Meet Dr. Jiyoung Ryu of Dr. Ryu Aesthetics & Weight Loss

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Jiyoung Ryu.

Hi Dr. Ryu, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am originally from Seoul, South Korea but spent my childhood in Long Island, NY, and Los Angeles. After finishing medical school in Korea, I returned to the United States to pursue further medical training. I am currently board-certified in Rehabilitation Medicine and Obesity Medicine, and fellowship-trained in Spine and Pain Management.

During the COVID pandemic, I was out of work and my kids were out of school. Therefore, I took the opportunity to expand my skill set to include facial aesthetics, especially lasers and botox. I spent close to a year in Seoul working and training at one of the premier med spas in the Gangnam district.

While working there, I found my passion and decided to open my own med spa after returning to North Carolina.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Balancing work and family as a mother of two young children has been the biggest challenge. I have always had the dream of opening my own business, but that took a backseat to raise my kids. For the first ten years, after I got married, I worked for other people in jobs that were not very fulfilling because I needed a flexible schedule and a stable income.

However, in the last year, I felt the need to make a change in my life. So I quit my job, gave up a steady paycheck, and decided to pursue my passion. Starting my own business has been a huge investment in time and resources. I have had to learn a lot on my own. It is also a big risk and that has obviously produced a lot of anxiety.

However, I try to stay positive and remember that starting my own business is a great privilege.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My new business is called Dr. Ryu Aesthetics and Weight Loss. We will be opening in February 2022. This is a medical spa specializing in non-invasive facial aesthetic procedures and medical weight loss. As the medical director, I will directly perform all consultations and procedures and will ensure that all treatments are based on good science and proven outcomes.

I believe that I bring a unique skill set having trained in South Korea, which is considered the facial aesthetics capital of the world. I have worked with some of the most prominent physicians in this field and I have experience with the most cutting-edge technology. In addition, I bring an Asian perspective to beauty, which sets my practice apart from other spas.

Aside from botox, the services we offer include minimally invasive radiofrequency devices such as Thermage, which stimulates collagen production in the skin to tighten and lift the face, and Secret RF, which contours the skin and addresses scarring that is often a result of acne. We also offer Revlite SI to alleviate dark spots on the skin. For weight loss, my practice will focus on a combination of medications and lifestyle changes with close follow-up to ensure goals are met.

My goal is to help my patients find the natural beauty that they may not have realized as a result of their busy lives.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I am thankful to my family for their unwavering support. My parents have always been supportive of everything that I’ve wanted to do. Most recently, they welcomed me and my children into their home for close to a year as I lived and worked in Korea during the COVID pandemic.

My husband has also been supportive of my efforts, and he has taken on more of the work around the house so that I can have time to work on my business. Finally, I am inspired by all of the working moms/entrepreneurs who are able to raise their families and also have fulfilling careers.

Contact Info:

• Email: drryuaesthetics@gmail.com
• Website: www.drryuaesthetics.com
• Instagram: @drryuaesthetics