Changing the Deepest Roots,
Leaving No Traces Behind

A.Intrinsically, Dual-Deep Plane produces superior results. Deep Plane dissects beneath the SMAS as a single layer, lifting the skin and SMAS together as one unit. Dual-Deep Plane dissects the skin layer and SMAS layer independently as two separate planes, incising the SMAS and closing it edge-to-edge. The wider dissection of Dual-Deep Plane allows for greater lifting, and the edge-to-edge closure creates a smoother, cleaner contour line. The timeline for recovery improvement is the same for both procedures — 1 to 3 months — however, the larger dissection area of Dual-Deep Plane may result in a slightly more visible step-off contour during the early recovery period. If your priority is the outcome, Dual-Deep Plane is recommended. If you prefer to minimise any step-off during recovery, or if your SMAS is particularly thin, Deep Plane is also an excellent option. Dr Kim Seungsoo makes a tailored decision based on a comprehensive assessment of each patient's SMAS thickness, cheekbone structure, and recovery priorities.

A.Yes, it is. However, applying Deep Plane to patients with prominent cheekbones can cause the SMAS to be folded and sutured over the cheekbone, potentially making the face appear wider. In these cases, Dual-Deep Plane — in which the SMAS is incised and closed edge-to-edge — allows the cheekbone contour to be refined naturally. Dr Kim Seungsoo makes a tailored decision based on a thorough assessment of each patient's cheekbone shape, SMAS thickness, and skin thickness.

A.Whether Deep Plane or Dual-Deep Plane, the recovery improvement timeline is broadly similar. The general stages are as follows. Day of surgery to D+2: peak swelling and bruising. D+10: suture removal, 60–70% improvement. D+14: return to daily activities, approximately 80% recovered. 1 month: residual swelling almost entirely resolved. 1–3 months: step-off contour from the dissection area smooths out and final results can be assessed. 3–6 months: scars fully mature. Because Dual-Deep Plane involves a wider dissection, a slight step-off contour may be more visible during the first 1–2 months; however, both procedures settle smoothly by the 1-to-3-month mark. Once fully established, results typically persist for 10–15 years or more.

A.Tension is concentrated entirely within the SMAS, meaning there is virtually no tension on the skin closure. This principle allows the incision line to heal cleanly, to the point where it becomes nearly imperceptible. Furthermore, the wider skin dissection of Dual-Deep Plane distributes tension more broadly, making scarring even less of a concern compared with conventional lifting techniques. The vast majority of patients find that the incision lines within the hairline are undetectable.

A.Because the SMAS layer — the root cause of facial ageing — is directly corrected, the results are on a completely different level from simple skin tightening. The average duration is 10–15 years, and even as natural ageing continues, you will always look younger than you did before the surgery — the face does not simply return to its pre-operative state.

A.This concern is generally minimal (individual variation exists). The key principle is that tension is applied to the SMAS layer while the skin remains tension-free. The facial nerve runs beneath the SMAS, so precise dissection preserves it. Because no tension is placed on the skin, there is no pulled or overdone appearance — the result is a naturally rejuvenated version of your own face.

A.A facelift is a procedure that must be performed safely by a skilled specialist with precise knowledge of the facial nerve anatomy. Dr Kim Seungsoo carries out meticulous nerve-preserving dissection, drawing on a record of internationally indexed academic publications and more than ten years of clinical experience. Temporary sensory changes are common and typically resolve within 1–3 months. Permanent nerve damage is extremely rare.

A.Thread lifting and HIFU treatments are non-surgical procedures with results lasting approximately 6 months to 2 years; they do not directly manipulate the SMAS layer. A facelift is a surgical procedure in which the SMAS is directly dissected and fixated, with results lasting an average of 10–15 years or more. When sagging is pronounced and significant skin laxity is present, non-surgical treatments have inherent limitations — a facelift offers a fundamental solution.

A.Fundamentally, Dual-Deep Plane produces superior results regardless of ethnicity. However, anatomical differences do influence the choice of technique. Caucasian patients often have a thinner SMAS and flatter cheekbones, so Deep Plane can also deliver excellent results — particularly for those who wish to minimise any step-off contour during recovery. Asian patients more commonly have an average-to-thick SMAS and prominent cheekbones, meaning Dual-Deep Plane — with its edge-to-edge SMAS closure to manage thickness — tends to produce a smoother, more refined outcome. Dr Kim Seungsoo makes a tailored decision based on each patient's anatomical characteristics and recovery priorities.

A.Yes, it is. However, a stabilisation period of at least 6 to 12 months after the primary procedure is required before proceeding. A revision plan is formulated after analysing the original dissection lines and scar placement. Dr Kim Seungsoo has performed a number of revision facelift cases from other clinics.

A.The procedure is performed comfortably under IV sedation. Pre-operative baseline investigations and a pre-surgery consultation are conducted to carefully assess your vital signs, with real-time monitoring throughout the operation.

A.From two weeks prior to surgery, you should discontinue aspirin, anticoagulants, vitamin E, and any herbal or nutritional supplements that thin the blood. Stopping smoking is recommended at least four weeks before the procedure. On the day of surgery, please come to the clinic having fasted.

A.Hair washing is permitted after suture removal (D+7–10). Make-up may be applied to areas away from the closure sites from D+7 onwards; make-up directly over the closure sites is permitted from D+14. Use of sunscreen is recommended from D+7.

A.Gentle walking is permitted from the day after surgery. Light exercise such as yoga or Pilates may be resumed from D+14; more vigorous exercise such as gym training or running from 1 month post-operatively; and saunas or steam rooms from 1 month onwards. Starting activities too early may increase swelling.

A.On the day of surgery, you must be accompanied by a guardian or companion, as anaesthesia means you will not be able to travel home independently. Subsequent follow-up visits may be attended alone.