QD Clinic

Facial Stem Cell Therapyin Gangnam, Seoul

Facial stem cell therapy at QD Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, uses a regenerative, cell-based approach to support the skin’s own renewal — aiming to improve firmness, texture and overall skin quality on the face. Because it is a medical procedure, we begin with a skin and health assessment, then our medical team confirms whether it is appropriate for you and how it is delivered. (Results vary by individual.)

Cultured cells seen under magnificationCells being prepared in the laboratory
Your skin and health are assessed before facial stem cell therapy at QD Clinic.

Who it’s for

  • Dullness, rough texture or early loss of firmness on the face
  • Those interested in a regenerative approach to skin quality
  • Anyone who prefers a plan tailored after a medical assessment

Stem cell therapy is a medical procedure. Whether it is appropriate for you — and which option is used — is decided by our medical team at consultation.

How it works

Regenerative cell therapy is understood to act largely through the growth factors and signaling molecules that such cells release. These signals can prompt fibroblasts — the cells that build collagen and elastin — to become more active, supporting the skin’s natural renewal over the following weeks. On the face, treatment is directed at areas of texture and firmness identified during assessment. The specific material, preparation and delivery method are determined by the medical team according to your evaluation and applicable regulations.

THE MECHANISM, STEP BY STEP

  • 01A cell-based, signaling approach

    Rather than resurfacing the skin, the approach relies on the growth factors and signaling molecules that regenerative cells release, understood to act as messengers to the skin’s own repair processes.

  • 02Fibroblasts are the target

    The signals are directed at fibroblasts — the cells that build collagen and elastin. Supporting their activity is the mechanism behind the skin-quality changes people look for.

  • 03Placed where the skin needs it

    On the face, material is directed at the areas of texture and firmness identified during assessment. The specific material, preparation and delivery method are determined by the medical team under applicable regulations.

  • 04A gradual, renewal-led change

    Because it works with the skin’s natural renewal, any change appears over the following weeks rather than immediately. (Results vary by individual.)

Treatment areas

Cheeks
Areas of texture and early firmness change on the mid-face.
Around the eyes
The thinner skin of the periorbital area, where suitable.
Forehead
For overall skin quality on the upper face.
Full face
An overall skin-quality approach, decided at consultation.

What the procedure is like

  1. 1Medical consultation, skin and health assessment
  2. 2Review of suitability, indications and consent
  3. 3Preparation and delivery of the treatment by the medical team
  4. 4Soothing and aftercare guidance

Time: Time in clinic depends on the plan and is confirmed at consultation; the session itself is usually completed within about 30–60 minutes.

Recovery & aftercare

  • Downtime is usually limited; your medical team explains what to expect for your plan.
  • Temporary redness, mild swelling, tenderness or bruising at treated points may occur.
  • Follow the soothing, sun-protection and aftercare guidance we provide.

What to expect over time

A general guide to how the days and months after treatment usually unfold. Results vary by individual.

  1. DAY 0 Treatment day

    The session is completed in clinic. Temporary redness, mild swelling or tenderness at treated points may be present afterwards.

  2. DAY 1-3 Settling

    Any redness, mild swelling or small bruising at treated points generally eases over the first few days.

  3. WEEK 1-3 Early renewal

    As the skin’s own renewal is supported, the surface may gradually begin to feel smoother. This varies from person to person.

  4. WEEK 4-8 Skin-quality change

    Changes in texture and firmness, where they occur, tend to become more noticeable over these weeks. (Results vary by individual.)

  5. REVIEW Review & planning

    Your medical team reviews the outcome and discusses whether any further session is appropriate for your skin.

Sessions & results

A single session or a short course may be advised, with changes appearing gradually as the skin renews over the following weeks. Your plan and any interval are personalized at consultation. (Results vary by individual.)

How it compares

These are different ways to support facial skin quality. They use different materials and routes, so the right choice depends on your skin and goals.

ComparisonFacial Stem Cell (NovaStem)Injectable skin boosterLDM Regeneration Care
ApproachRegenerative cell-based material, placed after assessmentHydrating and revitalizing ingredients via micro-injectionsDual-frequency ultrasound applied on the skin
TargetsSkin renewal through fibroblast activityHydration, texture and radianceSoothing, hydration and comfort
SessionsSingle session or short courseA short series, then maintenanceOften repeated as a series
SensationMild tenderness at treated pointsSmall pricks during injectionsGentle warmth, generally comfortable
DowntimeUsually limitedLittleLittle to none

Neither is “better” — they work differently and suit different goals. The right choice is decided after we assess your skin.

Safety & considerations

Possible reactions

  • Temporary redness, mild swelling or tenderness at treated points
  • Small areas of bruising that generally settle within a few days
  • A feeling of tightness or warmth in the treated area for a short time

When to take extra care

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding — let us know at consultation
  • Active skin infection, inflammation or open lesions in the treatment area
  • Known allergies, or a tendency to keloid or delayed wound healing
  • Current medications or health conditions that affect healing — tell your doctor

Stem cell therapy is a medical procedure, and whether it is appropriate for you — including indications and consent — is confirmed by our medical team at consultation. It is not a treatment for any disease. Effects vary by individual, and side effects may occur.

Your care at QD Clinic

  • A medical team decides suitability

    This is a medical procedure. Suitability, indications, delivery and consent are confirmed by our medical team, not delegated unsupervised.

  • Assessment before any plan

    We begin with a skin and health assessment, and the material and method are determined under applicable regulations.

  • Care in your language

    Consultation in English, with 中文 and 日本語 support arranged on request — including questions before you travel.

  • A short walk from Gangnam Station

    Central Seoul location with guidance from the airport and nearby hotels, and hours shown in KST.

Pricing

Pricing depends on the plan agreed at consultation. Please consult us for a personalized quote.

Frequently asked questions

  • It is a regenerative, cell-based approach aimed at supporting the skin’s own renewal on the face. The specific material and method are determined by the medical team after assessment. (Results vary by individual.)

  • No. It is a non-surgical procedure performed in clinic. What is involved for your plan is explained during consultation.

  • Changes tend to appear gradually over the weeks after treatment as the skin renews. (Results vary by individual.)

  • Usually limited. Temporary redness, mild swelling or bruising at treated points may occur and generally settles.

  • A single session or short course may be advised; your plan is decided at consultation. (Results vary by individual.)

  • Suitability is confirmed by our medical team after a skin and health assessment, including any indications and consent.

  • Yes. Our doctors consult in English directly, and 中文 / 日本語 can be arranged in advance. Tell us your language on WhatsApp before your visit.

Often considered together

Treatments that are sometimes planned alongside this one, decided at consultation.

Full-body Stem Cell (NovaStem)

The same regenerative approach directed at larger body areas, often considered alongside facial treatment.

LDM Regeneration Care

A gentle ultrasound treatment often used to soothe and hydrate the skin, including after other procedures; timing is advised by your team.

Skin boosters

Injectable hydration treatments address radiance and surface texture, which a regenerative approach does not directly target.

For international patients

Consultation in English / 中文 / 日本語 · WhatsApp · WeChat · KakaoTalk · a 4-minute walk from Sinnonhyeon / Nonhyeon Station (hours in KST) · card payment.

For International Patients

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sahyeok Hong, board-certified plastic surgeon and Director of QD Clinic.