Invited Faculty at Saudi FACE 2025

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

Saudi FACE 2025, held in Riyadh on December 5–6, 2025, featured Dr. Minhee Ryu as Invited Faculty, where he delivered a lecture on Deep Plane Facelift and Surgical Anatomy and served as chair for live facelift surgery sessions. His presentation outlined the historical evolution of the deep plane facelift and introduced Dr. Ryu’s Deep Plane Facelift, a comprehensive approach based on four core principles integrating ligament release, high SMAS techniques, extended deep plane concepts, and preservation-based composite facelift surgery. He also presented his proprietary PUSH DOWN Technique for the safe release of retaining ligaments, a method refined over years and demonstrated internationally through cadaver dissections and major academic meetings. In addition to moderating live surgeries by leading facelift surgeons, Dr. Minhee Ryu actively engaged in academic exchange and international collaboration, reinforcing his commitment to advancing safety, anatomical precision, and innovation in facial rejuvenation surgery.

Please enjoy the full article below:

Invited Faculty at Saudi FACE 2025

Saudi FACE 2025 was held in Riyadh on December 5–6, 2025. I was invited to participate as Invited Faculty, where I delivered a lecture and served as a session chair. This invitation came from the congress president, Dr. Faleh, whom I first met at Cairo FACE 2025, which became the starting point of this connection.

I presented on “Deep Plane Facelift and Surgical Anatomy.” Because deep plane facelift can be interpreted differently depending on perspective, it is important to review its history and evolution. I began by discussing the contributions and concepts of Dr. Skoog, Dr. Hamra, and Dr. Bryan Mendelson.

Dr. Ryu’s Deep Plane Facelift encompasses four key concepts: 

1. First, it involves complete release of the zygomatic and masseteric retaining ligaments in the sub-SMAS plane, leading to definitive improvement of the anterior face. Facial sagging predominantly occurs in the anterior portion of the face, making this correction essential.

2. Second, it incorporates the High SMAS technique, enabling more effective midface lifting and offering broad applicability based on both Western and Asian facial characteristics.

3. Third, by releasing cervical retaining ligaments in the sub-SMAS plane, dramatic improvement of the jawline can be achieved. This includes the concepts and techniques of Dr. Andrew Jacono’s Extended Deep Plane Facelift.

4. Fourth, it is performed as a Composite Facelift based on the preservation concept, resulting in very rapid recovery with minimal pain. I place great importance on minimizing unnecessary surgical trauma.

In this way, my, Dr. Ryu’s Deep Plane Facelift is a highly advanced method that integrates these four principles, which I explained in detail through surgical anatomy.

I also presented a detailed surgical video demonstrating the technique I developed, “How to Safely Release Retaining Ligaments in Deep Plane Facelift: Dr. Ryu’s PUSH DOWN Technique.” The core of deep plane facelift surgery lies in releasing retaining ligaments in the sub-SMAS plane while strictly avoiding injury to nerves and critical structures. Conventional sharp dissection requires extensive experience and high-level judgment, making it a challenging approach. Dr. Ryu’s PUSH DOWN Technique overcomes these limitations and is a method I developed and refined over many years.

This technique allows safe, simple, and effective application in deep plane facelift surgery. I demonstrated it through cadaver dissections in July 2025 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, USA, and again in November at Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands. In July, I also shared the technique in detail during the ISAPS Olympiad in Singapore.

I hope that the four core concepts of Dr. Ryu’s Deep Plane Facelift and the PUSH DOWN Technique will be helpful to my colleagues, particularly in achieving safer surgical outcomes.

There were live facelift surgeries performed separately by Dr. Giovanni Botti and Dr. Mario Pelle-Ceravolo, and I served as Chair, moderating the session.

Dr. Giovanni Botti’s approach—Deep Plane Facelift with the High SMAS technique—shares many similarities with Dr. Ryu’s Deep Plane Facelift. He safely released retaining ligaments and utilized a high SMAS design as the SMAS entry point, enhancing surgical versatility. While there were some differences in dissection method and extent, the fundamental concepts were closely aligned. My approach minimizes skin dissection and follows a Composite Facelift (Preservation Concept), aiming to reduce surgical trauma, accelerate recovery, minimize pain, and decrease postoperative sequelae.

Dr. Mario Pelle-Ceravolo’s facelift technique, based on SMAS application, demonstrated a different philosophy and surgical approach. Facelift strategies vary according to patient characteristics and surgeon preference, and his presentation offered a valuable alternative perspective.

Both masters demonstrated distinctly personal styles in their facelift surgeries. Observing and discussing these procedures in real time was an exceptionally educational experience.

        Dr. Mohammed had observed my surgeries in Seoul two years ago, closely following my Deep Plane Facelift, Deep Neck Lift, and Fat Grafting procedures with great enthusiasm and many questions. It was a pleasure to meet him again in Riyadh, and I am grateful for his thoughtful care and hospitality throughout the meeting.

Dr. Feras had hoped to observe my surgeries during his one-year fellowship at Asan Medical Center, but our schedules did not align. We finally met in Riyadh, and it was truly a pleasure.

During the first evening’s banquet, I was surprised with a birthday celebration. It was the largest cake I have ever received, and I was deeply grateful for the unexpected warmth and hospitality.

There was also a visit to Bujairi Terrace, a beautifully modernized site of Saudi Arabia’s former royal palace and historical museum, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The nighttime illumination was spectacular. We enjoyed local cuisine late into the night at nearby outdoor cafés, sharing friendship and celebrating a successful meeting. I am sincerely thankful for the warm welcome and kindness, and I look forward to meeting again.

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 #SaudiArabia #FACE2025 #MayoClinic #MAFAC #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