Deep Plane Facelift vs SMAS Facelift: Key Differences Explained by a Korean Expert

Facial rejuvenation surgery has seen tremendous advancements in recent years, especially in Korea, where surgical precision and artistry are highly valued. Among the most effective options for turning back the clock are the deep plane facelift and the SMAS facelift—two powerful techniques used to reverse aging in the mid- and lower face.

But which one is right for you?

What’s the difference?

And how do you choose between them?

In this guide, we’ll explore how each face lift works, their key advantages and limitations, and why choosing the best Korean facelift surgeon is critical for long-lasting, natural-looking results.

What Is a Face lift?

A face lift (also called rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to correct sagging skin, jowls, deep nasolabial folds, loose skin, and deep creases. 

By tightening and repositioning underlying structures, a face lift restores youthful contours to the jawline, cheeks, and lower face. Repositioning soft tissues is key to achieving natural results. In addition to these improvements, excess fat in the jowls and neck can also be removed or repositioned during face and neck lift procedures.

The face consists of five layers—skin, fat just underneath the skin(subcutaneous fat or superficial fat), SMAS(Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System), facial spaces(under the SMAS, where nerves and retaining ligament runs), and deep fascia.

Advanced face lift techniques target deeper tissues, including muscles and connective tissue, for more natural and long-lasting results. The most advanced facelift techniques in Korea differ based on how deeply the surgeon works and which layer is lifted. The SMAS layer is a type of connective tissue that supports facial structure.

What Is a SMAS Facelift?

A SMAS facelift targets the Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System, a layer of connective tissue ‘beneath the superficial fat’ that supports the facial tissues and plays a key role in facial structure.

Types of SMAS facelift include:

• High SMAS face lift (Dr. Marten)
• Extended SMAS face lift (Dr. Stuzin)
• SMAS plication
• SMASectomy

These techniques involve repositioning the facial tissues, including muscles and ligaments, for rejuvenation.

The most classic form is known as a dual-plane or bilamellar facelift, also referred to as a traditional SMAS face lift, where the skin and SMAS layers are dissected separately and pulled in different vectors. This approach is widely used in among top facial rejuvenation surgeons in Korea. 

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane face lift or in previous terms composite face lift, is an procedure that targets deeper facial tissues without dissecting skin and SMAS layers separately. This technique needs less subcuatneous dissection.

This also lifts the skin and SMAS together as one unit. 

Rather than pulling the layers separately, the surgeon accesses a deeper anatomical plane—beneath the facial retaining ligaments—and releases the midface and jowls en bloc. Like SMAS technique, the deep plane technique also works beneath the SMAS and platysma, addressing the deeper layers of the face for enhanced rejuvenation.

Although this method has recently gained attention due to aggressive marketing, it offers nothing new—it was introduced over 30 years ago under the name "composite facelift," and achieves midface rejuvenation by lifting the nasolabial folds and cheek pads.

Although this technique provides notable rejuvenation, many experienced facelift surgeons regard it as technically less demanding than the bilamellar facelift.

Dual-Plane (SMAS) Facelift: Pros and Cons

✅ Advantages

1) Allows separate vector control for skin and SMAS

• Produces a more natural outcome in aging faces
• Reduces risk of “wind blown” or pulled look
• Time-tested method favored by many top facelift surgeons in Korea
• Primary benefits include natural-looking results, improved facial harmony, and enhanced social impressions without a ‘done’ appearance
• Helps patients achieve their desired outcomes for facial rejuvenation by aligning surgical technique with individual aesthetic goals
• It can be applied to all facial types.

❌ Disadvantages

1) Longer surgery time due to two-plane dissection

• Since the subcutaneous layer must be dissected more extensively, the procedure takes longer to perform

2) Technically demanding (steep learning curve)

• Higher risk of skin slough or necrosis in thin-skinned patients or smokers

3) May need 1 week more recovery process compare to deep plane technique.

• Due to the need for wider subcutaneous dissection and dual-layer elevation, swelling and bruising may be more pronounced compared to the composite facelift.

Deep Plane Face lift: Pros and Cons

✅ Advantages

1) Shorter surgery time (single dissection plane, narrow skin undermining)

• Lower risk of skin necrosis (preserved blood supply)

2) Recently got more more keywords traffic among patients, even this actually is a marketing buzz words

• Given its marketing appeal, more surgeons are inclined to promote this technique

3) Less surgically expertise required

4) Short recovery time compare to dual plane technique

• Recovery is about one week faster then classic SMAS rhytidectomy

❌ Disadvantages

1) Skin and SMAS are pulled in the same direction

• May result in unnatural tension if not performed carefully
• Lateral sweep appearance can happen
• Risk of Joker deformity (cross-cheek depression or joker line)

2) Not for all kinds of facial shape

• Less customizable for certain facial shapes
• If the patient is not properly selected, the results can make the face appear wider.

Why Vector Direction Matters in Face lift Surgery

Facial aging occurs in multiple layers, each aging at a different rate and direction. For natural results, these layers must be lifted strategically, not uniformly.

• Pulling skin with incorrect direction(e.g. vertically) can lead to bunching or unnatural folds
• Pulling SMAS laterally makes unnatural facial expression as axis of facial muscle has been changed

Proper vector direction helps address facial wrinkles, deep wrinkles, and marionette lines, resulting in smoother, more youthful facial contours.

At Noonopi Plastic Surgery in Seoul, our first choice for most patients is bilamellar face lift techniques that respect each layer’s natural aging process. As a clinic focused on high-precision aesthetic surgery, we believe a dual-plane approach offers better control and superior outcomes. The key differences between face lift techniques lie in how effectively they target facial wrinkles, deep wrinkles, jowls, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines, as well as the overall naturalness and longevity of the results.

Recovery Process: What to Expect After Your Face lift

The recovery process following face lift surgery is a vital part of achieving a smooth, rejuvenated appearance. After your face lift procedure, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which your board certified plastic surgeon will help you manage with appropriate pain relief and detailed post-operative instructions. Carefully following your plastic surgeon’s advice—such as keeping your head elevated and avoiding strenuous activities—will support a safe and efficient recovery process. Most patients are able to resume their normal routines within 1–2 weeks, although it may take an additional 1–2 weeks before returning to work or engaging in social activities. Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments allows your plastic surgeon to monitor your healing and address any concerns promptly. By prioritizing your recovery, you help ensure the best possible outcome and a beautifully rejuvenated appearance.

Risks and Complications of Face lift Surgery

Every surgical procedure, including facelift surgery, comes with potential risks and complications that should be carefully considered. Common risks include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, and reactions to anesthesia. There is also a possibility of nerve injury, which can affect the facial muscles and may result in temporary or, rarely, permanent changes in sensation or movement. While most face lift incisions are placed discreetly to minimize scarring, some visible scarring can occur. In certain cases, revision surgery may be needed to correct asymmetries or achieve the desired results. Factors such as smoking or underlying health conditions can increase the likelihood of complications, making it essential to choose a highly qualified plastic surgeon who can assess your individual risk profile. Open communication with your surgeon about your medical history and expectations is key to minimizing risks and ensuring a safe face lift procedure.

Maintaining Your Face lift Results

To prolong the youthful appearance and rejuvenated look achieved with face lift surgery, it’s important to adopt healthy lifestyle habits and consider ongoing care. Protecting your facial skin from sun exposure by using high-SPF sunscreen, wearing hats, and seeking shade helps prevent further skin aging. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, regular exercise, and staying hydrated all contribute to maintaining your results. Non-invasive cosmetic treatments, such as facial fillers, Botox, or chemical peels, can address minor concerns and help preserve your rejuvenated appearance over time. Regular skin care and periodic check-ins with your plastic surgeon or dermatologist will ensure your face lift results remain natural and long-lasting. By combining these strategies, you can enjoy the benefits of your facelift surgery for many years to come.

Which Facelift Is Right for You?

Choosing between a deep plane facelift and a SMAS facelift depends on several factors:

• Age and degree of skin laxity
• Facial volume loss
• Midface vs jawline dominance
• Downtime preference

• Your surgeon’s experience in both techniques

  

For more comprehensive facial rejuvenation and to achieve your desired outcomes, additional procedures such as brow lift, eyelid surgery, and neck lift or neck lifts can be combined with facelifts. Combining these procedures allows for more complete and harmonious results, addressing multiple areas of facial aging in a single surgical plan.

Working with the best Korean face lift surgeon ensures that your treatment plan is tailored to your unique anatomy and aging pattern—not just the trendiest technique.

Why Choose Noonopi Plastic Surgery?

At Noonopi Plastic Surgery, located in the heart of Gangnam, our team includes experienced plastic surgeons specializing in facial plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. We provide:

• Expert evaluation by a board-certified plastic surgeon
• Comprehensive facial rejuvenation planning, including the upper and lower eyelids
• Detailed assessment of facial aging and SMAS positioning
• Customized facial rejuvenation surgery plans
• Direct communication with the doctor is available in English
• Postoperative care, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy for faster healing

📌 Interested in facelift surgery in Korea or not sure which technique is right for you?

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