Invited Lecture in TSAPS Kaohsiung 2018

 Invited Lecture in TSAPS Kaohsiung 2018


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 an international speaker at the Taiwan Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (TSAPS) International Conference in Kaohsiung, held from October 27–28, 2018. He presented his approach to facelift surgery and facial anatomy, focusing on methods tailored to East Asian facial structures and addressing facial sagging after skeletal surgery.

The conference gathered leading experts from over ten countries, including Dr. Foad Nahai and Professor Lee Pu. Dr. Ryu’s session drew significant interest, followed by extended discussions and requests for his publications. The event strengthened professional ties with international colleagues and reaffirmed the growing global influence of Korean plastic surgery in academic and clinical innovation.


Please enjoy the full article below:



The Taiwanese Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (TSAS) International Conference was held in Kaohsiung from October 27th to 28th, 2018. This international academic event invited approximately 20 experts in various fields of aesthetic plastic surgery from over 10 countries, and signed MOUs with academic societies from four countries.


Taiwan's plastic surgery field is highly advanced, particularly in the areas of microsurgery and facial bone reconstruction, where it is regarded as being among the best in the world, surpassing even the standards found in many other regions, including Asia. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan is a leading institution that attracts plastic surgeons from across the globe—including the United States and Europe—who seek to gain in-depth training in these specialized areas. Many individuals who have completed fellowships at this institution now hold positions in various parts of the world. Taiwanese plastic surgeons are generally proficient in English and actively contribute to international academic journals, further solidifying their global reputation for excellence in the field.


Before the Faculty Welcome dinner on the first day, there was a cruise tour. Esteemed figures in plastic surgery, including Dr. Foad Nahai—a leading authority from the United States—and other invited faculty members such as Dr. Roger Kouri, gathered together for the event. As we enjoyed beers and pleasant conversations, we admired the scenic view of the beautiful port city of Kaohsiung from the deck.

While leaning against the side of the boat and chatting, the ship suddenly made a sharp turn, causing seawater to surge onto the deck unexpectedly. Only Dr. Foad Nahai, Dr. Wilson Ho, and I ended up soaked from head to toe, with our clothes and shoes drenched in seawater. Dr. Tsai, the chair of this year’s academic conference, came over looking very apologetic, but we laughed it off, saying that the Kaohsiung sea had given us a special welcome. We shared a cheerful moment and took some photos together.

    The presidents of the Vietnam and Thailand societies were also invited, and it was a pleasure to reconnect with them after some time.

    The conference opened with lectures by Dr. Foad Nahai and Professor Lee Pu. Dr. Nahai, Editor-in-Chief of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, the official publication of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), has made significant contributions to the academic advancement of the field. He is especially renowned for his deep expertise in facial rejuvenation procedures such as facelifts and blepharoplasty.

Professor Lee Pu, a first-generation Chinese-American, is often referred to as the father of Chinese-American plastic surgeons. He has played a pivotal role in advancing academic knowledge through his numerous publications and writings. In addition to his influence in the United States, he holds prominent positions in international societies and the Chinese Association of Plastic Surgery.

It was a great honor to connect personally with such distinguished figures. The experience further strengthened my resolve to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of plastic surgery as an academic discipline.

Dr. Patrick Huang graciously organized a special luncheon, offering us a break from the conference venue to gather at a well-regarded local restaurant in Kaohsiung. The table was filled with an impressive array of fresh and diverse seafood dishes, which we thoroughly enjoyed.

Joining the lunch were Dr. Foad Nahai, Dr. Lee Pu, Dr. Li Dong, Dr. Lin Xiaoxi, and Dr. Huang JinLong from China; Dr. Woffles Wu and Dr. Chin-Ho Wong from Singapore; Dr. Wilson Ho from Hong Kong; and Dr. Tony from Taiwan. It was a rare opportunity to connect with such esteemed colleagues in a relaxed setting.

    Our conversations ranged widely—from updates on prominent senior American plastic surgeons like Dr. Sam Hamra and Dr. Sydney Coleman, to discussions on politics, economics, and global affairs—making it a truly enriching and memorable gathering.

My connection with Taiwanese plastic surgery began in 2015, when I was invited to give a lecture at the academic conference hosted by Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Since then, I have maintained close ties with many colleagues and friends in the Taiwanese plastic surgery community.

Notably, a significant number of Taiwanese plastic surgeons have participated in the Melbourne Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC) over the years. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and reconnecting with several of them through this program, further strengthening our professional and personal relationships.

This time, I was invited as an international speaker by the Taiwan Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (TSAPS). I gave a presentation and participated in a panel discussion on my approach to facelift surgery and related facial anatomy.

East Asian facial structures and tissue characteristics differ significantly from those of Western patients, and issues such as facial sagging following skeletal surgery are particularly unique to East Asians. I shared insights and techniques developed through years of focused research and clinical experience in this area.

To my surprise, there was a high volume of questions following the presentation, and the discussion continued well beyond the session, with many attendees gathering around to engage in further dialogue. I believe this reflects the growing interest and demand for Asian facial rejuvenation.

Several participants requested copies of my published papers, which I agreed to send by email, and we decided to continue the academic exchange moving forward. Though we come from different countries, I was truly grateful for the genuine curiosity and mutual respect for academic knowledge that was so evident throughout the experience.


The global reputation of Korean plastic surgery continues to rise—not only across Asia but also on the international stage. At the conference, I had the opportunity to engage in meaningful and forward-looking conversations with fellow Korean professors and clinic directors who had also been invited. I felt a deep sense of pride in seeing the important roles they each play in their respective specialties.

It was also a pleasure to reconnect with Professor Komuro, who had invited me as a guest speaker at the 2015 Japan Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Seated next to me was Professor Kenji Kusumoto, whom I greeted warmly. I learned that he is a first-generation student of Professor Fujimori, whom I had met at the editorial board meeting of the Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery in 2017.

It reaffirmed for me that those who share a genuine academic connection are bound to cross paths again—no matter the time or place.


I also had a meaningful time with Dr. Wilson Ho, with whom I had previously connected through Facebook. During the conference, I was introduced to Dr. Li Kam Hop George and Dr. Edmund Chan, both of whom are leading figures in the field of plastic surgery in Hong Kong. Although there are only around 60 board-certified plastic surgeons in Hong Kong, the academic standard is remarkably high. I shared some of my published papers with them, and we look forward to continued and active collaboration moving forward.

Dr. Adrian Ooi from Singapore also stood out—he is highly skilled in microsurgery and craniofacial reconstruction, and he showed a strong interest in facial anatomy. Singapore has a well-established cadaver dissection training program, and we discussed the possibility of an upcoming invitation for collaboration. I look forward to contributing to both research and education alongside him.

Dr. Yen-Chou Chen is a colleague I first met at MAFAC 2018 in Melbourne. We've developed a strong rapport built on mutual academic respect, and I believe our friendship will continue to grow over the long term.

I also had the pleasure of reconnecting with Dr. Leonardo Carrillo Jimenez, a friend from my time at Columbia University, whom I invited as a speaker for this conference. We shared a memorable and enjoyable time together.

Dr. Lai, whom I previously met at a conference in New York, has a deep interest in Asian facial rejuvenation. He kindly treated me to Kaohsiung’s famous beef hot pot, for which I was sincerely grateful.



Taiwan’s unique atmosphere, blending elements of both Chinese and Japanese cultures, was truly captivating. The warm weather and excellent public safety made exploring the city on foot an enjoyable experience. The hospitality, especially the way friends and guests are welcomed with food and drinks, felt very familiar to me. I particularly enjoyed the lively evenings, moving from one gathering to another late into the night.

I was deeply touched by the genuine care and attentiveness, with constant communication and thoughtful gestures ensuring I was never left alone. These are friends I look forward to seeing often at academic conferences in Korea and abroad, and with whom I hope to collaborate on future research.

Having lifelong academic companions to walk this path alongside me is a great source of strength. I am sincerely grateful once again for the warm hospitality and the enriching scholarly exchange.







Dr. Minhee Ryu, M.D.

RNWOOD Plastic Surgery

Seoul, South Korea



(Source: https://blog.naver.com/rejuvemaster/221398665432 )


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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