Dr. Cong Ivy Ran, MD

Younger Asian patients often perceive themselves as older than they appear to the general public, leading to high popularity of non-invasive techniques like Thermage and Ulthera for early anti-aging.

Dr. Ran performs the N-lip procedure, a modified lip reduction surgery. She believes that neither the M-lip (an Asian trend) nor typical Western lip filling procedures fully respect normal lip anatomy, and her beauty ideal is congruent with natural lip anatomy.

Asian patients often appear younger due to rounder, flatter, more infantile features and thicker dermis, leading to fewer wrinkles. Many also practice excellent sun protection. However, due to flatter features, lesser midface/rim bony structures, and a more recessed piriform aperture, Asians tend to develop heavier nasolabial folds earlier than Caucasian counterparts.

Rejuran Healer is an injectable treatment popular in Korea, involving full-face injections of hyaluronic acid, growth factors (potentially from salmon sperm), exosomes, vitamins, and peptides. It aims to achieve a 'flawless hard-boiled egg look' by brightening, rejuvenating, plumping, tightening, and smoothing the skin. Long-term use can also provide a healthier skin barrier and overall appearance.

Rejuran Healer effects typically diminish after one to two months, requiring repeat treatments for maintenance. It is considered a perfect treatment for events due to its temporary but noticeable effects.

Dr. Ran strongly cautions patients against getting injections from unregulated sources or outside the United States, as product origin cannot be guaranteed. She emphasizes the importance of choosing a reputable injector, citing a case where a patient received an unknown substance (possibly 'Amazing Gel,' a dangerous injectable no longer used globally) instead of hyaluronic acid, requiring complex removal.

Alar base reduction reshapes nostril width to create a more balanced and harmonious frontal facial profile. It's ideal for patients whose alar base is wider than their intercanthal (between the eyes) distance. It can be a standalone procedure or part of a rhinoplasty. This procedure is particularly significant for non-Caucasian individuals, who often have wider set nostrils and a propensity for severe scarring.

The 'Incision-Less' Technique for alar base reduction is an option for select patients concerned about visible scarring or prolonged recovery. All cuts and dissolvable sutures remain inside the nose, making it a preferred approach for those seeking minimal external signs of surgery.

Canthal tilt measures the angle between a horizontal line and a line running through the inner and outer corners of the eye. A positive tilt indicates an upswing, neutral means horizontal, and negative means a downturn. While US surgery often aims to tighten and lift for a positive tilt, Asian surgery typically aims to lower the outer eye corner for a more neutral canthal tilt. Dr. Ran notes that the perception of whether a positive or negative tilt is more attractive is based on cultural upbringing.

Canthal tilt surgery, especially to change a natural positive tilt to a neutral one, is not without problems. If performed through the skin, it can lead to increased showing of the white of the eye (sclera) and dry eyes. An incisionless (internal) approach may not achieve the desired effect and can cause the eyelid margin and lashes to turn inward, leading to further complications. Surgeries exist to change the canthal tilt at the lateral canthus, but they are not without risk.

Yes, certain non-surgical plastic surgery procedures may be covered by insurance if they address a medical condition. This can include Botox for migraines, excess sweating, bruxism, or TMJ. Laser treatments for distinct traumatic/operative scars or diffused acne scars may also be covered. While most fillers are not covered, treatment for volume loss due to rare conditions like lipodystrophy might be. For any treatment commonly seen as cosmetic, there truly should be a medical condition attached for insurance coverage.

A sub-brow lift is an anti-aging procedure gaining popularity in Asia for eyelid laxity, distinct from a brow lift. It involves lifting skin between the brow and eyelid lashes to resolve laxity while maintaining the natural thinness of eyelid skin. This is advantageous because traditional eyelid surgery can transfer thicker skin to the eyelid, creating a noticeable crease. Incisions for a sub-brow lift can be hidden in brow hair or microbladed brows, making it suitable for patients with thicker skin or those concerned about visible scarring.

Ultherapy is a non-invasive, focused, high-intensity ultrasonic energy device that stimulates collagen production, resulting in firmer, tighter, and a more lifted, youthful complexion. It's a 'holy grail' treatment in Korea and throughout Asia, known for its real-time visualization that allows providers to tailor treatment to individual skin thickness. Dr. Ran recommends Ultherapy for patients showing early signs of aging like visible fat pad descent, early jowls, or an uncrisp jawline, especially those not yet ready for surgical intervention. Realistic results are seen after about two years.

There are at least five distinct crease shapes for double eyelid surgery, which Asians can easily distinguish. The most popular and natural-appearing types currently are nasally tapered (infold and outfold) and small parallel. Crescent and European parallel types are more pronounced and less favored today. Key factors determining achievable crease shape include the presence and shape of the epicanthal fold, the desired crease height (decided with your doctor), and lateral brow height/brow bone prominence. Understanding your desired shape and anatomical possibilities is crucial for consultation.