Facelift: Why Choosing the Right Method and an Experienced Surgeon Is Important

Hello! This is Director Han Kyu-nam of Samsao Plastic Surgery. ✨

 

With the recent increase in average life expectancy, there are now many people who continue their careers vigorously or actively participate in social activities even after passing the age of 60.

 

Naturally, the number of people considering lifting surgery to maintain professional competitiveness or to achieve a healthier and younger-looking appearance has also increased.

 

🔸 Today, I would like to explain 'facelift surgery' in a sincere and detailed manner over two installments, as it is a procedure that many people bravely inquire about among lifting surgeries.

 

1️⃣ What exactly is a facelift?

A facelift is a surgery that tightens sagging skin to smooth out wrinkles and refine the facial contours.

 

🔹 The Principle and History of Skin Lifting

 

Simply put, a facelift is based on the principle of pulling up excess tissue, cutting away the excess, and suturing it.

 

⚠️ Because the scope of the surgery is relatively large, it takes a long time, and there is a possibility of side effects, it was previously considered a major surgery that people did not easily have the courage to undergo.

 

This surgery, which originated in the West, initially involved a method that focused mainly on tightening the skin. However, because Caucasian skin is thin and delicate, the effects did not last long and the facial shape became unnatural.

 

 

 

🔸 Development of Anatomy and the Emergence of Key Technologies

 

Subsequently, as facial anatomy developed, the core concept of a facelift—dissecting the retaining ligaments and 'pulling the SMAS'—was established, and various surgical methods were introduced to minimize scarring by making incisions around the ears, inside the hair, or along the border.

 

💡 The key to a facelift is to release the retaining ligaments and strongly pull the SMAS layer to return the sagging skin to its original position.

 

 

2️⃣ Is the currently trending 'deep-plane facelift' necessarily the best method?

In the field of plastic surgery, there is no such thing as a 'better surgical method,' only 'a method more suitable' for each individual patient.

 

🔹 The Real Reason Deep Plain is Trending

 

Recently, the 'deep plane' method of facelift surgery has been receiving a lot of attention.

 

✔️ The reason this method is popular is clear. Because it limits subcutaneous dissection, there is less tissue damage, and the empty space where blood can accumulate after surgery is reduced.

 

Thanks to this, the surgery time is fast and the risk of side effects related to skin flaps is low, offering the advantage of 'rapid recovery' preferred by both doctors and patients.

 

 

🔸 But surgery is not a mathematical formula!

 

However, that does not mean deep plane is always the best answer for all patients.

 

⚠️ This is because everyone has completely different face shapes, skin thickness, and soft tissue conditions. Surgery is different from math problems where a single solution method can be applied equally to everyone.

 

Even if the same surgical method is chosen, the process and details vary completely depending on how the surgeon handles each step of the procedure.

 

So, what is the most important thing in a surgery with so many variables? 🤔

 

 

3️⃣ Why should you entrust a facelift to an experienced surgeon?

As surgery involves numerous combinations of choices and variables, the accumulated number of surgeries over a long period and the level of expertise determine the outcome.

 

🔹 Why the Surgeon's Experience Is Important

 

Facelift surgery requires a flexible combination of different types of skin incisions, degrees of dissection, SMAS incision shapes, and fixation methods, depending on the patient's condition.

 

Only by accumulating diverse surgical experience can you accurately identify the advantages and disadvantages of each method and formulate the most suitable surgical plan for the patient.

 

 

 

🔸 How to Identify a Trustworthy Doctor

 

If a doctor has planned a surgery with clear reasons for every detail tailored to the patient's condition, they should be able to answer any of the patient's questions without hesitation.

 

🔸 Does it easily explain the reason for choosing each incision line and fixation method, one by one?

 

🔸 Does it offer a customized solution tailored to my facial conditions (soft tissue, face shape, etc.)?

 

A surgeon can be considered a truly trustworthy doctor only when they can provide a sufficient explanation while stating specific reasons.

 

However, it is recommended that patients have some basic knowledge so that they can properly ask questions and consult with the doctor.

 

In the next column, I will introduce the basic details of facelift surgery that are good to know in more detail!

📢 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. If deep-plane facelift has a fast recovery, should I definitely choose only this?

 

A1. It is true that the deep plane method is popular because it has the advantages of minimal tissue damage and rapid recovery, but every patient has a different facial shape and soft tissue condition.

 

⚠️ Rather than assuming that a specific surgical method is unconditionally the best, it is advisable to find the method most suitable for your sagging condition and anatomical structure through close consultation with medical professionals.

 

 

Q2. I am worried that the scar will be too visible after the facelift surgery.

 

A2. Facelift surgery involves precise incisions along the ear lines, inside the hairline, or along the borders to minimize scarring. Since the incision lines and suturing methods vary depending on the surgeon's skill level, it is important to choose an experienced specialist.

 

 

🏁 Conclusion

Facelift surgery is a highly complex procedure that goes beyond simple wrinkle improvement by involving the SMAS layer and retaining ligaments.

 

Do not blindly trust trendy surgical methods such as Deep Plane! A customized surgical plan tailored to your facial condition is essential.

 

As soft tissue structure and facial shapes vary from person to person, we recommend that you make a prudent decision after thoroughly consulting with medical professionals who have 17 years of experience in lifting procedures and can manage numerous variables.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samsao Plastic Surgery Clinic

Director Han Gyu-nam

 

Graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine

Master's degree from Seoul National University College of Medicine

Plastic Surgery Resident at Seoul National University Hospital

Regular member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

Regular member of the Korean Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Regular member of the Korean Association of Craniofacial Plastic Surgeons

Regular member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons Anti-aging Research Group

Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons Breast Reconstruction Research Group

Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons Botox, Filler, and Thread Research Group

Subcommittee Member of the Future Committee of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

MINT global key doctor

Elasticum Advisory Board

MENTOR Young Leader

 

17 years of experience in lifting procedures

Possesses numerous cases in the field of incisional lifting

Current Chief Director of Samsao Plastic Surgery Clinic

 

 

 

 

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