Facelift

Extended Deep Plane Facelift

Facelift

2026

A procedure designed for structural improvement, delivering the most natural rejuvenation.

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Overview

Introduction

PROCEDURE OVERVIEW

Benefits

Ideal Candidates

Recovery

Introduction

A facelift is not about pulling the skin tighter. It is a refined facelift surgery designed to restore what time has gently shifted. As we age, the deeper structures of the face begin to descend, creating heaviness along the jawline, folds around the mouth, and a tired, less defined appearance. Dr. Ki-Yup Kim, a specialist in deep plane facelift surgery in Seoul, goes beyond surface-level lifting. Using advanced deep plane facelift techniques, he repositions the underlying facial structure—not just the skin—to restore natural contours of the face and neck. The result is not a different face, but a more refreshed, balanced, and well-rested version of you. You will still look like yourself—just clearer, lighter, and naturally rejuvenated.

Procedure Overview

A natural-looking facelift is not about changing your face. It is a specialized facelift surgery designed to restore facial structures that have gradually descended over time. As we age, not only the skin, but also fat, muscles, and the supporting structures of the face begin to lose support and shift downward. This results in a softened jawline, deeper nasolabial folds, and an overall tired, heavier appearance. Simply tightening the skin cannot correct these changes. For truly natural and long-lasting facelift results, the deeper structures of the face must be repositioned.

Aging doesn’t just sag your face—it makes it wider.

Dr. Ki-Yup Kim, a deep plane facelift specialist in Seoul, Korea, performs advanced extended deep plane facelift surgery beneath the SMAS layer—the key structural layer of the face. This technique allows the SMAS and underlying tissues to be mobilized and repositioned as a single unit, reducing tension on the skin while creating results that are both natural and long-lasting. Rather than pulling the skin alone, the deeper facial structures move together with the skin, helping to avoid an overly tight or artificial appearance while preserving a soft, natural look. Not every patient requires the same approach. Depending on the degree of facial aging and skin quality, less invasive facelift options may be more appropriate. Dr. Ki-Yup Kim carefully analyzes each patient’s facial structure and aging pattern to determine the most effective and personalized treatment plan.

Benefits

The key to a successful facelift is not how much you lift, but where and in what direction the facial tissues are repositioned. Traditional SMAS facelift techniques can improve the jawline and neck to some extent, but they often have limitations when it comes to addressing the midface—the area where facial aging is most noticeable. This is because facial aging is not simply a skin issue. It is caused by deeper structural descent of the facial tissues over time. Dr. Ki-Yup Kim, a deep plane facelift specialist in Seoul, Korea, uses advanced deep plane facelift techniques to release key retaining ligaments and reposition the SMAS and underlying structures as a single unit. This allows the face to be restored to a more natural, youthful position rather than simply being pulled tighter.

Compared to superficial SMAS facelifts, Deep Plane offers more natural, long-lasting results, with minimal tension and less risk in modern facial rejuvenation surgery.

As a result, patients can expect: - Restoration of the midface, improving overall facial balance - Reduced tension on the skin, minimizing the risk of an unnatural or “overdone” appearance - More natural-looking and longer-lasting facelift results The improvement can be significant, yet still appear natural and unoperated. A deep plane facelift is particularly effective for patients with: - Midface descent - Deep nasolabial folds - Loss of jawline definition However, patients with early-stage facial aging or good skin quality may achieve excellent results with less invasive facelift options. Deep plane facelift surgery is technically demanding and requires advanced anatomical knowledge and surgical precision. Dr. Ki-Yup Kim combines extensive experience with a deep understanding of facial anatomy to deliver facelift results that are both safe and naturally refined.

Ideal Candidates

Facelift candidates are typically individuals who have noticeable signs of facial aging, such as deep creases and facial folds, sagging skin, jowls, and loss of facial volume. Good candidates should be in overall good health and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure. You should have ceased smoking at least two weeks prior to the procedure, ideally with no intention of starting again after surgery. This complex procedure is designed to improve the appearance of wrinkles, skin laxity, jowls, and other age-related changes by restoring smoother contours and a more youthful, refreshed appearance. While the procedure can create significant and long-lasting improvement, it does not stop the natural aging process. Understanding both the benefits and limitations of a facelift is essential for achieving satisfying outcomes.

Recovery

A few hours after your procedure, you will be discharged from the clinic and can return to your accommodation accompanied by a friend or family member. Someone should stay with you for the first two days to support your recovery. As Dr. Kim performs the surgery under sedation rather than general anesthesia, most patients feel comfortable afterward. You will be provided with appropriate pain relief, antibiotics, and anti-nausea medication if needed before discharge.

Following surgery, a supportive head garment will be worn for one week. We recommend resting for the first 48 hours and sleeping on your back to promote optimal healing. Most patients are able to return to work after approximately three weeks. Dr Kim advises avoiding strenuous activity for the first two weeks, with gym workouts and sports postponed for an additional four weeks, as excessive movement can interfere with healing and increase the risk of bleeding.

Also our clinic has one of the best adjuvant therapies including healing lasers, LDM, IV and HBOT for the best result and recovery. Skincare regime post-op is also important in order to maintain results and Dr Kim also offers patient-specific advice on this as standard as part of the procedure price.