Executive Summary
Institution Overview
Faceline Plastic Surgery Clinic specializes in facial contouring and orthognathic surgery in Apgujeong, Seoul, since its opening in 2005. It was founded primarily by medical staff who are alumni of Seoul National University College of Medicine.
Chief Director Lee Jin-soo
A plastic surgery specialist, known as an authority in facial contouring and orthognathic surgery. He notably secured public recognition by acting as the main doctor on the broadcast program 'Let Me In'.
Core Technologies
Focuses on enhancing aesthetic perfection as well as functional recovery through proprietary surgical planning and execution methods called REMA (Reverse Estimating Method of Analysis) and JSRO (Jawline Setup Ramus Osteotomy).
Reputation & Characteristics
Emphasizes safety by presenting an 'accident-free' record. Strengths in high-difficulty revision surgeries; however, high costs and complex surgeries require patient caution.
Chief Director Lee Jin-soo Profile
“ Authority in facial contouring and orthognathic surgery.
Chief Director Lee Jin-soo is a renowned plastic surgery specialist, widely recognized for his expertise in complex facial surgeries. His extensive academic background and significant media presence have established him as a leader in the field.
Education & Qualifications
- Graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine.
- Completed Master's and Doctoral courses at Seoul National University Graduate School.
- Completed residency in plastic surgery at Seoul National University Hospital.
- Obtained Plastic Surgery Specialist Board Certification.
- Served as Head of Plastic Surgery at the Armed Forces Capital Hospital.
Major Career & Academic Activities
- Chief Director of Faceline Plastic Surgery.
- Director of the F-Line Facial Contouring Research Institute.
- Steering Committee Member of the Korean Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery Study Group.
- Regular Member of the International Confederation for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (IPRAS).
- Regular Member of the Korean Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association.
Media Activities & Public Recognition
- Appeared as a fixed doctor on the makeover program series 'Let Me In' (Season 1-5).
- Successfully operated on participants with severe malocclusion or facial asymmetry, leading to dramatic physical changes.
- Contributed significantly to enhancing the hospital's reputation through broadcast-verified surgical results.
Hospital Information
Establishment & Location
Faceline Plastic Surgery opened near Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul in 2005. Its current location is 1st Floor, 838 Nonhyeon-ro (Sinsa-dong), Gangnam-gu, Seoul, strategically situated in the plastic surgery cluster area near Apgujeong Station.
Seoul National University Alumni & Collaborative System
A distinctive feature is its medical staff composition: key staff, including Chief Director Lee Jin-soo (Plastic Surgery), Chief Director Lee Tae-hee (Plastic Surgery), and Director Lee Shin-jeong (Orthodontics), are all alumni of Seoul National University College of Medicine and College of Dentistry. This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care.
The hospital has established a one-stop collaborative system linking plastic surgery, dentistry, and anesthesiology, providing integrated medical services from surgical planning to post-care. This reflects their philosophy that facial contouring and orthognathic surgery require the essential combination of both plastic surgical bone carving and dental expertise.
Facilities & Scale
Faceline is equipped with specialized facilities for facial contouring and orthognathic surgery. It advocates university-hospital-level safety systems, featuring an on-site anesthesiologist and a dedicated recovery room, crucial for surgeries requiring general anesthesia. Additionally, it is designated as a medical institution attracting foreign patients, indicating a high frequency of international visitors.
Core Surgical Philosophy & Technical Features
Faceline Plastic Surgery and Director Lee Jin-soo actively utilize surgical methodologies that supplement existing methods or were independently developed, aiming for precision that predicts even soft tissue changes, not just simple bone resection.
REMA (Reverse Estimating Method of Analysis)
REMA is Faceline's unique surgical planning method emphasized by Director Lee Jin-soo.
- Concept: While general orthognathic surgery adjusts occlusion first, REMA sets the 'targeted ideal face shape (aesthetic result)' first, then reverse-calculates bone movement and occlusion needed for the plan.
- Advantages: Maximizes patient's desired aesthetic results (frontal and profile effects) and restores occlusal function, preventing unsatisfactory face shapes despite correct occlusion.
JSRO (Jawline Setup Ramus Osteotomy)
JSRO is a unique osteotomy method applied during mandibular (lower jaw) surgery.
- Technical Background: Combines advantages of traditional SSRO (secure fixation, wide bone contact) and IVRO (low nerve damage risk), while mitigating their respective drawbacks.
- Features: Devised by Director Lee Jin-soo to create a slender jawline by adjusting the lateral angle, allowing solid fixation while minimizing nerve damage. Maximizes cosmetic V-line effect and preserves temporomandibular joint function.
Smart Orthognathic Surgery
A surgical method that applies the JSRO technique based on the REMA analysis method and minimizes or omits the intermaxillary fixation period using an elastic fixation method. This aims for faster recovery and greater patient comfort.
Complex Facial Reduction
This refers to performing cheekbone reduction, square jaw surgery, etc., in combination, considering not just simple bone shaving but also changes in soft tissues such as fat, muscle, and skin covering the bone, for a more harmonious overall facial contour.
Reputation and Patient Review Analysis
Positive Evaluations
- Aesthetics of Surgical Results: Patients frequently describe results as "natural yet dramatic." High-difficulty case successes (e.g., severe asymmetry, lantern jaw) from 'Let Me In' significantly boost confidence.
- Trust in Safety: The hospital's emphasis on an "accident-free since opening" record and the presence of an on-site anesthesiologist are key factors for patient choice and trust.
- Systematic Post-care: High patient satisfaction is noted due to systematic postoperative recovery management, including anti-swelling injections and laser treatments.
Negative Evaluations & Considerations
- High Cost: Due to its positioning as a premium clinic specializing in high-difficulty surgeries, surgical costs are perceived as relatively higher compared to other hospitals.
- Waiting Time & Reservations: High recognition of the Chief Director can lead to difficulties in securing consultation and surgery appointments, with scheduling constraints exacerbated by a high proportion of overseas patients.
- Past Reviews: Some community discussions mention dissatisfaction cases regarding procedures (e.g., implants) received from other doctors several years ago. It's understood that the doctors in question are no longer with the hospital, suggesting this might be related to specific medical staff or individual cases rather than the overall hospital system.
Comprehensive Analysis & Conclusion
Faceline Plastic Surgery's Status
Faceline Plastic Surgery Clinic has established a solid brand image as a 'hospital specialized in facial contouring and orthognathic surgery' in the Korean plastic surgery market. Chief Director Lee Jin-soo's academic background, clinical ability verified through broadcasting, and differentiated technological capabilities called REMA and JSRO are the hospital's core competencies.
Summary of Features
- 1. Aesthetic Functionalism: Applies Reverse Estimating Method of Analysis (REMA), which prioritizes aesthetic results (improvement of face shape) while basing on the restoration of jaw function (occlusion).
- 2. Safety-Oriented: Promotes an accident-free record over a period of nearly 20 years and operates a collaborative anesthesia system with alumni from Seoul National University.
- 3. Specialization in High-Difficulty Surgeries: Beyond simple cosmetic surgery, it shows strength in high-difficulty cases that would typically be handled at university hospitals, such as severe asymmetry and revision surgeries.
Suggestions for Patients
"Although Director Lee Jin-soo and Faceline Plastic Surgery possess high expertise in the field of facial contouring, facial bone surgeries such as orthognathic surgery are high-risk surgeries where potential risks such as nerve damage and sensory abnormalities always exist. Therefore, rather than relying solely on the hospital's reputation or broadcast image, it is recommended that patients make a decision on surgery after receiving precise counseling through REMA analysis regarding specific surgical plans, potential side effects, and cost-effectiveness."