AVA Journal

Dr. Seungsoo Kim’s Facelift 101: SMAS Deep-Plane Method, Recovery & vs. Thread Lifting

Dr. Seungsoo Kim2026-09-105 min read

Key Clinical Takeaways (TL;DR)

True facial rejuvenation comes from releasing deep retaining ligaments and repositioning the SMAS layer—never from pulling skin tight.
When the deep SMAS layer carries 100% of the lifting tension, excess skin can be redraped tension-free for fine, concealed scars.
Customizing lifting vectors to your facial skeleton restores midface, jowl, and jawline definition without a wind-swept look.

Planning a facelift in Seoul? Explore our Facelift in Korea: surgery, recovery and before-and-after cases.

What is a facelift?

As people age, our facial line starts to descend including not only the skin but the underlying SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and fat layers. But if you receive lifting treatment that targets the skin-layer alone, it will create unnatural results with limited duration.

A facelift repositions and fixes the sagging SMAS/deep tissue layers, allowing the skin to be re-shaped without unnatural tension. So, the goal of facelift surgery should be about restoring tissue to its natural position rather than aggressive pulling.

How is it different from thread lifting or EBD lifting (HIFU/RF)?

5-layer facial anatomy and SMAS deep-plane lifting vector diagram — AVA Plastic Surgery

Non-surgical lifting (threads, Ultherapy, Thermage): typically considered ‘maintenance treatment’ for early skin sagging or minimal reduction in elasticity

Facelift (surgical): Suitable for more prominent sagging and jowling, directly repositioning deep tissue layers

The choice depends on degree of skin sagging and one way is not superior to the other. In many cases non-surgical method is enough for early skin sagging.

Who is a best candidate for facelift?

Noticeable sagging on the cheek and jowling with deepened nasolabial folds and marionette lines

Reduced jawline definition and loosened jaw-to-neck line

Insufficient improvement from non-surgical lifting

Sagging patterns and skin condition vary by individual; so candidacy for surgical procedure should be determined through in-person evaluation.

Surgical process

Incision will start around the ear to lift and fix the sagging SMAS layer, with excess skin being re-draped. This is typically based on deep plane techniques targeting the deep tissue layer, tailored to each patient's facial structure. Incisions are designed along the natural contours around the ear to minimize visible scar line.

Then, deep-layer dissection is performed to reduce tension around the incision line. This also correlates with minimized scarring.

Recovery period

Swelling/bruising: Most of the swelling typically resolves within 2–3 weeks, while fine settling continues over several months (varies by individual)

Sutures: Removed in multiple follow-up stages depending on incision site condition

Initial tightness and/or stiffness may occur but most resolves within days

Precautions and side effects

Scarring alone the incision line. Extents and recovery period varies by individual

Temporary numbness, swelling, bruising, or asymmetry may occur

Rare surgical complications such as hematoma or infection are possible, so post-operative monitoring is important

Recovery speed and outcomes vary by individual. No surgery can guarantee results, and patients must understand all possible risks before deciding for surgery

Natural Result

One of the biggest reasons why patients are afraid of facelift surgery is that ‘over-pulled’ look. The determining factors for natural outcome are in the surgical design. Not all patients are candidate for the surgery, and if non-surgical method is sufficient, patient should be advised to do those instead.

Why consultation is important

Private 1-on-1 surgical consultation room at AVA Plastic Surgery, Sinsa Station, Seoul

Whether your current status warrants surgery, or could be addressed with non-surgical method can only be determined through in-person evaluation by the board-certified plastic surgeon.

Dr. Seungsoo Kim, Chief Director and Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon at AVA Plastic Surgery

📍 AVA Plastic Surgery Clinic · 4F Insung Building, 603 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (1-min walk from Sinsa Station Exit 4)

🕙 Weekdays 10:00 AM–7:00 PM · Sat 10:00 AM–5:00 PM · Closed Sundays and public holidays

📞 Reservations & consultations: 02-545-1882

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Book Your 1:1 Consultation with Dr. Seungsoo Kim

Whether you are flying in from overseas or living in Korea, Dr. Seungsoo Kim personally oversees every step from initial consultation to surgery and recovery:

📍 AVA Plastic Surgery · 4F Insung Building, 603 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (1-min walk from Sinsa Station Exit 4) · TEL +82 2-545-1882
※ Surgical & Consultation Notice: 1:1 Zoom video consultations provide a preliminary educational assessment; final surgical candidacy and operative plans are confirmed through an in-person clinical examination by Dr. Seungsoo Kim in Seoul. Post-operative complications such as bleeding, infection, swelling, scarring, asymmetry, or sensory changes may occur, and results and recovery vary by individual.

Frequently Asked Clinical Questions (FAQ)

Q. What is the difference between a skin-only facelift and a deep-plane SMAS facelift?

A skin-only lift stretches elastic skin against unreleased ligaments, leading to early relapse and widened scars. A deep-plane SMAS lift releases the retaining ligaments beneath the SMAS and repositions the composite tissue layer cleanly.

Q. Which areas of the face does a deep-plane facelift improve?

It addresses midface cheek descent, heavy nasolabial overhangs, marionette lines, jowls along the mandibular border, and upper neck laxity.

Q. What is the typical recovery timeline in Seoul?

Primary swelling peaks in the first 3–4 days, stitches are removed on day 10, and most patients return home comfortably after 10–14 days.

Facelift consultation in Seoul, Korea

Visit AVA Plastic Surgery near Exit 4 of Sinsa Station, on Gangnam-daero in Seoul. Our clinic is on the 4th floor of Inseong Building, 603 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu. A facelift consultation covers your concerns, previous treatments and recovery plans, including arrangements for your stay in Korea.

Facelift surgery in Korea Meet Dr. Kim Directions to Sinsa Station clinic Request a facelift consultation

Dr. Seungsoo KimBoard-certified plastic surgeon · AVA Plastic Surgery, Seoul · 6 international journal publications

Weekdays	AM 10:00 ~ PM 07:00
Saturday	AM 10:00 ~ PM 05:00
Sunday	Closed

Dr. Seungsoo Kim’s Facelift 101: SMAS Deep-Plane Method, Recovery & vs. Thread Lifting

Book Your 1:1 Consultation with Dr. Seungsoo Kim

Frequently Asked Clinical Questions (FAQ)

Facelift consultation in Seoul, Korea

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