Dr Minhee Ryu

I came to admire the academic depth of plastic surgery. Above all, it stands out as perhaps the only medical discipline where outcomes are heavily influenced by the individual surgeon’s skill, resulting in a wide range of dynamic and personalised results.

Whether addressing congenital anomalies, trauma, reconstructive needs, or cosmetic enhancements, plastic surgery opens up a realm of creative and clinical possibilities. Furthermore, it is a field that welcomes a diverse patient profile, regardless of age or gender. In every sense, it is a scholarly branch of medicine: one that embodies both scientific rigour and artistic expression.

As a member of the MAFAC Faculty and Mayo Clinic, I regularly participate in and tutor cadaver dissection sessions held twice annually. In addition, I serve as a moderator and speaker at select international lectures, collaborating with leading surgeons from around the world. These academic congresses provide a platform for sharing the latest research, exchanging insights, and staying current with evolving trends in the field.

Patient safety is always my top priority. While a facelift may not be considered a particularly complex or high-risk procedure, I approach every surgery with careful planning, caution, and attention to post-operative care. Before the surgery, several general tests are required to ensure patient safety. Equally important is achieving natural facial harmony. My goal is to deliver results that are both elegant and balanced, enhancing the overall appearance without compromising authenticity.

One of my most memorable success stories involves a patient in her late 60s who presented with significant sagging around her cheeks, neck, and jawline. In addition, she had prominent neck bands (an inherited trait that had long been a source of insecurity for her). Despite these concerns, she had a remarkably youthful spirit and expressed a strong desire for her outward appearance to reflect how she felt inside. After her facelift, it was as though her inner vitality had been brought to the surface. Her radiance became even more apparent, and it was deeply rewarding to see her confidence and joy shine through as she embraced a more youthful version of herself.

One particularly challenging case involved a patient who had previously undergone numerous invasive treatments in an attempt to address her sagging, ranging from multiple thread lifts to extensive filler injections and various other procedures. Unfortunately, these interventions had led to significant tissue scarring, complicating any further surgical efforts. She came to me hoping that surgery could finally offer a lasting solution. In cases like hers, patient safety becomes even more critical due to the altered tissue planes and compromised anatomy. The procedure took longer than anticipated because of the extensive scarring, but it was ultimately successful, and she experienced a safe recovery and a much-improved outcome.

Patients typically reach out to us via email, where they receive comprehensive information regarding their surgery, pricing, aftercare, and nearby hotel options. Upon arrival at RNWOOD Plastic Surgery for their in-person consultation, they will be presented with detailed pre- and post-operative information, as well as before-and-after case photos for reference. Most of this valuable information is thoroughly discussed during the consultation, which is supported by multilingual services in English, Chinese, Indonesian, and Japanese.

The Deep Plane Facelift technique has been widely popularised in Western countries over the past 10–15 years, but has only recently begun to gain recognition in Asia. My D. Ryu’s Deep Plane Facelift uniquely combines three advanced methods: the High SMAS technique, the Composite Preservation Concept, and the Extended Deep Plane Facelift. This comprehensive approach delivers natural, long-lasting results while preserving facial structure and minimising recovery time.

To maintain my physical well-being, I go to the gym every morning before work. Academically, I stay actively engaged by attending international medical congresses on a monthly basis. I am honoured to be invited as a faculty member or lecturer at these events, where I participate in educational editorial board meetings, review SCI journals, and perform live cadaver dissections for fellow medical professionals. This balance allows me to stay refreshed—both physically and intellectually.

The most important thing is to stay focused on academic pursuits within your field. Strive to become the most knowledgeable and well-rounded version of yourself, continually learning and gaining experience from those ahead of you. Always carry a sense of curiosity, and remain open to discovering areas for improvement. You never know, one day, you may develop a new surgical technique or introduce a theory that advances the entire field of medicine.