AVA Dual-Deep Plane Facelift

Procedure Overview

A facelift surgically repositions the skin, SMAS, and deep tissue structures that have descended with age. AVA Plastic Surgery's Dual-Deep Plane technique employs multi-layer (3-layer) dissection of skin, SMAS, and deep tissue, with the lift performed at the deeper tissue planes (SMAS & deep plane). Because tension at the incision line is shifted onto the SMAS layer rather than the skin, the design aims to minimise tension at the scar line (individual results vary).

The technique follows the midcheek anatomy described by Mendelson BC (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2008) and the deep-plane facelift outcome analysis published by Jacono AA (Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2014).

Indications

• Midface descent · volume loss below the cheekbones
• Deepening of nasolabial folds
• Blurred jawline definition · jowl formation
• Neck laxity · platysmal bands
• Sagging that has recurred after a previous non-deep-plane facelift (revision)

※ Determination of indications and procedural candidacy is made through individual patient evaluation during consultation.

Single-Plane vs Dual-Deep Plane (Technique Comparison)

Reference: Jacono AA. "Deep-plane Facelift Longevity and Outcomes." Aesthet Surg J, 2014.

Surgical Process Summary

1. Pre-operative Consultation & Design — Assessment of ptosis pattern, skin thickness, skeletal structure; incision line design (along preauricular, postauricular, and hairline).
2. Anesthesia — IV sedation combined with local anesthesia (adjusted to each patient's condition).
3. Skin Dissection — After the incision, the skin layer is elevated.
4. SMAS·Deep Plane Dissection — Mobilization of SMAS and deep tissue in a plane that avoids the course of the facial nerve.
5. Lifting·Fixation — The deep layers are repositioned along a superior-posterior vector and secured with non-absorbable sutures.
6. Skin Closure — Excess skin trimming followed by near-tension-free closure.
7. Dressing·Compression — A compression dressing is applied to control swelling before you move to the recovery room.

Recovery Timeline (varies by patient)

• Days 0-3: Peak swelling and bruising. Compression dressing maintained.
• Days 7-10: Sutures removed. Comfortable to go out in public (sunglasses and a mask recommended).
• Weeks 2-4: Return to daily activities possible. Vigorous exercise and sauna restricted.
• 3 Months: 70-80% swelling resolution (individual variation).
• 6-12 Months: Scar colour and texture stabilise. Final contour established.

Risks & Complications — What to Know Before You Decide

As with all surgical procedures, the following side effects and complications may occur, and full disclosure will be provided during consultation.

• Temporary/persistent swelling, bruising, pain
• Temporary sensory changes / numbness (particularly around the ears and cheeks)
• Asymmetry (including possibility of revision)
• Hematoma — Rare but may require urgent intervention
• Temporary facial nerve weakness (resolves spontaneously in the majority of cases; permanent deficit is rare but possible)
• Scarring — Hypertrophic or keloid scarring possible depending on location and individual predisposition
• Skin necrosis — Risk increased with smoking, diabetes, and other risk factors
• Infection — We aim to reduce the risk with appropriate antibiotics and wound care

Single-Surgeon System

AVA Plastic Surgery runs on a single-surgeon model: Dr. Kim Seungsoo performs every operation himself, from the first incision to the final suture. No patient's surgery begins until the one before it is finished, and your operation is never delegated — no ghost surgery. The surgeon you consult is the surgeon who operates and the surgeon who follows your recovery, preserving full continuity of your medical information.

Surgeon — Dr. Kim Seungsoo

• Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon (Medical License 103360, Board Certification 2344)
• Award for Outstanding Paper, Korean Burn Society Academic Conference (2017)
• 6 internationally indexed publications — Archives of Craniofacial Surgery (4 papers) + Journal of Korean Burn Society (2 papers, including 1 first-author)
• Active member, Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons & Korean Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
• Former Director, Brown Plastic Surgery; Former Director, Anhua Aesthetic Clinic Shanghai, China

For detailed credentials, please visit the Surgeon Profile page.

Procedure Details

Peer-Reviewed Literature

1. Mendelson BC. "Surgical Anatomy of the Midcheek and Malar Mounds." Plast Reconstr Surg, 2008.
2. Jacono AA. "Deep-plane Facelift Longevity and Outcomes." Aesthet Surg J, 2014.
3. Park KS, Kim SS, Lee WS et al. "The Algorithm-Oriented Management of Nasal Bone Fracture according to Stranc's Classification System." Archives of Craniofacial Surgery 18(2):97-104, 2017.06.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. How long is the recovery period?

Sutures come out at 7-10 days, most patients return to daily routines within 2-4 weeks, roughly 70-80% of swelling resolves by 3 months, and the final result settles in over 6-12 months (individual variation applies).

Q. What about scarring?

Incisions follow the natural lines in front of and behind the ear and along the hairline. Because the lift is carried at the SMAS layer, tension is drawn away from the skin closure — a design intended to minimize the burden on the scar. How a scar matures varies with individual factors such as healing tendency and smoking.

Q. Will results last a lifetime?

Published studies (Jacono 2015) report deep-plane facelift longevity in the range of 5-15 years. Aging itself continues, so no facelift is permanent, and results vary by individual.

Q. Can I combine this with other procedures?

Combining procedures such as facial fat grafting or eyelid surgery is assessed case by case. We will advise you during your consultation.

Q. What is the cost?

Fees depend on the pattern of sagging, any procedures performed at the same time, and individual factors, so an exact quote is provided by phone or 1:1 consultation. Every patient is quoted the same transparent, fixed prices.

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