Behind the Scenes in Seoul: A Clinical Exchange with Rejuran

Behind the Scenes in Seoul: A Clinical Exchange with Rejuran

There is something incredibly refreshing about stepping out of your own clinic and into another doctor's treatment room halfway across the world. While textbooks and conferences provide knowledge, nothing quite replaces seeing how different clinicians think, treat, and solve problems in real life.

I recently had the privilege of travelling to Seoul for a clinical exchange and international summit organised by Rejuran. Over two packed days, we visited aesthetic clinics, exchanged ideas with international colleagues, and explored the latest research surrounding polynucleotide treatments. It was an inspiring reminder that medicine is a lifelong journey of learning.

Day 1: Learning from Korea's Aesthetic Clinics

Our first stop was You&I Clinic, where we were warmly hosted by Dr Kyuho Yi.

You & I Clinic, Seoul with Dr Kyu Ho Yi

Rather than simply observing treatments, we had the opportunity to discuss how different energy-based devices are selected for different patient concerns, treatment sequencing, and practical considerations in everyday clinical practice.

One particularly interesting discussion centred around polynucleotide injections. As many patients know, injectable skin treatments can sometimes be uncomfortable. Dr Yi demonstrated several practical techniques aimed at improving patient comfort during treatment, small refinements that may seem simple, but can make a meaningful difference to the overall patient experience.

One of the joys of travelling for medicine is also experiencing the local culture.

Lunch that day was traditional Korean pufferfish (bokguk).

Many people immediately think of the delicate sashimi served in Japan, but Korean pufferfish cuisine is quite different. Rather than being enjoyed raw, it is commonly prepared as a comforting soup or stew, highlighting its light, clean flavour alongside vegetables and broth. It was the perfect meal before an afternoon of more clinic visits.

A Visit to Maylin Clinic

Our afternoon took us to Maylin Clinic in Cheongdam, one of Seoul's well-known aesthetic districts.

Walking through the clinic genuinely felt like being a child in a candy shop.

Room after room housed an impressive range of aesthetic lasers and energy-based devices. It was exciting to recognise several familiar platforms, many of which we also use at Emberwood Aesthetics, while also discovering newer technologies and different treatment philosophies.

Technology alone, however, does not determine outcomes.

Dr Park later shared his approach to combining skinboosters with energy-based devices, discussing how treatment sequencing, patient selection, and customised protocols can work together to optimise skin quality. It was fascinating to see how clinicians often arrive at similar goals through slightly different approaches.

The day concluded in the most Korean way possible, with a wonderful Korean BBQ dinner shared alongside our Korean counterparts. Conversations naturally drifted from clinical protocols to cultural differences, favourite treatments, and everyday practice. These informal discussions are often where some of the best learning happens.

Day 2: Science Behind Polynucleotides

The second day brought us to the PharmaResearch headquarters, where we attended lectures focusing on the latest scientific developments in polynucleotide technology.

One of the highlights was a lecture by Dr Michael Kim, who presented emerging research and the biological rationale behind polynucleotide-based regenerative treatments.

Having previously worked with several different injectable skin rejuvenation platforms throughout my career, it was particularly interesting to compare treatment philosophies and understand how different clinicians approach patient care. Even when using similar products, subtle differences in injection technique, patient selection, and treatment planning can significantly influence outcomes.

One fascinating fact I learnt involved the source of the raw material itself.

The salmon used are remarkable fish that navigate extraordinary journeys, taking an average of three years to return to their spawning rivers. Only a very small proportion (approximately 0.3%) successfully complete this migration. This naturally selective process contributes to careful sourcing of high-quality raw material before it undergoes the extensive purification and manufacturing processes required for medical applications.

Beyond the science, one of the most rewarding parts of the summit was having the opportunity to contribute as well.

I was invited to present to fellow international doctors, sharing my preferred skinbooster treatment combinations and discussing injection techniques that I have found effective in clinical practice. The discussions that followed were thoughtful, practical, and collaborative. Everyone approached similar clinical challenges from slightly different angles, and exchanging those perspectives was invaluable.

Bringing Ideas Home

One of the biggest misconceptions in aesthetics is that there is always a single "correct" protocol.

In reality, experienced clinicians often arrive at excellent results through different combinations of techniques, devices, and injectables, all guided by the individual patient's skin concerns and goals.

This clinical exchange reinforced something I have always believed: continuous learning matters. Every clinic visit, every discussion, and every conference offers an opportunity to refine how we practise medicine.

I'm grateful to Rejuran and PharmaResearch for organising such an insightful programme, and to all the doctors who generously shared their knowledge and experience. I look forward to bringing many of these ideas back into my own clinical practice, and continuing to learn from colleagues around the world.