In today’s aesthetic world, facial rejuvenation no longer comes in a single form. Patients now have an impressive range of treatments to help them look refreshed, from non-invasive procedures that promise skin tightening and contouring to advanced surgical techniques that restore youthful structure.

At RNWOOD Plastic Surgery in Apgujeong, Seoul, we specialize in helping each patient understand where they stand on this spectrum. Choosing between a non-surgical lift and a Deep Plane Facelift is not simply about preference — it’s about anatomy, goals, and the longevity of results you desire.

Under the direction of Dr. Minhee Ryu, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and recognized authority on deep plane facelift techniques, RNWOOD offers both surgical precision and comprehensive, regenerative aftercare. This article will help you understand the differences between non-surgical and surgical options, so you can make an informed, confident choice.

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

The Deep Plane Facelift represents the most advanced and anatomically precise method of facial rejuvenation available today. Unlike traditional facelifts that tighten only the skin or superficial layers, the deep plane approach lifts and repositions the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and deep ligamentous structures that support the face.

By releasing and re-suspending these deeper layers, Dr. Ryu restores the natural foundation of youth — enhancing midface volume, smoothing nasolabial folds, and redefining the jawline and neck without the “tight” or overdone appearance often associated with older facelift methods.

Key advantages of the Deep Plane Facelift include:

Natural results: Because the deeper tissues are repositioned, the skin isn’t pulled tight; it simply drapes naturally over a rejuvenated foundation.
Comprehensive lift: Addresses sagging in the midface, jowls, and neck simultaneously.
Durability: Results typically last 10–15 years, aging gracefully over time.
Enhanced volume: The technique restores the youthful contour of the cheeks by elevating descended fat pads.

At RNWOOD, each facelift is carefully tailored to your unique anatomy. Dr. Ryu performs only one surgery per day, ensuring full focus and meticulous artistry for every patient.

What to Expect from a Deep Plane Facelift at RNWOOD

Every facelift journey at RNWOOD begins with a detailed consultation. Dr. Ryu analyzes facial proportions, skin elasticity, fat distribution, and the degree of soft tissue descent. The plan is always bespoke — sometimes combined with complementary procedures like fat grafting, blepharoplasty, or neck lift for a harmonious rejuvenation.

Surgical time: Approximately 4–6 hours
Anesthesia: Local with sedation or general (based on comfort and case complexity)
Recovery: Most patients return to normal social activities within 2–3 weeks

RNWOOD provides comprehensive recovery care, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Healite LED sessions, vitamin IVs, and personalized dressing changes. This regenerative approach minimizes swelling, accelerates healing, and supports long-lasting tissue vitality.

Patients also enjoy concierge-level support — including airport pickup, partnered hotel stays, and bilingual care staff fluent in English, Japanese, and Chinese — ensuring a smooth experience from arrival to full recovery.

Non-Surgical Alternatives: Gentle Approaches to Facial Rejuvenation

Not everyone is ready for surgery, and not everyone needs it. For patients with mild skin laxity, early aging changes, or limited downtime, non-surgical treatments can provide visible improvement and help maintain youthful skin quality.

Here are the most common non-surgical facial lifting options available at RNWOOD and other advanced clinics in Seoul:

1. Ultrasound Lifting (Ulthera® or Shurink®)

This treatment uses focused ultrasound energy to heat the deeper layers of skin, stimulating collagen production and resulting in mild tightening over several months.

Best for: Mild to moderate laxity along the jawline or brow
Downtime: Minimal (some redness for a few hours)
Duration of results: 6–12 months

2. Radiofrequency Lifting (Thermage® or Scarlet RF)

RF devices deliver heat through the dermis to contract existing collagen fibers and trigger new growth. The effect is subtle but can improve texture and firmness.

Best for: Early aging signs and skin texture improvement
Downtime: None
Duration of results: 6–12 months

3. Thread Lifting

Polydioxanone (PDO) or polylactic acid (PLA) threads are inserted under the skin to create a mild lifting effect. The threads also stimulate collagen as they dissolve over time.

Best for: Early sagging, particularly in patients under 40
Downtime: Mild swelling and bruising for several days
Duration of results: 6–18 months

4. Injectable Treatments (Fillers & Botox®)

Injectable fillers restore lost volume in areas like the cheeks, temples, and nasolabial folds. Botulinum toxin relaxes dynamic wrinkles and refines facial expression.

Best for: Volume restoration, smoothing fine lines
Downtime: Minimal
Duration of results: 6–18 months (depending on material)

5. Fat Grafting

A minimally invasive option performed under light sedation, fat grafting uses your own purified fat to restore youthful fullness. At RNWOOD, Dr. Ryu often enhances fat grafting with stem cell–enriched fat to improve survival and skin quality.

Best for: Volume loss, hollow cheeks, temples, and under-eyes
Downtime: About 1 week
Duration of results: Several years, with gradual integration

Comparing Non-Surgical vs. Deep Plane Facelift

Aspect	Non-Surgical Treatments	Deep Plane Facelift
Target depth	Skin & superficial tissue	Deep SMAS and ligament layers
Ideal candidates	Mild laxity, early aging	Moderate to severe sagging
Results visible	Gradual (1–3 months)	Immediate, improving over 6 months
Longevity	6–18 months	10+ years
Downtime	Minimal	2–3 weeks
Anesthesia	None or topical	Sedation/general
Naturalness	Depends on injector skill	Highly natural with deep plane technique
Cost range	Lower initial cost, requires repetition	Higher one-time cost, long-lasting outcome

Non-surgical treatments can be excellent maintenance tools — especially for younger patients — but they have limitations. They cannot reposition descended ligaments or correct deep jowling and neck banding.

The Deep Plane Facelift, on the other hand, directly addresses the root cause of facial aging: the descent of the SMAS and deep fat pads. By lifting these structures, it re-establishes natural youthful contours that non-surgical methods can only mimic temporarily.

Who Should Consider Each Option

Ideal Candidates for Non-Surgical Treatments

Patients in their 30s to early 40s with early skin laxity
Individuals seeking subtle improvement without downtime
Those not ready for surgery but wanting to maintain collagen and elasticity
Patients desiring a “lunchtime lift” before an event

Ideal Candidates for a Deep Plane Facelift

Patients in their mid-40s to 70s with visible jowls, sagging cheeks, and neck laxity
Individuals who have tried non-surgical treatments but want lasting structural rejuvenation
Patients seeking the most natural, long-term transformation
Those prioritizing anatomical correction and facial harmony over temporary surface tightening

Aging Gracefully: Combining Both Approaches

At RNWOOD, rejuvenation is not a one-time event — it’s a journey. Many patients combine both strategies for a balanced, long-term plan.

For example:

In the 30s–40s, non-surgical tightening, fillers, and skincare help maintain firmness and slow aging.
In the 40s–50s, when the deeper structures begin to descend, a Deep Plane Facelift can reset the foundation.
Post-facelift, maintenance treatments like LED therapy, light RF, or regenerative skincare help preserve results for years.

This integrated philosophy ensures patients age gracefully and naturally, with minimal interventions over time.

RNWOOD’s Unique Philosophy: One Face, One Day

Dr. Minhee Ryu founded RNWOOD Plastic Surgery with a clear principle — focus on quality, not quantity. By performing only one major surgery per day, he dedicates his full attention to each patient’s anatomy, artistry, and safety.

The clinic’s boutique model also means every detail of recovery is meticulously planned. After your procedure, the RNWOOD team guides you through personalized care: gentle cleansing and shampoo service, nutritional recovery meals, and comfortable lounge spaces designed to make healing calm and private.

This personalized, high-touch experience reflects Dr. Ryu’s belief that the best results come from precision, patience, and partnership.

Choosing What’s Right for You

The choice between non-surgical treatments and a Deep Plane Facelift depends on where you are in your aesthetic journey. If you’re beginning to notice early sagging and want to refresh your look, non-surgical options can help maintain your youth. But if you’re looking for a profound, long-lasting change that truly reverses the effects of time — the Deep Plane Facelift remains the most effective and natural solution.

Dr. Minhee Ryu’s deep understanding of facial anatomy, combined with decades of surgical experience, ensures that every lift respects your individuality. The goal is not to make you look different — but to help you look like yourself, years younger and effortlessly natural.

Schedule Your Consultation

Whether you’re considering a non-surgical approach or a Deep Plane Facelift, the best first step is a professional consultation. During your one-on-one session, Dr. Ryu will evaluate your facial structure, discuss your goals, and recommend a customized plan tailored to your anatomy and lifestyle.

At RNWOOD Plastic Surgery, every recommendation is guided by science, safety, and artistry — helping you achieve timeless elegance through carefully chosen rejuvenation.

RNWOOD Plastic Surgery – Where Precision Meets Natural Beauty.
Located in the heart of Gangnam (Apgujeong), Seoul.