AVA Dual-Deep Plane Facelift

Procedure Overview

Facelift surgery is a surgical technique that repositions sagging skin, SMAS, and deep tissue structures due to aging. AVA Plastic Surgery's Dual-Deep Plane technique employs multi-layer (3-layer) dissection of skin, SMAS, and deep tissue, with lifting performed at the deep layers (SMAS & deep plane). This design distributes skin tension at incision sites to the SMAS layer, pursuing minimal scar burden (individual variation exists).

This technique is based on international standard anatomical literature (Mendelson BC, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2008) regarding mid-cheek anatomy and Jacono AA, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2014 analysis of deep-plane facelift outcomes.

Indications

• Midface ptosis · volume loss below malar region
• Deepening of nasolabial folds
• Blurred jawline definition · jowl formation
• Neck laxity · platysmal bands
• Recurrent ptosis following previous non-deep-plane facelift (revision surgery)

※ 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 — Evaluation of ptosis pattern, skin thickness, skeletal structure; incision line design (along preauricular, postauricular, and hairline).
2. Anesthesia — Procedural sedation + local anesthesia-based approach (adjusted per individual patient status).
3. Skin Dissection — Post-incision skin layer separation.
4. SMAS·Deep Plane Dissection — Mobilization of SMAS·deep tissue in a safe plane that avoids facial nerve course.
5. Lifting·Fixation — Repositioning in superior-posterior vector at deep layers, followed by non-absorbable suture fixation.
6. Skin Closure — Excess skin trimming followed by near-tension-free closure.
7. Dressing·Compression — Compression dressing for edema management, then transfer to recovery room.

Recovery Timeline (Individual Variation)

• Days 0-3: Peak swelling and bruising. Compression dressing maintained.
• Days 7-10: Suture removal. Social activities possible (sunglasses and 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 color and texture stabilization. Final contour settled.

Possible Side Effects & Complications (Mandatory Disclosure §56)

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 numbness (particularly around ears and cheeks)
• Asymmetry (including possibility of revision)
• Hematoma — Rare but may require urgent intervention
• Temporary facial nerve weakness (most cases naturally resolve; permanent possibility low but not zero)
• Scarring — Hypertrophic or keloid scarring possible depending on location and individual predisposition
• Skin necrosis — Risk increased with smoking, diabetes, and other risk factors
• Infection — Risk minimized through appropriate antibiotic prescription and management

Single-Surgeon System

AVA Plastic Surgery operates a single-surgeon responsibility system where only Dr. Kim Seungsoo enters the operating room. The next patient's procedure does not begin until the current patient's surgery is completed. Zero proxy surgery. Consultation, surgery, and post-operative care are all managed by the same surgeon, ensuring continuity of 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 SCI-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.

International Standard 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?

Suture removal at 7-10 days, return to daily activities at 2-4 weeks, 70-80% swelling resolution at 3 months, final settling at 6-12 months (individual variation).

Q. What about scarring?

Incision lines follow the preauricular, postauricular, and hairline. The design of lifting at the SMAS layer distributes skin tension, pursuing minimal scar burden. Scar appearance may vary individually based on predisposition, smoking status, etc.

Q. Will results last a lifetime?

International literature (Jacono 2014) reports deep-plane facelift longevity in the range of 5-15 years. As aging continues, results are not permanent, and individual variation exists.

Q. Can other procedures be performed simultaneously?

Simultaneous procedures such as facial fat grafting or eyelid surgery are evaluated based on individual patient status. Guidance will be provided during consultation.

Q. What is the cost?

Pricing varies based on ptosis pattern, concurrent procedures, and individual characteristics, so exact quotes are provided via phone or 1:1 consultation. Transparent, uniform pricing for all patients.

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