Pioneers lead the civilization into new technological advancements. Their success teaches special knowhow and failure leaves a valuable lesson. This is also the case in the field of medical aesthetics. In this series, we will discuss doctors who are pioneering the field of medical aesthetics. The present article will focus on plastic surgery and the next article on dermatology. The two articles will introduce innovative works of these doctors. This article will introduce efforts of Dr. Yeon-woong Oh of Cheongju Yonsei Plastic Surgery, Dr. Seung-chul Rhee of Plastic Surgery, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Dr. Ik-soo Koh of Petit Noble Aesthetic Clinic, Dr. Young-gi Shim of Yonsei S Hospital, and Dr. Dong-gyun Han of DK Plastic Surgery & Stem Cell Institute.
Epicanthotomy
Dr. Oh Yeonwoong, Cheongju Yonsei Plastic Surgery
Dr. Oh of Cheongju Yonsei Plastic Surgery is a pioneer of epicanthotomy in Korea. Dr. Oh’s epicanthotomy techniques were first introduced at a Korean academic society in 2004 and received awards of academic excellence. His paper was also published in the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 2007. His new techniques have been evaluated to have contributed to theoretical improvement of epicanthotomy in the new edition of Neligan’s Plastic Surgery Textbook, an internationally recognized textbook of plastic surgery. Dr. Oh’s techniques are among the most commonly used for epicanthotomy in Korea as well as in China.
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“In this new technique, the oribiculais oculi and skin flap are adjusted separately, not simultaneously. The oribiculais oculi where epicanthic fold originates from is adjusted directly, which provides fundamental correction of the epicanthic fold as well as minimizes scarring by reducing skin tension. The skin redraping method hides the incision scar on the skin flap as the incision is made horizontally inferior to the lower eyelid lash.”
The history of Dr. Oh’s innovative surgical technique goes back to his days as a salaried surgeon at Dr. In-chang Cho’s Bio Plastic Surgery.
“In the early days of my practice, I had a chance to learn surgical techniques for a couple months at Dr. Cho’s Bio Plastic Surgery. Dr. Cho was famous among fellow plastic surgeons for his skills in blepharoplasty. In the beginning, my goal was to learn the double eyelid surgery but came to realize that blepharoplasty was more complicated than I had imagined. I learned a lot from Dr. Cho’s extensive anatomical knowledge and continuous research into various factors that may affect the surgery. It made me think more seriously about blepharoplasty and motivated me to travel around the world to learn various surgical techniques.”
Over a decade has passed since introduction of Dr. Oh’s epicanthotomy techniques. Dr. Oh has devoted all this time to specializing only blepharoplasty. Currently, 99% of his patients visit him for eye surgery. His commitment to the blepharoplasty helps Dr. Oh continuously improve his techniques.
“The most basic principles have not changed but I currently focus more on the extraocular muscles, a key anatomical component of the epicanthus. That is, I try to bring the desired outcome by controlling not only the skin but the amount of muscle that impacts the eye exposure. One benefit of this approach is that it broadens the indications for epicanthotomy in Asians.
-To be continued-
