Facelift surgery has evolved significantly, and two of the most talked-about techniques today are the SMAS facelift and the deep plane facelift. Both are widely performed in Korea, known for its natural-looking and long-lasting anti-aging results. While these techniques may sound similar, they work on different tissue layers and produce different outcomes.

Here’s a simple, surgeon-style explanation of how the SMAS facelift and deep plane facelift differ — and how to know which one may be right for you.

What Is a SMAS Facelift?

The SMAS facelift focuses on lifting and tightening the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System, the layer of fibrous tissue and muscle beneath the skin. Instead of pulling the skin alone, surgeons reposition and secure this deeper layer for a more stable, natural result.

What It Improves

• Lower-face sagging
• Jowls
• Jawline definition
• Mild to moderate cheek descent

Benefits

• Reliable and time-tested
• Natural tightening without looking “pulled”
• Shorter recovery than deep plane in many cases

Best For

Patients with mild to moderate aging in the lower face who want noticeable improvement without major downtime.

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift goes under the SMAS layer, releasing deep ligaments and lifting the midface and lower face together. This approach repositions fat pads, restores cheek volume, and produces more dramatic rejuvenation.

What It Improves

• Deep nasolabial folds
• Drooping cheeks
• Jowls and jawline laxity
• Significant midface aging

Benefits

• More powerful lifting
• Restores youthful cheek contour
• Less skin tension → softer, longer-lasting results
• Very natural facial movement

Best For

Patients with moderate to advanced aging, hollowing, or deep cheek descent who want a structural, long-lasting transformation.

Key Differences Between SMAS and Deep Plane Facelifts

1. Depth of Dissection

• SMAS: Tightens or repositions the SMAS layer.
• Deep Plane: Lifts beneath the SMAS into deeper tissue, releasing ligaments.

Deep plane gives surgeons access to tissues that create deeper folds and sagging.

2. Areas of the Face Improved

• SMAS: Jawline, jowls, lower cheek.
• Deep Plane: Midface + lower face + cheek volume.

The deep plane facelift creates a more lifted cheek and smooths nasolabial folds.

3. Naturalness of Movement

Because the deep plane preserves blood supply and moves entire tissue blocks together, many Korean surgeons note it results in exceptionally natural expression, even with strong lifting.

4. Longevity

• SMAS: Long-lasting but may need future touch-ups depending on age.
• Deep Plane: Typically lasts longer due to deeper repositioning.

5. Downtime

• SMAS: 1.5–3 weeks
• Deep Plane: 2–4 weeks

Deep plane techniques may involve more swelling initially, but the results settle beautifully.

6. Surgical Complexity

Deep plane facelifts require high surgical skill due to the depth and ligaments involved. Korea’s high-volume facelift surgeons regularly perform both techniques, making it a common request for international patients.

Which Facelift Should You Choose?

Choose SMAS Facelift If You Want:

• Improved jawline and jowls
• Moderate tightening
• Shorter recovery
• A natural but subtle lift

Perfect for early to mid-stage aging.

Choose Deep Plane Facelift If You Want:

• Major cheek elevation
• Deep fold improvement
• Longer-lasting results
• A more youthful, structural transformation
• Very natural expression with significant lifting

Ideal for mid-to-late-stage aging.

Korean Surgeon Insight: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

Top Korean surgeons emphasize customized lifting, not just choosing a technique. They often combine elements of SMAS, deep plane, neck lifting, and fat grafting to match:

• Face shape
• Skin elasticity
• Aging pattern
• Ethnic anatomy
• Desired level of rejuvenation

The result is a balanced, youthful face — not an over-tightened look.