Deep Plane Facelift

Introduction

Facial aging is inevitable, but modern advancements in plastic surgery provide highly effective solutions to restore a youthful, refreshed appearance. Among the most advanced procedures is the Deep Plane Facelift, recognized worldwide for its natural results and fast recovery. At the forefront of this innovative technique in Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea is Dr. Minhee Ryu of RNWOOD Plastic Surgery, a specialist known for her refined surgical method and patient-focused care.

This article explores the history, technique, and unique features of Dr. Ryu’s Deep Plane Facelift, and explains why RNWOOD has become a trusted choice for patients seeking long-lasting rejuvenation.

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

The Deep Plane Facelift is widely regarded as the most updated and effective facelift method available today. Unlike traditional facelifts that only tighten the skin or superficial layers, the Deep Plane approach repositions deeper facial structures—including muscles, ligaments, and fat pads—to restore youthful contours naturally.

The result is not a pulled or artificial appearance, but a refreshed look that softens nasolabial folds, corrects jowls, and lifts sagging cheeks and neck skin. Patients report not only looking younger but also enjoying results that last significantly longer.

A Brief History of the Deep Plane Facelift

To understand why this method has become a global craze, it’s helpful to look at its origins:

1970s – Dr. Tord Skoog first described techniques that moved beyond skin-only facelifts.
1990s – Dr. Sam Hamra refined the method and brought it into modern facelift surgery.
Dr. Bryan Mendelson contributed the theoretical foundation for facial anatomy, particularly the concept of retaining ligaments and facial spaces.
MAFAC Faculty (the Melbourne Advanced Facial Anatomy Course) established itself as a world-leading educational group for facial anatomy and facelift technique.
Dr. Andrew Jacono of New York further popularized the Deep Plane Facelift, demonstrating its superior results internationally.

Today, the Deep Plane Facelift is defined as “fully releasing the retaining ligaments in the sub-SMAS plane”—the secret to its excellent and durable results.

Why is the Deep Plane Facelift So Effective?

The hallmark of this surgery is that it corrects aging at its root by repositioning the deeper facial layers. By fully releasing the zygomatic and masseteric retaining ligaments, the surgeon is able to mobilize and elevate the midface effectively.

This comprehensive lifting process ensures:

Excellent lifting results that restore natural cheek contours.
Extremely fast recovery, much faster than traditional facelifts.
Long-lasting improvements in the jawline, cheeks, and neck.

These characteristics explain why the method has become the gold standard and a global trend in aesthetic surgery.

Dr. Minhee Ryu’s Surgical Technique

At RNWOOD Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, Dr. Minhee Ryu has refined the Deep Plane Facelift into her signature procedure. Her approach, often described as a Composite Facelift, is characterized by precision, minimal invasiveness, and artistry.

Key Steps in Dr. Ryu’s Technique:

Ear Incision with Minimal Dissection
The incision is placed discreetly around the ear. Subcutaneous dissection is kept as limited as possible, which significantly reduces trauma and speeds recovery.
High SMAS Method
The SMAS incision is performed using the High SMAS method, allowing for maximum mid-face lifting. The key is to release the retaining ligaments safely and sufficiently in the sub-SMAS plane.
Rigid SMAS Fixation
After repositioning, the SMAS is fixed securely to prevent the face from widening—a detail particularly important for East Asian facial proportions.
Redundant Tissue Removal
Extra skin and tissue are excised without applying excessive tension to the skin, ensuring natural contours and avoiding distortion.
Meticulous Ear Shaping
Dr. Ryu sutures carefully to create a naturally curved tragus and rounded ear lobes, resulting in the perfect ear shape.
Invisible Incision Lines
With her precise technique, incision lines become almost invisible, blending seamlessly into natural creases.

Unique Characteristics of Dr. Ryu’s Deep Plane Facelift

The characteristics of Dr. Ryu’s Deep Plane Facelift can be summarized as:

Excellent lifting results
Extremely fast recovery
Almost invisible incision lines
Perfect ear shape

In short, her method can be described as a facelift that erases the shortcomings of existing facelift techniques, offering patients the best possible outcomes.

The 8 Features of Dr. Ryu’s Facelift at RNWOOD

Dr. Ryu has also outlined eight distinct features of her Deep Plane Facelift that patients consistently appreciate:

Differentiated lifting results
Short recovery period
Naturally shaped and beautiful ears
Minimally visible incision lines
Pain-free surgical experience
Natural eye shape with elegant lifting
Slightly upturned corners of the mouth for a youthful look
Only three days of compression garment wear required

These features reflect the careful balance between science and artistry that defines her practice.

Complementary Procedures

For patients seeking full facial rejuvenation, Dr. Ryu often combines the Deep Plane Facelift with additional procedures at RNWOOD:

Neck Lift – Tightens the jawline and eliminates loose skin under the chin.
Forehead (Brow) Lift – Smooths wrinkles and elevates sagging brows.
Upper Lip Lift – Enhances lip proportion and shortens the philtrum for a youthful smile.

Patient Journey at RNWOOD

Consultation – Patients meet with Dr. Ryu in Gangnam, Seoul, to discuss goals and undergo detailed facial analysis.
Surgery – The Deep Plane Facelift is performed under safe anesthesia in RNWOOD’s advanced operating facilities.
Recovery – With Dr. Ryu’s Composite Facelift approach, recovery is rapid. Most patients wear a compression garment for just three days.
Results – Initial improvements are visible within days, while final results settle over several months, creating a natural and long-lasting transformation.

Why Gangnam, Seoul is the Global Hub for Facelifts

Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea is a world-renowned destination for cosmetic surgery, attracting patients globally for its advanced techniques and safety standards. Clinics like RNWOOD Plastic Surgery are at the forefront, blending cutting-edge surgical science with personalized patient care.

Who is an Ideal Candidate?

The Deep Plane Facelift is best suited for individuals experiencing:

Midface sagging or hollowing
Deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines
Jowls and jawline laxity
Loose skin in the neck area
A desire for natural and long-lasting rejuvenation

Long-Lasting, Natural Results

Because the surgery repositions deep tissues rather than pulling the skin, patients enjoy results that last many years. Many report looking 10–15 years younger with outcomes that age gracefully and naturally.

Conclusion

The Deep Plane Facelift is the gold standard of modern facelift surgery—praised for its natural results, durability, and quick recovery. At RNWOOD Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea, Dr. Minhee Ryu has perfected this approach, combining Composite Facelift concepts, the High SMAS method, and meticulous ear shaping to deliver truly transformative outcomes.

Her technique, characterized by excellent lifting results, extremely fast recovery, invisible scars, and perfect ear contours, continues to attract patients both locally and internationally. For anyone considering a facelift, Dr. Ryu’s Deep Plane Facelift at RNWOOD represents the very best in modern aesthetic surgery.