The Deep Plane Facelift

Releasing key facial retaining ligaments, including the zygomatic ligaments, allows the deeper facial tissues to move freely and be repositioned. By releasing these anatomical points of fixation, the facelift is not dependent on simply pulling the skin, allowing the underlying tissues to be restored in a more natural position.

Dr. Ryu incorporates a High SMAS approach to achieve more comprehensive control of the midface and lower face. By working at a higher level of the SMAS layer, the technique allows elevation and repositioning of tissues that contribute to midface descent, cheek flattening, and lower-face laxity. This helps create a more continuous transition between the cheek, nasolabial region, jawline, and neck.

The Composite / Preservation concept focuses on preserving and repositioning the patient's existing facial tissues rather than unnecessarily removing them. Skin, SMAS, fat compartments, and deeper soft tissues are treated as interconnected structures. By minimizing unnecessary undermining, the technique aims to reduce skin trauma, preserve blood supply, and support smoother recovery.

The Extended Deep Plane concept expands the deep-plane approach beyond a limited central dissection to allow more extensive release and mobilization of the facial soft tissues. For Dr. Ryu, the importance is not simply making the dissection larger, but releasing the specific anatomical structures that restrict movement so deeper tissues can be repositioned more comprehensively.

Rather than routinely removing buccal fat, Dr. Ryu may mobilize and reposition the buccal fat into areas of volume deficiency, particularly hollow or flattened areas of the midface. This preserves the patient's natural facial volume while using existing tissue to restore youthful contour and support.