Aesthetic Surgery Journal
High Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System Facelift with Finger-Assisted Facial Spaces Dissection for Asian Patients
2015 · Vol 35(1), 1–8
Dr. Min-Hee Ryu
Dr. Ryu is a Leading Authority in the DEEP PLANE FACELIFT and a Global Educator, recognized for his expertise in Facial Rejuvenation surgery and anatomy.
As a lecturer, tutor, and surgical demonstrator, Dr. Ryu is invited to teach DEEP PLANE FACELIFT techniques through lectures and cadaver dissections across more than 15 countries, including Korea, the US, Europe, Singapore, Australia, and Japan.
His academic and professional credentials include serving as a MAFAC Faculty Member since 2016, Guest Faculty Member at Mayo Clinic since 2023, and Editorial Board Member of the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal (SCI) since 2019. He is also an active member of KSPRS, ASPS, ASAPS, and ISAPS. Through these academic and educational roles, Dr. Ryu continues to contribute to the advancement of facial rejuvenation surgery and surgical education.
Two decades of facelift surgery,
shared across the world
RNWOOD is a Plastic Surgery clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, led by Dr. Min-Hee Ryu. Dr. Ryu performs one DEEP PLANE FACELIFT per day, and an English-speaking consultant stays with each international patient from the first online enquiry through follow-up. The recommended length of stay in Korea for lifting procedures is 7–10 days.
Figures below reflect Dr. Ryu's full surgical career, including the years before RNWOOD opened.
3,000+
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT cases
12,000+
Lifting cases
20+
Years of experience
80+
Countries represented
Meet Dr. Min-Hee Ryu
Dr. Ryu is a Leading Authority in the DEEP PLANE FACELIFT and a Global Educator, recognized for his expertise in Facial Rejuvenation surgery and anatomy.
As a lecturer, tutor, and surgical demonstrator, Dr. Ryu is invited to teach DEEP PLANE FACELIFT techniques through lectures and cadaver dissections across more than 15 countries, including Korea, the US, Europe, Singapore, Australia, and Japan.
His academic and professional credentials include serving as a MAFAC Faculty Member since 2016, Guest Faculty Member at Mayo Clinic since 2023, and Editorial Board Member of the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal (SCI) since 2019. He is also an active member of KSPRS, ASPS, ASAPS, and ISAPS. Through these academic and educational roles, Dr. Ryu continues to contribute to the advancement of facial rejuvenation surgery and surgical education.
Peer-reviewed
Professional Articles
Peer-reviewed publications by Dr. Min-Hee Ryu as first author, on deep-plane and high-SMAS facelift technique.
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
The Inclusion of Orbicularis Oculi Muscle in the SMAS Flap in Asian Facelift: Anatomical Consideration of Orbicularis Muscle and Zygomaticus Major Muscle
2018 · Vol 42(2), 471–478
PRS Global Open
Preserving Orbicularis Branches of the Zygomatic Nerve with the Orbicularis Oculi Muscle — Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System Flap Complex in Facelift Surgery
2018 · Vol 6, e1961
Aesthetic Surgery Journal
Surgical Correction of Crow’s Feet Deformity With Radiofrequency Current
January 2014 · Vol 34(1), 28–33
Academic Roles and Affiliations
Positions held by Dr. Min-Hee Ryu.
Mendelson DEEP PLANE FACELIFT and Mayo Clinic Aesthetic Facial Contouring Hands-on Surgical Skills, Mayo Clinic, Rochester
MAFAC
Faculty
Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course. Faculty Member since 2016.
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (SCI)
Editorial Board Member
Editorial Committee of the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal, since 2019.
ISAPS
Member, Educational Council
The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Member since June 2012; Educational Council since 2024.
Mayo Clinic
Guest Faculty
Mayo Clinic, Rochester. Guest Faculty since 2023.
KSPRS
Active Member
The Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. Academic Committee, 2019.
ASPS
International Active Member
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
ASAPS, THE AESTHETIC SOCIETY
International Active Member
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Lectures and Invited Faculty
Congress presentations, panels, chaired sessions, live surgery demonstrations and cadaver workshops, 2005 to 2025.
Guest Faculty, Mayo Clinic
Mendelson DEEP PLANE FACELIFT & Mayo Clinic Aesthetic Facial Contouring hands-on cadaver workshop, Rochester, MN, USA — invited annually since 2023.
Faculty, MAFAC
Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course cadaver workshop faculty in Melbourne, Amsterdam and beyond — invited nearly every year since 2016.
ISAPS Olympiad World Congress
Panelist and session chair, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore — the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's flagship world congress.
Live Surgery Demonstration
MEVOS International Congress of Aesthetic Surgery and Medicine, Hangzhou, China — live DEEP PLANE FACELIFT demonstration to an international audience.
Announcements
Upcoming congresses and cadaver workshops where Dr. Min-Hee Ryu will teach.
MAFAC Amsterdam 2026
Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course · Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Faculty · Dissection Tutor
ISAPS World Congress 2026
Cancún Center, Cancún, Mexico
Invited Faculty · Lecture
PRS KOREA 2026
Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons · Seoul, Korea
Faculty · Chair & Lecture
German-Korean Aesthetic Face Meeting 2027
Hyatt Regency Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Invited Faculty · Chair & Lecture
MAFAC Melbourne 2027
Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course · Melbourne, Australia
Faculty · Dissection Tutor
Who We Are
Begin Your Elegant Journey at RNWOOD Plastic Surgery — Rejuvenation IN the Woods. Discover timeless beauty, inside and out, with a youthful, refined transformation. We offer personalized care, taking Only One Surgery Per Day to ensure complete focus on each patient’s journey.
Our facility combines Safety, Comfort, and Hospitality. Led by a board-certified plastic surgeon specialized in this field, talented staff, and aesthetic interiors; every detail has been curated to make you feel at ease and well cared for. Inspired by the serene and regenerative qualities of the forest, the name RNWOOD reflects our mission — to guide you back to your most radiant and confident self.
RNWOOD = Rejuvenation in the Woods
What RNWOOD Believes
- 01Individuality
- 02Natural Results
- 03Safety
- 04Precision
- 05Personalized Care
- 06Long-Term Rejuvenation
How does the process work for international patients?
From the first online enquiry through follow-up, the same consultant stays with you. Dr. Ryu performs only one surgery per day.
- Step 1Online Initial Inquiry
- Step 2Online Photo Evaluation
- Step 3In-person consultation
- Step 4Surgical Recommendation
- Step 5Scheduling
- Step 6Pre-Operative Preparation
- Step 7Surgery
- Step 8Recovery
- Step 9Follow-Up
For an online consultation, Dr. Ryu asks for straight front and side photographs without makeup or coloured lenses, together with your Plastic Surgery history, general medical history, and current medication or supplements. Recommended length of stay for lifting procedures is 7–10 days.
International reach
A global patient community, centred in Seoul
Patients from 80+ countries.
Choose a location or use Previous and Next to explore selected patient locations. You can also point to a map marker.
Plan an international visitSelected patient locations
New York City
United States.
1 of 100+
Selected Results
Before & After
RNWOOD values patient privacy and consent. Therefore, only photos of patients who have consented are available to the public. More photos can be shown during an in-person consultation.
Case № 01
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT
Necklift
+2 more
Date of photographyThe after photograph was taken 1 year after surgery. Both photographs are of the same patient, taken at this clinic.
Possible side effects of each procedure
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, facial nerve injury, scarring, skin or contour irregularity, hairline change, infection.Necklift — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, nerve injury, scarring, contour irregularity, infection.Submentoplasty — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, contour irregularity, scarring, infection.Fat Graft — swelling, bruising, contour irregularity, partial fat resorption, asymmetry, infection.
Case № 02
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT
Necklift
+2 more
Date of photographyThe after photograph was taken 7 days after surgery. Both photographs are of the same patient, taken at this clinic.
Possible side effects of each procedure
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, facial nerve injury, scarring, skin or contour irregularity, hairline change, infection.Necklift — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, nerve injury, scarring, contour irregularity, infection.Liposuction-chin — swelling, bruising, hematoma, numbness or altered skin sensation, contour irregularity.Lower Blepharoplasty — swelling, bruising, dry eye, lower-eyelid retraction, asymmetry, scarring, infection.
Case № 04
Revision DEEP PLANE FACELIFT
Necklift
+2 more
Date of photographyThe after photograph was taken 1 year after surgery. Both photographs are of the same patient, taken at this clinic.
Possible side effects of each procedure
Revision DEEP PLANE FACELIFT — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, facial nerve injury, scarring, skin or contour irregularity, hairline change, infection.Necklift — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, nerve injury, scarring, contour irregularity, infection.Endoscopic Forehead Lift — swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, hairline change, asymmetry, scarring, nerve injury.Fat Graft — swelling, bruising, contour irregularity, partial fat resorption, asymmetry, infection.
Case № 03
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT
Necklift
+2 more
Date of photographyThe after photograph was taken 14 days after surgery. Both photographs are of the same patient, taken at this clinic.
Possible side effects of each procedure
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, facial nerve injury, scarring, skin or contour irregularity, hairline change, infection.Necklift — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, nerve injury, scarring, contour irregularity, infection.Submentoplasty — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, contour irregularity, scarring, infection.Fat Graft — swelling, bruising, contour irregularity, partial fat resorption, asymmetry, infection.
Case № 05
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT
Necklift
+2 more
Date of photographyThe after photograph was taken 7 days after surgery. Both photographs are of the same patient, taken at this clinic.
Possible side effects of each procedure
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, facial nerve injury, scarring, skin or contour irregularity, hairline change, infection.Necklift — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, nerve injury, scarring, contour irregularity, infection.Submentoplasty — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, contour irregularity, scarring, infection.Fat Graft — swelling, bruising, contour irregularity, partial fat resorption, asymmetry, infection.
Case № 06
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT
Necklift
+2 more
Date of photographyThe after photograph was taken 10 to 14 days after surgery. Both photographs are of the same patient, taken at this clinic.
Possible side effects of each procedure
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, facial nerve injury, scarring, skin or contour irregularity, hairline change, infection.Necklift — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, nerve injury, scarring, contour irregularity, infection.Submentoplasty — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, contour irregularity, scarring, infection.Fat Graft — swelling, bruising, contour irregularity, partial fat resorption, asymmetry, infection.
Case № 07
Revision DEEP PLANE FACELIFT
Necklift
+3 more
Date of photographyThe after photograph was taken 12 days after surgery. Both photographs are of the same patient, taken at this clinic.
Possible side effects of each procedure
Revision DEEP PLANE FACELIFT — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, facial nerve injury, scarring, skin or contour irregularity, hairline change, infection.Necklift — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, nerve injury, scarring, contour irregularity, infection.Submentoplasty — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, contour irregularity, scarring, infection.Revision Lower Blepharoplasty — swelling, bruising, dry eye, lower-eyelid retraction, asymmetry, scarring, infection.Fat Graft — swelling, bruising, contour irregularity, partial fat resorption, asymmetry, infection.
Case № 08
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT
Necklift
+4 more
Date of photographyThe after photograph was taken 1 month after surgery. Both photographs are of the same patient, taken at this clinic.
Possible side effects of each procedure
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, facial nerve injury, scarring, skin or contour irregularity, hairline change, infection.Necklift — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, nerve injury, scarring, contour irregularity, infection.Submentoplasty — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, contour irregularity, scarring, infection.Endoscopic Forehead Lift — swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, hairline change, asymmetry, scarring, nerve injury.Lower Blepharoplasty — swelling, bruising, dry eye, lower-eyelid retraction, asymmetry, scarring, infection.Fat Graft — swelling, bruising, contour irregularity, partial fat resorption, asymmetry, infection.
Case № 09
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT
Necklift
+4 more
Date of photographyThe after photograph was taken 12 days after surgery. Both photographs are of the same patient, taken at this clinic.
Possible side effects of each procedure
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, facial nerve injury, scarring, skin or contour irregularity, hairline change, infection.Necklift — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, nerve injury, scarring, contour irregularity, infection.Submentoplasty — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, contour irregularity, scarring, infection.Endoscopic Forehead Lift — swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, hairline change, asymmetry, scarring, nerve injury.Lower Blepharoplasty — swelling, bruising, dry eye, lower-eyelid retraction, asymmetry, scarring, infection.Fat Graft with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells — swelling, bruising, contour irregularity, partial fat resorption, asymmetry, infection.
Case № 10
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT
Necklift
+2 more
Date of photographyThe after photograph was taken 8 to 10 days after surgery. Both photographs are of the same patient, taken at this clinic.
Possible side effects of each procedure
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, facial nerve injury, scarring, skin or contour irregularity, hairline change, infection.Necklift — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, nerve injury, scarring, contour irregularity, infection.Submentoplasty — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, contour irregularity, scarring, infection.Fat Graft — swelling, bruising, contour irregularity, partial fat resorption, asymmetry, infection.
Case № 11
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT
Necklift
+2 more
Date of photographyThe after photograph was taken 7 to 9 days after surgery. Both photographs are of the same patient, taken at this clinic.
Possible side effects of each procedure
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, facial nerve injury, scarring, skin or contour irregularity, hairline change, infection.Necklift — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, nerve injury, scarring, contour irregularity, infection.Endoscopic Forehead Lift — swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, hairline change, asymmetry, scarring, nerve injury.Fat Graft — swelling, bruising, contour irregularity, partial fat resorption, asymmetry, infection.
Case № 12
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT
Necklift
+2 more
Date of photographyThe after photograph was taken 10 days after surgery. Both photographs are of the same patient, taken at this clinic.
Possible side effects of each procedure
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, facial nerve injury, scarring, skin or contour irregularity, hairline change, infection.Necklift — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, nerve injury, scarring, contour irregularity, infection.Bicoronal Forehead Lift — swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, hairline change, scarring, hair thinning near the incision, nerve injury.Fat Graft with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells — swelling, bruising, contour irregularity, partial fat resorption, asymmetry, infection.
Case № 13
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT
Necklift
+2 more
Date of photographyThe after photograph was taken 1 month after surgery. Both photographs are of the same patient, taken at this clinic.
Possible side effects of each procedure
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, facial nerve injury, scarring, skin or contour irregularity, hairline change, infection.Necklift — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, nerve injury, scarring, contour irregularity, infection.Submentoplasty — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, contour irregularity, scarring, infection.Fat Graft — swelling, bruising, contour irregularity, partial fat resorption, asymmetry, infection.
Case № 14
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT
Necklift
+3 more
Date of photographyThe after photograph was taken 20 days after surgery. Both photographs are of the same patient, taken at this clinic.
Possible side effects of each procedure
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, facial nerve injury, scarring, skin or contour irregularity, hairline change, infection.Necklift — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, nerve injury, scarring, contour irregularity, infection.Submentoplasty — swelling, bruising, hematoma, temporary numbness, contour irregularity, scarring, infection.Endoscopic Forehead Lift — swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, hairline change, asymmetry, scarring, nerve injury.Fat Graft with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells — swelling, bruising, contour irregularity, partial fat resorption, asymmetry, infection.
Photographed under standardized lighting and angle, without retouching. The interval between the before and after photographs is stated on each case. Published with the written consent of each patient. Individual outcomes and recovery vary. Every surgical procedure carries the possibility of side effects and complications. Procedures shown as “+N more” are not listed publicly; they are disclosed, together with their possible side effects, during consultation.
The RNWOOD Team
Consultation, front desk, nursing, and marketing teams support each patient from the first enquiry through recovery.
Ella
International Consultation Team
Julia
International Consultation Team
Lisa
International Consultation Team
Haley
International Consultation Team
Mihua
International Consultation Team
Yuha
Front Desk Team
Zoey
Nursing Team
Mia
Nursing Team
Diane
Nursing Team
Rinn
Nursing Team
Noella
Nursing Team
Billie
Marketing Team
Kim
Operations Team
Sunny
Operations Team (HR)
From RNWOOD on YouTube
Your Questions, Answered
Explore Dr. Ryu’s educational videos covering DEEP PLANE FACELIFT, facial rejuvenation, surgical techniques, recovery, and the questions patients ask most.
New videos are added regularly to address common questions and concerns, providing clear, practical information to help you better understand facial rejuvenation and what to expect throughout your journey.
Visit RNWOOD on YouTube
Press
In the Press
-
Financial Times · HTSI
The seven stages of a facelift
A feature on DEEP PLANE FACELIFT surgery, with Dr. Min-Hee Ryu of Seoul and Dr. Andrew Jacono of New York.
Patient reviews
Published Reviews
Each entry carries the public display name, the country, and the platform where the review was published. The review text, any score, and any date stay at the source. A review is one patient’s own account of their own experience and does not predict an individual result.
-
Google review
Liz · Australia
“Huge Thank You to Dr. Ryu and the team”
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT, neck lift and fat grafting
-
RealSelf review
Luda · Russia
“Comprehensive Surgery, Excellent Service”
Secondary DEEP PLANE FACELIFT, neck lift, submentoplasty and fat grafting
-
Google review
Alex Smith (Dwight) · United States
“Consummate Professionalism and Superior Results”
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT, neck lift, submentoplasty, forehead lift, lower blepharoplasty and fat grafting
- Liz Australia · Google
Huge Thank You to Dr. Ryu and the team
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT, neck lift and fat grafting Read at source - Luda Russia · RealSelf
Comprehensive Surgery, Excellent Service
Secondary DEEP PLANE FACELIFT, neck lift, submentoplasty and fat grafting Read at source - Alex Smith (Dwight) United States · Google
Consummate Professionalism and Superior Results
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT, neck lift, submentoplasty, forehead lift, lower blepharoplasty and fat grafting Read at source - mhtoronto Canada · RealSelf
Amazing Face Lifting Experience with Dr. Min-Hee Ryu
Facelift Read at source - KyAnh · RealSelf
Dr.Ryu- RNWood Plastic Surgery
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT, neck lift and fat grafting Read at source - tonataevita · RealSelf
Facelift in Korea with Dr Ryu One Month Later I Finally Feel Like Me Again
Facelift Read at source - wu67896 · RealSelf
I Want to Come Back!
Facelift and fat grafting Read at source - cucan · RealSelf
excellent DEEP PLANE FACELIFT
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT Read at source - Susanty Waty Indonesia · Google
very friendly aftercare and very humble doctor made this surgery a very extraordinary experience
Read at source - Jennifer Australia · Google
I felt warmly cared for throughout the whole process.
Face lift, neck lift and facial fat grafts Read at source - Lavender Juni Indonesia · Google
He clearly explained all the processes I needed to go through.
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT Read at source - Sian Lie Indonesia · Google
they gave a good services and professional
Read at source - Moe (Miles K) United States · Google
the whole process felt very open and honest from start to finish
Cheekbone filler Read at source - Wu Xinru China · Google
What stood out most during my consultation with Dr. Ryu was that he genuinely listened to my concerns.
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT / Neck Lift Read at source - Tuya Saudi Arabia · Google
He explained everything very clearly
Face and neck lift, endoscopic forehead lift and fat injection Read at source - M (Shoji Mayo) Japan · Google
For me, this incision lift wasn’t just cosmetic—it was a way to regain confidence.
Incision lift Read at source - 최유나 Korea · Google
he listened carefully to my concerns
Forehead lift and forehead reduction Read at source - 서채원 Korea · Google
Now my eyes look more defined but still natural.
Double eyelid surgery Read at source - Together Happy Korea · Google
From the consultation to the deposit and surgery, everything went smoothly and efficiently.
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT Read at source - Hotsunny Korea · Google
수술전에는 너무 불안하고 초조했지만, 지금은 정말 잘 한 결정이라는 생각이 같습니다.
하안검 수술 Read at source - 최유미 Korea · RealSelf
My Youthful Spark is Back!
Eyelid surgery Read at source - Witty8946 Korea · RealSelf
Found My Natural Beauty Again
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT Read at source - Happyspring113 Korea · RealSelf
My Friends Say I Look 50!
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT Read at source - AsianPaul (mabo) United States · RealSelf
Natural, transformative results
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT, neck lift, forehead lift and fat grafting Read at source - Evita Tonata (Tjinuati) Indonesia · Reddit
[Facelift] 1 Month Post-op with Dr. Ryu in Korea – Natural Elegant Results + Progress Photos 💖
Facelift Read at source - Puty Singapore · Reddit
Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift with Dr. Ryu at Bio Plastic Surgery Clinic Korea
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT and neck lift Read at source
From the RNWOOD blog
Academic activities
Written by Dr. Ryu
Invited Faculty at Saudi FACE 2025
Saudi FACE 2025, held in Riyadh on December 5–6, 2025, featured Dr. Minhee Ryu as an Invited Faculty Member, where he […]
Faculty in Amsterdam MAFAC 2025
This is an original article written by Dr. Minhee Ryu from RNWOOD Plastic Surgery in Seoul, South Korea, translated in English for convenience: The 34th Mendelson Advanced…
Faculty in Mayo Clinic 2025
Faculty in Mayo Clinic 2025 This is an original article written by Dr. Minhee Ryu from RNWOOD Plastic Surgery in Seoul, South Korea, translated in English for convenience: The 33rd Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course was held at Mayo Clinic Rochester from July 6–9, 2025, bringing together global leaders in facial rejuvenation surgery […]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SMAS and DEEP PLANE FACELIFT?
The key difference is that, while both procedures address the SMAS layer, the SMAS lift provides a more limited lift as the zygomatic and masseteric retaining ligaments are not completely released, leaving some anterior facial sagging uncorrected. You can find more about this on Dr. Ryu’s official YouTube channel: youtube.com/watch?v=osJTGb97A9o
How long do you have to stay in Korea (recovery period)?
It’s generally recommended to stay in Korea only for about 7 to 10 days for recovery.
Who is Dr. Ryu?
Dr. Min-Hee Ryu is a FACELIFT specialist and educator dedicated to advancing the field of facial rejuvenation surgery. As an invited lecturer, tutor, and live surgery demonstrator, he has shared his expertise in DEEP PLANE FACELIFT and facial anatomy across more than 15 countries. His academic appointments include Faculty Member at MAFAC since 2016, Guest Faculty Member at Mayo Clinic since 2023, and Editorial Board Member of the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal (SCI) since 2019. He is also an active member of KSPRS, ASPS, ASAPS, and ISAPS.
What is Dr. Ryu’s DEEP PLANE FACELIFT?
Dr. Ryu’s DEEP PLANE FACELIFT includes five main concepts, such as the Extended DEEP PLANE FACELIFT, the High SMAS technique, the Preservation of the Composite Flap, the repositioning of the buccal fat, and most importantly the release of the retaining ligaments.
Why is there not a lot of before and after pictures?
RNWOOD values patient privacy and consent. Therefore, only photos of patients who have consented are available to the public. More photos can be shown during an in-person consultation.
Why is it so expensive? What is included in the cost?
The quoted base price includes the surgeon’s fee, the operating facility fee, anaesthesia and anesthesiology fees, medications provided during surgery, compression garments and dressings, daily post-operative treatments and follow-ups for the recommended 7 to 10 day recovery period, interpretation, postoperative care including HBOT and Healite treatments, up to three complimentary hair washing sessions, and airport-to-hotel transportation on arrival and departure once your deposit has been confirmed. Not included are the pre-operative medical examination and laboratory testing, post-operative oral antibiotics by prescription, hotel accommodation, and personal transportation during your stay in Korea. The Korean government has mandated a 10% tax on cosmetic procedures since July 2011. Previous HIFU, thread-lift or filler treatment may add a 10% to 30% surcharge, and secondary lifting cases may add a 30% to 50% surcharge. Your final treatment plan and total are confirmed in writing after consultation.
Can I do the Facelift without a Necklift?
The reason the Facelift and Necklift are separate procedures is that they target different areas. The Facelift targets the sagging in the cheeks, while the Necklift targets the sagging of the jowls and jawline. You can freely choose to do one without the other, and whether both are needed together for facial harmony is decided at your consultation.
Does Dr. Ryu perform revision cases? What is the revision rate?
Please note that the revision policy generally applies within the first 6–12 months after surgery, as concerns beyond this period are often related to the natural aging process and may be considered a secondary procedure. While some sagging may gradually recur over time, your results will not return to their preoperative state, and maintenance treatments are available to help preserve your outcome.
How long will it take until I look presentable? When will I look “normal”?
How fast someone recovers is different per person. Swelling usually peaks on the 3rd day post-op, and slowly goes away, while bruising can take up to 3 to 4 weeks. You can expect the complete final result to be 6 months post-operation.
Do I need to be hospitalized? How will I be taken care of after surgery?
There is no need for hospitalization, and you will be taken care of for a few hours in a recovery room until you’re ready to go back to your hotel. During your recovery in Korea, you can receive daily evaluations by Dr. Ryu, and use our HBOT and Healite services too.
Are there any discounts or promotions?
There are no official promotions or discounts offered at the moment. However, you can discuss further with your assigned consultant during your in-person consultation. Please feel free to inquire us for further details.
Can I do the surgery while travelling alone?
Please rest assured that many of our international patients travel to Seoul on their own for facelift surgery. Our dedicated English-speaking consultants and experienced medical team will be with you every step of the way, from your initial consultation through your recovery. In addition, hospitalization is typically not required.
How long does the surgery take, and what anaesthesia is used?
The surgery takes 4 to 5 hours and is performed under IV sedation. The anaesthesia and sedation are administered by Dr. Ryu, and the team monitors blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation during surgery. One nurse and one consultant supervise recovery and discharge. Hospitalization is not required, a drain is used, the compression garment is worn for about 3 days, and the stitches are removed on the 7th day. Recovery differs from person to person, and the clinical team can change these instructions when a patient’s condition requires it.
What happens on each day of my recovery in Korea?
Day 1 — shampoo, dressing, antibiotic shot. Day 2 — dressing. Day 3 — shampoo, short drain removal, dressing. Day 4 — dressing. Day 5 — shampoo, medium and long drain removal, dressing, hemostatic net, 70-80% stitch out on front ear and neck. Day 6 — dressing. Day 7 — full stitch out on earlobes and fat graft.
What languages do your consultants speak?
Our consultants speak English, Korean, Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese and Tagalog. Dedicated English-speaking consultants are with you from your initial consultation through your recovery.
What kind of anaesthesia method is used?
The anaesthesia method is decided with the anaesthesiologist based on the procedure and each patient’s health status, and is explained during the pre-operative consultation.
What is included and excluded in the total surgery cost?
The quoted surgery cost covers the procedure, anaesthesia, and the standard post-operative care schedule. Items such as additional hyperbaric oxygen sessions beyond the included schedule, extended hotel stays, or optional treatments are not included and are confirmed during consultation.
Enquire About Your Consultation
Send front and side photographs without makeup or coloured lenses, together with your medical history, and a consultant will reply in English.
- WhatsApp+82 10-6254-8672First point of contact for international patients
- Emailconsult@rnwoodseoul.comOnline photo evaluation
- Phone+82 2-515-3833Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00 · Sat 10:00–13:00