There are many people who are worried about
the fat and dark circles under their eyes. From the mid-20s, our skin begins to
age around the eyes, and when we reach our 30s, the aging speed increases, so
we can feel it much faster. In particular, it is the fat under the eyes that is
bumpy or bulging and makes you look tired and old. As the lower eyelid tissue
that covers the under eye loosens, the elasticity of the skin decreases and the
power to support the fat under the eyes decreases, making the fat under the
eyes looks more visible.
In the case of congenital fat mass, this
phenomenon also occurs in younger people. In addition, people with thin skin
may have dark circles with dark blue glow as thick blood vessels are visible
under their eyes.
Transconjunctival fat reposition is the
method to improve the condition. It rearranges the bumpy fat to flatten it
above the bone of the lower eyelids. This method is a highly preferred
operation since the skin incision is not visible and the procedure is
relatively simple compared to other operation.
However, it is important to know the precautions
and side effects of the surgery. Occasionally, the under eye condition looks
rather hollow, there’s still left bulging fat, and wrinkles become more severe
even after transconjunctival fat reposition.
Dr. Hyuntaek Lee, Eye&Nose Specialist
BANOBAGI PLASTIC SURGERY CLINIC
Transconjunctival fat reposition is a
principle of filling ligaments of the tear troughs (the part that is hollowed
like a furrow under the eyes) using the fat under eye eyes. If the fat under
the eyes, which is used as this method, is excessive, bulging may remain after
surgery. In this case, there are methods to remove the remaining fat through
revision or to strengthen the orbital septum, which serves as a support so that
the fat under the eyes does not come out.
Conversely, if the transconjunctival fat
reposition is overcorrected, revision can be performed depending on the
condition, and the hollow parts can be filled with autologous fat or filler. Above
all, to prevent such side effects, whether there is a fat bag under the eye
before surgery to know if it is necessary to remove or rearrange the fat,
whether there is only sagging skin or muscle without the fat, whether it can be
improved through an incision inside of the lower eyelids, and whether skin or
tissues should be excised together as well as fat reposition should be
carefully checked with a specialist.
Also, since transconjunctival fat
reposition is not a surgery to remove wrinkles around the eyes, lower
blepharoplasty or a more suitable procedure should be considered to improve the
wrinkles.
Among patients considering facial
contouring surgery or two-jaw surgery, they often wonder if the fixing pins
used during surgery should be removed.
Facial contouring surgery can be roughly
divided into two types. The first is a bone shaving and the other is a bone
shaving and moving method.
For surgery to shave bones like square jaw
reduction, fixing pins are not used, but most of the surgery that requires moving
bones, such as cheekbone reduction and chin-tip surgery, uses fixing pins. The
fixing pin is to fix the bones moved after surgery so that they are well fused
in the changed position.
How well the bones adhere determines the
outcome of the surgery. Although it is important to trim the bones well,
healing the bones is also a very important process in facial contouring. The
bones fixed with a fixing pin go through the process of adhesion over about 3
months.
The reason why patients usually want to
remove the fixing pin is that they are reluctant to have foreign objects in the
body from a psychological point of view, and that they may feel embarrassed to
see the fixing pin on the X-ray. However, it is not necessary to remove the
fixing pin for health reasons. The fixing pin is usually made of a metal
component called titanium, and it is a safe material that is commonly used in
other surgical fields such as dental implant surgery and cardiac stand surgery
as well as face contouring surgery. Also, the pin is non-magnetic and cannot be
detected by a metal detector.
For this reason, some use a melting pin,
but the melting pin has a disadvantage in that the strength is weaker than that
of titanium. If the thickness of the melting pin is thickened to have similar
strength to the titanium pin, it may be difficult to manipulate it during
surgery. That said, it is difficult to expect a highly complete surgery.
However, if you do not like or have a
burden to see the fixing pin on the X-ray during dental treatment, you can
completely remove it through pin removal surgery. Occasionally, if a long time
elapses after face contouring surgery, the bone may be covered over the fixed
pins. In this case, the pin may not be 100% removed. Therefore, if you
absolutely want to remove the fixing pin, it is the best timing to get it done from
3-6 months to 1 year after surgery that is the period of the bones adhere.
Dr. Chang Hyun Oh from Banobagi Plastic
Surgery Clinic said, “Since fixing pin removal surgery also involves touching
the bones, a specialist with extensive clinical experience in facial bone
surgery should be selected. In addition, the safety system, as well as whether
an anesthesiologist resides in the hospital, and whether 1:1 dedicated
anesthesia is possible must be checked.”
should be improved with “ptosis correction surgery” rather than
double eyelid surgery!
A patient at her 22 years old, who
underwent double eyelid surgery last year, is considering revision these days.
She had double eyelid surgery because of the feeling of tired and sleepy eyes,
but even after the surgery, her concern was not improved much. As a result,
there are many concerns about whether or not to undergo a revision.
Even after double eyelid surgery, we can
often see cases of complaining being not enlarged or improved much in the
feeling or looking tired and sleepy. If you are often told that your eyelids
are sagging or that you usually look sleepy, you should be suspicious of ‘eyelid
ptosis’.
Ptosis of the eyelid is due to congenitally
weak muscle that is used to open the eyes or by acquired factors such as aging
and injury. If you have ptosis symptoms, the eyelids cover your eyes, which
makes you look drowsy and stuffy.
Although many people consider double eyelid
surgery to treat ptosis, ptosis is basically a symptom that covers the pupil
due to weak muscle strength. Therefore, since double eyelid surgery alone does
not solve the problem, the muscle tension must be adjusted through ptosis
correction surgery.
In the case of blepharoplasty, this method
will remove the excessive skins and fats on upper eyes to make clearer eyes
with correction of the eye muscle. Since it improves the root cause of ptosis
and strengthens the power to open the eyes, it can change the drowsy-looking
eyes into brighter-looking eyes. In some cases, it may be combined with double
eyelid surgery.
Ptosis correction can be divided into two
major methods: incision and non-incision. Generally, most of ptosis correction has
incised the upper eyelid directly. Incisional ptosis correction is suitable if
the eyelid skin is very saggy or if the symptoms of ptosis are severe. It can
also help reducing eyelid fat and muscle mass.
On the other hand, non-incisional ptosis
correction is a surgery to shorten the length of the muscle by putting a thread
inside the eyelid without cutting the surgical site. The shorter the muscle
length, the stronger the eye opening power. In particular, non-incisional ptosis
correction has the advantage of shorter recovery period than incisional method.
Although there are individual differences, it usually has a recovery period of
5 to 7 days, and the surgical site normally almost recovers in a month.
Dr. Hyuntaek Lee from Banobagi Plastic
Surgery Clinic says “There are areas where it is difficult to accurately
determine the eye condition unless the doctor are an expert. So it is important
to choose the surgical method that is most suitable through consultation with
the medical staff and to fully discuss the post-operative result."
As the
small and slim facial shape has been recognized as one of the representative
beauty standards, the number of people concerning of protruded cheekbones and angular jaws also has been increased. If the cheekbones are protruding or the
square jaw is big,
it gives a strong impression and may look older than the
actual age. Accordingly, more and more people are considering face contouring
surgery to improve the image.
Pay
attention if you want to look young with a small and slim facial shape! We’ve
asked Dr. Changhyun Oh, one of the head surgeons and founders of Banobagi
Plastic Surgery Clinic, for questions regarding face contouring surgery.
★ If the face is big, can I have face contouring surgery?
Not
only the big and over-developed facial bones make the face look big but also
the over-developed facial muscles make the face look angular and big. If your
facial muscles are developed, you can make your face slimmer with jaw botox or
masseter muscle reduction. Botox has the advantage as being easy and convenient
treatment than a surgery, but it requires periodic treatment. The masseter
muscle reduction surgery may be burdensome as incision and anesthesia are required,
but it is maintained semi-permanently after one operation.
Contrary
to this, if the facial bone itself is developed, face contouring surgery should
be considered. Face contouring surgery is literally a cosmetic surgery that
corrects the contours of the face. It is largely divided into cheekbone
reduction, square jaw reduction, and chin tip surgery(genioplasty). Face
contouring is performed when the cheekbones and square jaw are excessively
protruded or for the cases of facial asymmetry, short chin, and lantern jaw.
Through surgery, it can be improved to a smaller and slimmer facial line and
make other facial features look more defined and balanced.
★ How long will it take to recover after face contouring surgery?
Face contouring surgery is performed with
general anesthesia, and the operation takes about 1 to 2 hours. In the case of
square jaw reduction, hospitalization is required for about a day, but
cheekbone reduction and chin tip surgery can be discharged on the same day
without hospitalization. The stitches will be removed 1~2 weeks after the
surgery. After face contouring surgery, the main swelling usually subsides in
1~2 weeks. Normally, you can go to school or work in about a week. After about
3 weeks, the swelling would subside to some extent and look like the level of
swelling after extraction of the wisdom teeth. However, the recovery time
differs by individual health status and lifestyle.
★What should be considered when choosing face contouring surgery
hospital?
First of all, it is most important to
confirm that the medical staff is a plastic surgeon with a lot of clinical
experience. If you entrust the surgery to a plastic surgeon who has encountered
various face contouring surgery cases, you can minimize side effects and expect
high satisfaction with surgery.
In particular, in the case of surgery that deals with bones like face contouring, an anatomical analysis process considering bone structure, density, the location of nerves and vessels, and more is essential through advanced equipment such as 3D computed tomography (CT). This is because 3D CT scans play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment direction of the musculoskeletal system.
Also, surgery that requires general anesthesia, such as face contouring, must be performed in collaboration with a plastic surgeon and an anesthesiologist. Emergency medical equipment should also be equipped in all operating rooms in case of an emergency.
How can we put so much importance into one part of the
face? Whether it’s through makeup or surgical procedures, the cheekbones hold a
lot of shape for the face.
History shows that
most first impressions are made by visual
opinion. We take a glance at a person and already have an ‘idea’ as to who
that person may be. We do this by judging the overall appearance, and more
specifically the face. Each facial feature holds certain details, and the
cheekbones are no different.
With so much to
take into account, the cheekbones become important starting points for the
focal features of the face. The chin, the eyes, and the nose are what people
look at first, however, the cheekbones help to amplify these areas.
At Banobagi we have
multiple options for patients that want to enhance their cheekbones. However,
we will talk about one procedure: zygomatic
reconstruction.
Why Do Cheekbones Need Any Type Of Enhancement?
In recent years,
the cheekbones have become an area of interest for cosmetic surgery and plastic
surgery. Cosmetic surgeons have become popular through the use of fillers to
create high cheekbones.
Beauty
culture dictates the necessary height of cheekbones by highlighting the highest
points, usually through makeup, so that the rest of the face can appear younger
and more active. By lifting the cheekbones, it also gives the illusion
of a slender face.
Not
to mention the toll that time takes on the skin. Skin will sag, lose its
elasticity, and pull at the rest of the face in an unpleasing matter. When this
happens even a zygomatic reconstruction won’t be helpful. To make the skin look
aesthetically pleasing our clinic uses two materials:
1. Endotine: An FDA-approved material with bio affinity. It puts
pressure on the skin and smoothly tightens the skin. This allows for an
even and discreet facelift.
2. Elasticum: a synthetic material that
naturally blends with the surrounding tissue, eventually becoming a
ligament. The material helps to reverse drooping skin and create natural
longevity.
Of course, these
materials come into play during the surgical procedure.
Zygomatic
Reconstruction For Better Cheekbones
Zygomatic
reconstruction, also known as cheekbone reconstruction, is a technical
reconstruction and relocation of the cheekbones. Our specialists identify all
the variables of the zygomatic area and use materials that are stern, fixed,
and strong enough to hold the area together.
The goal of the procedure is to take the cheekbone
and relocate it to an ideal area for the patient. To do this the
specialists must work on both cheekbones simultaneously. After the relocation
is complete the reconstruction part starts. Our specialists
use a fixture technique that takes temporal muscle force inside the zygomatic
complex into account. With this technique, our patients’ cheekbones are secure
and safe for future recovery time.
With the
fixture technique, the body will be prone to heal naturally, as if the
cheekbones are suffering a common fracture. Once the healing process is
complete, the patient’s cheekbones will not only look better, they will further
enhance the rest of the facial
features.
In Conclusion
While
cheekbones are not a main focal point, they are certainly important to the face
overall. They are responsible for aesthetically enhancing the rest of the face
and putting a cherry on top of a naturally beautiful face. We don’t only focus
on what is considered important, we take all details into account. Our goal is
to improve the big picture.
Introduction
of BANO robot system capable of automatic body temperature diagnosis
Untact body temperature check available
Banobagi Plastic Surgery Clinic announced
on the 5th of August, 2020 that it has introduced a self-body
temperature checking robot ‘BANO’ which is AI to prevent the spread of Covid19.
BANO has functions of self-body temperature
check, monitoring, and automatic hand sanitizer spray.
Bano, which recognizes a person at the
clinic entrance, moves in front of the person and checks for fever. As a
result of the fever check, high-risky persons with a body temperature of 37.5°C
or higher are automatically warned with a sound and not allowed to enter the
clinic.
In particular, a visitor who are suspected as
covid19 infection can check the location of the screening clinic through Bano and
can make a video call with the person in charge of prevention of the pandemic.
Information of the suspected infectee is also transmitted to the person in real
time, enabling control and monitoring.
Banobagi Plastic Surgery Clinic has
introduced this new AI service to protect the safety of visitors and medical staff
from the covid19 spread. Bano has been supporting rapid communication and response
for the growing need of untact diagnosis.
Bano also serves as an employee of our
clinic. Inside the clinic, Bano is helping visitors to easily check the
information they need, such as treatment subjects and promotions. In addition,
by providing chatbot functions using various platforms such as PC and mobile,
reservations and consultations are made easier and faster.
In particular, by responding to customer
inquiries and requests 24/7, it is contributing to the improvement of customer
satisfaction both inside and outside the clinic, such as solving the curiosity
of visitors in real time and reducing the labor of staff.
Ban Jae-sang, one of the head surgeons
atBanobagi Plastic Surgery Clinic,
said, “With the prolonged covid19 outbreak, we have prepared a higher level of
pandemic prevention and medical services in addition to the regular sterilization in
the clinic. Through the AI ‘Bano’ which diagnoses fever and assists our patients, we will do our
best to prevent the safety of visitors and our medical staff and furthermore also provide
better medical services simultaneously."
What is the history behind the popular Gangnam District? Why do so many businesses and celebrities choose to reside there?
How did the Gangnam District come to be so popular? When visiting South Korea, any foreign person will hear a lot about the Gangnam District. Aside from its astronomical popularity, it is home to one of South Korea’s biggest financial influencers: plastic surgery clinics.
This is where our clinic, the Banobagi Plastic Surgery Clinic, is located. An integral part of South Korea, this area is what we can equate to the Beverly Hills of South Korea.
With all types of clients and businesses that reside within the district, it makes sense that Gangnam is an expensive place to be. With customers comes demand and demand must be met. How did the Gangnam District receive its reputable reputation? Where did it all start?
Let’s take a look into the history of the most popular district in South Korea?
Where Did The Gangnam District Start?
About 40 years ago, contemporary Gangnam District would be unrecognizable. What is now a thriving metropolitan district was originally farmland. The buildings and businesses were practically non-existent, and the only inhabitants were farmers or locals that worked the land.
In place of the modern apartment complexes and thriving businesses were villages, cabbage patches, and pear orchards. A simple life that many locals lived for generations.
With such humble beginnings, it makes a person wonder: What changes created the Gangnam District we know today? The following factors are what helped to create a new Gangnam District and each factor is interwoven with the next:
Population
Need for real estate
Business expansion
Local government decrees
With a rising population comes a demand for more supplies. With a demand for more comes a need for space. The farmland of Gangnam became the perfect real estate for businesses that were looking to expand rapidly.
Urban planning started and the rest is history. But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves. The next obstacle would be; how would these businesses get to Gangnam? Followed by a more important question.
Why Did Businesses Move From Prime Metropolitan Area To Rustic Farmlands?
From 1969 to 1970, two ways of transport were installed for easier access to the district: the Hannam Bridge and the Gyeongbu Expressway. With easier ways to get to the district came a rapid urban development and industrial revolution of the area. Alongside rapid population increase, many residents had no choice but to move further south and call the Gangnam District home.
With rapid expansion comes a larger issue: lack of space. This led to a huge change in 1972. The local government banned the construction notion of new real estate within the Northern area. Many business seekers rushed to Gangnam not only for the open space but also for the lack of regulations and taxes.
Since the southern area’s primary, workers were farmers, the local government didn’t have tax and regulations rules put in place.
Without having to worry about local boundaries, came the beginning of the Gangnam District we know today. With new nightclubs and party areas popping up overnight. Gangnam quickly became known as a hot spot for the nightlife crowd. Expansion did not stop at the entertainment business. Long term goals were placed and Gangnam became the next cash cow.
The Han River Bridge
What Else Expands Into The Coveted Area?
Within the next couple of years, many prestigious schools moved their campuses to the district because of the local government’s decree to end new building reconstruction. This hindered plans for campus expansion for many schools. The permanent move and expansion of so many prestigious schools- coupled with the ever-expanding population – influenced many private institutions and tutoring businesses to follow their lead.
By the late 1970s, the population excelled so quick that apartment complexes came overnight. Once again upping the supply and demand pattern. During the 1980’s many germane facilities, such as the Seoul Arts Center and Korea Trade Center, also found a home within Gangnam. With the added expansion of districts such as Gaepo, it became an official metropolitan area full of business, culture, and revenue.
Urban expansion is what continues to make the Gangnam District expand and remain a popular place for all to come to.
What Is It Like Today?
Let’s come back to the present and discuss what makes the Gangnam District popular today. Entertainment businesses are a dime a dozen in this area and they will continue to be a consistent revenue for the area.
Since this area is similar to Beverly Hills, CA it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility to see many of Korea’s celebrities and K-Pop idols living large in the Gangnam District.
This is the area that many famous entertainment agencies work out of and this is where many K-Pop idols train and live. Don’t be surprised if you see a flock of fans waiting for their favorite idols outside.
We have much to thank the entertainment business for; specifically K-Pop idols. Due to their constant and positive exposure to the rest of the world, also known as the Hallyu Wave, businesses within South Korea are thriving.
However, another type of consistent revenue continues to build a reputable reputation in the Gangnam District: plastic surgery clinics.
How Do Plastic Surgery Clinics Thrive Within The Gangnam District?
Within Gangnam District are smaller districts that are known for particular businesses. Cheongdam-dong and Apgujeong-dong are home to over 500 clinics and almost one million procedures are performed yearly.
Multiple studies show that 50% of young adult South Korean women have received plastic surgery and that international patients also make up a large part of South Korea’s revenue. Out of the 450,000 (and more) medical tourists, 22% came to South Korea for plastic surgery, with many of the international patients coming from China.
With high success rates and very happy patient reviews, the government is looking to continue expanding the clinics giving more options to local patients and international patients. One of the greatest aspects of South Korean plastic surgery clinics is the financial involvement of the government. Most clinics, hospitals, and medical businesses receive government funding, which means they have the most up to date machines and specialists.
In Conclusion
Similar to any surgical procedure, attention to detail and patience is necessary for success. While our contemporary Gangnam District is a thriving metropolis now, it only became this way through 40 plus years of constant expansion. Without this expansion Banobagi Plastic Surgery Clinic would not exist, so we have much to be thankful for.
To thrive within the Gangnam District is a privilege. We are very happy to say that we are forever a part of the history of the Gangnam District.
