Analysis Report

Hoo Clinic Gangnam Branch

Chief Director Hong Jin-woo In-depth Analysis

Acne Scar Treatment Trans Therapy Herbal Diet

Key Findings

Institutional Status

Hoo Clinic Gangnam Branch is the headquarter-level hospital of the Hoo Clinic network (approx. 20 branches nationwide), specializing in intractable acne scar treatment and herbal diet.

Medical Staff Expertise

Representative Director Hong Jin-woo has a unique background (Yonsei University Business Administration & Daejeon University Korean Medicine) and leads the network, notably developing 'Trans Therapy'.

Core Technology

The main procedure, 'Trans Therapy', involves horizontally transplanting healthy tissue to fill depressed scars (especially Boxcar scars), showing significant clinical results.

Reputation & Characteristics

Receives positive evaluations for high treatment satisfaction and systematic service, but involves pain and recovery periods, pursuing a premium strategy in terms of cost.

Hospital Information

Overview and Location

Hoo Clinic Gangnam Branch is located at B1, KBL Center, 110 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Its prime location near Exit 1 of Sinsa Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) and Apgujeong Station ensures excellent accessibility in the heart of Gangnam's dermatology and aesthetic medicine hub.

Medical Hours

  • Weekdays (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri): 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM (or 9:00 PM) - catering to office workers.
  • Saturdays: Until 3:00 PM.
  • Closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Network

The Gangnam branch is a pivotal part of the Hoo Clinic network, connecting 20 branches nationwide including Nowon, Sillim, Busan, and Daegu, ensuring standardized treatment protocols across locations.

Clinical Philosophy & Brand Identity

“

"To perfectly become you from the first consultation."

This motto reflects a commitment to holistic treatment, addressing not just symptoms but also psychological pain and lifestyle habits. With over 22 years of clinical know-how, the clinic advocates 'Intensive Skin Diet Treatment', emphasizing substantial treatment and prevention of recurrence.

”

Director Profile: Hong Jin-woo

Education & Career

Education:

  • Graduated from Daeil Foreign Language High School.
  • Attended Yonsei University, Department of Business Administration (presumed to have changed career path later).
  • Graduated from Daejeon University, Department of Korean Medicine.

Key Career:

  • Former Representative Director, Hoo Clinic Nowon Branch.
  • Former Representative Director, Hoo Clinic Sillim Branch.
  • Current Representative Director, Hoo Clinic Gangnam Branch.
  • Current Representative, National Hoo Clinic Network.
  • Current Representative Director, Balance Hoo Gangnam Branch.

Academic Achievements

Affiliated Societies:

  • Regular member of The Society of Korean Medicine.
  • Regular member of The Society of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology & Dermatology.
  • Regular member of The Korean Academy of Korean Medicine Acne.
  • Regular member of The Korean Trans Therapy Research Society.

Major Papers:

  • "A Five Cases of Treating Boxcar Acne Scar with Trans Therapy and Skin Impediment Therapy"
  • Published in the Journal of East-West Medicine or the Journal of the Society of Korean Medicine, this paper demonstrated significant improvement in indices like the Korean Acne Grading System (KAGS) after Trans Therapy for Boxcar scars.
  • Research reported a reduction in scar grade from an average of 2.4 before treatment to 1.2 after treatment.

Collaborating Medical Staff:

In addition to Representative Director Hong Jin-woo, the Gangnam branch operates with a 4-director system, including Directors Min Su-yeon, Jeong Yu-han, and Oh Gyeong-jin, each specializing in fields such as skin, obesity, and lifting.

Clinical Procedures

Trans Therapy: Core Technology

Hoo Clinic's most differentiated procedure, 'Trans Therapy (New Flesh Acupuncture)', targets deeply pitted scars (especially Boxcar type) that are difficult to resolve with existing lasers or peeling.

Mechanism:

  • Differs from vertical stimulation by microscopically cutting and **horizontally moving (transplanting)** healthy skin tissue into the scar.
  • Transplanted healthy tissue induces regeneration, expecting over 70% restoration with just one session.

Indications:

Boxcar scars, rolling scars, deep chickenpox marks, etc.

Procedure Process:

  1. **Pre-treatment:** Baseline treatment (M-Ton, threads) to enhance overall skin regeneration.
  2. **Main Procedure:** Precision treatment (transplantation) on each scar via Trans Therapy.
  3. **Post-treatment:** Management for tissue engraftment (regenerative pharmacopuncture, Duoderm).

M-Ton

A medical device patented by Hoo Clinic, utilizing microneedling. It creates microscopic holes in the skin to aid the penetration of regenerative ampoules and stimulate collagen production.

Benefits:

  • Improved acne marks.
  • Reduction in pore size.
  • Enhanced skin elasticity.

Other Skin Diseases

Beyond acne, the clinic offers Korean medicine treatment solutions for challenging skin conditions:

  • Keratosis pilaris (chicken skin)
  • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Facial flushing
  • Removal of flat warts

Diet Program

Migam-tang / Migam S:

Customized herbal medicine considering the patient's constitution, body shape, and diet history. Available in decoction, stick (Migam D Stick), and tablet (Dayojeong) forms for convenience.

Bium-tang:

Used as part of a detox program to cleanse bodily waste and rest gastrointestinal functions before commencing a diet.

Reputation & Patient Experience

Positive Feedback

  • High Expertise and Effectiveness: Records high ratings (4.5~9.7 out of 10) on platforms like Gangnam Unni and Cashdoc. Patients particularly praise Trans Therapy's ability to improve deep scars where other hospitals failed.
  • Kindness and Facilities: High satisfaction with the kind consultations from medical staff and staff, and the clean, modern hospital facilities.
  • Systematic Management: Many comments highlight the meticulous post-procedure regeneration management and progress checks.

Negative Feedback & Considerations

  • Pain and Recovery Period: Trans Therapy, being invasive, involves pain and a recovery period (social downtime) of approximately 5 to 7 days or more due to redness, swelling, and exudate.
  • Cost: Perceived as expensive compared to general dermatology procedures, reflecting a premium strategy.
  • Realistic Reviews: Plastic surgery communities (Sungyesa) suggest considering realistic pain and effect limitations, urging a careful approach based on individual skin conditions, beyond marketing reviews.

Pricing (Estimated, subject to change)

Trans Therapy

Approx. 50,000 KRW ~ 55,000 KRW per scar.

Full Face/Per Area: Starts from 200,000 KRW, varies by range.

Diet (Dayojeong)

2-week supply: Approx. 70,000 KRW.

3-month supply: Approx. 390,000 KRW.

Flat Wart Removal

5,000 KRW ~ 10,000 KRW per piece.

Unlimited package available by area.

Conclusion

Distinctive Competitiveness of Hoo Clinic Gangnam Branch

  1. Technological Differentiation: Possesses the proprietary scar restoration technology called 'Trans Therapy', backed by scientific papers, establishing a strong foundation for Korean medicine skin treatment.
  2. Leadership: Representative Director Hong Jin-woo effectively combines a business management mindset with Korean medicine expertise, successfully leading the national network hospitals and driving continuous research and development (R&D).
  3. Target Segmentation: Has established strengthened expertise by focusing on clear target groups such as 'scars difficult to treat' and 'constitution improvement diet', rather than generic skin care.

Suggestions

Hoo Clinic Gangnam Branch and Director Hong Jin-woo have solidified a firm position in the Korean herbal aesthetic market. Particularly for patients suffering from Boxcar scars, Trans Therapy presents a powerful alternative to existing laser treatments.

However, given the invasive nature of the procedure (pain, recovery period) and its cost, prospective patients should thoroughly consider their skin regeneration ability and social schedule during consultation to establish a suitable treatment plan.

This report was compiled based on publicly available web data, academic materials, and patient reviews. It should be noted that actual treatment results may vary depending on the individual's condition.

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