D&PS – D&PS May 2025 Column Dr. Chang-hwan Cho of Dong-An Joongsim Clinic contributed a column to the May 2025 issue of D&PS magazine titled: “Aesthetic Medicine Trends from 2017 to 2025 – How Energy-Based Devices Stimulate Adipocytes.” -Column Content- In recent aesthetic medicine, the focus has expanded beyond mere skin tightening to include precise modulation of adipocyte structure and function using Energy-Based Devices (EBDs). Treatments such as radiofrequency (RF) and laser therapy induce controlled thermal elevation within the skin, selectively stimulating adipose tissue while promoting collagen remodeling and fibrotic responses. Adipose tissues respond differently depending on their regional collagen density and maturity. Moreover, components such as the dWAT (dermal White Adipose Tissue) layer, caveolae structures, and the expression levels of caveolin-1 are closely associated with treatment outcomes. As aging progresses, caveolin-1 decreases, leading to impaired wound healing and reduced regenerative capacity of the skin. Thus, it is essential to regulate this mechanism through appropriate EBD interventions. Looking forward, aesthetic medicine is expected to focus on personalized energy-based strategies that comprehensively consider the skin’s electrical properties, the microstructure of adipose tissue, and intercellular signaling.

D&PS – D&PS April 2025 Column Dr. Chang-hwan Cho of Dong-AnJoongSim Clinic contributed a column to the April 2025 issue of D&PS Magazine, titled “2017–2025 Trends in Aesthetic Medicine – Facial Aging Process IV: Fat and Facial Aging.” -Column Content- Facial aging is not merely due to a decline in skin elasticity but stems from complex changes in fat tissues, including variations in the number and size of fat cells, redistribution of fat layers, and functional decline of the dWAT (dermal white adipose tissue). In youthful faces, fat cells are maintained in a healthy state, enhancing facial volume and elasticity. However, as aging progresses, fat cells may expand unevenly or sag, leading to noticeable changes in facial appearance. These changes often manifest as midface hollowing, sagging cheeks, and jawline collapse, eventually contributing to the aging of the entire lower facial structure. The dWAT layer, located within the skin, plays an important role in inflammation control and skin regeneration. When this layer becomes atrophied, the effectiveness of lifting procedures can decrease, making it a crucial factor to consider during treatment. Therefore, appropriate use of energy-based devices—such as lasers, HIFU, and radiofrequency—is essential to promote healthy reorganization of fat tissue and preserve the dWAT layer. Personalized lifting strategies based on each individual’s skin structure and fat condition will become a key aspect of future aesthetic medicine.

D&PS – D&PS February 2025 Column Dong-An Joongsim Clinic Dr. Chang-hwan Cho published a column on the 2017-2025 aesthetic medicine trend ‘Facial Aging Process III: Lower Face Aging’ in the March 2025 issue of the magazine D&PS. -Column Content- Lower face aging is caused by complex factors such as skin sagging, fat pad movement, ligament relaxation, and muscle changes. In particular, midface aging has a great impact on lower face deformation, so it is essential to manage it. Jowl (sagging jawline) occurs when the SMAS layer (skin-muscle tissue) becomes loose and the midfacial fat layer** moves downward. As the mandibular septum relaxes, the jawline collapses, and skin sags and a double chin is formed. Marionette lines are caused by structural changes in the mandibular ligament, fat pad movement, and changes in the muscles around the mouth (DAO, mentalis muscle). As we age, the mandibular ligament holds the skin tightly, forming deeper wrinkles. To prevent and improve this, lifting procedures such as Ulthera and Thermage, fillers, and thread lifting are effective, and maintaining mid-face volume and strengthening the muscle layer are key. To delay the aging of the lower face, it is important to manage skin elasticity, fat pad movement, and muscle tone in a balanced manner.

D&PS – D&PS February 2025 Column Director Dr. Chang-hwan Cho of Dong-An Joongsim Clinic has contributed a column to the February 2025 issue of D&PS Magazine, discussing the 2007–2025 Aesthetic Medicine Trends with a focus on “Facial Aging Process II: Midface Aging.” -Column Content- The lower eyelid (infraorbital region) undergoes natural changes over time, influenced by structural alterations in the periorbital area, which significantly impact the overall facial impression. As aging progresses, skin elasticity diminishes, and fat either protrudes or hollows, creating a tired and aged appearance. 1. Aging Process of the Lower Eyelid The skin beneath the eyes is extremely thin and delicate, making it highly susceptible to aging. With the loss of skin elasticity, fine wrinkles appear, and fat either protrudes or becomes hollow, making dark circles more prominent. Additionally, as periorbital muscles and soft tissues weaken, the lower eyelids sag, and these cumulative changes ultimately affect the contours of the entire face. 2. Structural Changes Around the Eyes and Nasolabial Folds Changes in the lower eyelid are not isolated to that area alone but are closely linked to the midface (cheek area). As cheek fat pads descend, nasolabial folds deepen, and the bony structure under the eyes becomes more prominent, making the signs of aging even more noticeable. Furthermore, as aging affects the temporal (lateral forehead) region and the outer corners of the eyes, wrinkles extend outward from the crow’s feet area. Thus, the aging of the lower eyelid and the surrounding periorbital region should not be understood as separate elements, but rather within the context of overall facial harmony. Since aging patterns vary among individuals, personalized care and appropriate treatments tailored to each person’s unique needs are essential.

D&PS – D&PS January 2025 Column Dong-an Center Clinic Director Cho Chang-hwan published a column on the 2007-2024 aesthetic medicine trend ‘Evolution of Energy Based Device VII I: Facial Aging Process’ in the January 2025 issue of the magazine. -Column Content- Needle RF (High Frequency) Laser is a non-invasive treatment that can effectively improve signs of aging around the eyes and the upper face. This treatment delivers heat to the dermis layer of the skin to promote collagen and elastin production, and works deep into the skin to improve wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and sagging. In particular, Needle RF Laser gently relieves wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, and adds a lifting effect to the skin to smooth the overall skin tone and texture. It provides deep stimulation without damaging the skin surface, so it can be safely applied to the sensitive eye area and the upper face. For those who want to solve aging problems around the eyes and upper area, or for those who want natural and lively skin improvement effects, Needle RF laser is the best solution. With consistent management, you can expect wrinkle reduction, elasticity enhancement, and overall skin condition improvement.

D&PS – D&PS December 2024 issue Column Dr. Chang-hwan Cho of Dong-An Joongsim Clinic has published a column on the development of information technology and the evolution of Energy Based Devices in aesthetic medicine VII, the trend in aesthetic medicine from 2007 to 2024, in the December 2024 issue of D&PS magazine. -Column Contents- Recent lifting treatment techniques have been greatly developed with a focus on pain reduction and increased effectiveness. The latest non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques that have overcome the limitations of past surgical approaches utilize high frequency, ultrasound, laser, etc. to reduce pain and side effects and provide high effectiveness. In particular, the energy delivery method is precisely controlled to promote collagen production without skin damage, and side effects are minimized with cooling systems, etc. Treatments such as Titanium, Onda, Red Touch, and Emface are becoming popular because they allow immediate return to daily life after the treatment and have enhanced safety. The latest lifting technology occupies an important position in the medical aesthetics market by simultaneously satisfying efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction.

D&PS – D&PS November 2024 issue Column Dr. Chang-hwan Cho of Dong-An Joongsim Clinic has published a column on the development of information technology and the aesthetic medicine trend of 2007-2024, ‘Evolution of Energy Based Device VI’ in the aesthetic medicine in the November 2024 issue of the magazine D&PS. -Column Contents- Aesthetic medicine studies the causes and mechanisms of aging and improves the quality of life of patients through various non-invasive procedures that prevent and treat it. In particular, radiofrequency (RF) treatment is gaining attention as an effective anti-aging method that delivers heat energy deep into the skin to promote collagen production and enhance elasticity. RF treatment has excellent advantages in safety and recovery period, and is establishing itself as a core anti-aging treatment through steady technological development. This innovative approach satisfies the needs of modern people who want to maintain healthy and young skin, further highlighting the importance of aesthetic medicine.

Dr. So-yeon Koo and Chang-hwan Cho of Dong-An Joongsim Clinic have published a column on ‘Emface,’ an anti-aging treatment that has recently been in the spotlight and rejuvenates even the muscles deep within the skin, in the November 2024 issue of Noblesse, ‘Beauty INSIDE.’ -Column Content- Emface is a non-invasive lifting and skin elasticity improvement procedure that stimulates the facial muscles and skin layers to promote collagen production and skin elasticity. It has effects such as improving wrinkles, lifting the face, and increasing skin elasticity, and it can be performed relatively safely without incisions or injections, so the recovery time is short and you can quickly return to your daily life. Emface is especially recommended for those who are concerned about skin aging or want to improve skin that has lost elasticity.