Medical Information

[Joseilbo] Starting from middle age, people begin to feel various physical changes caused by aging. Changes that occur as one gets older, such as presbyopia, arthritis, various allergies that were absent in youth, and decreased immunity, can cause feelings of depression or discomfort. In the case of wrinkles, they are hard to notice quickly, but deep wrinkles in the upper face, such as on the forehead and around the eyes, affect one's physiognomy, impression, and overall image.

▲ Dr. Sung-hoon Kim, Director of SH Plastic Surgery

Kim Seong-hoon, head director of SH Plastic Surgery, stated, "Just managing wrinkles well can give you a youthful look that appears younger than your actual age and help you regain confidence, so there is high interest among middle-aged and older adults in anti-wrinkle plastic surgery."

The sub-brow lift, a representative middle-aged eye surgery, is a surgical method that cuts beneath the eyebrow to pull up sagging skin, and is recommended for those concerned about drooping eyelids that occur with aging. Director Kim explained that beyond the aging phenomenon of sagging eyelids, it can also resolve functional problems such as difficulty opening the eyes due to sagging, eyelashes poking the eyes, or obstruction of the visual field.

He explained, "Because it effectively pulls the eyelids through an incision below the eyebrow rather than directly on the skin, it does not leave large scars, and you can achieve clearer, more defined eyes without undergoing double eyelid surgery. With minimal scarring, it becomes almost invisible once the wound heals, allowing for a natural change, and even if the skin is thick and firm, it can be transformed into a natural and refreshing look."

Another middle-aged surgery often cited is the endoscopic forehead lift. This surgery is a one-stop method for improving overall aging symptoms appearing on the upper face. It enhances the overall elasticity from the forehead to the eyebrows by fixing the sagging forehead to the periosteum using Endotine via bone tunneling.

Director Kim said, "Endotine, used in endoscopic forehead lifts, is a medical material specifically designed to lift skin tissue and has proven safety having been approved by the Korean MFDS and the US FDA. Since the Endotine inserted into the body is absorbed after about nine months post-surgery, it provides a broader and more balanced fixation effect compared to methods using screws or sutures."

He continued to advise, "When performing rejuvenation surgeries such as a sub-brow lift and an endoscopic forehead lift, one should not focus solely on cosmetic purposes. While giving an overall youthful impression through surgery is important, the approach must understand the wrinkles and sagging that concern middle-aged people, alleviate their concerns, and reduce their burden."

He also added, "Before surgery, an accurate assessment of each individual's skin condition and degree of aging must be made to establish a systematic surgical plan, and a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential. To ensure a quick recovery and prevent recurrence of sagging after surgery, one should choose a hospital that provides thorough postoperative care."

Source: Joseilbo (http://www.joseilbo.com/news/htmls/2022/09/20220902465126.html)