Introducing Dr. Ryu’s Facelift Technique: International Meeting at Korean Aesthetics Plastic Surgery 2012

Introducing Dr. Ryu’s Facelift Technique:
International Meeting at Korean Aesthetics Plastic Surgery 2012 

This is an original article written by Dr. Minhee Ryu from RNWOOD Plastic Surgery in Seoul, South Korea, translated in English for convenience: 

At the 2012 Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons meeting, Dr. Minhee Ryu presented his original “FAST Facelift” (Finger-Assisted Spaces dissection Technique), a high SMAS facelift method designed to effectively address both the lower face and midface aging. By precisely dissecting retaining ligaments and lifting the sagging SMAS and skin, this technique achieves natural, long-lasting rejuvenation, minimizing common complications from skin tension. Though surgically demanding, the FAST Facelift offers superior, fundamental results compared to less invasive but limited methods, earning praise from international experts and affirming Korea’s leading role in cosmetic surgery.

Please enjoy the full article below:

The 30th Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS) meeting and the 10th Korean Association of Plastic Surgeons (KAPS) International Conference were held at the Grand Ballroom of COEX in Seoul from Friday, April 13 to Sunday, April 15, 2012. 

It was an international academic conference attended by around a thousand plastic surgery specialists from over ten countries. I gave a lecture as a panelist during the Anti-Aging I session on the afternoon of the first day.

Session (Anti-aging I):

Date & Time: April 13 (Friday), 13:30 – 14:30

Chairpersons:

• Dr. Byung-Il Park (President, Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)

• Dr. Sang-Yeol Lee (Kangwon National University)

Presentations:

• "Surgery versus Aesthetic Medicine" – Dr. Claude Le Louarn (France)

• "Subcutaneous Forehead Lift" – Dr. Hyun Park (Park Hyun Plastic Surgery Clinic)

• "High SMAS Facelift with FAST (Finger-Assisted Spaces Dissection Technique)" – Dr. Min-Hee Ryu (BK Dongyang Plastic Surgery)

• "Deep Plane Facelift" – Dr. Jung-Ho Choi (Choi Jung-Ho Plastic Surgery Clinic)

I presented my original technique, “the FAST Facelift (Finger-Assisted Spaces dissection Technique)”, under the title “High SMAS Facelift with FAST (Finger-Assisted Spaces dissection Technique)”.

To briefly summarize again: the root cause of facial aging lies in the weakening of the retaining ligaments, which results in sagging of both the skin and the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System). In order to fundamentally address this issue, it is essential to properly dissect the loosened retaining ligaments and lift the sagging skin and SMAS. After that, the excess SMAS and skin should be appropriately removed. This is the most fundamental and effective way to treat skin sagging and wrinkles, yielding long-lasting results.

This understanding reflects the latest scientific insights into the causes of facial aging and their fundamental treatments. It is also a concept widely recognized and accepted by plastic surgery specialists around the world.

(Bryan C. Mendelson. Facelift anatomy, SMAS, retaining ligaments and facial spaces. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, SAUNDERS ELSEVIER.)

Existing conventional facelift techniques were effective in improving the lower face (i.e. jawline), but carried limitations in addressing the midface (i.e. nasolabial folds). In the mid-1990s, several leading surgeons introduced techniques that expanded the scope of traditional facelifts. This included:

• “Extended SMAS Facelift” – Dr. Mendelson & Dr. Stuzin

• “High SMAS Facelift,” – Dr. Barton

• “Facelift with FAME (Finger-Assisted Malar-fat Elevation) Technique” – Dr. Aston

This enabled not only the enhancement of the lower face regions, but also tackled the limitations of effective rejuvenation of the midface regions. 

(“Extended SMAS Facelift” Surgical Technique. From James M. Stuzin. Face Lifting. Plast.Reconstr.Surg. 121:1,2008)

(“High SMAS Facelift". From Richard J. Warren, Sherrell J. Aston, Bryan C. Mendelson, Face Lift. Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 128: 747e, 2011)

(“Facelift with FAME (Finger-Assisted Malar fat Elevation) technique". From Richard J. Warren, Sherrell J. Aston, Bryan C. Mendelson, Face Lift. Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 128: 747e, 2011 )

I believed that by integrating these various techniques, it would be possible to achieve the most advanced and optimal results in facelift surgery. To that end, I also incorporated the anatomical concept of Facial Spaces described by Dr. Mendelson into the procedure, aiming for a more fundamental and structural improvement. (https://rnwoodplasticsurgery.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-centre-for-facial-plastic-surgery.html)

Since last year, I have performed the FAST Facelift (Finger-Assisted Spaces dissection Technique) on multiple patients, who have all shown highly satisfactory outcomes, allowing me to present this technique at this international academic conference.

(Dr. Mendelson’s “Facial space” from Bryan C. Mendelson. Facelift anatomy, SMAS, retaining ligaments and facial spaces. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. SAUNDERS ELSEVIER)

The FAST Facelift is a lifting technique that targets not only the neck and lower face but also the midface. It is especially effective in improving areas that are typically difficult to treat, such as the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. This method combines verified techniques from world-renowned experts and is designed based on a deep anatomical understanding of facial aging.

By thoroughly dissecting the specific retaining ligaments that deepen the nasolabial folds and marionette lines, the procedure lifts the sagging SMAS and skin properly, removing any excess tissue. This fundamentally improves wrinkles and sagging, achieving lasting and natural rejuvenation.

This method can achieve excellent and lasting results for patients ranging from those just beginning to experience facial sagging to those with more severe cases. It also provides a fundamental improvement for patients who have sagging skin following orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery or facial contour surgery.

The surgery takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, but its satisfaction level far exceeds that of quicker procedures using threads or minimal incisions that can be completed in as little as 30 minutes. The recovery period typically lasts about 7 to 10 days, after which stitches are removed and patients can return to their daily routine.

Possible side effects are similar to those of conventional facelifts; however, since this technique was personally developed and has undergone extensive validation and experience over a long period, stable and reliable results can be expected.

I often see dissatisfied patients who come to me for consultation after receiving a facelift surgery from other doctors. While there might be varying factors as to the unsatisfactory outcomes, the primary cause appears to be insufficient dissection of the retaining ligaments and SMAS. I believe that such complications occur because the skin was overly stretched in an effort to compensate for the lack of proper dissection—this is caused due to the skins’ inability to maintain sufficient tension on its own. It is required to properly dissect the dense fibromuscular layer of SMAS to achieve structural improvement and effective results. Merely pulling on the skin may cause scarring, “pixie ear” deformation and even partial skin necrosis. Moreover, it would be impossible to attain the effect of “appearing 10 years younger”.

My “FAST Facelift” technique involves a thorough dissection of the retaining ligaments to maximally lift the SMAS, without applying excessive tension to the skin. This minimizes side effects such as scarring at the incision site or “pixie ear” deformity, and results in a natural appearance. Additionally, this method is based on the latest insights into facial aging, allowing for fundamental improvement and long-lasting results.

One of the drawbacks of this surgical procedure is that dissection of the retaining ligaments and the SMAS requires advanced surgical expertise, making it surgically demanding and less accessible. Additionally, the recovery period typically ranges from 7 to 10 days. However, for fundamental and lasting improvements, it is essential to address the root causes of facial sagging through proper dissection of the retaining ligaments and SMAS. This process inherently requires a certain amount of time for postoperative swelling to subside.

In contrast, less invasive techniques—such as thread lifting or minimal dissection procedures that can be completed in approximately 30 minutes—offer advantages such as reduced swelling and shorter recovery time. Yet, these methods are inherently limited in their ability to produce significant or long-lasting results.

Regrettably, many commercial advertisements promote these simpler approaches as universally effective solutions without acknowledging their limitations. Such claims are misleading, overly exaggerated, and should be discouraged in the interest of providing patients with accurate and ethical medical information.

After finishing my presentation of the background and methods of “FAST facelift,” I had a lively discussion with the panelists and received lots of questions from the audience.

I received a lot of praise and appreciation from many esteemed plastic surgeons around the world as well as suggestions on doing collaborative research for my “FAST Facelift”. Between the four honorable speakers, the president of France Society of Plastic Surgery, Claude Le Louarn, sat next to me and presented about anti-aging procedures and treatments.

Through this academic conference, I once again was able to acknowledge that Korea’s cosmetic/plastic surgery is one of the best in the world, and I felt extremely proud to be able to share my FAST Facelift concept and results within the big leagues around the globe.

Dr. Minhee Ryu, M.D.

RNWOOD Plastic Surgery

Seoul, South Korea

(Source: https://blog.naver.com/rejuvemaster )

Dr. Minhee Ryu is a World-Class FACELIFT Specialist and Global Educator, who is deeply committed to sharing his facial rejuvenation surgery and anatomy expertise. As a lecturer, tutor, and demonstrator, he is invited to deliver DEEP PLANE FACELIFT presentations and perform live surgery and cadaver dissection Demonstrations in more than 15 countries, including Korea, the US, Europe, Singapore, Australia, Japan, and beyond.

Recognized worldwide for his expertise in DEEP PLANE FACELIFT, Dr. Ryu is a Faculty Member at MAFAC since 2016, a guest Faculty Member at Mayo Clinic since 2023, and an Editorial Board Member for the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal (SCI) since 2019. He is an active member of KSPRS, ASPS, ASAPS, and ISAPS. As a global top-tier leader in Facelifts, Dr. Minhee Ryu makes dedicated contributions to academic advancement and surgical education.

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