I gave an invited lecture as a faculty member at the OSAPS 2024 conference. The Oriental Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (OSAPS) is a group for board-certified plastic surgeons, and they meet up every two years. This year, it took place over three days at the Shangri-La Resort in Cebu, Philippines. Faculty members from 16 countries and plastic surgeons from over 20 countries participated.
I discussed a topic called “Deep Plane Facelift in Asian Patients” during a lecture I gave. Many people are really enthusiastic about the “Deep Plane Facelift” all over the world, but there’s also a lot of confusion about how it works. This confusion impacts both patients and surgeons.
‘What is a Deep Plane Facelift?’
This topic is discussed frequently in lectures these days. Examining its brief history and development progress can help get a better grasp of it.
Since 1973, with help from Dr. Tord Skoog, throughout the 1990s with Dr. Sam Hamra, and continuing today with Dr. Bryan Mendelson and Dr. Andrew Jacono, we cannot ignore the impact that these experts have had. I’ve discussed the concept of the Deep Plane Facelift and how it specifically addresses Asian facial features, showcasing the techniques through surgical videos. History keeps evolving, and so does surgical theory. If I can serve as a bridge in this process, it would be a great honor in itself.
This session was special. I started the discussion, which was followed by three other speakers, all of whom are my friends. I first met Dr. Lee Seng Khoo ten years ago in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil when he was training at the famous Ivo Pitanguy’s Institute. After finishing his fellowship at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, he is now based in Kuala Lumpur. He is a genius freak who can party like a pro and speak six languages. We’ve even teamed up to write a few papers together. The next speaker is Dr. William Lao, who graduated from the prestigious Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. After finishing his fellowship in New York, he started a practice in Manhattan. He has been working with me on writing papers and has also been involved in the U.S. as well. The next speaker is Dr. Jimmy Yeoh, who invited me to speak at the Malaysian Society’s annual meeting last April, where he serves as the chair of the academic committee. Together, we all discussed the topic of facelifts, sharing our respective techniques and experiences while strengthening our academic bonds. They will be friends forever.
The OSAPS Meeting was attended by plastic surgeons from over 20 countries, with a notable presence of close friends from Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Malaysia. Although I had been following their updates on social media, meeting them in person revealed the gray hairs that had emerged. I was genuinely delighted to see them, and it made me feel a bit emotional somehow. We had a nice Faculty Dinner and then went to the beach for a second round of drinks before heading back.
Professor Rong-Min Baek of Bundang Seoul National University Hospital also delivered an invited lecture. He is a world-renowned expert in craniomaxillofacial surgery and a leading authority in the plastic surgery of congenital facial deformities. As the head of ‘Smile for Children,’ he has accomplished remarkable feats, and I hold him in great esteem.
One of the reasons I chose to specialize in plastic surgery was the potential to help children with congenital abnormalities. However, it’s rare to come across patients like that during my residency because of improvements in prenatal diagnostics and other reasons. This feeling just hasn’t been enough for me, and I still feel like something is missing. This longing was also why I participated in a medical service trip to the Philippines earlier this year, where I became acquainted with the free surgical charity organizations ACPPI (Advance Craniofacial Project Philippines Inc.) and Smile Train. Luckily, I have friends who are leaders and members of that group, so I have decided to follow them and make the most of any chances to learn. When I shared this with him, he kindly invited me to join the upcoming medical mission in Vietnam. It would be a tremendous honor if I could even carry his luggage while learning his spirit and approach.
I really connected with Professor Baek’s lecture; it was quite moving. This was due to the profound love he has for his patients, alongside his commitment to advancing the field of congenital craniofacial anomalies. It is the foundation and pride of plastic surgery. A part of the lecture that really caught my attention was the focus on “minimizing trauma.” Actually, it’s been a common theme in my work for the last few years, so that’s probably why it really stuck with me. My mentor, Dr. Mendelson, shared this lesson too, and Picasso said something similar. He noted that “the greater the master, the simpler the surgery becomes,” and I think I understand the meaning. There have been times when I’ve wanted to show off my skills, but I think I’m maturing. It is an honor to have access to the teachings of such a great master, and I kindly ask that you continue to uphold this spirit and legacy.
I highly recommend reading this article!!!
Professor Baek Rong-Min from Bundang Seoul National University Hospital performed free surgeries on 4,200 individuals with facial deformities.. His name might not be memorable, but his smile is remembered by all.
https://m.sedaily.com/NewsView/29KOTXTOEF#cb
I took a day to enjoy scuba diving. Twenty-five years ago, I earned my scuba diving certification from PADI in Boracay. Advanced level. Every time I visit a beach like this, I indulge in diving, and this time my friend of 35 years flew in from Korea to share the experience with me.
Amidst the busyness, I found a moment of healing. The underwater world is truly mesmerizing, terrifying, exhilarating, and awe-inspiring!
Driving a boat with his bare feet!!!
The OSAPS conference will be held in Taiwan in 2026, Korea in 2028, and Japan in 2030. I hope it becomes a global conference that explores theories and techniques from an East Asian point of view. I will also strive to contribute in any small way I can.
