Why I Performed a Deep-Plane Facelift & Eyelid Surgery on My Own Mother — 2-Month Recovery Log

"Dr. Kim, how do I know your facelift and eyelid techniques are truly safe, natural, and long-lasting?" — My answer is simple: on July 13, I stood in the operating room as both a son and a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform a Deep-Plane Facelift and Upper/Lower Blepharoplasty on my own mother.

Hello, I am Dr. Seungsoo Kim, Chief Director and Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon at AVA Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul.

This article documents the pre-operative evaluation, surgical combination, and unretouched 6-week and 2-month recovery photographs from my mother's surgery. From her forehead and eyelids down to her cheeks, jawline, and neck contour, I want to share exactly how I planned and performed her full-face rejuvenation.

Case Summary

• Surgery Date: July 13
• Periorbital (Eye & Brow) Procedures: Endoscopic Forehead Lift · Sub-Brow Lift · Upper Blepharoplasty · Lower Blepharoplasty
• Midface, Jawline & Submental Procedures: Deep-Plane (SMAS) Facelift · Submental Platysmaplasty (Muscle Corset) · Facial Liposuction · Buccal Fat Removal
• Clinical Documentation: Standardized 5-angle clinical photographs (Before, 6 Weeks Post-Op, and 2 Months Post-Op)

01. Pre-Operative Evaluation: Reading the Face as One Connected Structure

Pre-operative 5-angle clinical record (Top: left/right profiles · Middle: left/right 45° obliques · Bottom: frontal view)

Every follow-up photograph is arranged in the exact same five-angle grid so you can compare the structural contours objectively.

In the frontal view, we evaluate overall facial balance and periorbital heaviness with the forehead relaxed. In the 45-degree oblique and profile views, we examine the transition from the cheek to the jawline and the submental neck structure beneath the chin.

When eyes appear heavy or tired, a surgeon must separate eyebrow position from eyelid skin laxity. Likewise, when a jawline loses definition, we must evaluate tissue ptosis, deep fat volume, and submental muscle laxity together. My mother's surgical plan was built around these connected anatomical layers.

02. Why We Combined Deep-Plane Facelift with Upper & Lower Eyelid Rejuvenation

For my mother, we performed a coordinated combination of Forehead Lift, Sub-Brow Lift, Upper Blepharoplasty, Lower Blepharoplasty, Deep-Plane Facelift, Submental Platysmaplasty, Facial Liposuction, and Buccal Fat Removal.

Upper Periorbital Balance: Because the forehead, eyebrow, and upper eyelid form a single connected unit, removing eyelid skin alone when the brow has descended pulls the brow even lower and creates a harsh, crowded look. By combining an endoscopic forehead lift, sub-brow lift, and upper blepharoplasty, each procedure carried its proper share of the correction so her eyes opened brightly and naturally.

Lower Eyelid & Midface Continuity: Lower blepharoplasty smoothed under-eye bulging and laxity so the upper and lower periorbital contours blended seamlessly.

Lower Face & Neck Architecture: Along the lower face and neck, we performed a deep-plane (SMAS) facelift together with submental platysmaplasty (muscle corset), liposuction, and buccal fat reduction — addressing sagging retaining ligaments, heavy jowl/buccal fat compartments, and neck banding simultaneously.

Note: Not every patient requires this full combination. During your 1:1 consultation, we identify which specific anatomical layers need correction for your face.

03. Recovery Milestone: 6 Weeks (1.5 Months) Post-Op

1.5 Months (6 Weeks) Post-Op — Standardized 5-angle clinical record

By six weeks after surgery, major swelling had settled and you can clearly trace the restored continuity from around her eyes down through her cheeks, jawline, and neck.

When I review post-operative milestones, my highest priority is harmony: whether the refreshed periorbital impression connects naturally with the lifted lower face, and whether the patient's unique, beloved facial identity remains completely intact. Because the deep SMAS layer bears the lifting load, the skin heals without unnatural surface pull.

04. Recovery Milestone: 2 Months Post-Op — Natural Warmth & Jawline Definition

2 Months Post-Op — Standardized 5-angle clinical record

At the two-month mark, residual tightness has softened further into natural, effortless movement. Comparing the five angles side by side with her pre-operative photos:

• Frontal View: Restored overall facial balance and bright, comfortable eyes without forehead strain.
• 45° Oblique Views: A smooth, youthful transition from the lower eyelids across the mid-cheek to the jawline.
• Left & Right Profiles: Crisp jawline definition and a clean, elevated submental-to-neck contour.

05. As a Son, and as the Operating Surgeon

"Back to where it originally belonged." — Dr. Seungsoo Kim, AVA Plastic Surgery

The philosophy I share in every consultation — returning deep anatomical structures to where they originally belonged rather than pulling skin tight — was the exact standard I held myself to while operating on my mother. I wanted to preserve everything that makes my mother look like my mother, while gently lifting away the weight of time.

At AVA Plastic Surgery, every patient receives this same 1-on-1 commitment from me personally — from your initial consultation (via 1:1 Zoom Video Consultation for overseas patients or in person in Seoul) through surgery and every stage of recovery.

06. Frequently Asked Questions About This Case

Q. Which procedures were performed together for Dr. Kim's mother?
We combined Endoscopic Forehead Lift, Sub-Brow Lift, Upper Blepharoplasty, Lower Blepharoplasty, Deep-Plane Facelift, Submental Platysmaplasty (muscle corset), Facial Liposuction, and Buccal Fat Removal after evaluating her upper face, midface, jawline, and neck as a single connected unit.

Q. Why evaluate the eyes and jawline together?
When both periorbital hooding and lower-face sagging are present, addressing them in harmony ensures the upper and lower halves of the face look naturally balanced. However, every surgical plan is customized — we only recommend the procedures your anatomy genuinely requires.

Q. Can overseas patients consult with Dr. Kim before flying to Seoul?
Yes. You can book a 1:1 Zoom Video Consultation with Dr. Seungsoo Kim or message us directly on WhatsApp before your trip to review your photos, discuss candidacy, and plan your recovery schedule in Seoul.

07. Book Your 1:1 Consultation with Dr. Seungsoo Kim

Whether you are flying in from Los Angeles, elsewhere in the US, or living in Korea, start by reaching out through our English consultation channels below:

• 📅 Book a 1:1 Zoom Video Consultation or Seoul Clinic Visit (English Booking Hub) →
• ✨ View Deep-Plane Facelift Guide & 1-Year Follow-Up Cases →
• 👁️ View Upper Eyelid, Sub-Brow & Forehead Lift Guide →
• 💬 Chat Directly on WhatsApp (+82 10-3705-3423) →

📍 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 Notice: Post-operative complications such as bleeding, infection, hematoma, scarring, asymmetry, or sensory changes may occur, and results and recovery vary by individual.