Skip to main content

Seung-eun Hong

Ewha Womans University · Medicine

About the Lab

Professor Seung-eun Hong's research lab specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery, with a focus on improving surgical outcomes through innovative techniques and materials. Key research directions include advancing implant-based breast reconstruction—particularly prepectoral and direct-to-implant methods—evaluating the impact of global health events like the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical trends, and investigating biological agents such as human placental extract to enhance tissue viability and wound healing. The lab also addresses critical medico-legal issues, analyzing malpractice claims related to surgical site infections and cosmetic filler complications, with an emphasis on patient safety, informed consent, and aesthetic outcomes.

breast reconstructionsurgical site infectioncosmetic filler complicationstissue viabilityplacental extract

Research Overview

Papers
37
Total Citations
144
Papers (5y)
18
Primary Field
Medicine

Research Output Trend

Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.

Publications per year (5y)
18total
2020
2021
2024
2025
2026
Citations per year (5y)
88total
20202021202420252026

Selected Papers

15
1
Article|25 citations·2020
A Comparative Analysis between Subpectoral versus Prepectoral Single Stage Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction
Jeong-Hoon Kim, Seung Eun Hong
SJR Q2MedicinaOA

Background and objectives: Until now subpectoral breast reconstruction (SBR) has been the predominant form; however, it can present with pectoralis muscle contraction and animation deformity. To avoid these complications, surgeons have begun placing breast implants in the same anatomic space as the breast tissue that was removed. We report a comparative analysis of prepectoral breast reconstruction (PBR) versus subpectoral breast reconstruction to analyze their differences. Materials and Methods

SurgeryMedicine
2
Article|25 citations·2024
Navigating the Pandemic: Shifts in Breast Reconstruction Trends and Surgical Decision-Making in the United States
Seung Eun Hong, Daihun Kang
SJR Q1Journal of Clinical MedicineOA

Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast reconstruction trends in the United States, focusing on implant-based and autologous techniques, as well as the timing of reconstruction (immediate vs. delayed). Methods: A retrospective analysis of data from 2015 to 2022 from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ National Plastic Surgery Statistics was conducted. Annual trends in breast reconstruction procedures were analyzed, comparing the pre-pandemi

SurgeryMedicine
3
Article|13 citations·2016
Analysis of Malpractice Claims Associated with Surgical Site Infection in the Field of Plastic Surgery
Bo Young Park, Jung Woo Kwon, So Ra Kang, Seung Eun Hong
SJR Q2Journal of Korean Medical ScienceOA

Postoperative infections are rare after plastic surgery; however, when present, they can affect the aesthetic outcome. Currently, many malpractice lawsuits are associated with surgical site infection. The present study aimed to analyze malpractice claims associated with surgical site infection in the field of plastic surgery through a review of Korean precedents. We analyzed the type of procedure, associated complications, and legal judgment in these cases. Most claimants were women, and claims

SurgeryMedicine
4
Article|13 citations·2018
Effect of Human Placental Extract Treatment on Random-Pattern Skin Flap Survival in Rats
Jung Woo Kwon, Seung Eun Hong, So Ra Kang, Bo Young Park
SJR Q2Journal of Investigative SurgeryOA

<i>Background</i>: Human placental extract (HPE), prepared from the placentas of healthy, postpartum females, displays various physiological activities, including antioxidative properties. In this study, a dorsal skin flap model was used to investigate the effect of HPE on flap viability in rats. <i>Materials and methods</i>: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent random-pattern skin flap surgeries. The animals were randomly divided among a control group and three treatment groups (localized i

SurgeryMedicine
5
Article|12 citations·2016
Effects of neodymium–yttrium–aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) pulsed high-intensity laser therapy on full thickness wound healing in an experimental animal model
Seung Eun Hong, Mi Ki Hong, So Ra Kang, Bo Young Park
SJR Q2Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy

Nd:YAG HILT stimulated fibroblast proliferation and increased extracellular matrix production. We expect that this therapy could accelerate the wound-healing process.

Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and ImagingMedicine
6
Article|8 citations·2020
The influence of contralateral breast augmentation on the development of complications in direct-to-implant breast reconstruction
Bo Young Park, Seung Eun Hong, Min Ki Hong, Kyong-Je Woo
SJR Q1Journal of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
SurgeryMedicine
7
Article|7 citations·2020
Funnel usefulness in direct-to-implant breast reconstruction using periareolar incision with prepectoral implant placement and complete coverage with acellular dermal matrix
Joohyun Woo, Ik Hyun Seung, Seung Eun Hong
SJR Q1Journal of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
SurgeryMedicine
8
Article|6 citations·2024
Legal analysis of South Korean cosmetic filler litigations for safer medical practices
Daihun Kang, Seung Eun Hong
SJR Q1Scientific ReportsOA

Cosmetic filler injections have gained popularity in recent years, but the rise in complications has led to an increase in legal disputes. This study analyzes civil court rulings related to cosmetic filler injection lawsuits in South Korea from 2007 to 2023. A retrospective case analysis was performed using a systematic database search, and a mixed-methods approach was employed for data analysis. The study examined 27 cases, revealing a high rate of liability findings against medical practitione

Clinical PsychologyPsychology
9
Article|6 citations·2021
The relationship of human acellular dermal matrix thickness on complication rate and patient-reported outcomes in implant-based immediate breast reconstruction
Seung Eun Hong, Jung-Hoon Kim
SJR Q2Gland SurgeryOA

In dual plane subpectoral implant placement breast reconstruction with an inferior ADM-sling, the thickness of ADM was not a factor in determining postoperative complications and patient satisfaction. Therefore, it is possible to select the thickness according to the surgeon's preference.

SurgeryMedicine
10
Article|4 citations·2018
Is the “ghost surgery” the subject of legal punishment in Korea?
Seung Eun Hong, Min Ki Hong, Bo Young Park, Kyong Jae Woo, So Ra Kang
SJR Q2Annals of Surgical Treatment and ResearchOA

PURPOSE: Recently a controversy has arisen about so-called "ghost surgery" practices, and people have voiced their opinions for legal sanction against such practices, which clearly undermine the foundation of medical ethics. However, there has been a lack of legal basis for punishing those actions. The present study aims to examine which pre-existing legal provisions could be applied to regulate ghost surgery. METHODS: The Korean Medical Service Act has a provision relating to informed consent t

PharmacyHealth Professions
11
Article|2 citations·2016
The Effect of Botulinum Toxin on an Iatrogenic Sialo-Cutaneous Fistula
홍승은, 권정우, 강소라, 박보영
Archives of Craniofacial Surgery

A sialo-cutaneous fistula is a communication between the skin and a salivary gland or duct discharging saliva. Trauma and iatrogenic complications are the most common causes of this condition. Treatments include aspiration, compression, and the administration of systemic anticholinergics; however, their effects are transient and unsatisfactory in most cases. We had a case of a patient who developed an iatrogenic sialo-cutaneous fistula after wide excision of squamous cell carcinoma in the paroti

12
Article|1 citations·2018
Judicial Precedent-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines of Propofol in Sedative Esthetic Surgery
Duk Hee Lee, Joo Hyun Woo, Seung Eun Hong
SJR Q1Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Anesthesiology and Pain MedicineMedicine
13
Article|1 citations·2025
Legal education reform and medical litigation: Improved access but delayed justice in plastic surgery malpractice cases in South Korea
Daihun Kang, Seung Eun Hong
SJR Q1PLoS ONEOA

South Korea's 2009 legal education reform, which replaced the bar exam and two-year judicial training system with graduate-level law schools, aimed to enhance the quality and accessibility of legal services. This study examines its impact on malpractice litigation in plastic and reconstructive surgeries and procedures (PRSP). Using publicly available civil court decisions, we conducted a retrospective analysis comparing litigation patterns before (2006-2012, n = 23) and after (2017-2021, n = 75)

PharmacyHealth Professions
14
Preprint|1 citations·2024
Navigating the Pandemic: Shifts in Breast Reconstruction Trends and Surgical Decision-Making in the United States
Seung Eun Hong, Daihun Kang
Preprints.orgOA

Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast reconstruction trends in the United States, focusing on implant-based and autologous techniques, as well as the timing of reconstruction (immediate vs. delayed). Methods: A retrospective analysis of data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons&amp;#039; National Plastic Surgery Statistics from 2015 to 2022 was conducted. Annual trends in breast reconstruction procedures were analyzed, comparing the pr

SurgeryMedicine
15
Article|1 citations·2007
The Posterior Tibial Perforator Adipofascial Flap for Reconstruction of Lower Leg
Seung Eun Hong, Jai‐Kyong Pyon
SJR Q2Archives of Plastic Surgery

Purpose: The coverage of distal soft tissue defects and bony exposure of the lower extremity has long been recognized to be difficult clinical problem. Covering with a local skin flap is usually impractical because of the extensive and deep crush, hence free flap has been used commonly for the coverage of the wound. Although it can provide good results, it has many disadvantages. Designing an adipofascial flap raised on perforating vessels of the posterior tibia artery is a reliable and simple m

SurgeryMedicine

Research Areas

SurgeryPharmacyRadiology, Nuclear Medicine and ImagingInternal MedicineClinical PsychologyAnesthesiology and Pain Medicine

Dive deeper into Seung-eun Hong's research on Nubint

Open this lab's papers in the app to read with AI, summarize, and cite in your writing.