Extended Deep Plane Facelift

“What is the Extended Deep Plane Facelift? ”

Facelift has always been one of the most demanding surgeries in the plastic surgery field. We experience that our patients who have received successful anti-aging surgeries gain their confidence back in self-love, relationships, and business. A successful facelift gives a smooth jawline without hollow marks and a natural face shape as if you have time-traveled to 15 years ago.

However, it also has been a mystery as some people have artificial looks resulting in an unsatisfactory appearance, excessively tightened skin, and visible scarring. To understand why this happens, we must understand the process of aging on our face. Aged face results from not only the skin but also the subcutaneous fat layer and a special layer called SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System), which is located in between the skin and the muscle layer.

A traditional facelift only lifts the superficial skin flap which does not result in a long-lasting effect and does not give a lifting effect under the cheek area. Moreover, as time goes by, a traditional simple facelift causes secondary sagging skin due to unequal pull in the skin and SMAS layer with a weak facelift surgery fixation. This creates a separation in the layer between the superficial skin and SMAS layer which eventually leaves a large scar on the surgery incision line. The incision should be sutured to the deeper layer of the skin layer to prevent scarring.

Throughout 29 years of plastic surgery experiences, Dr. Lee Myung Ju has researched and witnessed the evolution of facelift history. To achieve a successful facelift, a deep understanding of a facial anatomy with advanced facial rejuvenation techniques are required as the aging process starts from deep down muscle tissues, not just from the superficial skin layer.

Through recent advancements in facelift techniques and facial anatomy, extended deep plane facelift has become a leading surgical method in the plastic surgery field as it provides a superior result in safety, naturality, and longevity compared to other facelifts. The extended deep plane facelift is different from a high-SMAS facelift as it allows greater mobility for surgeons to effectively lift both the deep SMAS and skin layer in the mid-face, resulting in natural and effective lifts in the jawline and mid-face area.

The Extended Deep Plane Facelift focuses on directly lifting and re-mobilizing the anterior loosened facial area by dissecting the important area that directly affects the result, a composite facial layer (skin, fat tissues, and SMAS layer), by cutting the retaining ligaments at the anterior face. This allows direct access to tighten the anterior sagging tissues to relocate the composite layer, thus resulting in a natural appearance, less swelling, less visible incision line, and long-lasting results.

Extended Deep Plane Facelift for Asians

While most of the worldly known facelift techniques focus on Western facial features, Dr.Lee introduces that Asians have different facial anatomy and characteristics requiring a different approach. Because many Asians have definite features as written below, Dr. Lee has found that an Extended Deep Plane Facelift is much more effective for Asians than traditional facelift methods.

Wider distance between the cheekbones
Flatter face with retrusion in the central face
Thicker skin with more fibrous tissue adhesion
Round and heavy face

For patients with above features, Dr. Lee may perform below additional procedures during the facelift. Out of these procedures, buccal fat lift is a key procedure to create a smooth and defined jawline. As Asians have distinctive facial anatomy features, extensive experiences and bespoke techniques tailored to these features are keys to having a successful facelift result.

Superficial jowl line liposuction
Buccal fat removal
Buccal fat lift*

Doctor’s Message

The Extended Deep Plane Facelift is a challenging surgery and only top surgeons with excellent techniques and a comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy can perform it appropriately. Nonetheless, if performed successfully, this sophisticated facial rejuvenation surgery gives a superior result compared to other facelift techniques – thread lifts, mini lifts, and even high-SMAS facelifts. I would like to recommend extended deep plane facelift surgery to patients who are looking for long-lasting, natural, and effective results.

Operation Information

Surgery Time : 4-5 hours
Anesthesia Type : IV sedation (light sleep)
Hospitalization : None
Stitch Removal : 4-7 Days
Recovery Time : 1-2 Weeks

Extended Deep Plane Facelift Technique Compared to Other Facelift Surgeries

EXTENDED DEEP PLANE FACELIFT SURGERY METHOD

Targeted areas: full face, mid-face, nasolabial folds (laugh lines), cheeks, jawline, neck (additional surgery)

STEP 01
Create a small incision line starting from the hairline to either in front of the ear or behind the ear depending on a patient’s skin and aging condition. The scar lines will disappear as time goes by.

STEP 02
Using the incision line, delaminate the SMAS layer under the subcutaneous tissues, release ligamentous tissues in the anterior part of the face, and create a natural and effective redraping result.

STEP 03
Extended Deep Plane Facelift allows an elevation of soft tissues, a volume addition to the mid-face, and a definition to the jawline compared to High-SMAS facelifts and other traditional facelifts.

TEMPLE LIFT SURGERY METHOD

Targeted areas: loosened eyes, eyebrows

MINIMUM INCISION FACELIFT SURGERY METHOD

STEP 01 Create a small incision inside the hairline.

STEP 02 Using the incision line, delaminate the SMAS layer under the subcutaneous tissues and elevate the temple areas.

STEP 03 Consider the patient’s condition in severity and complexity of the aging process and excise the excess skin and fats. Fix the suturing line inside the hairline where it is not visible.

MINIMUM INCISION FACELIFT SURGERY METHOD

Targeted areas: partial cheek areas, partial mid-face area, and partial jawline

STEP 01 Make a minimum incision starting from the hairline, inner ears, and earlobes, to the back of the ear.

STEP 02 Using the minimum incision line, delaminate the SMAS layer under the subcutaneous tissues and pull the skin layer and SMAS layer together.

STEP 03 Consider the patient’s wrinkle lines and the complexity of the aging process and excise the excess skin and fat tissues. Tightly fix the skin and suture them together.

Comparison Between the Different Types of Facelift Surgeries

Extended Deep Plane Facelift Extended Deep Plane Facelift is highly effective for a full face surgery, specifically front and middle part of the face, nasolabial folds (laugh lines), cheeks, jawline, and neck to treat skin laxity, wrinkles, and muscles.

Temple Lift The Temple Lift focuses on the temple areas – eyes, eyebrows, and nasolabial folds by removing excess fats and skin and lifting.

Minimum Incision FaceliftMinimum incision facelift improves lifting in the areas near the cheeks and jawline rather unlike the Extended Deep Plane Facelift which is a full facelift.

Please note that Minimum Incision Facelift and Temple Lift have limitations in the result especially the laugh line areas when compared to the Extended Deep Plane Facelift. For patients looking for a full face-lifting effect, we highly recommend the Extended Deep Plane Facelift.

Why Is the Extended Deep Plane Facelift Better than Other Facelifts?

01) Effectively lifts the mid-face and front side of the face (cheeks, jawline, laugh lines) The Extended Deep Plane Facelift is considered the most advanced technique to effectively lift loosened tissues on the front part of the face. This is allowed because of Dr. Lee’s technique to release the ligamentous area, allowing direct access for a surgeon to freely redrape and lift.

2) Semi-permanent result (10-15 years of anti-aging) The surgery delaminates the SAMS layer and thoroughly removes the surplus fat tissues and unnecessary skin. This fixation is tightly made giving a semi-permanent result.

03) No tightness or tension of the skin Saggy soft tissues and SMAS layer are properly peeled from the facial muscles and put back to the original position to be lifted. This method will not cause deformity in the facial muscles.

Compared to the Extended Deep Plane Facelift, the MACS lift peels only the skin and sutures the SMAS layer with thread; it does not separate the facial muscles and tightens the SMAS layer. As a result, facial expressions may look unnatural.

04) Minimum scarring (essentially invisible) Conventional facelift method leaves a large scar on the front side of the ears, but VIP Dr.Lee’s Extended Deep Plane Facelift resolved this issue. An incision takes place near the ear cartilage line to make it inconspicuous from the front. By using the hair-follicle spearing technique, hair will grow on the incision line. Generally, the incisions will be made on the back side of the ears and the hairline. During first several months of the recovery (at least 6 months), redness may remain. However, this will be almost invisible after 6 months to 12 months.

05) No change in ear shapes Loose skin tissues and SMAS layer will be separated from the facial expression muscles and fixed into the deep temporal fascia to attain rejuvenation. Tissues around the ear area will be separated from the suture and the fixation point to minimize ear deformation. Incision will be made with the avoidance of excessive tension on the skin for less scarring.

Before & After

* Side effects such as inflammation after the surgery may vary by each individuals and may require appropriate treatments. Please check the guideline with the doctor.

Ideal Candidates for Extended Deep Plane Facelift

01 People who want the most advanced full facelift effect

02 People who are in 40-60s

03 People with signs of aging – lack of definition in the jawline, sagging tissues, deep laugh lines

04 People who want to look younger but still look like themselves

05 People who are not satisfied with thread lifts or minor facelift procedures

06 People who have sagging jawline due to two-jaw surgery

How to Maintain Extended Deep Plane Facelift Result

To maintain the result of a facelift procedure, an additional Volume Fat Grafting is recommended. Although patients have different methods to manage their facelift results, consecutive facial fat grafting from 1 to 3 years can be done to maintain the long-lasting results of the facelift procedure. Some minor treatments such as laser, skin treatments, and dermal injections can further help maintain the surgery result.

FAQ

How long do I need to stay?

Recovery takes about 10-12 days and Dr.Lee will be checking your stitches everyday if they are healing properly in order to avoid any complications. We recommend you to stay in Jeju for a minimum of 10 days after the surgery.

I am worried about scarring.

Dr. Lee uses various techniques and know-hows to avoid noticible incision line. When the incision line is carefully designed with proper lifting and dissecting technique, it is barely noticible when it is completely healed. For most cases, Dr. Lee designs the line starting along the hairline to inside the ears to make it least noticible. Dr. Lee uses various techniques and know-hows to avoid noticible incision line. When the incision line is carefully designed with proper lifting and dissecting technique, it is barely noticible when it is completely healed. For most cases, Dr. Lee designs the line starting along the hairline to inside the ears to make it least noticible.

How long does the result last?

The longevity of results primarily depends on your skin properties, daily life and skin routine. Surgery helps to lift the skin, tissues and muscles to the original place where they used to be when you were young. As the normal aging process cannot be stopped and is different for everyone, it is difficult to predict the exact period that surgery results would last. Compared to other techniques and procedures Deep Plane Facelift gives one of the most long-term results.

What anesthesia/sedation is used?

General Anesthesia is used for the facelift and necklift. We offer general anesthesia, IV sedation, and local anesthesia depending on the procedures and surgeries.

How long should I wait for a revision?

A surgery is an intrusive procedure, and it needs time for the tissues to heal before another surgery. For a safe revision, we recommend you to wait for one year before another procedure.

What are the risks?

The risks of facelift may include but not limited to infections, rough stitches, visible scar lines, and unnatural results. Dr.Lee’s extensive experiences in facelift and anti-aging surgeries are dedicated to combat all these risks.

Can you explain the process of the recovery/follow up for that procedure?

After the surgery you will need to come for check-ups everyday until the stitches are out. Stitches will be removed on 4-7th day after the surgery. Doctor check ups will be scheduled for another week. During your recovery time in Jeju, after care such as anti-swelling facial and treatment will be provided. Once you return to your country, there will a monthly follow up communication online until your full recovery.

Is there an age limitation for the surgery?

There is no certain age limitation in order to have a surgery. However, your health condition matters. If you have specific health conditions, please consult with your doctor before considering a facelift surgery.

Can face lift be done alone without neck lift?

It is possible, however, it is usually recommended to be done together to achieve the best results. This is due to anatomical structure and tissues that are connecting the face and neck. In case a patient has a lot of excess skin and weak muscles on the neck it will be affecting the lower part of the face ‘dragging’ the tissues down.

Will my nasolabial folds improve after the face lift?

Deep Plane Face lift can lift nasolabial folds and improve their appearance as well. However, there are certain limitations depending on how deep the nasolabial folds are. In some cases the doctor can suggest fat grafting to improve the nasolabial fold issue and to achieve better results.

Do you have a surgeon who specializes in Face lift?

Yes, Dr. Lee Myung Ju is an excellent expert and has more than 25 years experience with anti-aging surgeries including Face lift. He used different techniques and methods during his practice and keeps learning new ones to provide the best result possible.