Invited Lecture on “Dr. Ryu’s Deep Plane Facelift” at MEVOS 2024

Invited Lecture on “Dr. Ryu’s Deep Plane Facelift”

MEVOS 2024

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

The MEVOS International Aesthetic Surgery Congress 2024 was held in Hangzhou from May 10–12, attracting over 30,000 participants. Dr. Minhee Ryu of RNWOOD Plastic Surgery delivered a lecture titled “Ryu Minhee Facelift (Dr. Ryu’s Deep Plane Facelift),” presenting the evolution of the Deep Plane Facelift, detailed surgical anatomy, and refined techniques adapted for Asian facial structures. She emphasized the importance of releasing retaining ligaments, achieving natural ear contours, and minimizing scars to ensure both aesthetic and anatomical harmony.

Dr. Ryu also introduced the upcoming MAFAC Course at the Mayo Clinic and Amsterdam, underscoring the program’s global recognition. The session featured esteemed surgeons such as Prof. Lee L.Q. Pu, Dr. Mark L. Jewell, Dr. Malcolm D. Paul, Dr. Woffles Wu, and Dr. Kenneth Hui, with whom Dr. Ryu engaged in meaningful academic exchange. The congress fostered a spirit of collegiality that extended beyond lectures into lasting professional friendships, reaffirming the shared pursuit of surgical excellence and innovation in aesthetic surgery.

Please enjoy the full article below:

The MEVOS International Aesthetic Surgery Congress was held in the beautiful city of Hangzhou from May 10th to the 12th, 2024, with over 30,000 attendees. It is the place where the G20 Summit was held, and five years ago, I was invited to this conference and gave a presentation on the Asian Facelift and a Live Surgery Demonstration.

This time, I gave a 30-minute presentation on the globally popular topic, “Ryu Minhee Facelift (Dr Ryu’s Deep Plane Facelift).” I discussed the background of the birth and development process of the Deep Plane Facelift, and the conceptual changes that followed, and explained my surgical techniques in detail with accompanying videos. In particular, I dealt in depth with the surgical anatomy of facial layers, SMAS, nerves, muscles, and so on.

In the introduction, I briefly mentioned the history of the Deep Plane Facelift. From Dr. Tord Skoog’s innovative attempts in the 1970s, to Dr. Sam Hamra’s modifications in the 1990s, and finally to the significant contributions of Dr. Mendelson in surgical anatomy and procedure today. 

Terminology and concepts are not fixed. They are fluid, depending on the evolution and development of academic understanding and surgical technique. The concept of the Deep Plane Facelift has also changed in accordance with advances in anatomy and surgical methods. Its meaning may vary depending on the perspective from which it is interpreted.

What is the cause of facial sagging? The answer is: continuous and repetitive movement.

Sagging appears most prominently in the anterior part of the face, and to improve this, adequate release of the retaining ligaments beneath the SMAS is essential. If the retaining ligaments, which form the boundary between the anterior and lateral face, are not released, the sagging facial tissue in the front can never be corrected. This is the core of the Deep Plane Facelift.

My facelift is based on the Deep Plane Facelift theory, and it is a method that considers the anatomical characteristics of the Asian face. It incorporates the concept of High SMAS, and includes the Orbicularis Oculi muscle and Platysma muscle in the SMAS flap. Excess tissue is removed, and excellent results are pursued from the midface to the jawline.

Natural-looking Ears matter. I emphasized the importance of ear shape after facelift surgery. A well-defined tragus and a naturally rounded earlobe are essential for achieving a natural appearance. Minimizing visible scars around the ear is also a key element of Dr. Ryu’s Deep Plane Facelift.

Introducing MAFAC

At the end of my lecture at MEVOS in Hangzhou 2024, I introduced MAFAC. The MAFAC Course, which will be held at Mayo Clinic in July, is now just eight weeks away, and we have been exchanging emails to confirm the schedule with our faculty members.

This course was fully booked within just two days, showing how much it is loved by plastic surgeons around the world.

In October this year, it is scheduled to be held in Amsterdam as a two-day course.

Together with global masters such as Dr. Bryan Mendelson, participants will have the opportunity to systematically learn facial anatomy through cadaver dissection and directly experience the Deep Plane Facelift.

In this session, I presented and held discussions alongside distinguished experts from the United States, Singapore, and Hong Kong—individuals whose papers and publications I have studied since over 20 years ago. 

They include Prof. Lee L.Q. Pu from UC Davis, Prof. Malcolm D. Paul from UC Irvine, Prof. Mark L. Jewell from Oregon University, Dr. Kenneth C.W. Hui from Hong Kong, Dr. Woffles Wu from Singapore, and Prof. Williams P.D. Chen from UCLA.

It was a great honor to be with those who have made significant contributions to the advancement of plastic surgery in both the U.S. and Asia.

The conference is always accompanied by a banquet. 

During the day, we pour our energy into presentations and discussions, engaging in intense debate and exchange with colleagues.

But in the evening, over drinks, friendship overflows. There are no borders. In fact, more than words or actions, it is the energy that comes from the eyes and the heart that matters—and we feel that in one another. 

We may be academic companions walking the same path, or we may form friendships like life partners. Whatever it is, the feeling remains constant and sincere. This conference was no different.

Prof. Lee Pu, who leads the history of Asian Plastic Surgery. Dr. Mark Jewell, former president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), who was the session chair at my presentation in Manhattan, New York, in 2013. Dr. Malcolm Paul, who left a significant mark on Facial Rejuvenation Surgery. The ever-inspiring Dr. Woffles Wu from Singapore and Dr. Kenneth Hui from Hong Kong. It is an honor to be able to work with such distinguished individuals, and I look forward to learning closely from them for a long time.

I visited the famous tourist spot West Lake in Hangzhou. It was rainy and misty, which created an elegant atmosphere. I especially enjoyed the damp air filled with the scent of trees.

Five years ago, I rode a traditional rowboat here. This time, I took a larger boat across the lake and visited Leifeng Pagoda, known from the Legend of the White Snake Lady. It was a great way to relax and enjoy the spirit of Hangzhou.

When I was a fellow, I quenched my thirst for surgical knowledge by reading papers and books as much as I could. Back then, my practice focused on reconstructive surgery for trauma, burns, and chronic wounds. At the time, books on Asian oculoplastics were scarce, and this author's work was a must-read. A Clinical Professor at UCLA, he specialized in ophthalmology, a pioneer, and a leading figure in the field, he contributed significantly to establishing the concept of Asian oculoplastics.

It was an honor to work alongside him as a Faculty member at this congress. He praised my lecture, on "Deep Plane Facelift," especially how clear and well-organized the theory and surgical technique were. I thanked him for his textbook, which I studied extensively during my early training. At the time, it was the 1st Edition, but now the 4th Edition is available on Amazon. This demonstrates that he has consistently updated his work over the past 20 years. 

He was a person of great personal charm, with a gentle and refined manner and warm encouragement that left a lasting impression. The first time we met, he put his arm around my shoulder and patted me on the back. It's a privilege to discuss academics and engage in personal interactions with these giants. In fact, I've met most of the people I'd read about in textbooks and papers during my residency and fellowship at international conferences, and we continue to connect through academic gatherings and dinners. This would have seemed like a dream in the past, but it's becoming a reality. I strive to emulate these individuals, who possess not only academic passion but also personal charm.

I've lectured and debated with leading figures from the US and Singapore, and received great encouragement from them. I’m committed to continuing this journey, working with like-minded peers to advance and refine Asian facelift techniques.

Dr. Minhee Ryu, M.D.

RNWOOD Plastic Surgery

Seoul, South Korea

(Source: https://blog.naver.com/rejuvemaster/223462131517 )

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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