Wanting to Eliminate "Invisible Risks" in Cosmetic Surgery: Staff Undergoes Orthognathic Surgery to Realize Transparent Medical Care

We support "April Dream," an initiative that aims to make April 1st a day to share dreams. This press release is the dream of "LINO Clinic Higashi-Ginza."

## Increase in Cosmetic Surgery Troubles and Issues in the Cosmetic Surgery Industry
In recent years, cosmetic surgery has become a familiar option for many people.
On the other hand, consultations regarding post-operative troubles and revision surgeries are also increasing, and safety and transparency of information are being questioned by society.

In fact, consultations regarding cosmetic surgery are continuously being reported to the Consumer Affairs Agency and the National Consumer Affairs Center, with voices such as "dissatisfaction with the post-operative finish," "insufficient explanation," and "anxiety about post-operative care."

Furthermore, there are cases where infections or complications occur after undergoing procedures overseas, and patients fall into difficult situations because they cannot find an appropriate place to handle it in Japan.
At our clinic as well, we have received multiple consultations regarding troubles after so-called "surgery in Korea," and the importance of post-operative follow-up systems has once again been highlighted.

In addition, the so-called "direct-to-beauty problem," where inexperienced doctors engage in cosmetic surgery, is pointed out as a structural issue in the industry.
Against this background, more careful discussions are required regarding the quality of medical care and the way information is provided.

## "Invisible Risks" and the Information Gap in Orthognathic Surgery and Bone Contouring
One of the major challenges in cosmetic surgery is the "information gap" between the patient and the medical side.
In highly advanced surgical operations such as bone contouring and orthognathic surgery, it is difficult to fully understand the risks and limitations before surgery, creating a structure where "invisible risks" are likely to emerge.

- What kind of surgery will be performed?
- How much swelling and downtime will there be after the surgery?
- What are the possible complications and risks?
- Is there a discrepancy between the doctor's and the patient's image of the post-operative finish?
- How much change can be expected, and what are the limitations?
- What kind of support can be received if trouble occurs after the surgery?
- What are the post-operative hospital visits and follow-up systems like?

If this information is not sufficiently shared, the patient will make a decision with incomplete information. As a result, this often leads to problems such as a gap with the post-operative image and the need for revision surgery.

## Disclosing the Real Experience of Orthognathic Surgery | Why Our Staff Underwent the Surgery Themselves
In response to these issues, LINO Clinic Higashi-Ginza has started a project to increase the transparency of cosmetic surgery by having a staff member undergo orthognathic surgery and disclosing the process.

The purpose of this project is not one-sided information dissemination from the medical institution side, but to deepen patients' understanding through "information disclosure through real experiences."

## Revision Surgery After 3-Point Facial Contouring | Case Background Leading to Orthognathic Surgery
Hana, the subject of this project, underwent a 3-point facial contouring surgery at another clinic three years ago, but continued to feel discomfort about the asymmetry of her jaw even after the surgery.

As a result of a CT scan at our clinic, it was found that there was a problem with the shape of her cheekbones, and we determined that reassessment at the skeletal level was necessary.
Consequently, it was decided to perform reconstruction through orthognathic surgery.

In this way, even in cases that seem to have improved at first glance, it is not uncommon for structural problems of the skeleton to remain.
However, to accurately identify this before surgery, advanced diagnosis and sufficient explanation are essential.

## Visualizing Downtime and the Surgical Process | Broadcasting the Reality of Orthognathic Surgery on SNS
We are releasing videos on SNS showing the actual surgery and the process including post-operative downtime. By broadcasting realistic aspects such as pre-operative feelings, events on the day of the surgery, post-operative swelling and pain, and the impact on daily life, we are creating an environment where patients can imagine their post-operative state more concretely.

## Risks of Orthognathic Surgery and Choosing a Doctor | A Real Voice from the Person Involved
Hana talks about this initiative as follows.

"Bone contouring and orthognathic surgery are operations with great anxiety and risks. That is exactly why I want people to choose a surgery and a doctor after understanding what will happen.

Since I myself have experienced having worries remaining even after undergoing surgery once, I feel that it is important for those considering surgery in the future not to choose a clinic based solely on cheapness, but also to value the perspective of 'whether the doctor and hospital will responsibly examine you even after the surgery'."

## What is Orthognathic Surgery | Comprehensive Treatment Including Coordination with Temporomandibular Disorders and Orthodontics
Orthognathic surgery is a surgical operation that improves bite and skeletal distortion by adjusting the position and balance of the upper and lower jaws.
In many cases, it is performed not only for aesthetic improvement but also for functional improvement, and is indicated for jaw deformities, malocclusion, and facial asymmetry.

Also, in cases involving temporomandibular joint disorders or cases that are difficult to improve with orthodontics alone, coordination with an orthodontist is essential.
By formulating a comprehensive treatment plan including pre- and post-operative orthodontic treatment, we aim for improvement that includes not only appearance but also functional aspects.

At our clinic, based on skeletal diagnosis by CT, we consider treatment policies suitable for each patient while coordinating with dentistry and orthodontics fields as necessary.
By having such a multifaceted perspective, we emphasize providing more essential medical care that is not limited to mere aesthetic purposes.

## Initiatives as Cosmetic Surgery | Policy of LINO CLINIC Higashi-Ginza
LINO Clinic Higashi-Ginza, under the philosophy of "providing only the medical care that is truly necessary for that person," is working to provide information that supports patients' decision-making and to realize highly transparent medical care.

Through this project, we aim to reduce the "invisible risks" in cosmetic surgery as much as possible and create an environment where patients can choose after being convinced.

Behind these initiatives is the director's consistent stance on "safety and quality of medical care."
In the selection of surgical methods and judgment of indications, our principle is not to make excessive proposals but to provide only treatments that are considered truly necessary.

Therefore, we actively disclose information that is normally difficult to see, such as the surgical process and downtime, and place importance on creating a state where patients can obtain sufficient understanding in advance.

Being able to disclose information in a timely manner is precisely because there is a certain guarantee of the safety and quality of medical care, and this is also the result of practicing medical care that sincerely faces each patient.

Going forward, our clinic will continue to contribute to improving the reliability of cosmetic surgery by not only providing procedures but also creating an environment where patients can choose with conviction.

## Future Developments: Documentary on Orthognathic Surgery by a Film Director to be Released
In this project, we plan to produce and release a documentary video featuring a film director in the future.

In addition to the records of the surgical process and downtime currently being broadcast on SNS, the purpose is to record and visualize deeper parts, such as the patient's psychological changes, decision-making process, and dialogue with the doctor.

By incorporating the perspective of a third-party film director, not just the perspective of the medical institution, we will convey the reality and issues in cosmetic surgery more objectively.

In particular, by presenting elements that have only been conveyed in fragments until now—such as pre-operative anxiety and conflicts, and the realistic post-operative process—as a single story, we aim to provide information that allows patients to imagine more concretely and utilize it in their own decision-making. Information regarding the release date and details will be announced sequentially as soon as they are decided.

## ■ Director's Profile
Director: Kunio Miyazaki
After gaining clinical experience at university hospitals and core hospitals as a surgical specialist, he engaged in the field of cosmetic surgery.
To date, he has been involved in more than 10,000 cosmetic surgeries and specializes in facial contouring, including bone contouring.

Under the philosophy of "providing only the medical care that is truly necessary for that person," he provides treatments that emphasize the balance between functional and aesthetic aspects.

## ■ Clinic Overview
Clinic Name: LINO Clinic Higashi-Ginza
Location: Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Within walking distance of Higashi-Ginza Station)
Clinical Departments: Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Dermatology, Gynecological Plastic Surgery
Consultation Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 (Complete reservation system)

■ Contact Information
Phone/Address: 9th Floor, Ginza Matsumoto Building, 3-11-13 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Official LINE: Please contact us from inquiries. https://lin.ee/veewcpZ
URL: https://lino.clinic/