In August, I finally underwent the incision lift I had been dreaming of for years. Since this is my very first post on note, I wanted to record the experience in detail so that others considering this surgery can benefit from my honest account. Before this, I had double jaw surgery and two-point facial contouring. Yet, even with those procedures, I found that if I slightly tucked my chin, a double chin would appear. When I smiled faintly, the flesh would gather along my marionette lines. I came to realize that no matter how much I tried with non-surgical methods, excess skin can only be dealt with physically—by removing it. That was the decisive push that led me to choose an incision lift. Choosing the Right Surgeon & Consultations I consulted with 15 surgeons in Japan and 4 surgeons in Korea for incision lift surgery. Ultimately, my criteria were: Must be able to perform Extended Deep Plane Facelift with proper ligament release For neck lift, must use the hammock method to anchor to the periosteum No pixie ear deformity, no skin bunching at the suture site, no displaced tragus, and clean, precise suturing I also considered annual surgical volume and the surgeon’s age as important factors. I chose Dr. Ryu because, in terms of experience, case volume, surgical technique, and before/after photos, he stood far above any Japanese surgeon I had met. Even a highly respected senior surgeon in Japan told me, “He’s the best facelift surgeon in Asia.” Key Points I Confirmed During Consultation For me, whether or not the platysma muscle would be lifted using the hammock method was crucial. This method involves horizontally cutting the platysma, dividing it into two sections, allowing upward and lateral lifting, and potentially lifting sagging salivary glands. When I asked Dr. Ryu about this, he said, “You’ve studied well!” and praised my knowledge. I also checked which ligaments he would release: Zygomatic ligament Masseteric ligament Parotid ligament Mandibular ligament Because I had already had double jaw and facial contouring surgeries, my sagging wasn’t severe. Dr. Ryu said he would release the zygomatic ligament, masseteric ligament, and platysma ligament, but not the mandibular ligament, explaining that it wasn’t necessary as my chin area wasn’t sagging and the risk was higher due to nearby major vessels and facial nerves. I also asked for buccal fat removal if needed. For the incision line, I could choose in front of the sideburn or through the middle of it. Since I had longer-than-average sideburns and wanted to hide the scar, I chose the inside. In hindsight, with such a clean result, I might have gone for the front, because my sideburns were slightly shifted back, making my face appear a bit wider. I confirmed that my eye shape and mouth corners wouldn’t be overstretched, my tragus would remain intact, and I wouldn’t get pixie ears—since any change in ear shape usually means the SMAS wasn’t adequately lifted and only skin was pulled. Surgery Day The surgery was expected to take 4–5 hours. At 9 AM, during the final meeting with Dr. Ryu, I simply asked him to lift firmly and remove all lower face fat below the nose. After taking pre-op photos, signing consent forms, and changing into surgical attire, the incision lines were marked on my face. At 10 AM, the anesthesiologist came in, and the nurses encouraged me as I drifted off to sleep. I must say—unlike some of my past surgeries in Korea, where iodine application and anesthesia prep felt rough—this clinic was meticulous and gentle throughout. Immediate Post-Op Condition I woke up at 4 PM, supported by the nurses as I walked to my bed. I felt more spaced-out than dizzy and had no nausea. After an hour’s rest, I was served pumpkin porridge. Surprisingly, I felt completely fine—energetic, even. With only the face band feeling tight, I took a taxi back to my hotel, even stopping by a convenience store and porridge shop on the way. Honestly, this was the easiest recovery I’ve ever had after surgery. Recovery Diary Day 1 – Slept well without insomnia. Mild puffiness but no severe swelling. A little bruising around my left eye, no neck bruising at all. Went to the clinic for shampooing and swelling care—was amazed they even used a hairdryer. Amenities were Dior! Seeing my lifted face in the mirror for the first time made me gasp. This was my first-ever “downtime high.” Day 2 – Slight spread of bruising near the eyes but swelling still minimal, almost worryingly so. Dr. Ryu said “Nice!” again. He had dissected up to the middle of my cheeks—showed me the surgery video. Zero swelling despite such extensive dissection felt miraculous. Day 3 – Bruises turning yellow. Drain removal postponed as fluid was still collecting. Day 4 – Drain removed and site stitched without anesthesia—painful! Started wearing makeup for the first time—already 150% satisfied with results. Day 6 – Fluid accumulation detected—another drain placed. Learned that consistent compression, especially behind the ears, is essential to prevent this. Day 10 – Day of departure but drain re-inserted again. Though it was a hassle, I was grateful for the uncompromising approach to achieving the best result. Results & Impressions Day 12 – Skin feels tightly adhered to the bone. Sideburn and mole positions have shifted noticeably upward. Scars are clean and healing beautifully. Satisfaction – Personally over 100% satisfied. I honestly wish I had reduced my jawline further to match the lift. Estimated I look about 5 years younger. Friends and acquaintances are shocked by the transformation—some regret not choosing this clinic for their own lifts. Pros & Cons Pros All sagging from double jaw surgery is gone; lift is firmer than pre-contouring face. Scars barely visible even at 10 days post-op. No deformities. Dr. Ryu assured me lifts can be repeated even 2–3 times over a lifetime. Kind, attentive staff who even wrote me a handwritten letter in Japanese and gifted me a beauty device. Cons Wish I had further reduced my jawline beforehand. Neck area unchanged since incision lift doesn’t address under-chin directly. Sideburn position slightly shifted back. Advice for Others Post-op, every Japanese surgeon I’ve met said, “I can’t believe this is only two weeks after surgery—your scars are incredibly clean.” My satisfaction is higher than with any surgery I’ve ever had. From suturing to swelling management, everything was flawless. Meeting Dr. Ryu was truly a blessing, and I’m deeply grateful to him and the entire RNWOOD staff.
Originally went in for ptosis surgery, but Dr. Ryu told me I didn’t need it — which I really respected. Instead, he recommended cheek fillers to help with facial balance, and the results honestly exceeded my expectations. Subtle but really effective. The clinic felt super professional, the staff were kind, and the whole thing felt really honest and smooth from start to finish.
The photos/video attached was from a full-day DMZ tour I did on July 8, 2025- just 12 days after my deep plane facelift, necklift, brow lift, submentoplasty with fat graft surgery! And let me tell you, this tour was not a walk in the park. No roller coasters, but plenty of walking in the summer heat—including a long tunnel hike. I had no makeup on (just sunscreen) and wore a hat all day. Despite some facial swelling and light chin bruising, I’m genuinely happy with how I look! Huge thanks to Dr. Ryu and the amazing team at RNWood Plastic Surgery. I stayed for 13 days post-op, and they took such good care of me. I’ve been to top-tier clinics like Aivee and Belo in the Philippines (their Beverly Hills Rodeo equivalents), but Dr. Ryu’s clinic offers by far the warmest, most caring service I’ve experienced. They’re not focused on money—they’re focused on results. To speed up my healing, I received IV vitamin B & C, IV + oral antibiotics, daily hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and Healite sessions—treatments most clinics either don’t offer or charge extra for. Dr. Ryu is meticulous, and patient safety and comfort are clearly his top priorities. After researching the best deep plane facelift surgeons, I’m so glad I chose him. I was only 12 days post surgery on the photos below —pain was minimal, chin bruising healed quickly, the swelling is gradually going down. I still have small lumps on each side of my neck, and it's all part of the healing process. Can’t wait to see the final results in a few months—full healing can take 3–6 months, but I already feel more confident.
I looked in the mirror and for the first time in years I felt like me again I went to Korea last month to get a facelift with Dr Ryu and it honestly changed my life I was nervous at first but Dr Ryu was incredibly kind and explained everything in detail Now one month post op the result is so natural that even my closest friends did not realize I had surgery They just say I look fresh and glowing No filter No regrets Just the most confident version of myself Here are the progress photos I am sharing • Before • Week 3 • Week 4 • Week 7 Feel free to DM me if you are curious about • Where I went • My healing experience • My coordinator contact She speaks English and was very helpful
Dr Ryu was incredibly kind and warm. He took the time to explain every step of the procedure in detail, which made me feel completely at ease from the very beginning. The results of my facelift surgery exceeded my expectations. The stitches were extremely fine, neat, and almost invisible. I was amazed by the precision and artistry of his hands. Even though it’s only been one month since the surgery, I already feel more beautiful and confident than I have in years. The results look so natural and elegant. When I look in the mirror, I see a fresher, younger version of myself, and it fills me with joy. I’ve received so many compliments from everyone around me, telling me how refreshed and beautiful I look. All of the staff were genuinely friendly and full of warmth. Their care and professionalism made the entire experience feel very personal and supportive, like being looked after by a loving family. The clinic itself is immaculate and beautifully organized. The environment is calming and welcoming, which really helped me feel relaxed and safe throughout the process. I am genuinely and deeply satisfied with my experience at RNWOOD Plastic Surgery with Dr Ryu. This was not just a physical transformation. It uplifted my spirit and renewed my self-confidence. I would wholeheartedly recommend this clinic to anyone seeking both exceptional skill and heartfelt care in Korea. This is my first post since my surgery, which took place more than two weeks ago. I will be uploading photos from before the surgery, as well as progress updates from week three, week four, and week seven so you can see the results for yourself. I also plan to share another update after more than two months post-surgery.
I had double eyelid surgery at RNWOOD Plastic Surgery this week, and I'm really happy with the results. The recovery was faster than I expected. Now my eyes look more defined but still natural. It definitely gave me more confidence.
Earlier this year, my high school companion Ms. Kim received a Deep Plane Facelift and Deep Necklift by Dr Ryu. I was very impressed with the results and decided to visit RNWOOD plastic surgery for my own procedure as well. I was concerned with my sagging skin due to my age of 70 years old. I heard that Dr. Ryu is a renowned doctor for the Deep Plane Face Lift, and is a very trusted clinic. He was very meticulous during the consultation and the staff did a very good job at making me feel comfortable. I decided to receive the same procedures. I wanted a lift for my neck line and saw to create a more youthful appearance and skin structure. Everything went smoothly, with minimal pain. Now, just a month after post operation, I am seeing drastic results. I am very ecstatic that my face looks natural and restored to my youthful years. I can wear makeup and go back to my daily activities with confidence. Thank you Dr. Ryu and RNWOOD staff!
I used to feel a bit insecure about my asymmetrical eyebrows and heavy eyelids. Folks often said I looked tired or sad, even when I wasn’t. So, I finally booked a blepharoplasty at RNWOOD. Dr. Ryu was recommended by a relative, and I’m glad I went with him. The results truly surprised me—my eyes look bigger and brighter, and people say I look much happier now. My eyebrows are more symmetrical, and the whole look gives me a bit of my youthful spark back. Thank you, Dr.Ryu!
I strongly recommend you contact Dr. Ryu. He gave me a complete extended deep-plane facelift, deep neck lift, lower eyes, forehead lift, and fat grafting. All done in one day. He also used stem cell injections which I strong recommend, and is not available in the U.S. at all. I am convinced it accelerated my recovery time. His deep plane facelift provides much more correction than a normal one, and will last significantly longer. Though a much more extreme procedure, his technique allowed for minimal bruising and amazingly fast recovery! Look at me after one week! Minor bruising and only some swelling. I was out of my compression bandage after three days. I also had very little pain. As an aside, thanks to my necklift, my sleep apnea is pretty much cured! That was an unexpected benefit. The aftercare was incredible. I challenge anyone to show me one clinic that would do all this in the U.S. Every day for two weeks post-surgery, I received hyperbaric treatments, detailed checking of sutures, light therapy, prompt suture removal when healed, and constant attention and endless patience with my many questions. I want to stress that this is a boutique clinic. Many of the big Korean clinics are basically factories and work on volume. This place is all about top quality results and individual service. They might be a little more expensive, but it is really worth it. Some of you may wonder about the language and cultural barrier. Please do not worry about this clinic. Prior to surgery, a consultant corresponded with me for some weeks, answering all my questions with incredible patience and precision. Post surgery, the lady (literally) at my side at all times was actually a Korean from the US. She spoke perfect English, was incredibly caring and attentive, made absolutely sure my questions were answered, and that I knew what was going on. Also, Dr. Ryu knows some English, and is delightfully helpful without fail. He enjoys talking about his procedures and will help you to his utmost, and his translator made sure no question or concern went unanswered. His YouTube Channel is very interesting: https://www.youtube.com/@psryuminhee I have to say this is a kind of emotional post for me. This man is a consummate professional and his staff are incredibly caring and competent. I feel like they have done more for me than any health care professionals I have ever encountered. Please contact them and discuss what they offer, it will change your life as well.
After a disappointing experience with my first non-incisional double eyelid surgery, I decided to consult with Dr. Ryu from RNWOOD Plastic Surgery. During the consultation, he provided a thorough and easy to understand explanation of my condition, the necessary corrective procedures, and what I could expect from the second surgery with Dr. Ryu. His patient-centered approach and confidence instantly put me at ease. Dr. Ryu is clearly in high demand, especially for Deep Plane Facelifts, so I felt incredibly honored that he took me on as a patient. I was nervous that I would have even worse bruising and swelling compared to my first surgery. While I was at the clinic, I even saw some of his facelift patients, and I was amazed, there was little to no bruising or swelling. My secondary incisional double eyelid surgery with ptosis correction went successfully. Compared to my first procedure, the bruising and swelling were minimal. I was able to walk out of the operating room on my own. The clinic staff offered me water and soup, but I was feeling well enough to just head home and rest. Dr. Ryu also personally checked in on me in the recovery room, which I really appreciated. If you are considering eyelid surgery and want results you can trust, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Ryu. His expertise, care, and surgical outcomes truly speak for themselves.
Hi. Thank you for your inquiry.
As the skin loses elasticity with age, adding volume with fillers alone often does not provide a noticeable improvement.In such cases, the fundamental issue of skin sagging needs to be addressed.
The Preservation Deep Plane Facelift is an advanced evolution of the Deep Plane Facelift, and both surgeries share the same fundamental approach of fully releasing retaining ligaments in the sub-SMAS plane. While the surgical technique is essentially the same, the key difference lies in the extent of subcutaneous dissection.
The Preservation Deep Plane Facelift limits the range of subcutaneous dissection, which results in faster recovery and fewer post-surgical sequelae. This concept aligns closely with the Composite Facelift approach.
Experienced surgeons often assimilate the Preservation concept to aim for the benefits of a Composite Facelift. I fully agree with this approach, as it prioritizes safety and rapid recovery for patients, which are crucial aspects of any surgical procedure.
I hope this response provides some insight
Thank you.
-Dr. Min-Hee Ryu M.DDeep Plane Facelift
Hi. Thank you for sharing your inquiry.
First, I’d like to mention that surgical diagnoses are typically based on the patient’s symptoms.
If your main concern is the neck, it’s essential to evaluate it from two perspectives: sagging and bulky volume under the chin. A Deep Neck Lift might be an effective option for you, and in some cases, Submentoplasty may be necessary to achieve optimal results.
When performing a Facelift and Neck Lift, there are overlapping incision areas. With a Neck Lift, the incision extends slightly further behind the ear to address neck sagging and create a smoother jawline. This allows for a more defined and slimmer appearance of the face.
For this reason, many patients choose to combine a Neck Lift with a Facelift to achieve comprehensive and harmonious results. The combination not only improves facial contours but also provides a more balanced and rejuvenated overall look.
For a more accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, I highly recommend an in-person consultation with a specialist.
Facelift surgery has evolved through many techniques over the years, leading to the current trend of the Deep Plane Facelift, which has become a gold standard in the field. As a result, there are numerous terms used to describe different methods of facelifting.
The Deep Plane Facelift is defined as adequately releasing the Retaining Ligaments in the sub-SMAS plane. When performed precisely and safely according to this theory, it can deliver highly satisfying lifting results.
Recently, the trend has shifted towards the Preservation Deep Plane Facelift, which emphasizes faster recovery compared to the Extended Deep Plane Facelift. I fully agree with this approach, as I believe that achieving a quick recovery after surgery is incredibly important for patients.
This evolution in techniques continues to improve the outcomes and overall experience for patients seeking facial rejuvenation.
It’s difficult to provide a precise diagnosis based solely on the photos you’ve shared, but based on the visible signs, I would recommend a Lower Blepharoplasty and Fat Grafting on the upper medial malar area and nasolabial fold to restore volume and create a more youthful appearance.
While it’s likely that there is overall sagging across the face, the photos primarily show loose skin under the eyes. A percutaneous lower blepharoplasty could address this issue and also provide a slight mid-face lifting effect, which may be beneficial for your concerns.
Of course, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive lifting effect across the entire face, a Deep Plane Facelift combined with a Neck Lift should be performed at the same time. This procedure could offer fast recovery with remarkable improvement.
It’s important to note that after Fat Grafting, typically only 30–40% of the fat survives long-term. Injecting a large amount of fat at once can lead to complications and uneven results. To achieve a natural outcome, it’s highly recommended to use appropriate amounts of fat and perform the procedure over multiple sessions if needed.
For a more detailed and accurate diagnosis, it is recommended to have an in-person consultation with a specialist.
As people age, sagging often affects the entire face from top to bottom. This means that even if you only address the neck with a Neck Lift, it’s unlikely to fully improve mid-face sagging or create a smooth jawline. For this reason, Facelift and Neck Lift are often performed together for comprehensive and balanced results.
I hope this helps guide your decision-making!
