Sage Clinic · Lee Kyung-soo Analysis Report

Key Insights into Sage Clinic

Specialized Focus

Sage Clinic is a specialized aesthetic medical facility in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, focusing primarily on non-surgical lower body contouring (calves and thighs).

Proprietary Techniques

Led by Dr. Lee Kyung-soo, the clinic is known for "Jjong-al" (Calf) and "Buck-jji" (Thigh) injections, utilizing a unique "Nerve Design" concept for muscle reduction.

Premium Market Position

It operates in the ultra-premium non-invasive segment, commanding significantly higher prices due to claims of semi-permanent results and patented methodologies.

Polarized Reputation

Patients report significant aesthetic improvements but also highlight high costs, post-procedural pain, and temporary mobility difficulties.

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Dr. Lee Kyung-soo: The Visionary Behind Sage Clinic

Dr. Lee Kyung-soo, often known as Dr. Rodeo Lee, is the driving force behind Sage Clinic. His professional identity is deeply intertwined with the development of the clinic's unique aesthetic procedures.

Medical Credentials & Specialization

**Official Title:** Representative Director (대표원장) of Sage Clinic.
**Specialty Status:** The clinic is registered as "Sage Clinic" (세이지의원), indicating the practitioner is likely a General Practitioner (GP) or a specialist in a field other than plastic surgery, practicing aesthetic medicine. He is not a board-certified Plastic Surgery Specialist (성형외과 전문의).
**Clinical Focus:** Specializes in Body Contouring, Lifting, Fillers, and Botox, with significant renown for non-surgical calf and thigh muscle reduction.

Professional Activities & Media

**Medical Broadcasting:** Active in media, discussing body aesthetics and related topics.
**Online Education:** Manages YouTube channels where he addresses liposuction side effects, calf reduction errors, and muscle hypertrophy science.
**Expert Positioning:** Positions himself as an authority in correcting "failed" surgeries and treating "drug-resistant" muscle types.

Institutional Overview & Philosophy

Location & Accessibility

Strategically located in the medical and business heart of Seoul, Sage Clinic offers high accessibility.

**Address:** 10th Floor, Superior Tower, 528 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
**Transport:** Easily accessible via major subway lines (Samsung, Seolleung, Yeoksam Stations), within Gangnam's medical tourism belt.

Operational Structure

The clinic emphasizes personalized care through a reservation-based system and 1:1 consultations.

**Operating Hours:** Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Closed Sundays/Public Holidays. Lunch Break: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
**Contact:** Available via telephone (02-565-3326) and KakaoTalk.

Branding Philosophy

The clinic operates under the "SAGE" brand, signifying "wise" solutions. It champions "Originality" and "Patented Solutions" to distinguish itself from generic clinics, marketing its approach as a comprehensive "Solution" for complex body aesthetic issues.

Signature Clinical Methodologies

The "Jjong-al" Injection (Calf Injection)

Sage Clinic's flagship procedure, targeting the calf muscle.

**Concept:** Marketed as "Nerve Design," it aims to reduce the bulk of medial and lateral gastrocnemius and soleus muscles without traditional surgery.
**Mechanism:** Likely involves a high-concentration formulation or chemical neurolysis for profound neuromuscular junction effects, claiming semi-permanent results (2-3 years or longer).
**Target Indications:** Muscular calves, mixed fat/muscle calves, asymmetrical legs, and calves resistant to standard Botox.

The "Buck-jji" Injection (Thigh Injection)

Addresses localized fat and muscle bulk in the thighs.

**Variants:** V-Buckjji (front thigh), P-Buckjji (saddlebags), Q-Buckjji (inner thigh), D-Buckjji (posterior thigh).
**Methodology:** Combines lipolysis with muscle reduction agents to sculpt the thigh line, especially targeting overdeveloped quadriceps.

"Nerve Design" & "Al-Point"

Proprietary mapping techniques for precise targeting.

**Nerve Design:** Utilizes ultrasound or electrical stimulation to map specific nerve branches, ensuring precise targeting and minimizing dosage for maximum muscle atrophy while preserving function.
**Al-Point:** Refers to specific trigger points or motor endplates identified during the design phase for concentrated injection.

Other Procedures

**Ppae-ppae Injection:** A systemic or localized fat-dissolving injection for general slimming.
**Hip-Tae Injection:** A volumizing or lifting injection designed to improve hip dips or sagging buttocks.

Patient Sentiment & Market Reputation

Positive Feedback (Efficacy)

**Visible Results:** Many users report significant calf circumference reduction, often after other treatments failed, noting a "change in silhouette" and "slimming of the leg line."
**Professionalism:** Patients often find consultations professional, with thorough measurements and photography for accurate diagnosis.
**Last Resort:** Highly praised by those who had "given up" on achieving results with liposuction or standard Botox.

Negative Feedback & Complaints

**Pain & Recovery:** The procedure is described as painful, with significant post-procedure discomfort, difficulty walking, and "legs giving out" temporarily.
**High Cost:** Consistently the most frequent complaint, with comprehensive treatments ranging from 2.5 to over 5.8 million KRW, comparable to invasive surgeries.
**Upselling:** Some reviews indicate pressure to add supplementary treatments (e.g., soleus muscle treatment), inflating the final bill.
**Staff Attitude:** Historical mentions of "rude" staff exist, though recent reviews suggest potential improvements or variability.

The "Real" vs. "Fake" Review Dynamic

Platforms like Sungyesa, known for filtering fake marketing reviews, host detailed and critical feedback alongside positive reports, suggesting a genuine patient base rather than purely manufactured reputation.

Critical Analysis & Conclusion

Medical Context of "Nerve Design"

"Nerve Design" is likely a marketing term for Chemical Neurolysis (using alcohol or phenol) or High-Dose Targeted Botulinum Toxin. If neurolysis, effects are longer but carry higher risks of sensory nerve damage or permanent atrophy. If high-dose Botox, "semi-permanent" relies on prolonged disuse atrophy. The clinic's "Patents" (LEGISH) suggest a unique proprietary mixture or protocol.

Final Verdict

Sage Clinic and Dr. Lee Kyung-soo occupy a specialized, high-end segment of the Korean aesthetic market.

**Strengths:** Offers highly specialized and effective lower body contouring solutions for difficult cases. Strong brand identity ("Sage") with over a decade of presence in a competitive market.
**Considerations:** Not a general plastic surgery center; patients must weigh high financial costs and potential temporary mobility issues against aesthetic improvements. The director's lack of "Plastic Surgery Specialist" board certification is a relevant factor for some patients.

Recommendation for Researchers/Patients

Due diligence regarding the specific chemical agents used in the "Jjong-al Injection" is advised. A realistic financial assessment is crucial, as advertised "event prices" often do not reflect the final comprehensive treatment cost.