What is a deep plane facelift?
With age, the cheek fat pads slide down, the jawline softens into jowls and the neck loosens. A skin-only lift pulls on the surface, which is why it can look tight and fade quickly. A deep plane facelift works one layer deeper: the surgeon releases the zygomatic and mandibular retaining ligaments and lifts the SMAS together with the overlying fat as a single composite flap.
Because the lift is carried by the deep layer, the skin is redraped without tension. Expressions stay natural, scars stay fine, and the nasolabial folds, marionette lines and neck improve together. At UE Plastic Surgery it is often combined with a neck lift or lower blepharoplasty in one operation.
Who is a good candidate?
- Midface descent — flattened cheeks, deeper tear troughs and heavy nasolabial folds.
- Jowls and a blurred jawline that fillers or lasers no longer correct.
- Neck laxity or bands , usually treated in the same session with platysmaplasty.
- A previous facelift that has relaxed — see revision facelift.
- Good general health , non-smoker or willing to stop 4 weeks before and after surgery.
If your concern is early laxity in your 30s or 40s, a mini facelift or non-surgical options such as Ultherapy and Thermage FLX may be enough. Dr. Lee will tell you if surgery is not the right answer.
Deep plane vs SMAS vs mini facelift
| Deep plane | SMAS lift | Mini lift | |
| Layer lifted | SMAS + fat, ligaments released | SMAS folded or tightened | Limited SMAS / skin |
| Best for | Midface, jowls and neck together | Moderate jowls | Early, lower-face laxity |
| Typical longevity | 10+ years | 7–10 years | 3–5 years |
| Downtime | About 2 weeks | About 2 weeks | About 1 week |
Longevity depends on skin quality, weight stability, sun exposure and smoking. These ranges reflect published experience and Dr. Lee's own follow-up of patients.
How the procedure works
Before & after
Before
After
More cases are in our before & after gallery.
Recovery timeline
| Day 1–3 | Head elevated, compression garment, drains removed. Tightness and numbness are normal. |
|---|---|
| Day 7 | Stitch removal. Most patients go out with light make-up. |
| Day 10–14 | Bruising fades; fit-to-fly check with Dr. Lee before you leave Korea. |
| Week 3–4 | Return to exercise and normal routine. |
| Month 3–6 | Final contour settles; sensation returns fully. |
“The goal is not a different face. It is your face, the way it looked when you were less tired.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorRisks, honestly
Every surgery has risks. For a deep plane facelift these include haematoma, temporary weakness of facial nerve branches (usually recovering within weeks), numbness around the ears, visible scarring and asymmetry. We reduce them through careful patient selection, blood-pressure control after surgery and daily follow-up while you are in Seoul. We will not promise what cannot be done.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a deep plane facelift last?
Most patients keep a visible improvement for 10 years or more. Your face continues to age, but from a younger starting point.
How long do I need to stay in Korea?
We recommend 10–14 days: stitches come out around day 7 and Dr. Lee checks you before your flight.
Will people be able to tell I had surgery?
Because tension is placed on the deep layer, not the skin, the result looks rested rather than pulled. Incisions sit in the natural creases around the ear.
Can it be combined with eyelid surgery?
Yes. Upper or lower blepharoplasty and brow lift are commonly done in the same session, which means one anaesthetic and one recovery period.
How much does a deep plane facelift cost in Seoul?
Cost depends on whether the neck, eyes or fat grafting are included. You will receive an itemised quote after your free consultation, by WhatsApp or in clinic.
Who performs my surgery?
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung personally performs the consultation, the surgery and your follow-ups. There is no hand-over to another surgeon.