Deep Plane Facelift Guide | The Gold Standard in Natural, Long-Lasting Facial Rejuvenation

If you’re seeking the most advanced, natural-looking, and long-lasting facelift technique, the Deep Plane Facelift may be the answer. This elite procedure targets the deep facial tissues and ligaments beneath the SMAS layer, allowing for dramatic rejuvenation—without the tight, pulled look of traditional facelifts.

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A Deep Plane Facelift is a surgical technique that lifts and repositions the muscles, fat pads, and ligaments of the face beneath the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer.

Key targets include:

  • Midface (cheeks, nasolabial folds)
  • Jawline (jowls, marionette lines)
  • Neck (loose skin, bands)

Unlike standard SMAS facelifts, this method frees facial retaining ligaments, allowing for greater lift and mobility, especially in the nasolabial fold and cheek areas, while preserving blood supply and skin integrity.


Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be an excellent candidate for a deep plane facelift if you:

  • Are in your 40s to 70s with moderate to severe facial aging
  • Have deep nasolabial folds, jowls, or hollow cheeks
  • Want natural, youthful results with no over-pulled appearance
  • Have good skin elasticity and are in overall good health
  • Are seeking a one-time, long-lasting surgical solution


Key Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift

  • Lifts the midface, jawline, and neck in one procedure
  • Dramatically improves nasolabial folds and jowls
  • Preserves a natural facial expression—no pulled skin
  • Longer-lasting results (10–15+ years) compared to other facelift types
  • Greater mobility allows for more dramatic reshaping
  • Especially effective for cheek volume descent


Deep Plane vs Traditional SMAS Facelift

FeatureDeep Plane FaceliftSMAS FaceliftLift DepthBeneath SMAS + ligament releaseSMAS layer tightened or plicatedMidface Lift✅ Significant cheek elevation❌ Limited cheek liftNasolabial Fold Correction✅ Strong effect⚠️ Less improvementLongevity12–15+ years7–10 yearsRecovery Time10–14 days7–10 daysIdeal CandidateModerate to severe agingMild to moderate agingAppearanceVery naturalNatural, but less dramatic


How Is It Performed?

  1. Anesthesia: General or twilight sedation
  2. Incisions: Around the ears, into the hairline, sometimes under the chin
  3. Deep Plane Dissection: The surgeon releases facial ligaments and lifts the muscle-fat unit as one layer
  4. Repositioning: Tissue is moved vertically and anchored in a youthful position
  5. Neck Rejuvenation: Platysmaplasty or liposuction may be included
  6. Closure: Skin is redraped without tension, creating minimal scarring

Surgery Time: 4–6 hours
 Outpatient Procedure: Often same-day discharge


Recovery Timeline

  • Days 1–3: Moderate swelling and tightness, mild bruising
  • Day 7: Stitches removed; bruising begins to fade
  • Days 10–14: Return to work and light social activity
  • 4–6 weeks: Final shape becomes visible
  • 3–6 months: Scars mature; full facial harmony achieved
Results improve as swelling resolves and tissues settle into place.

How Long Do Results Last?

  • Typically 12–15 years or more
  • One of the longest-lasting facelift options available
  • Aging continues naturally, but from a younger, lifted baseline
  • Maintenance with skin treatments, exosomes, or fillers is optional


Deep Plane Facelift Cost (Estimated)

RegionPrice Range (USD)South Korea₩15M – ₩25M ($11,000 – $18,500)USA / Canada$20,000 – $35,000UK / EU£15,000 – £25,000


Pricing reflects the complexity and surgeon expertise required for deep plane dissection.

Can It Be Combined with Other Procedures?

Yes—deep plane facelifts are often combined with:

  • Neck Lift or Platysmaplasty – For full lower face & neck contouring
  • Upper or Lower Blepharoplasty – To rejuvenate the eyes
  • Fat Grafting – To restore lost facial volume
  • Brow Lift or Temporal Lift – For upper facial balance
  • Laser Resurfacing or RF Microneedling – For skin tightening and texture



The Deep Plane Facelift is widely considered the most advanced and natural facial rejuvenation technique available today. It addresses deeper aging structures for transformative, long-lasting results that maintain facial mobility, softness, and authenticity—without the tight or artificial look.



Considering a deep plane facelift in Korea?
Clinics in Seoul’s Gangnam district offer highly skilled surgeons trained in deep plane techniques, delivering world-class care for global patients seeking elite facial rejuvenation.

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