About - Dr. Minhee Ryu

As a distinguished Korean Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Minhee Ryu is a globally recognized authority in facial rejuvenation, specializing in the highly advanced Deep Plane Facelift. Operating out of his private practice at RNWOOD Plastic Surgery in Seoul, South Korea, and Beijing, China, Dr. Ryu is celebrated for delivering natural, elegant, and long-lasting results. He combines a profound understanding of facial anatomy with refined aesthetic sensibilities, ensuring that every procedure respects the unique facial features of both Asian and Western patients.
Dr. Ryu’s dedication to the advancement of aesthetic plastic surgery extends far beyond the operating room. Since 2016, he has served as an esteemed Faculty member of the prestigious MAFAC (Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course) in Melbourne, Australia, teaching safe and precise surgical anatomy through cadaver dissections to surgeons worldwide. He has been invited to share his expertise at over 100 international medical conferences across more than 15 countries, including prestigious lectures at the Mayo Clinic in the United States.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Ryu is an active contributor to the global academic community. He has been an Editorial Board Member for the SCI-indexed Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal since 2019 and serves on the Educational Council for the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Patients traveling to RNWOOD Plastic Surgery in Seoul can expect world-class surgical precision, compassionate care, and personalized treatment plans designed to safely restore youthful vitality.
Key Stats & Information
- Years of Experience: 15+ Years (Over 100 Global Academic Presentations)
- Clinic Location: RNWOOD Plastic Surgery, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Languages Spoken: English, Korean
- Board Certification: Korean Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
- Academic Appointments: Faculty Member, MAFAC (Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course)
- Accepting New Patients: Yes
- Primary Specialization: Deep Plane Facelift & Comprehensive Facial Rejuvenation
Medical Expertise & Specializations
Dr. Minhee Ryu emphasizes surgical elegance and individuality in his highly personalized diagnoses and procedures. His signature Deep Plane Facelift incorporates a modern understanding of facial retaining ligaments and sub-SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) spaces. By precisely dissecting and releasing these deeper anatomical structures, Dr. Ryu is able to achieve a profound lift that addresses not only the lower face and jawline but also the sagging tissues of the midface.
Dr. Ryu’s approach minimizes tension on the skin, reducing the risk of complications, preventing the "pulled" look associated with traditional facelifts, and promoting a much faster recovery. His innovative techniques, such as the inclusion of the orbicularis oculi muscle in the SMAS flap and the surgical correction of crow's feet using radiofrequency current, have been published in top-tier international medical journals.
Conditions Treated
- Advanced Facial Aging: Severe sagging in the midface, lower face, and jowls.
- Neck Laxity: Loose skin, banding, and excess fat in the submental (under-chin) and neck regions.
- Periorbital Aging: Drooping brows, under-eye bags, dark shadows, and pronounced crow's feet deformities.
- Post-Contouring Sagging: Soft tissue drooping that frequently occurs after facial bone contouring surgeries in Asian patients.
- Revision Cases: Secondary facelifts required due to scarring, unnatural results, or "pixie ear" deformities from previous surgeries.
Procedures Performed
- Deep Plane Facelift: Dr. Ryu’s signature technique for comprehensive, natural-looking facial rejuvenation.
- Neck Lift & Submentoplasty: Advanced contouring of the neck and jawline for a youthful profile.
- Blepharoplasty: Upper and lower eyelid surgery, including lower blepharoplasty with "Love Band" (aegyo-sal) preservation.
- Endoscopic Forehead Lift: Minimally invasive lifting of the brow to open up the eyes and reduce forehead wrinkles.
- Facial Fat Grafting: Strategic fat transfer to restore lost facial volume and enhance youthful contours.
Education, Training & Credentials
Dr. Minhee Ryu’s credentials represent the highest standards of the plastic surgery profession. His continuous pursuit of anatomical research and surgical perfection has made him a highly sought-after educator worldwide.
- Board Certification: Korean Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.
- Faculty Appointment: Faculty member and cadaver dissection tutor at the Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC) since 2016.
- Editorial Roles: Editorial Board Member for the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal (SCI) since 2019.
- Professional Memberships: Active member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS), the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).
- Global Educator: Invited faculty at over 100 international meetings in the US (including the Mayo Clinic), Australia, Germany, Singapore, and beyond.
- Published Author: Authored numerous peer-reviewed papers, including pivotal studies on High SMAS Facelifts, Finger-Assisted Facial Spaces Dissection, and Zygomatic Nerve preservation during SMAS flap procedures.
What Patients Say About Dr. Minhee Ryu
Dr. Ryu has transformed the lives of patients from around the globe, earning exceptional praise for his surgical artistry and compassionate patient care. Below are verifiable testimonials from patients who have visited RNWOOD Plastic Surgery.
"Dr. Ryu’s credentials speak for themselves, and his skill is evident in his work. The process was seamless—from my initial online consultation to flying in for the procedure. Being a small practice, the care felt personal and attentive. I had a deep plane face and neck lift along with fat grafting. Post-op, the pain was minimal, and the aftercare was impressive... If you’re looking for skilled hands, a caring team, and a thoughtful, unrushed experience, RNWood is it."
- Verified Patient, Reddit Review
"I was concerned about my sagging face, I went to RNWOOD through a friend's recommendation. Dr. Ryu and his team were welcoming and spoke English so I easily told them my concerns. He recommended a face and neck lift, endoscopic forehead lift, and fat injection in my maxilar, nasolabial folds, and my chin. Overall, I had minimal swelling and no pain!"
- Verified Patient, Google Review
"I strongly recommend you contact Dr. Ryu. He gave me a deep plane facelift, neck lift, lower eyes, forehead lift, and fat grafting... His deep plane facelift provides more correction, and will last longer. Look after one week! Minor bruising and only some swelling. Thanks to my necklift, my sleep apnea is cured!"
- Verified Patient, Google Review
"My experience with the special deep facelift performed by Dr. Minhee Ryu of RNWOOD Plastic Surgery in Korea was satisfying with the whole process. The healing process was very fast and no swelling at all. I am really satisfied with everything. Thank you Dr. Ryu and all the staff at RNWOOD. I will definitely come back for another surgery."
- Cucan, RealSelf Review
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What makes Dr. Ryu's Deep Plane Facelift different from a traditional facelift?
Unlike traditional facelifts that primarily pull the skin, Dr. Ryu's Deep Plane Facelift focuses on releasing retaining ligaments and repositioning the deeper SMAS muscle layer. This anatomical approach reduces skin tension, creates a more natural, lasting lift, and significantly minimizes post-operative swelling and complications.
2. Is Dr. Minhee Ryu experienced in treating both Asian and Western facial anatomies?
Yes. Dr. Ryu is highly experienced in performing surgeries that respect and enhance the unique facial features of both Asian and Western patients. His global lectures and anatomical research have made him an expert in adapting techniques to suit diverse structural needs.
3. What is MAFAC, and what is Dr. Ryu's role in it?
MAFAC stands for the Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course, a prestigious global program that teaches advanced surgical anatomy to plastic surgeons. Dr. Ryu has been a Faculty member since 2016, frequently serving as a tutor for intensive cadaver dissection workshops around the world.
4. Does RNWOOD Plastic Surgery accommodate international patients?
Absolutely. RNWOOD Plastic Surgery regularly welcomes international patients. Dr. Ryu and his team speak English fluently, ensuring seamless communication during consultations, surgery, and post-operative care.
5. What procedures are commonly combined with a Deep Plane Facelift?
To achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation, Dr. Ryu frequently combines the Deep Plane Facelift with a Neck Lift, Submentoplasty, Endoscopic Forehead Lift, Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), and targeted Facial Fat Grafting to restore lost volume.
6. Can Dr. Ryu correct sagging caused by previous facial bone contouring surgeries?
Yes. Soft tissue drooping is a common side effect of facial bone contouring surgery, particularly in Asian patients. Dr. Ryu has developed specialized facelift methods and anatomical approaches specifically designed to manage and correct this type of tissue ptosis.
7. How does Dr. Ryu treat severe crow's feet deformities?
Dr. Ryu utilizes an advanced surgical correction technique for crow's feet that involves the precise coagulation of the orbicularis oculi muscle using radiofrequency current. This provides a long-term structural solution to periorbital wrinkling.
8. What kind of post-operative care is provided at RNWOOD Plastic Surgery?
RNWOOD provides comprehensive post-operative care designed for a speedy recovery. Patients receive specialized treatments such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Heal Lite (red/blue light) therapy, and even professional hair washing services to ensure maximum comfort.
9. Is Dr. Minhee Ryu board-certified?
Yes, Dr. Ryu is a fully credentialed Korean Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon. He is also an active member of numerous elite organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).
10. Does Dr. Ryu perform revision facelifts?
Yes, Dr. Ryu is highly skilled in performing secondary (revision) Deep Plane Face and Neck Lifts. He regularly corrects unsatisfactory outcomes from previous surgeries, such as excessive scarring, unnatural pulling, or "pixie ear" deformities.
Ready to Transform Your Life with Dr. Minhee Ryu?
Choosing to undergo facial rejuvenation is a deeply personal and significant decision. When you select a world-renowned expert like Dr. Minhee Ryu, you are choosing unparalleled anatomical knowledge, elite surgical skill, and a commitment to elegant, natural results.
Contact PlacidWay today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ryu at RNWOOD Plastic Surgery in Seoul, South Korea. Receive a personalized quote and discover our seamless medical tourism packages designed specifically for your aesthetic journey. Let us handle the details so you can focus on rediscovering your youthful confidence.
RNWOOD - Best Plastic Surgery in Seoul, South Korea reviews
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