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Dr. Won Woo Choi, board-certified dermatologist (M.D., Ph.D.), head director of WELLS Dermatology in Apgujeong, Seoul

Dr. Won Woo ChoiHead Director · M.D., Ph.D.

WELLS Dermatology · Apgujeong, Seoul · Since 2008

The Seoul dermatologist who designs his own protocols

Dr. Won Woo Choi, M.D., Ph.D., developed WELLS's own protocols, including Collagen MAX Thermage and the CeraXosome scalp program. The CeraXosome research appeared in Experimental Dermatology (2026).

  • Ph.D. in Dermatology, Seoul National University
  • Adjunct Professor, SNU Hospital Dermatology
  • Inventor on Korean skin-microbiome patents
Ask Dr. Choi’s team on WhatsAppSee the 8 WELLS-only treatments
  • 2008Founded in Apgujeong
  • 8Protocols only at WELLS
  • 10×Refund if a tip is not genuine
  • EN · 中文 · 日本語Interpreters on staff
Watch first · 4:54

What WELLS changed in standard Thermage, and why

Dr. Won Woo Choi explains the consensus protocol WELLS dermatologists developed in 2023 to get more out of Thermage FLX.

In Korean · English auto-translated subtitles

See Collagen MAX Thermage
  1. In his consultations, 3–4 in 10 patients felt standard Thermage FLX results fell short.
  2. Six WELLS dermatologists spent six months testing variations, then agreed one consensus protocol.
  3. A low-molecular plant-collagen solution is applied during treatment — the collagen booster step.
  4. Numbing cream only: no general anaesthesia or sleep sedation.
Your dermatologist

A dermatologist who researches what he treats

Dr. Won Woo Choi trained at Seoul National University Hospital, earned his Ph.D. in dermatology at Seoul National University and co-founded WELLS in 2008. He also holds an adjunct professorship in dermatology at SNU Hospital.

In 2020 he founded CutisBio, a Seoul skin-microbiome research company. That research background shapes how WELLS treats: the AQ MAX step in Collagen MAX Thermage and the CeraXosome scalp program were developed in-house rather than bought in.

Background

  • Board-certified dermatologist — residency, Seoul National University Hospital
  • Ph.D. in Dermatology, Seoul National University
  • Former Clinical Instructor; Adjunct Professor, SNU Hospital Dermatology
  • Founder & CEO, CutisBio Co., Ltd. (est. 2020)
  • Member, American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) · ASLMS
Dr. Choi preparing an injectable treatment at WELLS Clinic

Research you can check

  • Experimental Dermatology · 2026

    Senior author of a study on Sphingomonas olei vesicles and hair-growth signalling — the research behind CeraXosome.

    Read the paper ↗
  • Korean patents

    Inventor on patents for skin-derived microbial ingredients, including the S. olei strain (KR102361015B1).

    View patent ↗
  • Communications Biology · 2021

    Co-author of a skin-microbiome study on dermal structure and barrier recovery, published from WELLS.

    Read the paper ↗
  • 10+ PubMed papers

    Author or co-author of more than ten indexed dermatology publications since 2000.

    Search PubMed ↗

Meet our dermatologists

Only at WELLS

Eight protocols, each built around a layer of your skin

Every WELLS-only treatment combines tools that work at different depths. Each card shows which layer is treated, and with what.

All eight WELLS-only protocols

Individual results vary. Side effects are possible — every treatment starts with a dermatologist consultation.

Signature 01 · Collagen MAX Thermage

Thermage FLX, with added steps to protect your collagen

Collagen MAX is WELLS’s own Thermage FLX protocol: a skin microbiome check first, an AQ MAX amino-acid infusion, and a collagen-peptide serum during treatment.

  • Live, early-apoptotic and late-apoptotic cell share after heat, with and without AQ (flow cytometry)

    Heat-shield AQ MAX infusion

    An amino-acid infusion before treatment. In our lab tests, heated skin cells survived better with it.

  • Skin microbiome sampling and laboratory analysis

    Skin microbiome check

    We analyse your skin’s microbes before and after, to read its condition and plan your anti-ageing care.

  • Illustration: collagen peptides absorbing into the skin

    Collagen booster serum

    Applied during treatment to ease the stinging, with collagen peptides that support collagen production.

  • Thermage FLX system with handpiece

    Genuine tips, every shot shown

    Genuine Thermage tips only, with a 10× refund if not. We show you the shot count before and after.

Changes typically begin to show about two weeks after treatment. Results vary between individuals.

600 shots ₩3,465,000 · 900 shots ₩4,477,000Excludes 10% VAT How Collagen MAX Thermage works →

Collagen MAX Thermage steps: microbiome sample, numbing, booster serum, AQ MAX infusion, Thermage FLX, results review

On the day: microbiome sample → numbing cream → booster serum → AQ MAX infusion → Thermage FLX → results review

See the lab data — 3 figures
Lab data: fibroblasts after 5 minutes at 55 °C% live cells
Without AQ25%
With AQ (40 mM)49%
Fibroblasts after 5 minutes at 37, 43 and 55 °C, without (AQ0) and with AQ (AQ40) — light microscopy
Fig. 1 Fibroblasts after 5 minutes at 37, 43 and 55 °C — without AQ (AQ0) and with AQ (AQ40). Light microscopy.
Live, early-apoptotic and late-apoptotic cell share after heat, with and without AQ (flow cytometry)
Fig. 2 Share of live and dying cells after heat (flow cytometry). At 55 °C, live cells: about 25% without AQ, about 49% with AQ.
Collagen type I and III (COL1A1, COL3A1) protein after 43 °C heat, with and without AQ — Western blot
Fig. 3 Collagen type I and III protein after 43 °C heat. AQ limits the drop in collagen (Western blot).

In-vitro (cell culture) data from the WELLS/CutisBio laboratory; values read from the study chart. Laboratory results do not predict individual clinical outcomes. Tap a figure to open it full size.

Signature 07 · Hair Loss Care

Thinning hair? Treat it at the root

Start when hair looks sparse, fine or dull. WELLS's program for men and women delivers regenerative factors to the follicle. The goal is slower hair loss and thicker, denser hair.

Woman worried about thinning hair holding a hairbrush

How hair ages

Illustration of hair follicles: healthy, thinning, and hair loss
  1. Healthy hair
  2. Thinning begins
  3. Hair loss begins

01 · Regrow the root, boost growth

Signalling factors and nutrients help the stem cells that build the hair root regenerate, so hair can grow back fuller.

  • DNA root-regeneration injection
  • EMTS — electrical micro-needling
  • Hair growth-factor injection
  • Scalp scaling
  • Stem-cell culture media
  • Root-cause treatment (prescription)
Dermatologist consulting a patient about hair loss at WELLS
02

1:1 tailored solution

Medication blend and program matched to how far your hair loss has progressed.

Close-up photos of the scalp at the crown
03

A dermatologist, start to finish

A board-certified dermatologist with 15+ years of experience consults and treats you in person.

Real patients · CeraXosome only, one visit every 2 weeks

CeraXosome scalp program clinical case, woman aged 45, 5 sessions — baselineBefore
CeraXosome scalp program clinical case, woman aged 45, 5 sessions — after 10 weeksAfter
Woman, 45 · 5 sessions · 10 weeks
CeraXosome scalp program clinical case, woman aged 52, 7 sessions — baselineBefore
CeraXosome scalp program clinical case, woman aged 52, 7 sessions — after 15 weeksAfter
Woman, 52 · 7 sessions · 15 weeks
CeraXosome scalp program clinical case, woman aged 32, 5 sessions — baselineBefore
CeraXosome scalp program clinical case, woman aged 32, 5 sessions — after 10 weeksAfter
Woman, 32 · 5 sessions · 10 weeks
CeraXosome scalp program clinical case, woman aged 53, 5 sessions — baselineBefore
CeraXosome scalp program clinical case, woman aged 53, 5 sessions — after 10 weeksAfter
Woman, 53 · 5 sessions · 10 weeks

Shared with patient consent. Results vary between individuals.

CeraXosome hair booster box
Also from Dr. Choi’s lab: CeraXosome

A patented hair-growth booster developed at CutisBio, available as a WELLS-only scalp program.

See the CeraXosome program →

Plan and price confirmed at consultation See hair loss treatment →

By concern

Treatment menu

Eight categories, every treatment on our menu. WELLS-only protocols are marked and priced; everything else is confirmed at consultation.

Model with clear, healthy skin — treatment visual at WELLS Clinic, SeoulCategory 01Lifting · 13 treatmentsSkin Tightening & RejuvenationThermage, Ultherapy, InMode, threads, Genius RF, Sculptra and EMFACE — with 3D analysis and no deep sedation.from₩700,0005 WELLS-onlyExcludes 10% VAT · 13 treatmentsModel with clear, healthy skin — treatment visual at WELLS Clinic, SeoulCategory 02Pigmentation · 5 treatmentsPigmentation & MelasmaPicoSure Pro, BBL and pico toning for melasma, freckles, sun spots and congenital pigmented lesions.from₩770,0001 WELLS-onlyExcludes 10% VAT · 5 treatmentsModel with clear, healthy skin — treatment visual at WELLS Clinic, SeoulCategory 03Acne & Pores · 4 treatmentsAcne, Scars & PoresGold PTT, Blue PDT, acne toning, Fractional Picosecond Laser Treatment, Juvelook and vascular lasers for redness.See treatments & prices →4 treatments · Prices confirmed at your consultation.Model with clear, healthy skin — treatment visual at WELLS Clinic, SeoulCategory 04Tattoo · 2 treatmentsTattoo RemovalPicosecond laser removal of tattoos and semi-permanent makeup, with wavelengths for black, blue, red and green ink.See treatments & prices →2 treatments · Prices confirmed at your consultation.Model with clear, healthy skin — treatment visual at WELLS Clinic, SeoulCategory 05Injectables · 4 treatmentsInjectables & Skin BoostersFillers, FDA-approved neuromodulator and Rejuran skin boosters.from₩913,0001 WELLS-onlyExcludes 10% VAT · 4 treatmentsModel with clear, healthy skin — treatment visual at WELLS Clinic, SeoulCategory 06Hair · 3 treatmentsHairHair-loss programs including CeraXosome, and men's laser hair removal.from₩770,0001 WELLS-onlyExcludes 10% VAT · 3 treatmentsModel with clear, healthy skin — treatment visual at WELLS Clinic, SeoulCategory 07Body · 2 treatmentsBodyBody contouring and the V-OLET + Onda slimming program, planned by a dermatologist.See treatments & prices →2 treatments · Prices confirmed at your consultation.Dr. Ryu consulting a patient at WELLS Clinic, ApgujeongCategory 08Skin Conditions · 4 treatmentsSkin ConditionsMedical dermatology: skin diseases, mole removal, warts and syringoma, hyperhidrosis.See treatments & prices →4 treatments · Prices confirmed at your consultation.

See all treatments & prices

Google reviews

What international patients wrote

Five-star reviews written in English, Japanese and Chinese on our Google Maps listing, shown in the original with an English translation. Excerpts are marked “…”.

  • ★★★★★English
    I have been going to Wells Dermatology Clinic whenever I visit Seoul over 12 years. All the staffs and doctors are exceptionally friendly and very professional. I thank Dr. Choi for his exceptional care and his knowledge. My skin has been improved over the years and I will continue to go back.

    June J. · Google · 2 years ago

  • ★★★★★English
    My husband and I had various services including Ulthera and Sculptura here and we were really pleased to have tried. The Dr speaks English and was very thorough in their explanations. The staff were very good at explaining the procedure and after care. … We're very happy with the level of service and results.

    C. M. · Google · a month ago

  • ★★★★★日本語
    韓国人の知り合いの紹介でシミ取りとサーマクールを受けてきました。始めはとても緊張していましたが、院長先生もとても優しく施術中も気を遣ってくださり安心して受けることができました。病院内は清潔感があり、とても綺麗なのもポイント高いです。

    TranslationOn the recommendation of a Korean acquaintance, I had pigment-spot removal and Thermage. I was very nervous at first, but the director was very kind and attentive during the treatment, so I felt at ease. The clinic is clean and very beautiful, which is another big plus.

    Soomi K. · Google · 1 year ago

  • ★★★★★日本語
    SNSで有名な病院は回転率あげようと診察が雑な所もありますが、こちらはそのような感じが一切なく診察も医院長先生が丁寧に診てアドバイスをくれます。…日本人スタッフもいるので安心してお任せできます。

    TranslationSome clinics that are famous on social media rush consultations to increase turnover, but there's none of that here — the director examines you carefully and gives advice. … There are Japanese-speaking staff, so I can relax and leave it to them.

    miiipanda · Google · 2 years ago

  • ★★★★★日本語
    予約時から術後まで終始丁寧な対応で、当日帰国することを伝えると｢買い物する時間もあるといいよね｣と、時間を早めて下さいました。スタッフの方も院長先生も分かりやすく説明して下さり、こちらの希望も聞いた上でどの施術がいいか勧めて下さいました。

    TranslationFrom booking through aftercare they were attentive the whole time. When I said I was flying home that day, they moved my appointment earlier so I'd have time to shop. The staff and the director explained everything clearly and recommended a treatment after hearing what I wanted.

    Alf · Google · 3 months ago

  • ★★★★★中文
    经朋友介绍，来WELLS皮肤科做了热玛吉和超声刀，医院总体来讲，整洁安静，院长的技术也非常专业熟练，职员也比较热情，下次会介绍朋友来的。

    TranslationA friend introduced me, and I came to WELLS Dermatology for Thermage and Ultherapy. The clinic is clean and quiet, the director's technique is very professional and skilled, and the staff are warm. Next time I'll bring friends.

    Xiaoli · Google · 7 months ago

Read all reviews on Google ↗

World’s Skin King · Dr. Won Woo ChoiYouTube · @세계의피부왕
Watch

Dr. Choi explains, in his own words

From his channel “World’s Skin King”. Videos are in Korean; pressing play turns on YouTube’s auto-translated English subtitles.

Thermage FLX: how long results last and what to expect

Pico toning for melasma — what to know first

Sculptra: three things to know before treatment

How to find a clinic that does Thermage FLX well

Thermage, Ultherapy Prime and EMFACE — live Q&A (2026)

Ultherapy: where the value really is

Watch on YouTube

Shorts

Quick answers in under a minute

Short clips from the WELLS clinic channel — the questions patients ask most.

Glutathione + pico toning for melasma

Ultherapy or Thermage?

Checking results after diagnostic Thermage

How to check a genuine tip

How much does Thermage hurt?

Pigment treatment in summer?

What dermatologists do for their own family

Treatments for going bare-faced

All Shorts on YouTube

Why WELLS

Four things we do for every patient

Your dermatologist does the diagnosis, the plan and the treatment.

  • 01

    Dermatologist-led, from consultation to treatment

    A board-certified dermatologist handles your consultation, diagnosis, and treatment.

  • 02

    Genuine tips only, or a 10× refund

    Only genuine Thermage and Ultherapy tips are used. If a tip is ever found not to be genuine, we refund ten times the treatment price.

  • 03

    No unnecessary sedation

    We don't put you to sleep for lifting treatments. Air NOX (oxygen + nitrous oxide) keeps you awake and comfortable. No fasting, no recovery room, and you can drive home.

  • 04

    Diagnose first, then treat

    3D skin analysis before lifting, and a skin-microbiome test before Thermage MAX. The results decide your treatment plan.

Consultation room where board-certified dermatologists consult patients at WELLS Clinic
Consultation room, WELLS Clinic Apgujeong
The clinic

8th floor, Apgujeong Building

A five-minute walk from Apgujeong Station. Reception, private lounges, consultation rooms and laser rooms. These are the rooms you'll actually use.

Front desk at WELLS Clinic, Apgujeong dermatology clinic in Gangnam
Front desk
Waiting lounge at WELLS Clinic Seoul
Waiting lounge
Private lounge for international patients at WELLS Clinic
Private lounge
Consultation room where board-certified dermatologists consult patients at WELLS Clinic
Consultation room
Laser treatment room at WELLS Dermatology Clinic Seoul
Laser room
WELL'S Dermatology & Medical SPA entrance sign, Apgujeong Seoul
Entrance, 8F

Clinic & access

How to book

From your first message to treatment

  1. 01

    Message us on WhatsApp

    Send your skin concern, a photo if you like, and your travel dates. We will reply in English with treatment options and available appointment times.

  2. 02

    Dermatologist consultation

    At the clinic, a dermatologist examines your skin — 3D analysis or a microbiome test where the treatment calls for it — and confirms the plan and price.

  3. 03

    Treatment & aftercare

    Your treatment takes place in the same clinic. You leave with the dermatologist's aftercare instructions, and you can reach us on WhatsApp afterwards.

Start on WhatsApp

From our dermatologists

Guides written by the doctors

All articles
FAQ

Before you visit: common questions

Where exactly is WELLS Clinic?

8F, Apgujeong Building, 842 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Take Subway Line 3 to Apgujeong Station, Exit 3 — about five minutes on foot. NH Bank is on the ground floor.

What are your office hours?

Monday to Friday 10:00–20:00, Saturday 10:00–17:00, lunch 13:00–14:00. Closed on Sundays and Korean public holidays.

Are the prices on this page final?

Prices are listed in Korean won and exclude 10% VAT. The dermatologist confirms your plan and the final price at the consultation, before anything starts.

Will I be sedated for Thermage or Ultherapy?

No. WELLS does not use deep sedation for lifting treatments. We use Air NOX (a controlled oxygen and nitrous-oxide mix) with local anesthetic. You stay awake, need no fasting, recover within about two minutes and can drive afterwards.

All questions

Access

WELLS Dermatology & Medical Spa, Apgujeong

Address
8F Apgujeong Building, 842 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea서울특별시 강남구 논현로 842 8층
Subway
Line 3 Apgujeong Station, Exit 3 — 5 min walk
Hours
Mon–Fri: 10 AM–8 PM · Sat: 10 AM–5 PM · Closed for lunch: 1–2 PMClosed Sundays & public holidays
Phone
+82-2-542-2372
Language
English, Chinese & Japanese interpreters on staffAny other language via our in-house AI interpreter app
Email
wellsclinic@gmail.com
Parking
Underground self-parking is available at Apgujeong Building. Spaces may be limited.

Message us on WhatsApp

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