Invited Faculty: Chang Gung Aesthetic Conference 2015

 Invited Faculty:

Chang Gung Aesthetic Conference 2015 

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

Dr. Minhee Ryu was invited as a faculty member to the Chang Gung Aesthetic Conference 2015 in Taiwan, hosted by the world-renowned Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, a leading institution in reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery. 

Under the theme “Cutting Edge of Facial Rejuvenation,” Dr. Ryu presented on “High SMAS Facelift with Release of Retaining Ligaments in the Sub-SMAS Plane for Asians,” emphasizing anatomical principles, surgical innovation, and adaptations for Asian facial characteristics. The presentation introduced a technique addressing both lower and midface aging, particularly effective for improving cheek sagging following facial bone surgery. Sharing the stage with global icons such as Drs. Bryan Mendelson, Yu-Ray Chen, and Fu-Chan Wei, the experience reinforced Dr. Ryu’s commitment to advancing facelift surgery through anatomical precision, cultural adaptation, and mentorship-inspired excellence.

Please enjoy the full article below:

The Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan is considered one of the first foundations of Plastic Surgery and is widely known as the world’s leading hospitals in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Particularly known for its excellent microsurgery and orthognathic surgery, many young aspiring doctors gather as international fellows. Through the publication of numerous high-caliber and influential papers, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital has made substantial contributions to academic advancement and to the development of Plastic Surgery as a field.

The Chang Gung Aesthetic Conference commences annually every fall, and this year was their fifth academic conference. Each year, different in-depth discussions on various topics are held. This year, it was focused on facelifts under the theme of “Cutting Edge of Facial Rejuvenation”. 

I presented “Facelifts (High SMAS Facelift with Release of Retaining Ligaments in Sub-SMAS Plane for Asians)” for thirty minutes. 

In elaborating the summary of the development of facelifts: The initial goal of a facelift was to improve the Lower Face. In the mid 1990s, after the advancement of facial anatomy and surgical technique, the concept of improving the Lower Face alongside the Midface became the standard.

The core frameworks for a facelift are the “SMAS” and “Retaining Ligaments.” I shared Dr. Mendelson’s anatomical theories and my personal surgical experience and expertise during my presentation.

Asians typically have wider faces and thicker skin, therefore making it harder to achieve favorable results after a facelift. However, to counter this, I have invented my own technique by combining several surgical methods. I put a particular emphasis on not only on the Lower face but also on improving the Midface, effectively addressing the age-related sagging, and also achieving excellent results in treating cheek drooping after facial bone surgery.

In order to counter unfavorable features, Asian patients often opt for zygoma reduction and two jaw surgery, which lead to cheek sagging. This results in a gloomy and older appearance, caused by the sagging in the Midface regions. In order to improve this area, the retaining ligaments around the zygoma must be released and the SMAS will need to be pulled. I am currently discussing  methods to improve cheek sagging with my fellow colleagues. 

Being able to be in the same space around legends and experts of their fields for this academic congress definitely left a deep impression for me.

Dr. Bryan Mendelson is a world-renowned figure in the field of facelifts because of his theoretical basis on surgical anatomy. His creative interpretation of facial anatomy has greatly contributed to the advancement of facelift surgery, and his noble character is something I aspire to emulate and learn from throughout my life. I have had the invaluable opportunity to receive direct instruction on surgical techniques and anatomical concepts from him, and his thoughtful care and warm encouragement have always been a source of support. To me, he is both a mentor and a true teacher.

This is Dr. Yu-Ray Chen. He has made significant contributions to the advancement of plastic surgery, particularly in facial bone surgeries such as orthognathic surgery. Along with his excellent character, he has many disciples around the world who hold him in great regard.

This is Dr. Fu-Chan Wei. He has left a profound academic legacy, having shaped the history of microsurgery in plastic surgery. Together with Dr. Yu-Ray Chen, he played a pivotal role in elevating Chang Gung Memorial Hospital to a world-class level.

It felt like looking at a historical masterpiece being able to share an experience with these three icons in their fields in one place, discussing Facelifts together.

To be honest, I was first invited to do a live surgery alongside my lecture. However, just before the academic event was about to begin, the schedule was changed to accommodate Dr. Fu-Chan Wei as the host. During the dinner, I was once again politely asked for understanding, and I appreciated their considerate attitude. They said it was only natural to host him before me, and thanks to that, we were able to witness a legendary-level discussion among the three distinguished figures.

The handwritten card from the Chairman placed on the hotel room table was truly touching. His thoughtful care and sincerity toward the speakers naturally earned my deep respect, and I felt I understood why they are regarded as the best.

One of the senior figures, Dr. Ben Tsao, even asked questions from the floor and mentioned that he is planning to hold a journal meeting soon focused on his own paper topic. Knowing that he showed great interest in my surgical methods and research, and was willing to discuss them together, I felt there could be no greater honor.

I consider it a tremendous honor to be invited to present at such a globally renowned venue. Following in the footsteps of esteemed professors from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, including the deeply respected Dr. Mendelson, I hope to contribute in some small way to the advancement of Asian lifting techniques.

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.

#deepplane #deepplanefacelift #DP #FL #NL #FNL #facelift #necklift #faceliftexpert #faceliftspecialist #submentoplasty #deepneck #Gangnam #Seoul #SouthKorea #RNWOOD #RNWOODplasticsurgery #Center #Facial #Rejuvenation #Antiaging #MAFAC #Faculty #DrRyu #minheeryu #seoultravel #kbeauty #plasticsurgery #kaesthetics #aesthetics #composite #MayoClinic