Facelift Surgery: The Ultimate Guide to Facial Rejuvenation

Facelift techniques have evolved significantly, offering various methods to address different aging concerns. Whether you’re looking for a subtle lift or a dramatic transformation, modern facelift options can help restore youthful contours and reduce wrinkles.

Popular Facelift Techniques

1. Temporal Lift (Foxy Eyes Lift)

A Temporal Lift targets sagging skin around the temples and outer eye corners, making it ideal for those with drooping eyelids or a tired appearance. This procedure enhances eye shape, reduces crow’s feet, and creates a youthful, refreshed look.

Advantages of Temporal Lift:

  • Quick Recovery: Smaller incisions mean faster healing compared to a full facelift.
  • Targeted for Temples & Eyes: Lifts the upper face without a full facelift.
  • Natural Results: Subtly enhances eye shape without looking overdone.


Disadvantages of Temporal Lift
:

  • Short-Term Effects: Since it focuses only on one area, other facial regions may sag over time.
  • Not Suitable for Severe Sagging: Limited impact on deep wrinkles or significant skin laxity.

2. Mini Facelift (Face Lock)

The Mini Facelift is designed for individuals with mild to moderate sagging, using small incisions around the ears and hairline. This technique focuses on lifting the skin’s outer layer, offering a more youthful appearance with minimal downtime.

Advantages of Mini Facelift:

  • Minimally Invasive: Small incisions result in minimal scarring.
  • Fast Recovery: Healing typically takes 1-2 weeks.
  • Lower Cost: Less expensive than a Full Facelift.
  • Natural Results: Enhances facial contours without excessive tightness.
  • Can Be Combined with Other Treatments: Works well with fillers, Botox, or thread lifts.


Disadvantages of Mini Facelift
:

  • Shorter-Lasting Results: Effects may last only a few years.
  • Limited Impact: Does not significantly lift the neck, forehead, or deep wrinkles.
  • Potential Facial Imbalance: If done without considering overall facial harmony, results may appear uneven.

3. Full Facelift (SMAS Facelift)

A Full Facelift is recommended for individuals experiencing sagging throughout the face, including drooping cheeks, jowls, and deep wrinkles. The SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) Facelift lifts both the skin and underlying muscles for a long-lasting transformation.

Advantages of Full Facelift:

  • Comprehensive Rejuvenation: Lifts multiple areas of the face.
  • Long-Lasting Results: Effects can last 5-7 years with proper care.
  • Reduces Deep Wrinkles: Significantly improves nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
  • Defined Jawline & Facial Contours: Creates a sculpted, youthful appearance.


Disadvantages of Full Facelift
:

  • Longer Recovery Time: Swelling and bruising may last 2-4 weeks.
  • Higher Cost: More expensive than mini facelifts.
  • Potential Risks: Includes bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and scarring.
  • Not Suitable for Everyone: Individuals with certain health conditions must consult a surgeon first.

Deep Plane Face Lift (DFL) – The Most Advanced Facelift Technique

What is a Deep Plane Face Lift?

Deep Plane Face Lift (DFL) is the latest facelift technique developed by Dr. Somboon Waiyapib, a cosmetic surgeon at APEX Surgery Hospital. This method lifts deeper than the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) layer, unlocking tissues underneath the SMAS to provide a more natural and longer-lasting result. It is ideal for individuals with significant facial sagging who seek a youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

Key Benefits of Deep Plane Face Lift

  • Deep tissue lifting – Targets deep facial tissues and muscles instead of only pulling the outer skin, resulting in a more natural lift.
  • Long-lasting results – Since the deeper layers are lifted, the results can last much longer.
  • Best for severe wrinkles and sagging – Effectively lifts multiple areas of the face, including the mid-face, lower face, and neck.

Advantages of Deep Plane Face Lift

  • Provides a natural-looking result
  • Results last 10–15 years, depending on the individual
  • Effectively addresses deep wrinkles, sagging skin, and facial drooping
  • Improves facial contours and symmetry
  • Ideal for individuals with moderate to severe skin laxity
    Enhances blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, giving the skin a healthier glow

How Does Deep Plane Face Lift Differ from Other Facelift Techniques?

Targets the Deepest Facial Layers

Unlike traditional facelifts that only lift the SMAS layer, the Deep Plane Face Lift technique goes beneath the SMAS to release tension and allow a more effective and natural repositioning of facial structures.

Comprehensive Facial Contouring

Deep Plane Face Lift addresses not only the mid-face and lower face but also sagging cheeks and jawline definition, significantly reducing deep nasolabial folds.

Longer-Lasting Effects

Compared to conventional facelift techniques that typically last 5-7 years, the Deep Plane Face Lift provides results that can last up to 10-15 years.

Less Tension on the Skin

Since the technique lifts the underlying facial structure rather than just pulling the skin, it reduces the risk of visible scars or an overly tight appearance.

Minimized Swelling and Bruising

Unlike traditional facelift methods, the precision of DFL results in less trauma to surrounding tissues, leading to reduced swelling and bruising.

Faster Recovery Time

Despite being a complex procedure, many patients experience a quicker recovery than traditional facelift techniques due to its advanced approach.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Deep Plane Face Lift?

The Deep Plane Face Lift is best suited for individuals with moderate to severe facial sagging, typically between ages 40–70. Ideal candidates include:

  • Those with deep facial wrinkles and neck sagging
  • Individuals with loose underlying facial tissues
  • Those seeking structural facial enhancement
  • Patients with a strong facial bone structure
  • Individuals who have undergone previous non-surgical treatments with unsatisfactory results

How Are Scars Minimized in a Deep Plane Face Lift?

Modern facelift techniques prioritize minimal scarring. The incisions in a Deep Plane Face Lift are small and strategically placed in concealed areas, such as the hairline and around the ears. Unlike traditional facelifts, this technique prevents excessive tension, reducing visible scarring.

Post-Procedure Care for a Deep Plane Face Lift

First 48 Hours

  • Apply cold compresses or cold packs around the incision area to minimize swelling.


First 7 Days

  • Wear a compression garment 24/7.
  • After the first week, continue wearing the compression garment for 10–12 hours per day for up to 6 months


Sleeping Position

  • Avoid lying flat or on your stomach.
  • Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling.


Watch for Unusual Symptoms

  • If you experience excessive bleeding or extreme swelling, contact your surgeon immediately.

How much does a facelift at APEX cost?

Currently, a facelift at Apex starts at around 250,000 baht.
If you are interested in more details, please inquire.

Starting price 250,000 baht

Frequently Asked Questions

The results typically last 10–15 years, significantly longer than traditional facelift methods.
Deep Plane Face Lift goes beneath the SMAS layer, providing deeper and longer-lasting results compared to traditional facelifts that only lift superficial layers.
The procedure is performed under anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during surgery. Mild discomfort and swelling may occur post-surgery but can be managed with prescribed medications.
Most patients can resume normal activities within 2–3 weeks, with full recovery in about 3–6 months.
No, the incisions are small and hidden around the hairline and ears, making them barely noticeable once healed.
Yes, many patients combine it with neck lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), or skin rejuvenation treatments for a more comprehensive result.

Deep Plane Facelift at Apex Surgery Hospital – Restore Your Youth Naturally

If you’re looking for a Deep Plane Facelift that delivers natural-looking results while effectively lifting and tightening your face for long-lasting rejuvenation, Apex Surgery Hospital is your premier destination. As a specialized cosmetic surgery hospital, we uphold world-class standards and offer expert care from our renowned surgical team.

Why Choose Deep Plane Facelift at Apex Surgery Hospital?

  • Led by Expert Surgeons – Our procedures are performed by Dr. Somboon Waiwaripip, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, supported by a team of highly skilled anesthesiologists for maximum safety.
  • Advanced Deep Plane Facelift Technique – This procedure lifts and repositions deeper layers of the face, including the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System), reducing wrinkles and sagging for a youthful yet natural appearance without an overdone or tight look.
  • State-of-the-Art, Sterile Surgical Facilities – Our operating rooms meet international safety and hygiene standards, ensuring a smooth and risk-free surgical experience.
  • Award-Winning Excellence – Apex Surgery Hospital has been recognized as the Best Aesthetic Surgery Provider by Global Health Asia Pacific for 4 consecutive years, affirming our expertise and commitment to excellence.


A Deep Plane Facelift at Apex Surgery Hospital doesn’t just rejuvenate your face – it restores your youthful essence while maintaining natural expressions. With our skilled team and cutting-edge technology, you can be confident in achieving the best possible results.

Book Your Private Consultation! Contact us today to design a facelift plan tailored to you.

Facelift case example

Review of before and after facelift results

Results may vary from person to person.

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