Exclusive interview with Dr. Kwon Han Jin of Dermaster Korea

Korea may have created quite the reputation for itself where aesthetic surgery is concerned – impressive and sometimes a little worrisome. While many patients have gone to Korea to seek a minor facial correction, others went for dramatic makeovers that involve multiple extreme and invasive techniques.

If, however you’re not keen to go under the needle but still yearn a relatively sculpted face then perhaps Dr. Kwon Han Jin’s Ultra V Lift Technology may just be your saving grace.

The technique involves using fine threads called polydioxanon, or PDO – which are strategically inserted into targeted areas under the skin in a parallel fashion to stimulate skin tissue. As a result, the skin tissues create new tissue fibroblasts and collagen, to produce a tightening effect from within. Hence, naturally, when sagging skin is tightened, it creates a more sculpted ‘V-shape’ face. Also, there’s no concern about over stimulation as the thread will only stimulate collagen around it and not beyond that.

Clearly, this natural-looking and age-defying procedure has earned Dr. Kwon a celebrity status of sorts where everyone from Korean movie stars to royalty are placing their faces in his skilled hands.

Lasting for up to two years and taking roughly half and hour for the procedure, you could essentially get a facelift during your lunchtime – how’s that for convenience? Additionally, the threads are completely dissolvable and will be slowly and safely absorbed into the body.

We spoke to Dr. Kwon regarding popular procedures in Korea and how patients can prep themselves before getting a facelift.

Marie France Asia: What kind of procedures are popular in Korea?

Dr. Kwon: Now, the trend in Korea is on observable melting thread. Since it’s autumn, it’s very dry causing dry skin so the popular procedure is also Aqua Shine injection. This is where we inject hyaluronic acid into the skin and it provides moisture to the skin. It’s popular all over Korea used by over 5000 clinics.

MFA: How is Ultra V Lift different from the traditional facelift?

Dr. Kwon: Traditional facelift uses non observable thread, so it will not melt. Usually, traditional facelift pulls the skin, so mechanical pulling. However, Ultra V Lift involves stimulating the collagen. We’ll place the thread under the skin and it stimulates your own collagen for a natural lift.

MFA: What are some tips to prep or maintain the skin post-procedure?

Dr. Kwon: Apply our regeneration moisture cream. Do not rub too much for 1 – 2 weeks. Avoid alcohol and take vitamins and minerals. Avoid sleeping on the side for 3 days.

How often should someone come in for facelifts?

Dr. Kwon: Patients can come in 2 times a year but it depends on the age also. 30 to early 40s maybe once a year but if you are late 40s to 50s then you may have to do a retouch so twice a year.

MFA: Certain facelifts give rise to a ‘windblown’ look, what causes that?

Dr. Kwon: Too much pulling. Some doctors think too much pulling against gravity will give a better result.

MFA: What are some things to note before getting a facelift?

Dr. Kwon: They should check whether It’s observable or not. Also many people think that the effect lasts forever, however it’s important to know that nothing lasts forever.

MFA: Are there any possible side effects from the procedure?

Most common would be swelling or bruising but it’s still much lesser than using the thick thread. These are just some of the mild side effects, very minor.

MFA: What is the one concern that patients have before getting the procedure?

Dr. Kwon: The most common would be the procedure is effective or not and how much downtime would it require.

The Ultra V Lift Technology is available at Dermaster Singapore (under E-Medical Centre) and is located at 9, Scotts Road, #11-07, Pacific Plaza. Singapore 228210

Tarandip Kaur