Surgical lifting · Facial rejuvenation
Deep Plane Facelift in Seoul
The deep plane facelift lifts the face from beneath its supporting layer. Instead of pulling skin tight, the surgeon releases the ligaments that hold sagging tissue down and moves the mid-face, jowls and jawline back to where they sat years ago.
It is the most structural facelift technique offered in Korea, chosen by patients with moderate to advanced sagging who want results that look natural and last a decade or more.
What makes it "deep plane"
Your face has layers: skin, a layer of fat, then the SMAS (a sheet of muscle and fibrous tissue), and beneath that the deep layer where the facial muscles and nerves run. A traditional SMAS facelift tightens or folds the SMAS from above. A deep plane facelift goes underneath it.
Working in this deeper space, the surgeon lifts skin and SMAS together as one unit and releases the retaining ligaments that tether the cheek and jowl. Because the tissue is freed rather than stretched, it can move further with less tension on the skin. The result is a smoother mid-face, softer nasolabial folds and a cleaner jawline without the "wind-swept" look of older techniques.
Most often chosen for
- Moderate to severe sagging of the cheeks and jowls
- Deep nasolabial folds and a mid-face that has dropped
- Flattened cheeks and loss of youthful contour
- A more lasting result than a mini or SMAS facelift
Often combined with
- Neck lift for neck bands and loose skin under the chin
- Facial fat grafting to restore lost volume
- Eyelid surgery for a fully refreshed upper face
The procedure, layer by layer
This cross-section of the cheek shows what the surgeon does at each stage. Press play, or tap a step.
Incision
A fine incision is made inside the temple hairline and along the natural curve of the ear, where it will be hard to see once healed.
Where the incisions are made
The incision follows lines your eye already skips over: the hairline, the front edge of the ear and the crease behind it. Most of its length ends up inside hair or tucked behind the ear.
- A
Temple Inside the hairline above the ear, hidden by hair.
- B
In front of the ear Follows the ear's natural fold and the edge of the tragus, then curves around the earlobe.
- C
Behind the ear Runs up the crease behind the ear and back into the hairline at the nape.
- D
Under the chin A short incision of about 2–3 cm, added only when a neck lift is combined.
- →
Lift direction Tissue moves up and back along a vertical vector, rather than being pulled sideways toward the ear.
Schematic illustration. Exact incision placement is planned for each patient, for example to protect the sideburn and temple hairline.
How the scar heals over 12 months
Because the deep layer carries the lift, the skin is closed with very little tension. Low tension is what lets a facelift scar mature into a fine line. Move the slider to see the typical progression.
Healing stage
Week 1
Fine sutures are in place and the line is red and slightly raised. Sutures come out at around day 7–10.
Healing varies. Darker and Asian skin can stay pink or brown for longer. Silicone gel, sun protection and avoiding smoking all help the scar settle.
Recovery timeline
Most patients are back to everyday activities and comfortable flying home after two to three weeks. Swelling keeps refining for two to three months.
Illustrative curve based on typical recovery; time axis is compressed so the first weeks are easier to read.
- Day 0
Surgery 4–6 hours under general anesthesia. Many clinics keep you overnight for monitoring.
- Day 1–2
First check-up Dressing changed and drains removed if used. You'll wear a compression band and keep your head raised.
- Day 3–5
Peak swelling Swelling and bruising are at their most visible. Cold compresses, rest and a soft diet help. Expect tightness more than sharp pain.
- Day 7–10
Sutures out Stitches are removed. Light makeup can usually cover remaining bruising.
- Week 2–3
Back to daily life Return to desk work and social plans. Final review before most international patients fly home.
- Week 4–6
Exercise Gradual return to the gym and strenuous activity once your surgeon clears you.
- Month 2–3
Result settles Residual swelling resolves and the jawline and mid-face show their final contour.
- Month 6–12
Scars mature Incision lines fade to fine, pale lines.
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Have moderate to advanced sagging, typically in your 40s to 60s
- See your cheeks dropping and deep folds forming around the mouth
- Want structural correction rather than surface tightening
- Value a natural look and results that last 10–15 years
- Are healthy, a non-smoker or willing to stop for several weeks
Another option may suit you better if
- Sagging is early and limited to the jawline: consider a mini facelift or thread lift
- Your main concern is the neck: a neck lift may be enough
- You mainly want firmer skin: non-surgical lifting can help
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Every facelift carries risk. Because the deep plane is close to branches of the facial nerve, choose a surgeon who performs this technique regularly. Ask about: bleeding under the skin (hematoma), temporary numbness or facial weakness, hair thinning near incisions, slow wound healing (higher in smokers), asymmetry and the usual risks of general anesthesia.
Deep plane facelift cost in Seoul
| Procedure | Approximate price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Deep plane facelift | ₩15,000,000 – ₩30,000,000+ |
| Deep plane facelift + neck lift or fat grafting | ₩20,000,000 – ₩40,000,000+ |
Your quote depends on how much sagging needs correcting, the extent of deep-tissue release, any combined procedures, the anesthesia method and the aftercare program. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
Deep plane vs. mini facelift
| Mini facelift | Deep plane facelift | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Early jowls, lower face | Mid-face, folds, jowls, jawline |
| Layer treated | Skin, limited SMAS | Beneath the SMAS, ligaments released |
| Typical age | Late 30s–50s | 40s–60s |
| Operating time | 1.5–3 hours | 4–6 hours |
| Results last | 5–10 years | 10–15+ years |
| Cost | ₩6M–12M+ | ₩15M–30M+ |
Common questions
How is a deep plane facelift different from a SMAS facelift?
A SMAS facelift tightens the SMAS layer from above, usually by folding or trimming it. A deep plane facelift works beneath the SMAS and releases the retaining ligaments, so skin and SMAS move together as one unit. This gives a stronger mid-face lift with less tension on the skin.
Will people be able to see my scars?
The incision runs inside the temple hairline, along the natural fold in front of the ear and in the crease behind it. Once healed, usually after 6–12 months, it fades to a fine line that is hard to notice in conversation.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
Plan for 2–3 weeks. That covers the first check-up, suture removal at day 7–10 and a final review before you fly home.
How long do the results last?
Results typically last 10–15 years or longer. Your face keeps aging, but from a more youthful starting point.
How much does a deep plane facelift cost in Seoul?
Approximately ₩15,000,000 to ₩30,000,000+, or ₩20,000,000 to ₩40,000,000+ when combined with a neck lift or fat grafting. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
Is the recovery painful?
Most patients describe tightness, swelling and numbness rather than sharp pain. Discomfort is usually well controlled with prescribed medication during the first week.
Can it be combined with other procedures?
Yes. It is often combined with a neck lift, facial fat grafting or eyelid surgery for a full facial rejuvenation in one operation.
Other lifting procedures
Gangnam.Health is an independent directory and does not perform surgery. This page is general information, not medical advice. Illustrations are schematic. Prices are approximate ranges at Seoul clinics and vary by case; final pricing and treatment plans are set by the operating surgeon after consultation.
