Korean plastic surgeons have significantly elevated the country's standing in the field by playing a key role as principal authors in the creation of a crucial textbook that is considered essential reading for plastic surgeons worldwide.

Professors Joon Pio Hong, Jin Sup Eom, Jong Woo Choi, Tae-Suk Oh, HyunSuk Peter Suh, and Hyun Ho Han from the Department of Plastic Surgery at Asan Medical Center have contributed to the American textbook ‘Plastic Surgery 5^th Edition,’ authoring sections on complex microsurgical procedures in facial surgery, lower extremity reconstruction, breast reconstruction, and more.

‘Plastic Surgery,’ authored primarily by Dr. Peter Neligan of the United States, is a highly respected textbook referred to by plastic surgeons around the globe for clinical and surgical guidance. The newly published fifth edition spans six volumes and covers a comprehensive range of topics including craniofacial surgery, breast reconstruction, upper and lower extremity reconstruction, hand reconstruction, and various cosmetic procedures.

Professors Joon Pio Hong and HyunSuk Peter Suh co-authored the section on lymphedema surgery and lower extremity reconstruction. Notably, Professor Hong served as an editor for volume four, ‘Lower Extremity, Trunk and Burns Surgery,’ and was the principal author of the section on lymphedema, an area in which he leads globally. Professor Suh introduced various reconstruction methods utilizing supermicrosurgery techniques in lower extremity reconstruction.

Professors Jong Woo Choi and Tae-Suk Oh wrote about ‘Cosmetic Surgery for Asians,’ covering procedures that may be unfamiliar to foreign surgeons, such as eyelid correction, rhinoplasty using cartilage and autologous tissue, orthognathic surgery for facial asymmetry, and facelift surgery. Their contributions have further solidified the global standing of Korean cosmetic surgery.

Professors Jin Sup Eom and Hyun Ho Han contributed to the section on ‘Breast Reconstruction Using Microsurgery.’ Drawing on extensive clinical experience, they detailed the intricate processes and technical expertise involved in advanced microsurgical breast reconstruction.

Professor Joon Pio Hong from the Department of Plastic Surgery at Asan Medical Center, a principal author, commented, “Our participation in the third and fourth editions of 'Plastic Surgery,' and now as principal authors for the fifth edition, symbolically represents the advancement of Korean plastic surgery.”

He added, “We will continue to contribute to the field through diverse clinical and research activities, striving to lead and advance both aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery globally.”

Meanwhile, the Department of Plastic Surgery at Asan Medical Center continues to attract international medical professionals seeking to learn the latest medical technologies, cutting-edge research, and systematic and specialized systems. Over the past year, a total of 107 medical professionals from countries such as the United States, Spain, Thailand, and India have visited the Plastic Department.