In recent years, aesthetic medicine has become more accessible. When deciding which clinic to visit, do you check social media, get caught up in the ads that pop up, and research the latest treatments?

Dr. Ichiro Tahara, Chairman of the Board at TI Clinic, part of the Ichishinkai Aesthetic Medical Corporation, states that all of these are “completely wrong” as criteria for choosing a clinic.

This time, at the “ampule Boostars★Off-Meeting”—an event delivering the latest beauty information to beauty writers—we gathered around Dr. Tahara for an in-depth discussion about the real truth of cosmetic medicine.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

SPECIAL GUEST

Dr. Ichiro Tahara

Chairman of TI Clinic, Isshinkai Aesthetic Medical Corporation. Doctor of Medicine.
Alongside general internal medicine and aesthetic dermatology practice, he has served as a judge for the Miss Universe Japan pageant (2014–2018), a judge for the Miss Earth Japan pageant (2018–2024), and as a supervising physician for personal training gyms.
He mastered his hobby of weight training, winning the Grand Prix at a bodybuilding competition.
Published “The Bodybuilding Textbook: A Doctor's Guide” (Wani Books) in July 2025.

▼TI CLINIC
https://www.ticlinic.com/

What determines the effectiveness of cosmetic medical treatments？

Dr. Tahara has been running his cosmetic dermatology clinic in Omotesando for 13 years. At this popular clinic frequented by celebrities, he continues to pursue highly effective treatments while minimizing risks as much as possible.

The first thing Dr. Tahara discussed was “what determines the effectiveness of a treatment.”

“The deciding factor is solely ‘who performs it = skill.’ While having the latest machines can generate buzz, the same machine yields completely different results depending on the operator. It's just like how the quality of a dish changes based on the chef, even when using the same ingredients.”

In response, participating beauty writers also voiced concerns such as:

“Relying solely on social media as a source is dangerous.”
“I think the information overload leads to half-baked knowledge.”
“It feels odd for patients to specify treatments and receive procedures. At other hospitals, they'd communicate their concerns and issues instead.”

To increase satisfaction with treatment

Dr. Tahara states that “the patient's mindset” is also a factor influencing treatment satisfaction.

What conditions lead to satisfaction?

It involves not just information someone praised on social media, nor simply following a trendy procedure. It includes having accurate knowledge about aesthetic medicine as a recipient and clearly understanding one’s own aesthetic sensibilities and values.

Finally, here are three characteristics Dr. Tahara identifies as helpful when seeking references for aesthetic medicine:

People who truly understand beauty in its essence

People whose ideal vision aligns closely with your own

People with balanced values who can judge objectively

Conversely, he advises against seeking references from:

Doctors’ opinions aren’t necessarily correct

When PR deals are involved

It’s advisable not to blindly accept media information either

The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including the nature and expression of aesthetic medicine advertising, discussions on patient acquisition methods for beauty clinics, and experiences shared by various writers. It was a lively and highly productive session.

Thank you to all the beauty writers who participated!

ampule will continue to host regular events to foster connections and support the beauty industry. Stay tuned!


Reporting and text by Kaori Terada