NANA BLOG

Deep Plane Facelift Designed for Natural Results and Minimal Scarring

Plastic surgery in Korea at NANA — Gangnam Seoul premium clinic, English staff.
Contents

    Natural Results, Lasting Rejuvenation:
    Deep Plane Facelift in Korea at NANA Plastic Surgery

    A facelift should not simply pull up loose skin. NANA's deep plane lift raises the skin and the deeper SMAS layer as one unit and repositions the retaining ligaments, for a natural result, minimal scarring, and rejuvenation that lasts.

    Are you looking for a facelift in Korea that delivers natural results, minimal scarring, and long-term rejuvenation? At NANA Plastic Surgery in Seoul, we specialize in advanced facelift surgery that goes beyond skin tightening to restore deeper facial contours while preserving your unique facial identity. Our facelift specialists focus on anti-aging surgery, offering both SMAS facelift and deep plane facelift techniques. Each approach is customized to individual facial structure, degree of skin sagging, and aesthetic goals.

    Key Takeaways

    • A deep plane facelift lifts the skin and the deep fascia, the SMAS layer, together as one unit, rather than tightening the skin alone.
    • Releasing and repositioning the retaining ligaments improves sagging in the midface, jawline, and neck, addressing the underlying causes of aging.
    • Anchoring the lift to deeper tissue rather than skin tension supports a tension-free closure, minimal scarring, and less risk of a tight, pulled look.
    • Deep plane results are natural and long-lasting, with results that last 10 to 15 years.
    • The right technique depends on your skin elasticity and degree of sagging, so a personalized consultation comes first.

    SMAS vs. Deep Plane Facelift

    True rejuvenation comes from lifting and repositioning the deeper layers that contribute to facial sagging and wrinkles, not from tightening the surface. NANA offers two structural approaches.

    SMAS layer beneath the skin lifted during facelift surgery at NANA Plastic Surgery Seoul
    SMAS Facelift
    Tightening the deeper layer

    Targets the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a fibrous layer beneath the skin. By tightening this layer along with the skin, it improves sagging and restores youthful contours.

    Deep Plane Facelift
    Lifting from within

    Lifts the skin and deep fascia as a single unit and releases the retaining ligaments, profoundly improving sagging in the midface, jawline, and neck for longer-lasting, more natural results.

      SMAS Facelift Deep Plane Facelift
    What is lifted The SMAS layer along with the skin The skin and deep fascia as a single unit
    Retaining ligaments Tightened at the SMAS level Released and repositioned
    Best suited to Sagging and loss of youthful contour Deeper midface, jawline, and neck sagging
    Result character Firmer, improved contour Longer-lasting and more natural

    Deep plane facelifts provide longer-lasting and more natural results than traditional methods because they address the underlying causes of aging rather than merely tightening the surface.

    Why NANA's Deep Plane Facelift Is Different

    A common concern among facelift patients is the risk of an unnatural tight or pulled appearance. This often results when only the skin is tightened, ignoring the deeper tissues. NANA's deep plane approach avoids this by lifting from within, restoring balance across the face and improving natural facial movement.

    • Releases retaining ligaments for deep support
    • Elevates the SMAS and fascia together, as one unit
    • Restores natural facial movement, not a fixed, static look
    • Provides longer-lasting, balanced rejuvenation
    • Less risk of lateral sweep deformity than surface-only techniques

    Scar-Minimal Incisions for Natural Results

    Scarring is a key concern for many patients considering facelift surgery. At NANA, scar management begins from the first step of surgery. Our technique focuses on precise dissection and stable fixation of both the skin and the deeper layers. By anchoring the lift to deeper tissues instead of relying on skin tension, we create an ideal environment for smooth healing and subtle scars.

    01

    Thin, well-planned incision lines

    Incisions follow the natural contours from behind the ear, preserving the ear's shape and keeping scars discreet and hidden over time.

    02

    Tension-free skin closure

    The skin is closed without excess tension, because the lifting force is carried by the deeper layers rather than the incision line.

    03

    Secure anchoring to deeper tissues

    Fixing the lift to the SMAS and fascia supports both scar quality and the durability of the result as the face ages.

    04

    Postoperative scar care protocol

    Structured aftercare continues the work begun in surgery, supporting smooth, subtle healing of the incision lines.

    This approach not only improves scar quality but also helps maintain lifted results as the face ages.

    Wondering whether an SMAS or deep plane facelift fits your face? Send us a clear front and side photo and our team will review it with the doctors, with no obligation.

    Aging Concerns a Deep Plane Facelift Can Correct

    We treat the root causes of aging with anatomical precision rather than superficial tightening alone.

    Smile lines

    Deep nasolabial folds

    Deep nasolabial folds that cannot be fully lifted with basic techniques can be effectively improved through deep plane lifting combined with mid-face elevation and customized fat repositioning.

    Cheek contour

    Midcheek groove and malar mound

    These features are often caused by strong ligament adhesion and cannot be corrected by fillers alone. Safe ligament release and precise dissection help smooth the cheek contour.

    Lower face

    Marionette lines and buccal sagging

    Sagging, tucked buccal fat is repositioned to reduce puffiness or hollowing without intraoral incisions, which helps minimize nerve risk.

    The Deep Plane Facelift Process at NANA

    Our comprehensive facelift procedure lifts and rejuvenates from the fascia right through to the skin, creating long-lasting, natural results that age gracefully.

    • Release of the retaining ligaments beneath the SMAS, so sagging tissue can be truly repositioned rather than stretched.
    • SMAS tightening for deep structural support that carries the lift.
    • Secure, tension-free skin closure for minimal scarring along the incision lines.
    • Composite lift technique to restore natural facial volume and balance across the face.

    Other Lifting Options at NANA

    A deep plane facelift addresses advanced sagging across the lower face and neck, but it is not the only option. The right technique depends on your skin elasticity and degree of sagging, which is why a personalized consultation comes first. Explore the related options on the Deep Plane Facelift, Micro Facelift, Mini Facelift, Neck Lift, and Thread Lift pages.

     

    Why Choose NANA Plastic Surgery in Seoul

    NANA Plastic Surgery is recognized both locally and internationally for its expertise in advanced facial rejuvenation.

    Accredited by Medical Korea

    A medical institution accredited by Medical Korea for attracting foreign patients, under the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

    Deep Plane and SMAS Expertise

    Board-certified surgeons experienced in both deep plane and SMAS facelift techniques, matched to your facial structure.

    Comprehensive Pre- and Post-Op Care

    A structured care system before and after surgery, including swelling management, supports a smoother recovery.

    Full English Support

    An English-speaking international team coordinates your care, for patients travelling to Seoul from abroad.

    Seoul & Gangnam-Gu Medical Tourism

    Partnering with the Seoul Medical Tourism Alliance and Gangnam-Gu Medical Tourism, in the heart of Korea's aesthetic district.

    Officially Designated Stem Cell Care

    Officially designated for advanced stem cell-based regenerative care, applied to support recovery where suitable.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is a deep plane facelift?
    A deep plane facelift lifts both the skin and the deep fascia, known as the SMAS layer, as a single unit. This allows the retaining ligaments, which weaken with age, to be released and repositioned, improving sagging in the midface, jawline, and neck rather than merely tightening the surface.
    How is a deep plane facelift different from a SMAS facelift?
    A SMAS facelift targets the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a fibrous layer beneath the skin, tightening that layer along with the skin. A deep plane facelift goes further by lifting the skin and SMAS together as one unit and releasing the retaining ligaments, which tends to give longer-lasting and more natural results because it addresses the underlying causes of aging.
    Will a facelift look tight or pulled?
    An unnatural tight or pulled appearance often results when only the skin is tightened while the deeper tissues are ignored. NANA's deep plane approach lifts from within, restoring balance across the face and improving natural facial movement, with less risk of lateral sweep deformity than surface-only techniques.
    How does NANA minimize facelift scarring?
    Scar management begins at the first step of surgery. NANA uses thin, well-planned incision lines placed along the natural contours behind the ear, a tension-free skin closure, secure anchoring of the lift to deeper tissues rather than skin tension, and a postoperative scar care protocol. This creates an environment for smooth healing and subtle scars.
    What aging concerns can a deep plane facelift correct?
    It can improve deep nasolabial folds through mid-face elevation and customized fat repositioning, smooth the midcheek groove and malar mound through safe ligament release and precise dissection, and address marionette lines and buccal sagging by repositioning tucked buccal fat without intraoral incisions, which helps minimize nerve risk.
    How long do deep plane facelift results last?
    Because the lift is carried by the SMAS layer and the repositioned retaining ligaments rather than the skin, a deep plane facelift provides long-lasting rejuvenation, with results lasting 10 to 15 years. Longevity still varies with skin condition, degree of aging, and lifestyle habits.
    Where are facelift incisions placed?
    Incisions are designed to follow the natural contours from behind the ear, preserving the ear's shape and keeping scars discreet and hidden over time. Anchoring the lift to deeper tissues instead of relying on skin tension supports both scar quality and the durability of the result.

    Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All surgical procedures carry risks, and suitability, technique, recovery, and expected results can only be determined through a personal consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon at NANA Plastic Surgery.

    Considering a deep plane facelift in Korea?
    Let our specialists help.