Quick Intro
VEI Clinic Apgujeong is an English-friendly internal-medicine clinic in Gangnam offering same-day IV therapy with doctor oversight. We’re on the 3rd floor of Beneheim City, 162 Apgujeong-ro, a short walk from Apgujeong Station (Exit 5).
What People Mean by “Skin Whitening IV”
Most people are referring to
glutathione-based IVs (sometimes paired with vitamins/minerals). In a medical setting, these drips are framed as
supportive care (hydration + antioxidants) after a brief exam.
Important: IV glutathione is
not approved for skin lightening in the U.S., and regulators have issued cautions about its cosmetic use and about the quality of some compounded injectables.
U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationFDA Philippines+1
If your goal is evening skin tone or treating hyperpigmentation, a dermatologist-directed plan (topicals, procedures, sun protection) remains the evidence-based path.
What’s Typically in the Drip (Varies by Patient)
- Fluids + electrolytes (rehydration)
- Glutathione (dose at physician’s discretion)
- Possible adjunct vitamins/minerals (case-by-case)
Formulation and dosing are individualized after your clinical check. Not everyone is a candidate.
Evidence & Expectations (Please Read)
- Studies on oral/topical glutathione show mixed, modest melanin-index reductions in small RCTs; effects can fade after stopping. There’s limited high-quality evidence for the IV route specifically. PubMedPMC
- U.S. FDA has raised safety concerns around some compounded injectable glutathione lots (endotoxin contamination events), underscoring the need for medical oversight and quality sourcing. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Several regulators (e.g., Philippines FDA) have warned against using glutathione IV for skin lightening indications. FDA Philippines+1
Bottom line: A drip may support hydration and general wellness, but it is not a proven or approved depigmenting treatment. We’ll guide you on realistic outcomes and safer alternatives if pigment control is your main goal.
Who It May (and May Not) Suit
Common reasons people inquire: dull-looking skin after travel, fatigue, wanting a general “brightening” feel while they work on lifestyle/derm plans.
Tell the doctor if you: are
pregnant/breastfeeding; have
kidney, liver, or heart conditions; have significant
drug allergies or
G6PD deficiency; take
diuretics/anticoagulants; or recently had major surgery.
Mild effects can include a brief chill/flush, metallic taste, or a small bruise at the IV site. Seek urgent care for persistent dizziness, chest pain, or breathing difficulty. (See FDA quality advisory for compounded injectables.)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Visit Flow (Typically 60–90 Minutes)
- Check-in & history → symptoms, meds, allergies, skin goals.
- Focused exam → vitals; tests if needed.
- Plan & consent → candidacy confirmed, IV (or skin-derm path) discussed, clear pricing.
- IV session → 30–60 minutes in a comfortable room with monitoring.
- Discharge guidance → simple after-care in clear English; derm/skin-care plan if appropriate.
After-Care Tips
- Hydrate the rest of the day; eat a balanced, light meal.
- SPF 50+ daily, reapply outdoors; UV is a major driver of uneven tone.
- For pigment concerns, ask about topicals (e.g., azelaic acid, retinoids, dermatologist-supervised hydroquinone), procedures (e.g., laser/peel for eligible skin types), and lifestyle (sleep, stress, sunscreen adherence). (FDA also cautions consumers about unsafe OTC “skin lighteners,” including mercury-containing products.) U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Why VEI Clinic Apgujeong
- Internal-medicine oversight before any IV
- English-friendly explanations and take-home guidance
- Same-day options for travelers & busy schedules
- Central Gangnam location near Apgujeong Station (Exit 5)
Location & Access
- Address: Beneheim City, 3F, 162 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Subway: Apgujeong Station (Exit 5), short walk
- Area: Apgujeong / Sinsa, Gangnam
Pricing & Transparency
Costs depend on evaluation, dose, and any adjunct components. You’ll receive a transparent quote before treatment. If pigment correction is your main goal, we’ll outline dermatology-first options and expected timelines.
Related Options (Discuss with the Doctor)
- Hydration IV (jet lag, dehydration)
- Recovery/Immune Support IV (case-by-case)
- Dermatology care for melasma/post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (topicals, procedures, sun plan)
FAQs
Is a “skin whitening IV” approved for lightening?
No. Multiple regulators do
not approve glutathione IV for skin lightening; some have issued warnings against it.
FDA Philippines+1
Does IV glutathione lighten skin?
High-quality evidence for
IV lightening is
insufficient. Small trials of
oral/topical glutathione show
modest, temporary changes.
PubMedPMC
Is it safe?
IVs require medical screening. Quality and sterility matter—FDA has flagged issues with some
compounded glutathione injectables.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
What if I want brighter, more even skin tone?
We can recommend
dermatologist-guided topicals/procedures and a
UV strategy that fit your skin type and goals. (Also avoid unapproved OTC “skin lighteners” that may contain harmful ingredients.)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Booking (English-Friendly)
Same-day options are often available. When booking, mention “Skin Brightening/Glutathione IV consult at VEI Clinic Apgujeong (near Apgujeong Station Exit 5)” and share your skin goals, symptoms, meds, and allergies.
Disclaimer
This page is educational and not medical advice. All IVs require in-clinic physician evaluation; not all patients are eligible.