Analysis Report

The Ciel Clinic

Choi Min-hee Representative Director In-depth Analysis

Anti-aging Lifting Premium Care

Executive Summary

Expertise

Dr. Choi Min-hee specializes in non-surgical anti-aging (Ulthera, Thermage) and skin boosters, while co-director Dr. Lee Seung-yoon focuses on fat plastic surgery.

Medical Philosophy

Adheres to "recommending only procedures she has personally undergone," fostering trust and setting realistic expectations with patients.

Market Position

Located on Cheongdam-dong Luxury Street, offering premium customized services and emphasizing 'craftsmanship' over low-cost, high-volume procedures.

Reputation

Maintains high ratings (e.g., 9.2/10) on cosmetic medical platforms, praised for counseling and comfort, though recognized for higher costs.

Profile of Representative Director Choi Min-hee

Dr. Choi Min-hee

A medical professional dedicated to anti-aging and lifting, emphasizing trust through personal experience.

Education & Qualifications

  • Graduated from Yonsei University College of Medicine (Seoul Campus)
  • Completed residency at Yonsei University Severance Hospital (Sinchon Main Branch)
  • Active in academic societies such as the Korean Academy of Aesthetic Surgery and Laser Medicine

Major Career

  • Current: Representative Director of The Ciel Clinic (2014.09 ~ Present)
  • Former: Director of Picasso Dermatology

Medical Philosophy: "Recommending Only Procedures Personally Experienced"

Director Choi Min-hee's core practice is **'Self-Experimentation-based Practice.'** She regularly undergoes procedures like Thermage, Ulthera, and various skin boosters herself.

  • Securing Trust: By sharing vivid personal experiences of pain, downtime, and effects, she bridges information gaps between medical staff and patients.

  • Realistic Advice: Offers realistic improvement expectations rather than excessive fantasies, openly discussing limitations and potential side effects.

Academic & Media Activities

  • 2012 SKIN MD Seminar: Lecture on 'Laser Cocktail Technique'
  • 2012 & 2013 Korean Academy of Cosmetic Surgery: Presentations on 'Derma Shine' and 'Skin Anti-aging Procedures'
  • Operates YouTube channel 'Dr. Ciel' for patient communication and education

Clinic Overview & Philosophy

Clinic Basic Information

The Ciel Clinic, opened in September 2014, is jointly operated by a married couple of doctors, Lee Seung-yoon and Choi Min-hee, both Yonsei University College of Medicine alumni.

Location & Accessibility

Located on the 3rd floor of Sangwon Building, 436 Apgujeong-ro (Cheongdam-dong), Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Situated on Cheongdam-dong Luxury Street, offering excellent accessibility and a private medical environment.

Operating hours: Weekdays 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM, Saturdays until 2:30 PM (Closed Sundays & public holidays).

Brand Identity & Philosophy

The clinic name 'Ciel' (French for 'sky') symbolizes the pursuit of clear and clean beauty. With the slogan "Researching and performing only lifting and anti-aging," the clinic adopts a specialization strategy.

Craftsmanship & Artist

The Ciel Clinic aspires to evolve from 'Artisans' to 'Artists,' emphasizing customized design based on individual patient's facial features, skin conditions, and aging signs. This 'craftsmanship' differentiates it from factory-type dermatology clinics.

Operational Features

  • 100% Reservation System for private, unhurried treatment
  • Principle of Genuine Products/Quantities with certification for procedures like Thermage and Ulthera
  • Active patient communication and education through 'Dr. Ciel' YouTube channel

Major Clinical Fields: Dr. Choi Min-hee's Focus

High-End Lifting

  • Thermage FLX: Collagen regeneration via RF, strict adherence to genuine tips and shot counts.
  • Ulthera: SMAS layer contraction via HIFU, careful design for minimal side effects like cheek hollowing.
  • Combined Procedure (Ul-Thermage): Premium package combining Ulthera and Thermage for comprehensive elasticity improvement.

Skin Boosters & Anti-aging Injections

  • Rejuran Healer: PN injection for skin regeneration, pain/bruising controlled by combined injection methods.
  • Mine Line Booster: Preferred for neck wrinkles, using elasticity-enhancing ingredients.
  • Others: Juvelook, Exosome, Water Shine Botox for skin texture and hydration.

Petit Plastic Surgery & Pigmentation

  • Fillers & Botox: Natural line correction, including collagen-stimulating fillers like Ellansé.
  • Pigmentation & Hair Removal: Treatments based on extensive experience in laser toning and hair removal.
  • Cooperation with Dr. Lee: Synergy with Dr. Lee's focus on facial liposuction, fat grafting, and thread lifting for comprehensive care.

Reputation & Market Response

Positive Evaluations (Pros)

  • Meticulous Counseling & Design

    Dr. Choi accurately understands patient concerns, avoiding unnecessary procedures. Patients often feel she "knows exactly what the concerns are without me saying them."

  • High Credibility

    The director's personal experience with procedures provides patients with significant psychological stability and trust.

  • Natural Results

    Focuses on natural anti-aging, enhancing one's original appearance rather than artificial changes.

  • Pleasant Environment

    The luxurious Cheongdam-dong interior and private waiting areas are highly appreciated by patients.

Considerations & Limitations (Cons)

  • Cost Burden

    Due to its premium strategy, genuine tips, and extended procedure times, prices are higher than budget-friendly clinics. "Expensive but worth it" coexists with "it is burdensome."

  • Limitations of Dramatic Changes

    As the clinic specializes in non-surgical lifting, the extent of change may be perceived as less dramatic compared to surgical alternatives like facelifts, aligning with its natural aesthetic philosophy.

Price Policy & Transparency

The Ciel Clinic prioritizes value over price competition, educating patients through YouTube on the importance of appropriate costs for proper, quality procedures, warning against suspiciously low prices.

Conclusion & Recommendations

"The Ciel Clinic and Director Choi Min-hee represent a distinct 'Cheongdam-dong Premium Anti-aging' brand."

Unparalleled Expertise

Solid medical foundation from Yonsei University and over a decade of clinical experience, complemented by the specialized division of labor between the director couple.

Profound Credibility

Dr. Choi's unique approach as a "doctor who experiences procedures herself" builds immense trust, ensuring sincere counseling free from overtreatment.

Patient-Centric Approach

A focus on personalized care, privacy, and realistic outcomes, suitable for those seeking quality over volume in a pleasant environment.

Recommended Targets:

  • Patients who prioritize procedure safety and quality over cost.
  • Patients tired of short consultations and mechanical procedures at factory-type clinics.
  • Middle-aged and 2030 generation desiring natural anti-aging that is not obvious.
  • Patients who prefer a private and pleasant treatment environment.

In conclusion, The Ciel Clinic is ideal for consumers who value thorough, time-invested care from verified medical staff, rather than those seeking the lowest prices.