Editorially reviewed by MTK Editorial Team · Updated November 2026
Quick Answer: CHANG Dermatology in Gangnam, Seoul describes its C-System as a personalized approach to facial lifting. The clinic assesses four signs of aging—volume loss, sagging, wrinkles and reduced elasticity—then plans treatment by symptom and facial tissue level. Its listed options include TOC Thread Lifting, Ultherapy PRIME, Thermage and other energy-based or skin-quality treatments.
Choosing a lifting treatment starts with understanding what is changing and where. At CHANG Dermatology, the C-System is presented as a way to assess facial aging, plan treatment around individual concerns and discuss suitable combinations with a dermatologist.
CHANG Dermatology’s C-System Lifting Approach
CHANG Dermatology is a dermatology clinic in Gangnam, Seoul. Its C-System is the clinic’s own framework for assessing facial aging and planning an individualized combination of treatments. The clinic describes the approach as beginning with diagnosis rather than selecting a device first.
Facial concerns can have different causes. Jawline laxity, changes in cheek volume, wrinkles and reduced skin firmness do not necessarily call for the same treatment. The consultation considers facial shape and skin characteristics before discussing which methods may suit the areas being treated.
What Does the 4S Assessment Cover?
The clinic’s 4S assessment organizes facial aging around four concerns:
Changes in facial fullness and contour, including areas that appear hollow.
Changes in the position and support of soft tissue, such as along the cheeks or jawline.
Lines and folds considered according to their type and location.
Changes in skin firmness and resilience considered alongside facial contour.
Facial shape, contour, skin thickness and skin type are also part of the clinic’s described assessment. The findings help guide the discussion of treatment areas and options.
How Do 4-Step and 4-Level Planning Work?
CHANG uses “4-Step” and “4-Level” to describe two parts of its lifting plan: the symptoms being addressed and the tissue levels considered. They are planning concepts; they do not mean that every patient receives four separate procedures.
4-Step: Addressing the Main Concerns
The 4-Step plan considers volume, lifting, wrinkles and elasticity. Depending on the consultation, the plan may focus on one concern or combine approaches for several areas.
4-Level: Considering Facial Tissue
The 4-Level approach considers bone, muscle, facial fat and dermis in relation to facial aging. These tissues differ in structure and depth, so treatment selection depends on the concern and the clinician’s assessment.
The Four Stages of the C-System Program
Review the 4S concerns, facial shape and skin characteristics.
Plan around the relevant symptoms and tissue levels.
Discuss suitable lifting methods or combinations with the dermatologist.
Review aftercare and any follow-up needs with the clinic.
DermaFit 4LS™ is also named in CHANG Dermatology’s lifting offerings. The specific treatment, combination and follow-up plan depend on the consultation and are confirmed with the clinic.
Lifting and Skin Treatments at CHANG Dermatology
The clinic lists several treatment categories that may be discussed as part of a personalized plan:
- TOC Thread Lifting: The clinic’s thread-lifting approach, which incorporates its C-Design method.
- Ultherapy and Ultherapy PRIME: Ultrasound-based options listed for lifting consultations.
- Thermage: A radiofrequency treatment listed among the clinic’s lifting options.
- Other energy-based treatments: The clinic also lists options such as Onda, Density and Potenza.
- Skin-quality and contour treatments: Depending on the concern, consultation may also cover fillers, collagen-stimulating treatments, botulinum toxin or skin boosters.
These options are not interchangeable. The dermatologist can explain the purpose, treatment area, expected recovery and relevant risks for the option being considered. For the broader menu and selected prices, see CHANG Dermatology, Gangnam: Treatments & Pricing.
What Research Says About Microfocused Ultrasound
A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis examined published evidence on microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V). It provides general background on this technology; it does not evaluate CHANG Dermatology’s C-System, DermaFit 4LS™ or an individual patient’s likely result. [1]
TOC Thread Lifting and the Clinic’s C-Design
CHANG Dermatology describes TOC Thread Lifting as a thread procedure planned around facial shape and the pattern of sagging. The clinic’s C-Design is its own approach to thread placement and direction within that plan.
The aim of the design process is to match the thread-lifting plan to the person’s facial structure and treatment areas. Whether thread lifting is appropriate, and which technique may be used, is determined during consultation.
Dr. Chang Sik Kim at CHANG Dermatology
Dr. Chang Sik Kim (김창식) is CHANG Dermatology’s Representative Director and a dermatologist. The clinic’s materials describe his involvement in aesthetic lifting education and professional lectures, alongside the C-Design approach used for TOC Thread Lifting.
For more on his background and professional profile, read Dr. Chang Sik Kim’s physician profile.
Planning a Lifting Consultation in Seoul
If you are visiting Seoul, it can help to share your main concern and travel dates before choosing a treatment. The clinic can confirm appointment availability and discuss the treatment plan after assessment.
- Describe the areas you want to discuss: for example, the jawline, cheeks, wrinkles or skin firmness.
- Ask about the proposed plan: confirm the treatment method, area, quantity or number of sessions, and recovery guidance.
- Confirm the quote: ask what is included and whether any follow-up visit is recommended.
- Share your travel schedule: appointment timing and follow-up arrangements should be confirmed before booking travel around treatment.
CHANG Dermatology Consultation and Booking
View the clinic’s MTK page to review appointment information and request consultation coordination.
View CHANG Dermatology on MTKFrequently Asked Questions
What is C-System lifting at CHANG Dermatology?
It is the clinic’s framework for assessing facial aging and planning lifting treatment around the person’s concerns, facial shape and skin characteristics.
What are the four concerns in the 4S assessment?
Volume loss, sagging, wrinkles and reduced elasticity.
What is the difference between 4-Step and 4-Level?
4-Step refers to planning around volume, lifting, wrinkles and elasticity. 4-Level considers bone, muscle, facial fat and dermis in relation to facial aging.
Does every patient receive all four steps or multiple devices?
No. The terms describe the clinic’s assessment and planning framework. Treatment selection and any combination depend on the consultation.
What is TOC Thread Lifting?
It is CHANG Dermatology’s thread-lifting offering, which uses the clinic’s C-Design approach to plan thread placement around facial shape and treatment areas.
Can international patients request an appointment?
Yes. International patients can send an appointment inquiry through the MTK clinic page. Availability and visit arrangements are confirmed for the requested dates.
References
- Amiri M, et al. “Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization (MFU-V) Effectiveness and Safety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2025. PubMed.
Clinic-specific information in this guide is based on CHANG Dermatology’s official C-System Lifting information.
Treatment suitability, risks, recovery and results vary by individual. The treating dermatologist confirms the appropriate plan during consultation.