Viral marketing and fake reviews are everywhere on social media and review sites…

In this overwhelming flood of information, how can we find a dermatology clinic that is truly honest and trustworthy—one that even I, as a clinic director, would personally choose to visit?

 

Also, which clinic would I feel confident recommending to my friends and family who live far from our own practice?

 

With these questions in mind, I started this blog to share how to identify a good dermatology clinic from the perspective of a medical director.

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✅ 1. Use of High-Quality Laser Devices and Personalized Energy Settings

 

As someone who is well-versed in the cost and performance of most medical devices, I can instantly tell:

 

• Whether the treatment price is reasonable

• Whether the energy levels being used are appropriately set (not too low)

 

just by looking at the equipment a clinic uses.

 

While it may be difficult for the average person to assess a clinic’s expertise, there are some key points you can look out for:

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📌 Does the clinic rely on outdated or low-reliability devices?
▶ For example: older IPL machines or diode (contact-type) hair removal lasers.
→ If these are their primary tools, it may indicate a lack of familiarity with the latest technology.

 

📌 Do they avoid disclosing laser energy settings or fail to record them properly in your chart?
▶ This is a critical point.

 

Even the best devices will yield little effect if the energy is set too low.

 

In fact, many clinics intentionally use extremely low settings “to avoid side effects,”

but this often leads to minimal results—and you’re told, “You’ll need 10 sessions or more.”

 

👀 If a clinic constantly emphasizes the need for many sessions or explains away poor results,
there’s a good chance they’re simply not using the right energy settings.

 

▶ Is the doctor adjusting energy based on your actual skin condition?
▶ Do they clearly explain and record the settings used?

 

These two points alone can help you determine whether the clinic is truly competent.

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✅ 2. Does the clinic offer consultations with a doctor, not just a counselor?

 

When we catch a cold, we naturally expect to see a doctor at the hospital.

But in the world of aesthetic dermatology, it's not uncommon to only meet the doctor briefly before the procedure.

 

✨ While some counselors may have excellent aesthetic sense,
conditions like melasma, pigmentation issues, acne, lifting, and scar treatment vary widely by individual.
Without a proper medical diagnosis, meaningful results are difficult to achieve.

 

📌 Moreover, if the counselor is working on commission,
you may be pushed into expensive procedures that aren't actually necessary.

 

This is why “Does a doctor personally examine and consult with patients?” is one of the most important criteria.

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✅ 3. Is the treatment reasonably priced and visibly effective?

 

Some people assume that a doctor-led consultation automatically means higher prices,
but in many cases, the difference is smaller than expected.

 

In reality, it’s far better to pay $1,500 for one session that actually delivers results
than to spend $1,000 on ten ineffective treatments.

 

It's not just about cost—it's about value.

 

⚠ However, one thing to be cautious about is unreasonably inflated pricing.

 

For instance, a Botox injection that usually costs around 200,000 to 300,000 KRW
might be priced at 1.8 million KRW—even when using the exact same product, dosage, and injection site.

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▶ For treatments like Botox or skin boosters,
where the product is standardized and the skill difference is minimal,
it’s okay to choose based on price.

 

▶ However, for procedures like laser treatments, where energy settings and the physician’s technique play a major role,
it’s essential to choose a clinic you can trust.

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✅ 4. Are clear and satisfying Before & After photos provided?

 

No matter how great the equipment, doctors, or pricing may be,
none of it matters if you don’t see real results.

 

✨ To determine whether a clinic is truly reliable, check the following:

 

▶ Do they use a skin analysis device (e.g., Mark-Vu, Janus, MetaView) to document your baseline condition at your first visit?
▶ Are Before & After photos taken under the same lighting, angle, and environment for accurate comparison?
▶ Are the photos free from digital editing or makeup that might exaggerate the outcome?

 

📌 Be cautious if a clinic only shows After photos with foundation applied or ones that have clearly been edited with Photoshop.

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✅ Summary in 3 Lines:

• Are the machines and energy levels tailored to your individual needs?

• Does the clinic offer thorough diagnosis and consultation by a doctor?

• Can you verify reliable results through Before & After photos?

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These are the standards I personally use when recommending dermatology clinics to friends and family I trust.

 

I write this blog between patient consultations,
hoping that even one more person can achieve healthier, more beautiful skin.

 

I'm not here to say, “Choose my clinic.”

 

I simply hope this blog helps you find a dermatology clinic you can truly trust.

 

Every post here is written personally by me.

 

Thank you so much for reading all the way to the end.

 

📍 Primi Clinic
3F, 52 Seongsuil-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Primi Clinic)