Deep Plane Facelift

Results

Overview

A deep plane facelift repositions deeper facial tissues after the surgeon releases selected retaining ligaments. The operation can address midface descent, jowls, lower-face laxity, and reduced jawline definition.

It can soften nasolabial and marionette folds. It cannot stop aging or guarantee a specific appearance, symmetry, or result duration.

It does not directly correct brow position, eyelid changes, fine wrinkles, pores, pigmentation, scars, or sun-damaged skin.

Who may be a candidate

The procedure can be suitable for adults with midface descent, jowls, lower-face laxity, or reduced jawline definition. Candidates must have suitable general health and realistic goals.

The surgeon can delay or advise against surgery when a health condition, medicine, or nicotine exposure increases risk. The procedure may not suit concerns caused mainly by skin texture, pigmentation, eyelid position, brow position, or bone structure.

Dr. Ryu assesses facial anatomy, health, medicines, nicotine exposure, previous treatments, previous surgery, and the patient's goals during consultation.

Dr. Ryu's approach

Each plan is individual. Dr. Ryu releases selected retaining ligaments in the sub-SMAS plane and repositions the deeper facial tissues.

A High-SMAS component can help reposition the anterior midface and lower face. The exact dissection and direction of lift depend on the patient's anatomy.

A neck lift or submentoplasty is a separate procedure when the neck also needs treatment. The consultation identifies each planned procedure, incision, risk, and price.

The technique aims to reposition deeper tissue without depending only on skin tension. It does not guarantee invisible scars or a safer, better, or longer-lasting result.

Dr. Ryu has performed 3,000+ Deep Plane Facelift cases. RNWOOD schedules only one facelift surgery per day.

Anesthesia, monitoring, incisions, and scars

RNWOOD performs this procedure with local anesthesia and sedation administered by Dr. Ryu. The team monitors blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation during surgery.

One nurse and one consultant supervise recovery and discharge.

The incision pattern depends on the treatment plan. Incisions can follow the temporal hairline and the natural contours around the ear. They can extend into the lower scalp.

Scars are permanent. They can widen, thicken, remain visible, or develop an unfavorable color or texture. Temporary or permanent hair loss can occur near an incision.

The hairline, sideburn, ear, or earlobe position can change. The surgeon explains the planned incision pattern before surgery.

Recovery and aftercare

The clinic normally recommends a compression garment for about 3 days. The clinical team can change this instruction when the patient's condition requires it.

Sutures are always removed on postoperative day 7. Plan to remain in Seoul for 7 to 10 days after surgery.

Recovery can continue through day 10, depending on the patient's progress. Do not fly home until the clinical team confirms that you are fit to travel.

Daily postoperative treatment and follow-up visits are included during the recommended 7 to 10-day recovery period. The clinic also includes up to three hair-washing sessions.

Swelling and bruising can hide the result for several months. Firmness, tightness, numbness, scars, and hair changes can continue for one year or longer.

The clinical team gives individual wound-care, medicine, activity, and emergency instructions. Patients can contact the team through their designated WhatsApp group after hours.

Material risks and limitations

Deep plane facelift surgery requires extensive dissection beneath facial tissues.

Risks include anesthesia reactions, bleeding, hematoma, infection, seroma, delayed healing, wound separation, persistent pain, and unfavorable or visible scars.

Other risks include prolonged swelling, bruising, skin discoloration, contour irregularity, asymmetry, tightness, numbness, itching, and altered skin sensation.

Poor blood supply can cause delayed healing, skin loss, fat necrosis, tissue death, wound breakdown, or reconstructive treatment.

Hair loss can occur around the incisions. The hairline, sideburn, ear, or earlobe position can become distorted.

Sutures can become visible, palpable, irritated, infected, or exposed. They can require removal.

Deep plane dissection can injure facial motor nerves or sensory nerves. Nerve injury can cause temporary or permanent weakness, paralysis, an altered smile, asymmetry, numbness, pain, or abnormal sensation.

Injury to the parotid gland or salivary duct can cause fluid collection, salivary leakage, a sialocele, or a salivary fistula.

A postoperative hematoma can damage skin and deeper tissues. It can require urgent drainage or another operation.

General risks include deep-vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart or lung complications, stroke, medication reactions, transfusion, permanent injury, or death.

A complication can require emergency treatment, hospital admission, blood transfusion, drainage, scar treatment, or additional surgery.

Deep plane technique does not eliminate complications. It does not guarantee a safer, better, or longer-lasting result than another facelift technique.

Perfect symmetry cannot be achieved or guaranteed. Existing asymmetry can remain or become more noticeable.

Residual or recurrent facial laxity, jowling, or contour irregularity can occur. Results change with aging, gravity, sun exposure, illness, tissue quality, lifestyle, and weight change.

Nicotine exposure, previous surgery, health conditions, medicines, and postoperative care can affect safety and results.

No result, scar quality, symmetry, duration, complication-free recovery, or freedom from revision surgery can be guaranteed. Revision surgery can become necessary and cannot guarantee full correction.

Frequently asked questions

What can a deep plane facelift improve?

It can improve midface descent, jowls, lower-face laxity, and selected folds. The possible change depends on the patient's anatomy and tissue quality.

Does it include a neck lift?

No. A neck lift or submentoplasty is added only when the consultation identifies a need for separate neck treatment.

When are sutures removed?

Sutures are always removed on postoperative day 7.

How long should an international patient stay in Seoul?

Plan for 7 to 10 days. Do not fly home until the clinical team confirms that you are fit to travel.

How long do results last?

No duration is guaranteed. Aging, gravity, sun exposure, illness, lifestyle, and weight change continue to affect the face.