
True facial rejuvenation requires addressing the root cause of structural sagging rather than pulling the surface skin tight. At RENEW Facial Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics, a deep plane facelift—also called a deep plane lift—is an advanced facial surgery technique that repositions deeper facial tissues and releases key retaining ligaments beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) to restore the midface and lower face with natural-looking, long-lasting support.
RENEW Facial Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics offers a deep plane facelift, the highest tier of facial cosmetic surgery, combining precise anatomic technique with structural restoration that honors your authentic facial anatomy. Led by double board-certified specialist Dr. King Kim, our Melbourne facial cosmetic surgery practice uses these techniques to treat moderate-to-severe facial sagging, deep nasolabial folds, and jowling—concerns common among adults in their 40s through 70s seeking comprehensive, durable rejuvenation.

Softens deep folds, including deep nasolabial folds, eliminates jowling, lifts cheek fat pads, and restores a defined, youthful jawline and neck profile.

Frequently paired with a neck lift, brow lift, fat transfer, or eyelid surgery for complete, balanced restoration.

Ensures complete mobility of your facial expression without an overly tight or pulled look.

Performed in-house by board-certified facial specialist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. King Kim.
A deep plane facelift surgery is an advanced facial rejuvenation surgery engineered to correct structural facial aging at its foundational level. While a traditional facelift primarily tightens the superficial layers and pulls the skin, a true deep plane facelift addresses deeper structural correction by entering the natural anatomical space beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system using precise surgical techniques.
During a deep plane facelift procedure, Dr. Kim enters the deeper layers of the midface and jawline to release tethering structures known as key retaining ligaments. By releasing key retaining ligaments, the descended midface fat pads, deeper SMAS layer, and underlying tissues are freed, allowing them to be elevated back to their youthful positions. Because the skin remains naturally attached to the deeper facial tissues, the entire composite flap moves as one, delivering a natural-looking result with zero skin pull.

1 of 24
During their deep plane facelift Melbourne patients have their safety and comfort overseen by a dedicated clinical team focused on enhancing outcomes. After your medical history is reviewed and appropriate anesthesia is administered, Dr. Kim begins the deep plane facelift procedure.
Using deep plane dissection, Dr. Kim navigates around delicate structures, including the facial nerve, with extreme precision. Through strategically placed hidden incisions along the hairline and ear creases, he releases the deeper structures and elevates the cheeks, jawline, and neck.
Once the deeper SMAS layer is secured in its elevated position, Dr. Kim performs a tension-free closure to minimize visible scarring while preserving long-term tissue elasticity.

For our Melbourne deep plane facelift patients, the procedure targets advanced structural descent and loose skin across the middle and lower face, including:
Patients with only mild sagging may be better served by a less extensive facelift option.
The benefits of a deep plane facelift at RENEW include distinct, long-lasting advantages over other facelift techniques:

Lifts fallen cheek fat naturally, eliminating the need for excessive dermal fillers.

Correcting deeper structural layers yields deep plane facelift results that last 10 to 15 years or longer.

Tension-free skin closure leaves soft, virtually invisible incision lines.

Pairs seamlessly with a neck lift, brow lift, or fat transfer for total facial harmony.
An ideal candidate for a deep plane facelift procedure is a patient experiencing moderate to severe tissue sagging, deep nasolabial folds, or jowling who desires a long-term solution. Patients undergoing this procedure are typically in their 40s through 70s, in good general health, and looking for comprehensive rejuvenation rather than temporary quick fixes.
During your initial Melbourne deep plane facelift consultation, Dr. Kim conducts a full physical examination to determine whether a deep plane approach or alternative facelift procedures best suit your goals.

The deep plane facelift recovery process is often surprisingly smooth. Because dissection occurs in the natural anatomical plane beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, blood vessels within the skin layer remain undisturbed, which frequently reduces surface bruising compared to traditional techniques.
Most patients experience mild swelling and tightness during the first week. Resting with your head elevated and following post-care guidelines helps accelerate healing. While full tissue settling is a gradual process, many patients feel comfortable returning to social engagements within 10 to 14 days.

As post-operative swelling resolves over the first few weeks, your restored jawline and lifted cheeks will become increasingly defined. By 1 to 3 months, tissues settle into their permanent positions, revealing a more youthful appearance that looks entirely your own.
Because a true deep plane facelift corrects structural anatomy rather than pulling surface skin, your deep plane facelift results age naturally over time. You can expect your refreshed appearance to maintain its elegance and structural integrity for a decade or more.
Choosing RENEW means placing your care in the hands of double board-certified specialist Dr. King Kim, whose extensive fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery centers on complex facial anatomy and advanced facial plastic procedures. Because this approach is technically demanding, surgeon selection matters, and Dr. Kim routinely performs it with uncompromised precision and safety.
Our practice delivers surgical mastery alongside comprehensive wellness support in Melbourne, FL. From your initial evaluation through your long-term follow-up care, our team offers treatments tailored to your unique anatomical goals.
A deep plane facelift may carry a slightly higher risk than more superficial techniques because it works around deeper support structures beneath the SMAS layer. With an experienced surgeon, meticulous technique helps reduce that risk while allowing deep muscle and fat structures to be lifted together more naturally and with less tension on the skin.
The cost of a deep plane facelift varies depending on the complexity of your anatomical needs and whether additional procedures, such as a neck lift, brow lift, or fat transfer, are included in your surgical plan. A transparent price quote is provided during your private consultation, and financing options are available.
While working beneath the SMAS layer requires navigating near facial nerve branches, choosing an experienced facial specialist like Dr. King Kim can help offset the risk of nerve injury. His advanced fellowship training prioritizes complete patient safety throughout the procedure.
No. Because the skin is never pulled under tension, a deep plane facelift avoids the windblown or artificial appearance. The surface skin simply rests smoothly over your newly repositioned deep facial structures.
Most patients feel confident attending social gatherings and returning to work within 10 to 14 days after surgery, once the initial swelling and bruising have subsided.
A deep plane facelift may lead to temporary bruising, swelling, and numbness. Rare complications include hematoma, infection, or nerve injury. However, choosing a fellowship-trained, board-certified surgeon like Dr. Kim significantly reduces these risks.