Professor Kyung-Seok Ko, South Korea’s Leading Authority on Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

Cleft Lip and Palate is a congenital condition where the lip and palate are split. It occurs in approximately 1.8 out of every 1,000 births, making it a relatively common congenital disorder in children. The initial surgery, including lip and palate closure, is performed around 100 days after birth. As the child grows, reconstructive surgeries are done to improve both appearance and function without hindering growth. Typically, the first surgery is done at about 100 days old, followed by a symmetry correction surgery before starting elementary school. If deformities remain on the nose or lips, a final surgery is performed around the end of high school after growth completion.

Professor Kyung-Seok Ko moved to a plastic surgery clinic after retiring in order to perform these final surgeries for many patients he treated at Seoul Asan Medical Center. He said, "I wanted to perform the last surgery for patients I have cared for since their infancy before they enter society. There were many requests from patients and their guardians before and after my retirement, and I decided to continue because I believe I can still perform the last surgeries for those currently in middle and high school."

ONUL Plastic Surgery Clinic is also home to his protégé, Dr. In-Soo Kirk. Professor Ko joined as the chief director, and the clinic staffs three plastic surgeons, one otolaryngologist, one dermatologist, and one anesthesiologist. The clinic actively performs not only cosmetic surgeries but also insured medical treatments, ranging from complex reconstructive surgeries to simple dermatological procedures.

Professor Ko explained, "Children with cleft lip and palate often have a severely deviated nasal septum, and septoplasty is frequently necessary. Having an otolaryngology specialist on staff makes collaboration easier." He also emphasized the importance of laser treatments to manage scars from previous surgeries, which the clinic’s dermatologists handle effectively.

Treating cleft lip and palate goes beyond surgery; instilling confidence in patients about their appearance is equally vital. Professor Ko said, "The goal of congenital deformity surgery is to help patients reintegrate normally into society. Many children struggle with appearance-related stress during puberty. We continuously encourage them by explaining that asymmetry is much more noticeable to themselves than to others, helping build their confidence." With advances in surgical and scar treatment techniques, many patients often do not even realize their scars.

Professor Ko also stated, "Unlike university hospitals, a plastic surgery clinic like ours allows closer interaction between doctors and patients, enabling more efficient care. Personally, I find it advantageous to be able to focus on treatment with more ease."

Meanwhile, ONUL Plastic Surgery Clinic does not perform the first cleft lip and palate surgery on infants due to concerns about anesthesia and postoperative care. Professor Ko concluded, "I am grateful to the patients who trust me and will do my best to provide optimal treatment."