While you’re waiting for surgery,
Dr. BYUN says, “Stop Everything!” 

Dr. BYUN has been teaching this very simple, yet important concept for over 25 years; “STOP Everything and JUST Age!” Don’t let bad cosmetic procedures be performed on you because you will be chasing problem after problem until you’re no longer recognizable. Dr. BYUN teaches this to everyone he can including his students and residents at Northwestern University. Yes, everyone ages. But every ‘minor’ cut, pull, injection and fat transfer add up and negatively affect one’s ‘normal aging.’ No, you don’t have to age like a grandma, you can age gracefully with a Face Restoration, which is 180° different from a Facelift. The popular buzzwords such as vertical lift, deep plane lift, etc are all pulling the tissues apart from where they came from. Fat grafts leave lumps and migrate south, especially with multiple treatments. Man made pharmaceutical products should NOT be stuffed into the face due to making the face heavier thus expediting the aging process. PDO threading and skin tightening lasers all create scar tissues and damage your tissues. 

ALL of these nonsensical procedures should be stopped immediately. Surgeons, dermatologists, and other related titles should honor human facial tissues, not pump them up, burn or destroy them. Do NOT let any surgeon pull your facial tissues away (up and sideways), and definitely do NOT let them add anything to, or subtract anything from your face. The only way Plastic surgeons should be repairing the face is by placing the tissues back to where they came from. DIRECTION is what has Dr. BYUN standing out amongst his peers. While 99% of surgeons will pull the skin, muscles, and other tissues up and away (towards the ears), Dr. BYUN places the muscles back up and IN towards the MIDLINE of the face; back to where the muscles fell from in the first place, honoring the orientation of the tissues, their insertion, and origin of muscle fibers. He does not pull them away, but telescopes them back into layers. Dr. BYUN visualizes the aging muscles from underneath via endoscope during this procedure. He sees facial tissues from the inside out, not the outside in. This is the most physiologically correct way to repair the ‘aging’ face. 

Dr. BYUN is considered a global expert and leader in facial enhancement procedures. Aging normally over the next 20+ years after the repair is the true BYUN difference. 

You may be wondering, how is he the only surgeon using this technique? The answer is found in the before and after photos of many surgeons. Other surgeons choose to showcase very young patients and neglect to show how they age over time. Their faces aren’t restored, if you look closely, you can see the patient’s displaced muscles. They can look “good” for a short period of time due to swelling, and the temporary benefits of fat grafts and/or fillers BUT, eventually, they age into an abnormal face. 

If you have these above issues, you will be a good candidate for Dr. BYUN’s restorative repair surgery. If you have been delaying face surgery because you have seen so many bad facelifts out there, you have come to the right source.

What is the Difference Between a SMAS and a Deep Plane Facelift?

Dr. BYUN gets this question a lot because most patients find it difficult to understand the fine differences between a traditional SMAS facelift and a deep plane facelift. Although similar, they have their own unique surgical variances. Most patients aren’t seeking the “pulled”, “overdone” or “famous housewife” appearance, so it’s important to do your homework and learn all you can about the differences.

SMAS stands for superficial musculoaponeurotic system. It’s a strong web of fibrous connective tissue that’s below the skin but above the facial muscles. Like the name suggests, the SMAS facelift procedure treats layers of the face that are more superficial, including the skin and fascia.

During a SMAS procedure, the skin and actual SMAS layers are stretched and held with a suture to give a lifted and sometimes pulled appearance. The deeper tissue layers are left alone. Although this technique may be great for someone with loose skin, due to the nature of this procedure, it often results in a pulled or tight look. This pulled appearance can occur when surgeons attempt to stretch and over tighten one’s skin.

Deep plane facelift procedures treat both the superficial and the deeper layers of the face including muscles and other connective tissue layers. During the deep plane facelift muscles are separated from the surrounding tissues, this includes the releasing of ligaments.

These separations and releases allow for layers of tissue to be moved independently to restore their old position and prevent a pulled look. It’s this repositioning that creates a more permanent and natural look.

Deep plane facelift doctors like Dr. BYUN, suggest that patients of all ages, yes, even younger patients (in their 20’s and 30’s) would benefit from a deep plane facelift to get ahead of the aging process and correct problems before they become more serious.

To find out which procedure is right for you, an evaluation during a consultation is the best place to start.

Dr. BYUN will help you determine the best procedure based on your anatomy, history, and goals.

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?
(answers by BYUN)

A deep plane facelift or rhytidectomy is an advanced aesthetic surgical procedure that helps to lift and secure the skin and deeper layers of tissues and muscles to achieve a more tight and smooth appearance. It can rejuvenate the face and neck without a tight or unnatural look. This method differs from other facelift techniques by targeting deeper tissues, offering more natural and lasting results.

The deep plane facelift was first described by Dr. Sam Hamra, a world famous expert in deep plane rhytidectomy or deep plane facelifts where Dr. Michael BYUN adopted his composite cheek tissue and muscle repair. Basically the dissection goes deeper than skin, and deeper than muscle. It’s like pulling the carpet deep enough where all the furniture on the top gets moved together.

A deep plane facelift helps to mobilize and restore many layers: namely muscle, its fascia, the fatty tissues connected to the fascia, and the skin above.

There are various types of facelift surgery, and some plastic surgeons even give their facelift procedure their own unique name. The important takeaway is that you understand the general concept of what a facelift is, and what type of facelift can benefit you.

Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Time – How Long Does It Take?

Dr. BYUN’s most asked question would probably be, “how long does it take to recover from a deep plane facelift?” Although the answer is slightly different for everyone, generally, the recovery for a deep plane facelift will last a few months.

Over time, as your tissues go through the various wound healing phases, these symptoms will gradually disappear. It is VERY important to get plenty of rest during your recovery.

The First Few Days:

• Right after your procedure, you will be able to return home with a friend or family member.
• Apply ICE packs to your face and neck every hour for 20 minutes while you’re awake to help reduce swelling and bruising.
• Sleep with your head elevated about 30-60 degrees as comfortable.
• You may shower in as little as one day after surgery. You may wash your hair once the bulk dressing is removed by the BYUN Team at a follow up visit.

The First Two Weeks:

• Get lots of rest and keep activity low. Make sure to move around the house to promote circulation.
• Eat a high protein diet to increase healing capabilities.
• Continue to sleep with your head elevated.
• Do not drive until you have stopped taking narcotics, can see and can perform normal driving functions.
• Makeup can be applied after one week as incisions are likely closed.

After getting a deep plane facelift surgery, you can expect your initial recovery time to be 3 – 7 weeks. Total recovery time can take several months to 1 year.

Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least 6 to 7 weeks. After that, one can generally increase their activity by 10% every week as tolerated. If you have more questions about activity, a member of Dr. BYUN’s Team will be happy to assist you.

Swelling and bruising are normal and right around the 2 to 3 month timeline you should start to see your new face and the new you!

Will I Need to Take Any Medication?

Pain medication, such as Motrin and Norco will be prescribed to help the patient feel more comfortable during the healing process, as the first few days can be uncomfortable and painful.

How Often Can I Apply Heat and Cold Packs?

Hot packs are NOT recommended due to a side effect of increased inflammation which can further delay the healing process.

Cold packs are recommended with frequent usage (20 minutes every hour while you’re awake for the first 2-3 days)

How Long Before I Can Return to Work After a Deep Plane Facelift?

There are many things that can affect and add to recovery time, but you can expect to go back to work within a 1 to 4 week timeline with no heavy lifting or physical activity.

Oftentimes, the question, “when can I return to work after my facelift surgery” is asked immediately. This is a common concern for many patients, but varies from person to person. In most cases, patients can return to work after just about 10 to 14 days. Keep in mind, you will not be fully healed, or  “normal” looking by this point. Most of the bruising will be resolved at this time, but most of the swelling will decrease after 3 weeks.

Rest assured, as Dr. BYUN will make suggestions that are best for you, and your healing patterns. Following the doctor’s orders is important to achieving your best face restoration results.

Possible Deep Plane Facelift Complications

While Dr. BYUN’s Face Restoration Technique Renders Very Low Instances of Complications, it is Important to Understand the Potential Risks.

• Hematoma formation: Occurs in less than 2% of Dr. BYUN’s cases
• Infections: Generally occurs in less than 1% of cases
• Facial nerve injury: Occurs in 0% of Dr. BYUN’s facelift cases – (he uses scissors to spread tissue, NOT to cut it)
• Pixie-ear deformity: caused by excessive tension. Occurs in 0% of Dr. BYUN’s facelift cases
• Alopecia:Occurs in 0% of Dr. BYUN’s facelift cases
• First bite syndrome: Occurs in 0% of Dr. BYUN’s facelift cases
• Other Complications: As with any surgical procedure, there may be other risks such as swelling, bruising or eye dryness.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

Patients Young and Old who can see the loss in muscle elasticity, causing muscle displacement, heaviness or sagging can greatly benefit from a deep plane facelift or the BYUN Lift. It is in fact a myth that the ideal candidate for a facelift is typically an older person with more severe skin laxity.

Although these individuals would have a drastic transformation, their tissues are weaker and they heal more slowly. Candidates for a deep plane Facelift or BYUN Lift should meet the following requirements:

• Generally good health without serious medical conditions
• Not a Smoker (this inhibits wound healing ability and results in less than optimal outcomes)
• Noticing Face or Neck laxity, drooping or sagging
• The appearance of jowl, marionette lines, deep nasolabial folds, upper eyelid droopiness, heavy brows or hollow under eyes.
• Loss of Facial Volume
• A patient considering surgery must hold realistic expectations about what this procedure can achieve

During your consultation with Dr. BYUN, he will be able to determine which facelift technique is best for YOU.

Looking for a deep plane facelift near me? A deep plane facelift in Chicago? Or have more questions about the deep plane facelift? To learn more or to schedule your consultation, contact a BYUN Team Member today at (847)513-6899

Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift – is a Deep Plane Facelift Better?

Some Deep Plane Facelift Benefits Include:

• Less Noticeable Facelift Scars (Nearly Invisible Scars)
• Long Lasting Results
• Lower Likelihood of Needing Revision Procedures (One & Done)
• Improves Self Confidence
• You Will Age More Gracefully After Dr. BYUN’s Repair
• The Clock Will be Turned Back 10-20 Years
• More Natural Results than Traditional Facelifts (Muscles Repositioned/Repaired)
• Restoration of Natural Volume (muscles go back to where they used to be)
• Elevation of Jowls, Cheeks, Forehead and Other Surrounding Muscles
• Improved definition to the Jawline, Neck, and Cheekbones
• Opens Eyes in a Natural, Youthful Way
• Corrects Eye Drooping (Lower Eyelid Ectropion OR Upper Eyelid Ptosis)
• Excess Skin Removal
• Improves Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• Smoother, Firmer Skin
• Softened Nasolabial Folds
• Softened Under Eye Bags
• Softened Marionette Lines
• Less Skin Trauma than Traditional Lifts that Rely on Pulling Skin and Cutting Lots of it Away

There are many advantages to Dr. BYUN’s deep plane facelift. Dr. BYUN created and nurtured a version of this technique over 25 years ago at Northwestern. The major difference in Dr. BYUN’s uniquely created version is the DIRECTION of the repair.

While others pull tissues up and out, Dr. BYUN is able to restore the face by placing back up and in, towards the midline of the face. His patients age more gracefully after this repair. Other surgeons won’t show you their long term results, but Dr. BYUN is proud of his.

What Happens During a Deep Plane Facelift? – From Consultation to Surgery

Deep Place Facelift Consultation

For deep plane Facelift Doctors, like Dr. BYUN, the first step is a consultation. During the consultation, Dr. BYUN works with you to determine a plan that will best fit your surgery goals based on your anatomy and surgical history. In order to provide you with the best results, he will assess the specific anatomy of your face, skin, muscle tissue, and your facial expressions. 

Dr. BYUN and the BYUN Team will discuss your recovery, your lifestyle, and your desired goals and expectations, creating a highly specialized surgical plan for YOU under the BYUN Age-Well Program.

Dr. BYUN and his Team will walk you through surgical details of the facelift procedure so that you’re well prepared and confident about surgery.

Deep Place Facelift Surgery Details:

On the day of your surgery, you will go under a light I.V. sedation with local anesthesia before the incisions are made. Dr. BYUN’s incisions are currently the smallest and are made with great care so that they’re well hidden once healed.

Dr. BYUN will use these incisions to firm up and secure tissue including skin and muscles. He will use an endoscope to grab muscles and hoist them back up and directionally in toward the midline, which is where they fell from in the first place. He will then securely fasten them back to where they belong. From there, incisions are skillfully closed. Based on the number of zones chosen, the surgery can last between one (1) and four (4) hours (the traditional facelift procedure involves general anesthesia and a surgical time that can last up to five (5) hours).

Where Are Deep Plane Facelift Incisions Located? – Deep Plane Facelift Scars

Dr. BYUN’s deep plane facelift incisions heal very well and are usually invisible. Due to his unique incision pattern and technique, there are typically no visible scars once healed. Dr. BYUN utilizes a “tension free” closure method to ensure that scars are kept small and invisible. Dr. BYUN’s closure technique prevents the pulling down of the earlobe which can result in a “pixie ear” deformity.

How Long Does a Deep Plane Facelift Last?

A deep plane facelift can last about 10 – 15 years or even longer, which makes the expertise (and your selection) of a deep plane facelift surgeon important. The longevity of the surgery varies depending on the individual. The younger you are, the tissue elasticity is better, resulting in a longer lasting repair.

Smokers and people with poor health or circulation will lose their elastin earlier; therefore, resulting in a repair that doesn’t last quite as long. Dr. BYUN refers to the “rubber band” example, where a heavily stretched out rubber band will lose its elasticity. Even if it’s shortened, it doesn’t bounce back the same way it used to. Elastin is a fiber. Younger tissues are more enriched with these fibers.

The most important thing to know is that, after the commencement of a deep plane facelift surgery with Dr. Byun, natural results last for a very long period of time – Yes, you will age with the repair, but it often lasts 15 years and beyond. Dr. BYUN’s goal is for you to NEVER age back to your pre-op photo.

Which Facelift Lasts the Longest?

The BYUN Lift

Natural Results With Consistency

Dr. BYUN has performed over 10,000 face restoration procedures.

A BYUN Face Muscle Restoration is a different approach. My technique is the reverse of a typical facelift. Instead of pulling tissue and skin back towards the ears and away from the facial midline; the technique I have developed restores the muscles and underlying tissues to their former positions.

As a result, the patient’s eyes do not take on a squinty or almond shape, but retain their original shape that’s unique to each individual. The same happens with the contour of the mouth. Rather than appearing wider and ‘stretched,’ the mouth is restored to its more youthful position unique to the individual.

Why Dr. BYUN is a Highly Favored Deep Plane Facelift Specialist:

• Dr. BYUN performs the best restorative work as he utilizes his unique, and revolutionary surgical technique, that he created over 25 years ago. This intricate technique yields amazing, highly specialized and long lasting results for our patients.
• Dr. BYUN is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who invented the multiplane reverse facelift, also known as the BYUN Lift.
• This reverse lifting technique has been perfected by Dr. BYUN over the last 25 years, leaving our patients looking natural and youthful; never fake, pulled, or distorted.
• Currently, no other surgeon is utilizing this technique.
• Dr. BYUN performs his signature facelift by optimizing tissues, repositioning them in the opposite direction of the standard “cut and pull” method (most performed by other surgeons in the industry).
• Dr. BYUN repositions the muscles and tissues back UP & IN towards the midline (or center of the face); while other surgeons pull up and away (outward towards the ears), leaving you with a pulled and/or distorted appearance.

What Does Dr. BYUN’s Deep Plane Facelift Cost?

How much is a deep plane facelift? The cost of a deep plane facelift is not an easy question to answer as every person is going to need specialized treatment and care.

Dr. BYUN’s deep plane facelift and restoration currently (2023) starts at $157,500. This includes all four Zones. Partial Zones can be granted after an in person consultation with Dr. BYUN.

Please note that every face restoration is different and each patient has unique anatomy, goals and surgical / procedural history.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. BYUN today so he can carefully assess your deep plane facelift goals.

Why is Dr. BYUN More Expensive?

• Exclusivity: Dr. BYUN is the ONLY surgeon performing this facelift technique.
• We focus on one patient at a time: providing the highest level of care, experience, and expertise.
• Dr. BYUN will perform each procedure from beginning to end, and does not utilize help from residents or assistants.
• Cosmetic surgery is considered one of the best investments; not only in your face, but in yourself, your happiness, well-being, and your confidence.
• You cannot get the BYUN Lift done anywhere else.
• The BYUN Lift incorporates specific elements deriving from some of the most common facelift techniques in the industry; Deep Plane, SMAS, Skin Sparing Lift, Vertical Lift, and the Endoscopic Lift.
• Dr. BYUN prides himself on utilizing the smallest of facelift scarring patterns by use of an Endoscope – gaining access this way avoids long scars in front of and behind the ears.
• After surgery, you will be restored to look like yourself, retaining your own beautiful and unique facial features – you will look energized and youthful; not bizarre and/or distorted.
• The BYUN Lift places muscle and other tissues back up and in towards the midline, repositioning them back to their original location.
• The BYUN Lift has proven that you will age slower and more gracefully once the muscles and tissues are placed back to their original spot; where they belong on the face, making sure to avoid displacing the tissues to a non-anatomical position.

Finding the Best Deep Plane Facelift Surgeons (answers by BYUN)

Prices vary depending on WHO is performing your facelift surgery. Is the surgeon seasoned? Does he or she do them a lot? Patients are getting very savvy when they compare the doctors and their backgrounds. Ask all of the questions and then, ask more.

Not all board certified doctors are true plastic surgeons, some are board certified in ENT, ophthalmology, general surgery, dermatology, or oral surgery – but guess what? Many of them do facelifts! It’s not illegal, but you should be choosing a doctor who is highly trained to perform face related procedures, after all, it’s your face!

Some doctors take very short plastic surgery courses. Some countries ban these doctors from doing plastic surgery, but not in the USA. Often these doctors don’t have surgical privileges at the University hospital or big tertiary hospitals. This is how you can tell if the doctor is indeed approved by a third party as an expert to perform these procedures.

For example, an eye doctor can say they are board certified and specialize in facelift. They can do this in their office,  but they can’t do it at the hospital since they don’t have a hospital privilege to perform the claimed procedures. 

Not all these doctors are the same in their understanding of the deep plane rhytidectomy. Dr. BYUN always emphasizes that he didn’t just do 7 years of an intense plastic surgery residency and fellowship at the world-renowned Northwestern University just do a skin deep surgery.

He teaches patients and residents that a surgeon should be able to manage complications of the deep plane facelift. One should have a thorough knowledge of surrounding facial anatomy, bone structure, nervous system, pathophysiology and tissue pathology in order to handle such a complicated surgery.

Not to mention, be able to handle any complications that may arise. If there is a complication, the doctor should admit patients to a hospital and take care of them, but if you don’t have hospital privileges, your doctor cannot. PSA: “Don’t touch the patient if you cannot take care of them afterwards.” Patients should look at the doctor’s board certification carefully.

Are they certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? That’s the only board certification you should accept. Ask surgeons if facelifts are a major proportion of their work, check if the cosmetic surgeon has Plastic Surgery privileges at a hospital to do the facelift and related procedures.

Again, it’s your face; do you want your eye doctor, oral surgeon or general surgeon to do your facelift? Most importantly, look at their before and after photos. If you don’t like what you see, keep searching.

Plastic Surgeon in Chicago – More About the Man Behind the Art

Local to the Chicagoland area? Searching for, “A Facelift Surgeon Near Me?” Look no farther because Dr. BYUN is your guy.

Dr. BYUN received his medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School and completed his clinical fellowship in Plastic Surgery at Northwestern. He was a research advisor at the University of California, Department of Neurobiology and at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Research.

Dr. BYUN is certified in Endoscopic Surgery Plastic Surgery, Maxillofacial Principle and Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

He is a member of the American Medical Association, Chicago Medical Society, and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery. Dr. BYUN has published numerous articles, contributed to numerous publications, authored a consumer book about plastic surgery and has presented his newest techniques at many National and International Plastic Surgery Conferences.

He wrote a consumer book on Plastic Surgery, “The Non-Surgical Face Lift.” In 2002 he was featured on FOX and NBC for his innovative procedures with Dermal Spin, and in 2003 on NBC for the permanent wrinkle filler: Bioform.

Dr. BYUN currently sits as a Biomedical Engineering board member at Northwestern and engages in cell biology research and teaches students at all levels.

Dr. BYUN’s Facelift and Face Restoration Expertise:

Choosing a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Michael BYUN ensures that the deep plane facelift is performed with the highest level of precision all while minimizing scars and maximizing results. His created face restoration technique and decades of work, assures that patients achieve natural-looking results without the stigmas of a tight, pulled look.

Should you consider undergoing deep plane facelift procedures, understanding what a deep plane facelift is and consulting with a surgeon of Dr. BYUN’s caliber ensures that you are in expert hands. This offers peace of mind for those looking to restore their appearance and reverse the signs of aging with a deep plane facelift.

Dr. BYUN was THE first plastic surgeon to describe a facelift and midface lift based on a muscle lift. He has over two decades of experience with facelifts and his well known created technique, the BYUN lift.