Doctor's Column

Hello, I am Director Sung-hoon Kim, Facial Designer.

Practicing medicine in Gangnam, trends always change quickly.

Just a few months ago, "sharp and distinct lines" were the trend, but these days, I hear "natural, but long-lasting" much more often.

Recently, the variety show "Perfect Glow" covered the process of opening a K-beauty shop in New York,

and it seems that Korean aesthetics, which resonate on the global stage, are receiving attention once again.

This program was not simply a makeup or skincare show;

it was a reality show that practically applied Korean-style beauty to a foreign market and observed the reactions.

While watching this program briefly in passing,

the questions patients often ask me suddenly flashed through my mind.

"Doctor, what kind of face is considered pretty these days?"

Whenever that happens, I always have an answer I give the most..

"A face that lasts is one whose structure does not collapse."

What I said is not just about simple beauty orientation.

As shown in Perfect Glow, although superficial beauty can garner a 'successful response' in the global market,

it made me think once again that structural completeness must follow for it to truly last long on our actual faces.

In other words, makeup is temporary, but a fundamental solution is essential for the sustainability of transformation!

Facial bone structure, soft tissue elasticity, skin thickness, and even the flow of facial expressions—

all these elements must harmonize to become a "long-lasting face" in the true sense.

I believe future trends should be prepared this way.

Thoroughly designing from the structural planning stage rather than focusing on superficial changes,

accurately diagnosing each individual's anatomical conditions (skin, fascia, cartilage, etc.),

and establishing surgical and procedural strategies that consider 'maintenance and stability' even after the changes!

Watching the trial and error and reactions experienced by Perfect Glow's New York pop-up salon

as it showcased Korean aesthetics to foreign consumers, I had this thought in my clinic.

"Yes, visible changes (makeup) alone are not enough.

If the underlying structure that comes with aging is shaken, those changes (makeup) will soon falter."

Through the articles I will continue to upload in the future,

I hope you will explore why structure is the primary condition in rhinoplasty, forehead lifts, full-face lifting, etc.,

and what methods and materials create truly sustainable aesthetics.

In that sense, today I briefly took a look at recent plastic surgery trends in my own way.

I have organized this based on my own philosophy.

1. The Present State of Facial Plastic Surgery — 'Inconspicuous, Yet Even Functional'

The keywords I heard most frequently in the consultation room this year are 'naturalness' and 'sustainability.'

Surgeries that preserve the flow of facial expression muscles without compromising the frame formed by the face's bones, fascia, and soft tissues are in the spotlight.

Recent papers show that functional rhinoplasty goes beyond simply refining the shape,

and is reported to simultaneously improve breathing and enhance aesthetic balance.

Ultimately, the essence of plastic surgery has expanded from aesthetics to the restoration of function and structure.

On the other hand, 'liquid rhinoplasty,' a non-surgical method of raising the nasal bridge with injections, has garnered attention in the media,

but it has structural limitations.

Although immediate changes are visible in the short term,

it can leave rather complicated problems if skin thickness, vascular distribution, and the potential for future revision surgery are not taken into account.

2. Rhinoplasty — Anatomy Suited for Asians, the Law of 'Height + Length'

Compared to Caucasians, Asians have thicker skin, lower nasal bones, and a limited amount of septal cartilage.

Therefore, an approach of simply 'raising' the nose makes it difficult to achieve ideal results.

The balance of the face is perfected only when the height of the nasal tip is raised while the length of the nose is naturally extended at the same time.

Recent Asian rhinoplasty studies published in PRS (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery) also,

proved that structural reinforcement techniques such as Septal Extension Graft (SEG) and Derotation Graft (DRG) are stable in the long term.

Preservation rhinoplasty (Dorsal Preservation, DP) is also riding a temporary trend,

but 'structural correction' is still essential to avoid side effects such as overcorrection or line collapse.

In short, what is more important than the name of the surgical technique is a design tailored to each individual patient's anatomy and goals.

Reference: A Comparative Study of Septal Extension Graft versus Derotation Graft for Short Nose Correction in Asian Rhinoplasty 156(3):p 349e-361e, September 2025.

3. Choice of Material: 'Human-Derived Materials'

The aesthetic keyword for 2025 is 'sustainable aesthetics.'

This is why autologous costal cartilage is the most trusted in terms of nasal tip support and long-term stability.

When cartilage is insufficient, donated costal cartilage, ear cartilage, and remaining septal cartilage can be used in combination according to their roles.

This approach goes beyond simple aesthetics and aligns with recent clinical trends of functional rhinoplasty—an integrated approach to breathing and structure.

On the other hand, while non-surgical rhinoplasty can satisfy results in the short term,

over time, tissue fibrosis or vascular damage can make future structural reconstruction more difficult.

Reference: Functional and esthetic outcomes of functional rhinoplasty for internal nasal valve dysfunction in Asian patients

4. Forehead Lift — The Technique of Restoring the Frame of the Upper Face

Having lived through an era where masks were part of daily life, people have become much more sensitive to the impression made by the upper part of the face.

They came to realize firsthand that the forehead, eyebrows, and temples determine half of a person's facial impression.

This is precisely why people in their 30s and 40s are choosing endoscopic forehead lifts.

According to a recent meta-analysis,

the average lift amounts for the medial, central, and lateral areas were reported as 3.25 mm, 3.86 mm, and 4.35 mm, respectively, proving its long-term stability.

However, since the results of a lift vary depending on detailed muscular anatomy and the choice of fixation method (anchors, polymer pins, etc.),

it must be entrusted to a surgeon who possesses both experience and a clear plan.

Reference: Long-term Stability in Endoscopic Brow Lift: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Literature 14 November 2024

5. Trends and Responsibility — "Enduring Structure" Rather Than "Visible Change"

These days, facial details are magnified and consumed through entertainment shows and short-form content.

Even things like a "celebrity's eyebrow angle" or the "shadow on the bridge of the nose" can become trends.

However, trends are temporary.

What patients need is not a "printout of a celebrity's face,"

but a structural blueprint tailored to their own bones, fascia, and lifestyle habits.

Trends are like lighting, while structure is the framework. Even if the lighting changes, the framework sustains the face.

I meet countless faces every day, but ultimately, the criterion for a good surgery comes down to one thing:

"Rather than looking pretty right now, will the structure hold up five years from now?"

I believe this is the true trend of plastic surgery in 2025.

SH Plastic Surgery Clinic

https://youtu.be/rkhc2zodIx4?si=7zy91K479_G5MTcj