MAFAC Amsterdam 2026

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

The 35th Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC) took place on October 5–6, 2026, at Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands, bringing together surgeons and faculty from around the world. As a MAFAC Faculty member since 2016, Dr. Min-Hee Ryu once again contributed to the course as a Dissection Tutor, sharing his expertise in DEEP PLANE Facelift surgery, High SMAS Design, and his innovative Push-Down Technique. Beyond the hands-on surgical training and exchange of advanced anatomical knowledge, the course was a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with esteemed colleagues, reflect on the invaluable influence of MAFAC on his surgical philosophy, and reaffirm his commitment to continuous learning, research, and surgical education.

Please enjoy the full article below:

MAFAC Amsterdam 2026

The 35th MAFAC (Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course) was held on October 5–6, 2026, at Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands.

Founded by Dr. Bryan Mendelson, MAFAC is an educational and research organization dedicated to advancing Facial Rejuvenation surgery and facial anatomy through hands-on cadaver dissection. Since 2008, the course has been held annually across Australia, the United States, and Europe.

I have had the privilege of actively contributing to MAFAC as a Faculty member since 2016.

This year's course brought together 65 participants from 29 countries, with Faculty members representing eight countries. It was truly a world-class gathering of surgeons dedicated to advancing their knowledge and surgical expertise.

The MAFAC program consists primarily of lectures and live demonstrations, with a strong emphasis on hands-on cadaver dissection.

Every participant has the opportunity to perform Deep Plane Facelift, Deep Neck Lift, Forehead Lift, and Blepharoplasty procedures through cadaver dissection.

This hands-on experience allows surgeons to gain a deeper understanding of how Dr. Mendelson's concepts of facial layers and spaces can be applied in actual surgery, and why these anatomical principles are so important.

The accompanying lectures also provide valuable insights into the latest developments in facial rejuvenation surgery, while reinforcing the fundamental principles that form the foundation of safe and effective surgical practice.

One of the highlights of this year's course, in my personal opinion, was Dr. Lennert Minelli's lecture and demonstration.

Building upon Dr. Mendelson's foundational concepts, Dr. Minelli presented a more dynamic and three-dimensional interpretation of facial surgical anatomy.

His approach provided valuable anatomical insights that support safer surgical techniques and offered tremendous inspiration for my own practice.

Another outstanding session was Dr. Zekeriya Kul's Endoscopic Deep Plane Facelift demonstration.

Using an endoscope, he clearly and thoroughly explained the key anatomical structures of the deep plane, while demonstrating excellent surgical technique.

What made this demonstration particularly meaningful to me was seeing him use my "Push-Down Technique" during the release of the retaining ligaments.

He mentioned my name several times throughout the demonstration, acknowledging the technique and its application.

It was deeply rewarding to see that he had thoroughly understood my technique and was successfully applying it to achieve safer dissection.

The demonstration by my longtime colleague and dear friend, whom I consider a brother, Dr. Chin-Ho Wong, was equally impressive.

He discovered and named the Tear-Trough Ligament (TTL) and Pre-Maxillary Space, providing an important anatomical foundation for Midface Lift and Lower Blepharoplasty procedures.

Since 2016, I have had the pleasure of attending his demonstrations as a fellow MAFAC Faculty member every year.

Remarkably, no two demonstrations have ever been the same.

Although he continues to address similar anatomical subjects, he brings new perspectives and refinements to his techniques each year.

This time, he incorporated Canthopexy, offering additional insights into diversifying surgical approaches.

Despite his remarkable academic achievements, he remains consistently humble. His dedication, expertise, and character make him someone I deeply admire and consider a role model.

During this year's course, I served as the Dissection Tutor for Group 5.

Each cadaver was assigned to two participants, with four participants forming one group.

My group consisted of two surgeons from the United Kingdom and two from South Africa.

All four were highly enthusiastic, engaged throughout the course, and successfully completed the entire program.

One of the surgeons from the United Kingdom asked me about the SMAS Entry Point in Deep Plane Facelift surgery.

This led to an in-depth discussion comparing the conventional Oblique SMAS Design with my High SMAS Design.

The conventional Oblique Design primarily creates a transverse lifting vector, which may result in a wider facial appearance while providing relatively limited vertical lifting.

In contrast, my High SMAS Design allows for both transverse and vertical lifting vectors, addressing these limitations.

One of its key advantages is the ability to achieve an independent vertical lift, allowing for more effective midface lifting.

I am currently preparing this concept for academic publication, and I hope to share the full article sometime next year.

I also had the opportunity to teach my "PUSH-DOWN TECHNIQUE" to the surgeons in my group.

One of the most critical aspects of Deep Plane Facelift surgery is the safe release of the retaining ligaments while protecting the facial nerve from injury.

I previously demonstrated this technique in 2025 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, United States, and Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands.

I am also planning to organize and publish the details of this technique in an academic paper next year.

During the course, another participant approached me to inquire about fellowship opportunities.

RNWOOD Plastic Surgery opened in Seoul, South Korea, in 2025 and is undergoing an expansion and relocation in 2026.

At this stage, I believe it is especially important to strengthen the foundations of clinical practice and remain fully focused on providing the highest standards of patient care.

For this reason, offering a formal fellowship program will be difficult for the time being.

However, one-day observership opportunities are available with the patient's consent.

In keeping with the spirit of MAFAC, I remain committed to contributing to surgical research and education whenever possible.

There were many warm and meaningful moments during the Faculty Dinner.

While catching up with my colleagues, I shared the news of RNWOOD Plastic Surgery's expansion and relocation.

Everyone offered heartfelt congratulations and encouraging words, which meant a great deal to me.

During a conversation with Dr. Dan Kennedy, the current President of MAFAC, I said:

"I owe MAFAC."

He understood and deeply resonated with what I meant.

The truth is that much of my knowledge and approach to facial rejuvenation surgery has developed through MAFAC.

In particular, the anatomical and theoretical foundation of Dr. Ryu's Deep Plane Facelift is rooted in the pioneering work of Dr. Bryan Mendelson.

Beyond surgical anatomy and techniques, Dr. Mendelson and my fellow MAFAC Faculty members have been invaluable mentors who have shaped my philosophy and approach to surgery.

Thanks to these teachings, and to the trust of the patients who have recognized and valued this approach, RNWOOD Plastic Surgery has been able to expand and relocate just one year and six months after opening.

When I say, "I owe MAFAC," it is not simply an expression of gratitude.

It is something I genuinely believe, from the bottom of my heart.

Although MAFAC is fundamentally dedicated to education and research, what it offers extends far beyond technical knowledge.

Every year, I find myself learning something new from the lectures and demonstrations of my fellow Faculty members.

Their continuous efforts to refine their techniques, challenge existing concepts, and pursue innovation are a constant source of motivation and inspiration.

Dr. Mendelson's contributions to major American plastic surgery textbooks, together with the outstanding academic achievements of MAFAC Faculty members, reflect the organization's remarkable influence on our field.

More than ten MAFAC Faculty members serve on the editorial boards of leading international scientific journals, and their research has received prestigious academic awards over the years.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that MAFAC continues to help shape the history and future of Deep Plane Facelift surgery and facial anatomy.

Being part of this distinguished group as a Faculty member fills me with both immense pride and a profound sense of responsibility.

This year's course was particularly meaningful because many Faculty members from Australia were able to attend.

MAFAC originally began in Melbourne, Australia, and I sincerely hope that the senior Faculty members who contributed so generously during its early years will continue to play an important role in shaping its future.

The upcoming 2027 MAFAC courses are scheduled to take place in:

• March 2027 — Melbourne, Australia

• June 2027 — San Diego, United States

• October 2027 — Amsterdam, Netherlands

To my beloved MAFAC family, I look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

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 #Amsterdam #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