Anesthesia for a deep plane facelift at RNWOOD: sedation, tests before surgery and monitoring
The Deep Plane Facelift at RNWOOD Plastic Surgery in Seoul is usually performed under IV sedation. The in-house anesthesiologist remains present throughout the entire procedure, continuously monitoring each patient's condition. This page sets out what happens around anesthesia: the information the clinic needs from you, the required tests before surgery, and what is monitored while you are in the operating room.
The type of anesthesia
Dr. Ryu typically performs the Deep Plane Facelift surgery under IV sedation, which may reduce postoperative nausea, minimize the likelihood of intubation-related throat discomfort, and support a more comfortable recovery. General anesthesia is also available for patients who prefer this option. The anesthesiology fee is included in the surgical fee.
The surgery typically takes about four to five hours, and overnight hospitalization is not required.
Tests before surgery
Before the operation, a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) and blood tests are carried out. Where needed, the clinic arranges medical tests, and your medical history and pre-operative test results are reviewed by RNWOOD's dedicated anesthesiologist. Pre-operative tests and laboratory costs are paid separately.
What is monitored during surgery
During the operation, blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation are monitored. The operating room equipment includes monitoring equipment, a sterilizer, a pulse oximeter, an oxygen respirator, a thermometer, a blood pressure monitor and a blood glucose meter.
For emergencies, the clinic keeps airway equipment, including endotracheal tubes and oral and nasal airways, catheters, and emergency medicines such as epinephrine and atropine, among others on its published list.
After the operation
After surgery, you rest in the recovery room for a few hours, and although most patients return home the same day, a one-night stay is available upon request.
Risks of anesthesia
Anesthesia reactions are among the risks of a Deep Plane Facelift, together with the risks of the operation itself. They are listed at the end of this page and explained during the in-person consultation.
Questions and answers
Q1) What anesthesia is used for the Deep Plane Facelift at RNWOOD?
A1) Mainly IV sedation, with RNWOOD's in-house anesthesiologist present throughout the entire procedure. General anesthesia is also available for patients who prefer this option.
Q2) Is the anesthesia fee included?
A2) Yes, the anesthesiology fee is included in the surgical fee.
Q3) Which tests are done before surgery?
A3) A chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram and blood tests.
About the Author
Dr. Min-Hee Ryu is the Medical Director and Founder of RNWOOD Plastic Surgery in Seoul and a plastic surgery specialist certified in Korea (2008). He has been Faculty of the Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC) since 2016, an Editorial Board Member of the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal since 2019, and an Educational Council Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) since 2024.
Deep Plane Facelift — Deep plane facelift involves extensive dissection beneath facial tissues. Risks include anesthesia reactions, bleeding, hematoma, infection, seroma, delayed healing, wound separation, persistent pain, and visible scars. Swelling, bruising, tightness, and numbness can last for months, and hair loss or distortion of the hairline or ear position can occur. Poor blood supply can cause skin loss or tissue death. Nerve injury can cause temporary or permanent weakness, an altered smile, or numbness, and injury to the parotid gland or salivary duct can cause salivary leakage. A postoperative hematoma can require urgent drainage or another operation. General risks include thrombosis or embolism, and a complication can require emergency treatment or additional surgery. No result, symmetry, scar quality, or duration can be guaranteed, and sagging can recur.