MAFAC Faculty in ASAPS 2019 New Orleans
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 attended the 2019 ASAPS Annual Scientific Meeting and the Melbourne Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC) in New Orleans, a premier event advancing education in aesthetic plastic surgery.
The conference highlighted MAFAC’s expanding global reach, including the participation of leading Chinese surgeons, and celebrated its collaborative and academically rigorous culture under the leadership of Dr. Bryan Mendelson and Professor Mark Ashton. Dr. Ryu reflected on the strong mentorship, camaraderie, and scholarly excellence that define MAFAC, as well as the deep professional fulfillment derived from contributing to its mission. The visit also offered moments of personal reflection through New Orleans’ vibrant music scene and the meaningful friendships built within the international surgical community.
Please enjoy the full article below:
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The annual scientific meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) was held in New Orleans from May 16 to 21, 2019. This conference is regarded as the most prestigious gathering in the field, setting the academic standard for aesthetic plastic surgery worldwide.
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Each year, the Melbourne Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC), a cadaver-based anatomical training program, is held in conjunction with the meeting. Since facial aesthetic surgery is fundamentally rooted in anatomy, the course aims to provide high-level, evidence-based education. I have had the privilege of serving as a faculty member for MAFAC every year since 2016.
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There was no direct flight to New Orleans, so I traveled through Dallas. During the flight, an announcement was made that a medical emergency had occurred. Without hesitation, I went to assist the crew and the passenger. An elderly man was lying down, complaining of nausea and dizziness. His consciousness level, vital signs, and oxygen saturation were stable. Based on his symptoms and physical examination, the likelihood of angina, myocardial infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, or stroke appeared low. I monitored him closely while helping him stay calm, and fortunately, we arrived safely at our destination.
This wasn’t the first time I’d encountered such a situation. Back in April 2015, during my first visit to Beijing, a young woman suddenly experienced palpitations, anxiety, and panic. She had a history of panic disorder, and after administering a sedative injection, she was able to calm down. We also arrived safely on that occasion.
Each time something like this happens, I respond without hesitation—but not without fear. I’m not an emergency physician, internist, or surgeon who routinely manages vital signs, so there’s always the concern that I might miss something critical. While it's not realistic to return to residency training now, I remind myself that the sense of duty and the heartbeat of a physician will remain with me for life.
While heading to the conference venue to complete my registration, I ran into a dear friend and mentor, Dr. Tim Papadopoulos. A fellow faculty member at MAFAC, Dr. Papadopoulos has served as President of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and continues to play a significant role in both the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).
His energy, warmth, and unwavering passion are truly inspiring. Whether it’s academics, education, service, or business, he excels in every domain. True to his signature style, he greeted me with a firm, cheek-to-cheek deep hug—an embrace as wholehearted as the man himself. It was a joyful and heartfelt reunion.
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I was pleased to learn that the upcoming MAFAC cadaver dissection workshop had sold out. It was truly welcome news—and I believe this momentum will continue in the future. One major reason is that, for the first time, plastic surgeons from China are participating in MAFAC.
Colleagues from China’s top institutions—such as the prestigious Peking Union Medical College Hospital (commonly referred to as 八大处), the 301 People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, as well as professors from Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital and Peking Third Hospital—have taken the first steps in joining the course, with more expected to follow.
Given the strong interest from leading surgeons who are shaping the future of Chinese plastic surgery, I expect future sessions to remain consistently sold out. I look forward to learning and sharing together, with the hope that these efforts will contribute meaningfully to the advancement of aesthetic surgery across Asia.
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Typically, the faculty dinner takes place on the same day as the full-day cadaver dissection workshop. However, this time, it was held a day earlier. It served as a valuable opportunity to review and discuss preparations for the upcoming MAFAC session.
The evening was also a celebration of the remarkable work being done by MAFAC faculty members and a warm welcome to new members joining the team. It was a meaningful gathering that reflected both the professionalism and camaraderie that define the spirit of MAFAC.
Dr. Chin-Ho Wong, a plastic surgeon from Singapore, is both a respected colleague and a dear older brother figure to me—someone I admire deeply on both a personal and academic level. In 2018, he received the Best Paper Award from Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS), the leading journal in our field. The award-winning study, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Bryan Mendelson, focused on the anatomy relevant to lower eyelid surgery—a significant contribution to our understanding of periocular anatomy.
Dr. Ruth Graf, a distinguished plastic surgeon from Brazil, is someone I looked up to during my own fellowship training over a decade ago. I studied her lectures and papers with great admiration. With her depth of experience and leadership, she has long been a driving force in Latin American plastic surgery. She joined MAFAC as a faculty member in 2016, and last year was honored with the Best Female Plastic Surgeon award by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). I’m proud to call her a colleague.
Dr. Chris Surek, a new addition to the MAFAC faculty, is an active and well-known figure in the United States, particularly in the areas of facial anatomy and minimally invasive procedures. His expertise and dynamic approach are a welcome addition to the team. I am proud to work alongside such outstanding individuals.
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The cadaver dissection workshop begins with a comprehensive lecture on facial anatomy, both general and detailed, delivered by Dr. Bryan Mendelson. This is followed by a step-by-step live demonstration by Dr. Mendelson himself. After observing the technique, participants move to their assigned stations to apply what they’ve learned through hands-on dissection.
Each cadaver is shared by two participants, with four people per team. My team included two plastic surgeons from Beijing, one from Canada, and one from the United Arab Emirates. All were highly motivated and intelligent, making my role as a facilitator both enjoyable and rewarding. Judging by the number of thoughtful questions they asked, I wouldn’t be surprised if they return for another session.
In fact, it's quite common for surgeons to attend MAFAC more than once. Facial anatomy requires continuous, repeated study, and with every dissection comes new insight—both technical and conceptual. It’s a field that demands ongoing reflection and refinement.
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In recent years, many international and national societies have begun establishing their own cadaver dissection academies, which I view as a very positive step for the advancement of our field. It’s likely that many of these programs are drawing from the educational materials and structured system developed by MAFAC (Melbourne Advanced Facial Anatomy Course), which has set a high standard for anatomical education in facial aesthetic surgery.
As I reflected on the continued rise in MAFAC’s reputation and the consistently high level of enthusiasm it generates, I found myself asking: What is it that truly sets MAFAC apart? What is the source of this enduring momentum?
The answer, I believe, lies in a combination of factors: the academic rigor and clarity of the curriculum, the precision and depth of Dr. Mendelson’s anatomical insight, the hands-on learning structure, and the collaborative, respectful environment fostered among faculty and participants. It’s a rare blend of excellence in education, mentorship, and shared purpose—rooted in anatomical truth and clinical relevance—that keeps people coming back.
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In my view, the true foundation of MAFAC’s enduring success lies in two elements: the presence of Dr. Bryan Mendelson and the distinctive MAFAC culture.
Dr. Mendelson is, without question, one of the foremost authorities in facial rejuvenation surgery and anatomy. His theories are not only original and transformative, but his scholarly influence—reflected in citation metrics—underscores his position as a leading figure in the field today.
MAFAC also draws strength from a distinguished academic lineage. The late Professor Ian Taylor, a world-renowned anatomist, was once a key member of the program. His protégé, Professor Mark Ashton of Melbourne University, now serves as the Chair. Their legacy has helped shape MAFAC’s academic rigor and anatomical depth.
The faculty is further strengthened by the leadership of past and present presidents of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons—Dr. Keith Mutimer, Dr. Tim Papadopoulos, and Dr. Mark Magnusson—all of whom have played central roles in advancing both the program and the profession.
Equally notable are internationally recognized figures such as Dr. Chin-Ho Wong and Dr. Ruth Graf, whose continued achievements and global influence have contributed to MAFAC’s growing stature.
Together, they have cultivated more than just a training course—they have built a culture of excellence, humility, collaboration, and curiosity. That, I believe, is what makes MAFAC truly exceptional.
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While individual excellence is undoubtedly important, I believe that leadership and organizational culture—guiding everyone in one unified direction as a single team—hold even greater significance.
Most MAFAC faculty members serve as editorial board members for SCI-indexed journals and genuinely enjoy the process of writing and publishing research. It’s common for them to start conversations by discussing the content of recently published articles, followed by thoughtful consideration of how they can support each other’s work.
Moreover, after every event, they consistently share information openly and provide honest, constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement.
I believe this collaborative, transparent, and growth-oriented MAFAC culture is the true key differentiator that sets the program apart.
At this conference’s Scientific Session, we were fortunate to hear excellent lectures from Dr. Aston and Dr. Baker. They reflected on fifty years of facelift history and examined the future direction of the field.
They noted that advances in facial anatomy led to the introduction of a variety of complex surgical techniques, followed by a period when simpler methods regained favor. Now, the trend is moving toward a fusion of these techniques combined with a personalized, patient-specific approach.
This perspective resonated deeply with me, as it aligns closely with the path I have been contemplating and pursuing over the past several years.
In 2017, I came to New Orleans to present at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ Aesthetica Symposium (ASPS Aesthetica 2017). Back then, the city felt distant and somewhat like a quiet, rural town. What stands out most in my memory is hopping between oyster bars, savoring fresh oysters.
Looking back, I realize my expectations for New Orleans Jazz were perhaps too high. I had imagined incredible jazz clubs everywhere and spent many nights searching for them, but most didn’t quite live up to the hype. Likewise, Café du Monde, famous for its café au lait and beignets, didn’t leave much of an impression on me at that time.
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Jazz is everywhere—in the streets, cafés, restaurants, and shopping malls. It’s not about sophisticated clubs with flawless performances, but more like an old, familiar friend deeply woven into the fabric of life. That kind of groove seems to be the true flavor of this town.
Given the challenging economic circumstances, it makes sense—I can’t expect New Orleans to be like New York’s Blue Note. What matters most is to see and feel the city just as it is.
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In fact, New Orleans holds deep significance as the birthplace of jazz, with its golden era shining brightest from 1900 to 1930. After the 1940s, the spotlight shifted to cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Personally, I enjoy the Hard Bop, Cool Jazz, and Fusion styles that blossomed in the late 1950s. Since those musicians mainly performed in New York and California, they probably had little direct connection to New Orleans.
As a jazz enthusiast, I felt it worthwhile to visit at least once, but it was more of a respectful nod than a deeply moving experience.
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On my way back from the Jazz Museum, I came across the BB King Blues Club. The performance there was excellent, with the bassist—who seemed to be the bandleader—delivering outstanding groove and solos. I learned that BB King was the owner and that the venue was built just two to three years ago. Inside, there was a gift shop where I bought two T-shirts. Although I wasn’t completely sold on the design, I consider it a way to pay tribute to the legend whose music I enjoy.
The club is located near Jackson Square and is close to Cafe de Monte. I would definitely recommend visiting—it’s well worth the experience.
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Despite the fatigue from jet lag, I have been receiving thoughtful messages and calls from friends. I am sincerely grateful for their warm concern and kindness, which deeply touches my heart. Our conversations are usually simple—inquiring about family well-being, children’s progress at school, health, and the outcomes of the conference sessions. There is a genuine mutual respect and affection in these exchanges.
Life, in essence, is not about grand achievements but about creating meaningful memories with loved ones. It is for this reason that I cherish the moments spent socializing and celebrating together. Such connections form the true foundation of happiness.
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The pride of contributing to the advancement of our field and the strong camaraderie among colleagues are truly inspiring—I cannot help but love this community. This fall, MAFAC will be held over two to three days in Brisbane alongside the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery conference. Dr. Sam Hamra and Dr. Andrew Jacono will join as guest faculty. I had the privilege of learning directly from Dr. Hamra during a visit to Dallas in 2013, and he remains the best surgeon I have ever observed in the operating room. Although I heard he retired last year, the prospect of his participation already fills me with excitement. This upcoming fall session will be a graduate MAFAC course, open exclusively to previous participants. It promises to be an exceptional event.
Each member is recognized for their expertise in their respective fields, and under the leadership of Dr. Mendelson and Prof. Ashton, they have achieved remarkable global accomplishments. Through repeatedly teaching facial cadaver dissection, they gain inspiration and continuously evolve themselves. By sharing this knowledge again, MAFAC contributes to the advancement of the field’s history. I am truly proud and feel immensely honored to be part of the MAFAC faculty.
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Dr. Minhee Ryu, M.D.
RNWOOD Plastic Surgery
Seoul, South Korea
(Source:https://blog.naver.com/rejuvemaster/221614049230)
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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