Clinic Overview & Key Strengths
Specialized Expertise
WHY Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic is a specialized medical institution focusing on facial bone surgeries, including orthognathic surgery and facial contouring. Led by Dr. Lee Seok-jae, a board-certified surgeon with over 20 years of experience.
Safety Philosophy
The clinic employs a strict "One Surgery Per Day" policy, ensuring Dr. Lee performs the entire procedure himself, prioritizing patient safety and optimal surgeon condition.
Medical Lineage
Dr. Lee Seok-jae follows the legacy of his father, Professor Lee Sang-chul, a pioneer in Korean oral and maxillofacial surgery, blending academic heritage with modern aesthetic sensibilities.
Transparency & Ethics
Transparency is key, with CCTVs in operating rooms and a reputation for refusing unnecessary surgeries (approx. 20-25% of consultations) when clinically unwarranted or expectations are unrealistic.
1. Profile of Representative Director Lee Seok-jae
Dr. Lee Seok-jae
Dr. Lee Seok-jae is a Board-Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon recognized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, with over 20 years of clinical experience. He combines a strong academic foundation with extensive practical surgical expertise.
Academic Background & Certification
- Board-Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
- Dankook University: Bachelor of Dentistry, Master’s degree in Dentistry (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
- Internship and Residency at Dankook University Dental Hospital
Professional Career
- Head of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department & Director of the Orthognathic Center at ID Hospital
- Dental Department Chief at the Capital Defense Command
- Clinical Professor at Hallym University’s Graduate School of Clinical Dentistry
- Active member of Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (KAOMS) and other academies
"Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is the Thoracic Surgery of Dentistry."
Dr. Lee seeks to merge his father's legacy of functional recovery with his own focus on aesthetic satisfaction, addressing complex aesthetic concerns for patients' psychological well-being.
― Dr. Lee Seok-jae's Medical Philosophy
2. Clinic Information and Infrastructure
Location & Operations
Address: 3rd Floor, Brand Khan Tower, 527 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Banpo-dong).
Accessible via Nonhyeon Station and Sinnonhyeon Station.
Operating Hours:
- Weekdays (Mon-Fri): 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sundays/Holidays: Closed
Medical Philosophy
WHY Clinic positions itself as a specialized institution where functional recovery and aesthetic improvement intersect. Dr. Lee advocates for "Normalizing Surgery," aiming to restore normal function and aesthetics, rather than just chasing beauty.
Facilities & Technology
- 3D Diagnostic Systems: Utilizes 3D CT scanners to obtain precise cross-sectional views of the facial bones, nerve pathways, and teeth. This data is crucial for surgical planning and avoiding nerve damage.
- Safety Infrastructure: Operating rooms are equipped with CCTVs, a key feature for patient trust and transparency, ensuring the integrity of the surgical team.
- Recovery Facilities: Dedicated recovery rooms and post-operative care systems are in place to manage the critical first 24-48 hours after major jaw surgery.
3. Major Clinical Procedures
The clinic specializes in "Face Bone Surgery," distinguishing itself from general plastic surgery by emphasizing the functional aspects of occlusion alongside aesthetics.
Orthognathic Surgery (Yang-ak)
This is the clinic's flagship procedure. It involves repositioning the maxilla and mandible to correct functional and aesthetic issues.
Indications:
- Malocclusion, facial asymmetry
- Protruding mouth (bimaxillary protrusion)
- Long face syndrome, lantern jaw (mandibular prognathism)
Approach: "Normalizing Surgery" using techniques like SSRO and IVRO.
Facial Contouring (Yungwak)
Procedures designed to smooth the facial outline without altering the dental occlusion.
Procedures include:
- Square Jaw Reduction (resecting the angular portion of the mandible)
- Cheekbone (Zygoma) Reduction (reducing the width of the midface)
- Chin Tip Surgery (Genioplasty: advancing, receding, or narrowing the chin bone)
Revision Surgery
Dr. Lee handles complex revision cases where previous surgeries failed to correct asymmetry or resulted in dissatisfaction.
He utilizes 3D analysis to identify the causes of failure, such as non-union of bone or incorrect fixation, aiming for improved outcomes.
4. Comprehensive Analysis of Reputation & Characteristics
The "One Surgery Per Day" Policy
A critical differentiator for WHY Clinic is Dr. Lee’s adherence to a 1-day-1-surgery system. This policy ensures optimal surgeon concentration and patient safety by guaranteeing that the representative director performs the entire procedure, from the initial incision to the final suturing, eliminating the risk of "shadow doctors."
Patient Selection and Ethics
Dr. Lee is noted for his conservative approach to patient selection. He refuses approximately 20-25% of consultation patients who have unrealistic expectations or for whom surgery would yield minimal benefit. Reviews and videos suggest he spends significant time explaining why a surgery might not be necessary, prioritizing patient well-being over sales.
Safety and Anesthesiology
Given the nature of bone surgery, anesthesia safety is paramount. The clinic operates with strict anesthesia protocols typical for orthognathic procedures. The presence of CCTV in operating rooms adds a layer of verification regarding the medical team's presence, and the clinic is equipped to handle airway management and other intra-operative emergencies inherent to oral surgery.
Reputation & Patient Feedback
Quantitative Ratings:
High rating (approx. 9.7/10) on major Korean aesthetic surgery platforms like Gangnam Unni, based on over 1,100 reviews.
Positive Feedback:
- "Professionalism of the director" and "detailed explanations"
- "Safety of the CCTV system" and "kindness of the staff"
- Aesthetic results regarding asymmetry correction and natural-looking outcomes are also praised.
Considerations:
- Mentions of the difficult recovery process (swelling, sensory numbness) which is a known risk of jaw surgery.
- Some reviews mention waiting times due to the thoroughness of consultations.
- Isolated comments about post-operative sensory recovery taking time.
5. Conclusion
WHY Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic stands out in the crowded Gangnam medical market by adhering to the orthodox principles of oral surgery while catering to aesthetic needs. Dr. Lee Seok-jae leverages his extensive experience from a major plastic surgery hospital and his academic heritage to offer a service model prioritized around safety and precision.
The clinic's defining characteristics—the "One Surgery Per Day" limit, the refusal of unnecessary procedures, and the transparency of CCTV implementation—position it as a "safety-centric" choice for patients considering high-risk facial bone surgeries. While it may not offer the factory-like speed or volume of larger hospitals, its boutique approach appeals to patients seeking personalized care and direct accountability from the head surgeon.
Summary Table: Clinic & Director Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Clinic Name | WHY Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic (와이구강악안면외과치과의원) |
| Representative Director | Dr. Lee Seok-jae (이석재) |
| Specialty | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Board Certified) |
| Key Procedures | Orthognathic Surgery (Yang-ak), Facial Contouring, Revision Surgery |
| Location | Gangnam-daero 527, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Near Nonhyeon Stn.) |
| Core Philosophy | 1 Surgery Per Day, Functional Recovery + Aesthetic Satisfaction |
| Safety Features | CCTV in OR, 3D CT Diagnosis, Direct Care by Director |
| Reputation | High ratings (9.7/10), known for ethical patient selection |
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