A deep plane facelift is one of the most advanced and long-lasting facial rejuvenation surgeries available today. Known for its natural, lifted results, the deep plane technique has become increasingly popular among patients traveling to Seoul, Korea for transformative yet elegant anti-aging surgery.

Korea’s meticulous surgical techniques, refined aesthetic standards, and advanced post-operative care make it a top global destination for deep plane facelift procedures.

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is a high-precision facelift technique that lifts the deeper facial structures—not just the skin.

It works by releasing and repositioning:

• The SMAS layer (superficial muscular aponeurotic system)
• Deep ligaments
• Midface tissues
• Muscles around the cheeks and nasolabial folds

Because the lift happens underneath the skin, the result looks:

• More natural
• Longer-lasting
• Less “pulled”
• More structurally supportive

Why the Deep Plane Facelift Is Popular in Korea

Korea is known for ultra-natural, youthful anti-aging surgeries, and the deep plane facelift fits perfectly into that philosophy.

Key reasons patients choose Korea for a deep plane facelift:

• Highly specialized facial lifting surgeons
• Natural, vertically oriented lifting style
• Focus on preserving facial expression
• Excellent scar design and closure techniques
• Fast but thorough recovery management
• State-of-the-art surgical equipment
• Strong emphasis on facial harmony

Korea offers one of the most youthful, soft-lifted, natural facelift styles in the world.

What Areas Does a Deep Plane Facelift Improve?

A deep plane facelift effectively treats multiple aging signs at once:

• Midface sagging
• Deep nasolabial folds
• Jowls
• Jawline blurring
• Marionette lines
• Drooping cheeks
• Loss of midface volume
• Lower face heaviness
• Early neck laxity

It provides a global rejuvenation of the lower and midface—not just surface tightening.

Deep Plane vs. SMAS vs. Mini Facelift

FeatureDeep Plane FaceliftSMAS FaceliftMini FaceliftLift LevelDeep ligaments & SMAS releasedTightens SMAS layerSurface-level tighteningResultMost natural & long lastingVisible but less dramaticMild liftIdeal ForModerate–severe saggingModerate saggingMild saggingLongevity10–15+ years5–10 years3–7 yearsRecoveryModerateModerateShort

A deep plane facelift delivers the most structural, durable improvement—especially for sagging midface and deep folds.

How the Deep Plane Facelift Works

Although techniques vary, the procedure typically includes:

1. Incision Around Ear & Hairline
   Designed to blend within natural contours.
2. Release of Deep Ligaments
   This frees the descended tissues without skin tension.
3. Repositioning the SMAS & Facial Muscles
   Provides a natural upward lift rather than pulling the skin.
4. Midface Elevation
   Lifts the cheeks and softens nasolabial folds.
5. Jawline Definition
   Restores youthful contours and reduces jowling.
6. Skin Redraping Without Tension
   Prevents a “windblown” or over-tightened appearance.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is ideal for people with:

• Moderate to severe facial sagging
• Deep nasolabial folds
• Pronounced jowls
• Drooping midface
• Heaviness around the mouth and jaw
• Flattened or hollow cheeks
• Desire for a dramatic but natural-looking lift
• Wanting a long-lasting facelift solution

Most patients are in their 40s to 60s, but suitability depends on skin quality, facial structure, and goals.

Recovery Timeline

While deeper than other facelift variations, the deep plane facelift has a predictable recovery pattern:

• Days 1–3: Tightness, swelling, mild bruising
• Day 5–7: Stitch removal
• 2 weeks: Return to daily activities
• 3–4 weeks: Noticeable refinement
• 2–3 months: Final contour settling
• 6 months: Fully matured results

Many international patients stay in Seoul for 10–14 days.

Results You Can Expect

A deep plane facelift delivers:

• Lifted, youthful cheeks
• Reduced deep folds
• Sculpted jawline
• Slimmer and tighter lower face
• Softer marionette lines
• Long-lasting midface support
• Natural movement and expression

Because the deep tissues are repositioned rather than tightened, results avoid the “too tight” look.

When a Deep Plane Facelift Is Better Than Non-Surgical Lifting

Choose a deep plane facelift if you experience:

• Sagging that no longer responds to HIFU or threads
• Permanent jowling
• Deep lines around nose and mouth
• Cheek fat descent
• Volume collapse in midface
• Significant lower face heaviness

Non-surgical treatments can only provide mild lifting—structural aging often requires a surgical solution.

Deep Plane Facelift + Neck Lift

Many 50s–60s patients combine these surgeries for a full lower face transformation.

Combined benefits:

• More dramatic lifting
• Better jawline definition
• Smoother neck
• Longer-lasting results

This combination creates the most harmonious rejuvenation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the deep plane facelift painful?
Most patients experience tightness and swelling rather than pain.

How long do results last?
Typically 10–15+ years depending on lifestyle and skin quality.

Are scars visible?
Incisions are placed along natural ear and hairline contours.

Can it be combined with fat grafting or eyelid surgery?
Yes—many patients combine procedures for balanced rejuvenation.

Is it safe for older patients?
Yes, if they have good health and adequate skin elasticity.