the Gangnam plastic surgery market, where trends change rapidly. The expertise of the medical staff from Seoul National University, led by Representative Director Lee Min-gu, and the clinical philosophy that prioritizes safety—though conservative—are the hospital's core competencies.

Summary of Features

01

Authenticity

Academic background as a Seoul National University College of Medicine alumni hospital and extensive clinical experience.

02

Safety

Resident anesthesiologist and establishment of university-hospital level safety systems.

03

Naturalism

Specialization in anti-aging and eye/nose surgery that avoids excessive plastic surgery and enhances inherent individuality.

In conclusion, Apgujeong Seoul Plastic Surgery is analyzed as a medical institution suitable for patients who want safe and natural improvements through proven surgical methods rather than pursuing rapid appearance changes following the latest trends. It possesses high competitiveness, especially in fields requiring high-level skills and stability, such as anti-aging surgery for the middle-aged or revision surgeries.