Korea is one of the world’s leading destinations for advanced facelift surgery, offering techniques that lift the deeper facial layers for long-lasting, natural results. Two of the most sought-after methods are the High SMAS Facelift and the Deep Plane Facelift.

Although both target sagging in the midface, jawline, and jowls, they work differently and are suited for different aging patterns.

Here is a clear, patient-friendly breakdown of High SMAS vs Deep Plane facelifts in Korea, how they differ, and how Korean surgeons choose the best approach.

What Is the SMAS Layer?

The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) is the deep facial layer that controls most visible sagging.

Modern Korean facelifts work by lifting the SMAS, not just tightening the skin — creating more natural, longer-lasting results.

1. What Is a High SMAS Facelift?

The High SMAS Facelift elevates the SMAS layer higher toward the cheek area, offering significant improvement in:

• Midface drooping
• Jowls
• Nasolabial folds
• Jawline sagging

Korean surgeons often choose High SMAS when a patient needs strong lifting without full deep-plane release.

Benefits of High SMAS

• Large lifting surface for better midface correction
• Strong improvement in sagging cheeks and jowls
• Longer-lasting results than skin-only or traditional SMAS
• Safer and slightly less invasive than deep plane
• Faster recovery compared to deep plane

Ideal For:

• Patients in their late 30s–50s
• Moderate sagging
• Prominent nasolabial folds
• Early jowling
• Those wanting strong lift but not a full deep-plane release

2. What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

The Deep Plane Facelift is one of the most advanced anti-aging surgeries, releasing deeper retaining ligaments beneath the SMAS and repositioning the entire facial structure.

Korean deep-plane surgeons work beneath the SMAS, allowing the skin, fat pads, and muscles to move together as a unit, giving a natural, unpulled look.

Benefits of Deep Plane

• Most powerful, natural-looking lift
• Dramatic improvement of midface sagging
• Softens deep nasolabial folds
• Repositions descended fat pads
• Longer-lasting results (10–15+ years)
• Less skin tension = more natural appearance
• Best for heavy aging patterns

Ideal For:

• Ages 45–70+
• Significant sagging in midface and jowls
• Deep folds and volume descent
• Men and women with heavy facial tissue
• Revision facelift candidates
• Those wanting maximum improvement and longevity

High SMAS vs Deep Plane: Key Differences

1. Depth of Dissection

• High SMAS: Lifts SMAS but stays above deep-plane ligaments
• Deep Plane: Works underneath the SMAS and releases deeper attachments

2. Strength of Lift

• High SMAS: Strong
• Deep Plane: Strongest

3. Midface Improvement

• High SMAS: Significant
• Deep Plane: Most dramatic, especially for cheek descent

4. Nasolabial Fold Correction

• High SMAS: Good
• Deep Plane: Excellent

5. Recovery Time

• High SMAS: Faster
• Deep Plane: Slightly longer due to deeper release

6. Longevity

• High SMAS: ~8–10 years
• Deep Plane: ~10–15+ years

How Korean Surgeons Choose Between High SMAS and Deep Plane

Korean facelift surgeons evaluate:

• Skin thickness
• Facial volume distribution
• Degree of SMAS laxity
• Cheek descent
• Jawline structure
• Age and goals
• Whether it's a primary or revision facelift

High SMAS is chosen when the patient needs:

• A strong lift
• Faster recovery
• Moderate sagging improvement

Deep Plane is recommended when the patient needs:

• Maximum structural repositioning
• Deep nasolabial fold softening
• Midface volume lifting
• Long-term, dramatic anti-aging results

Which Facelift Looks More Natural?

Both can look extremely natural when performed by experts.

High SMAS: Softer, lighter rejuvenation
Deep Plane: Natural yet more transformative, especially in heavier tissues

Deep plane tends to produce a more youthful, rounded midface rather than a pulled-back appearance.

Which Is Better for Older Patients?

Patients aged 50–70+ with significant sagging tend to benefit more from:

👉 Deep Plane Facelift

because it repositions deeper structures that have descended with age.

Which Is Better for Younger Patients or Early Aging?

Patients aged late 30s–40s with moderate sagging often benefit from:

👉 High SMAS Facelift

for strong lifting and faster recovery.

Why Korea Excels in High SMAS & Deep Plane Facelifts

• High-volume facelift surgeons
• Specialized training in Asian facial anatomy
• Focus on natural, non-pulled results
• Ability to combine facelifts with fat grafting, neck lift, and SMAS tightening
• Advanced aftercare for swelling reduction
• Precision suturing and hidden incisions

Korean facelift results tend to look refined, fresh, and balanced — never over-tightened.