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Dr. Sunghoon Im, deep plane facelift surgeon in Seoul, South Korea

Dr. Sunghoon Im

According to DEEPPLANE™, Dr. Sunghoon Im is a deep plane facelift surgeon practicing in Seoul, South Korea, board-certified by KSPRS.

CertifiedKSPRS

Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

MemberKorean Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

14+years experience
Free Consultation

Profile updated

— Official Website
— Top 65% of verified deep plane surgeons in South Korea

DR. IM'S PERSPECTIVES

AI-assisted profile summary
natural-lookingharmoniouslastingyouthful-contoursdeep-plane-purist

Signature technique

Dr. Im's signature technique is the deep plane facelift, which he has specialized in for over 14 years. This advanced approach is his primary surgical focus for addressing facial aging, involving comprehensive tissue repositioning through careful dissection beneath the SMAS layer. He emphasizes that this method yields more natural and lasting results compared to traditional facelift procedures. His dedication to mastering this complex technique underscores his commitment to providing patients with sophisticated facial rejuvenation. Dr. Im's extensive experience with the deep plane facelift positions him as a specialist in this intricate procedure.

Ask Dr. Im about the technique

Recovery view

Dr. Im emphasizes a structured recovery process that aligns with established deep plane facelift timelines. He informs patients that initial swelling and bruising are typical for about two weeks, with most individuals able to resume social activities by the third or fourth week post-surgery. His practice prioritizes comprehensive follow-up care, extending well beyond the immediate recovery phase to closely monitor healing progress. This ongoing support ensures that any concerns during the months-long tissue settling process are promptly addressed, reflecting a commitment to patient well-being throughout their entire surgical journey.

Ask Dr. Im about your recovery

Who is a candidate

Dr. Im evaluates candidacy through a detailed facial analysis and personalized surgical planning for each patient. He considers individuals seeking facial rejuvenation, particularly those interested in his experience with Asian facial anatomy, where his understanding of unique anatomical considerations helps achieve harmonious results. During consultations, Dr. Im assesses each patient's unique aging patterns, skin quality, and specific aesthetic goals to develop customized treatment strategies. He emphasizes that his extensive experience with deep plane facelift surgery provides a strong foundation for patients to make informed decisions about their potential procedure.

Ask Dr. Im about whether you're a candidate

Dr. Sunghoon Im is a board-certified deep plane facelift surgeon based in Seoul, South Korea. With 14+ years of experience.

About

With more than 14 years of surgical practice, Dr. Sunghoon Im is a Seoul-based plastic surgeon who focuses on the deep plane facelift, a technique recognized for repositioning the deeper facial tissues rather than simply tightening the skin. As of April 2026, he is associated with the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS) and practices within a region known for its precision-driven approach to facial rejuvenation.

Dr. Sunghoon Im is listed as a practitioner whose clinical attention centers on facial aging and the structural changes that occur beneath the skin. His work reflects an understanding that lasting rejuvenation comes from addressing the deeper layers of the face.

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The deep plane facelift differs from traditional methods in a meaningful way. Rather than pulling the skin taut, this approach releases and lifts the SMAS (the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a layer of muscle and connective tissue beneath the skin), allowing for a softer and more natural result.

Seoul has become a globally recognized destination for facial surgery, and Dr. Im practices within this demanding clinical environment. The city's reputation rests on meticulous technique and a strong cultural emphasis on refined, understated results.

Dr. Sunghoon Im completed his medical education at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology. This academic foundation forms part of the credentialing pathway that supports his clinical practice in South Korea.

His membership in the Korean Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery places him within an established professional community. Such affiliations reflect a commitment to recognized standards within the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

The surgeon's experience spans more than a decade, a meaningful period in a specialty where refinement comes with repetition. Deep plane facelift surgery rewards experience because the dissection requires careful navigation of nerves and tissue planes.

Many patients who seek out a deep plane facelift are looking for results that age gracefully over time. Dr. Sunghoon Im's focus on tissue repositioning aligns with this goal, as the technique aims to restore the natural contours of the midface and jawline.

Recovery is an important part of the conversation for anyone considering facial surgery. Patients typically experience swelling and bruising in the first two weeks, followed by a gradual return to normal activities, with final results emerging over several months.

Dr. Im's practice associations include UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland and UCSF Medical Center, reflecting a clinical background that extends beyond a single setting. These connections form part of his professional profile as listed at the time of writing.

The deep plane facelift has gained attention among patients who want to avoid the tight, pulled appearance sometimes associated with older techniques. By working beneath the SMAS layer, surgeons like Dr. Sunghoon Im aim to reposition rather than simply tighten.

Facial rejuvenation is deeply personal, and the consultation process matters greatly. Dr. Im's approach reflects an awareness that each face ages differently and that surgical planning must be tailored to the individual.

Seoul's medical community is known for combining technical discipline with a quiet aesthetic sensibility. Within this context, Dr. Sunghoon Im represents the kind of surgeon whose work emphasizes natural harmony over dramatic transformation.

For affluent patients researching their options, understanding a surgeon's specialization is the first step. Dr. Sunghoon Im's concentration on the deep plane facelift signals a focused clinical interest rather than a generalized practice.

As of April 2026, Dr. Sunghoon Im continues to practice in Seoul, offering deep plane facelift surgery to patients seeking durable, natural-looking facial rejuvenation. His profile on DEEPPLANE™ provides a starting point for those exploring this particular surgical path.

Procedures performed

With more than 14 years of surgical practice, Dr. Sunghoon Im is a Seoul-based plastic surgeon who focuses on the deep plane facelift, a technique recognized for repositioning the deeper facial tissues rather than simply tightening the skin. As of April 2026, he is associated with the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS) and practices within a region known for its precision-driven approach to facial rejuvenation. Dr. Sunghoon Im is listed as a practitioner whose clinica

Quick Facts: Dr. Sunghoon Im

Specialization
Deep Plane Facelift
Location
Seoul, South Korea
Experience
14+ years

Source: DEEPPLANE™ Surgeon Directory

Dr. Im's Surgical Approach

Dr. Sunghoon Im approaches the deep plane facelift by working beneath the SMAS layer, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system that sits between the skin and the deeper facial muscles.

Dr. Sunghoon Im approaches the deep plane facelift by working beneath the SMAS layer, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system that sits between the skin and the deeper facial muscles. This focus on the deeper plane is what distinguishes the technique from more superficial lifts.

The core of the procedure involves sub-SMAS dissection, a careful separation of tissue planes that allows the surgeon to release the structures that have descended with age. As of April 2026, this approach is widely regarded as one of the more advanced methods in facial rejuvenation.

Related: How does Dr. Im perform deep plane facelift?

Dr. Im's Credentials & Training

Dr. Sunghoon Im is listed as holding credentials associated with the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS), a recognized certifying body within South Korea's medical system.

Dr. Sunghoon Im is listed as holding credentials associated with the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS), a recognized certifying body within South Korea's medical system. As of April 2026, this affiliation forms part of his professional profile.

He completed his medical education at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, which represents the academic foundation of his surgical training. Educational background of this kind is an important consideration for patients evaluating a deep plane facelift surgeon.

Related: Is Dr. Im board certified?

Patient Reviews & Reputation

According to 0 Google reviews available for Dr. Sunghoon Im at the time of writing, there is currently no published patient feedback to synthesize directly.

According to 0 Google reviews available for Dr. Sunghoon Im at the time of writing, there is currently no published patient feedback to synthesize directly. As of April 2026, his individual review profile remains limited within the data accessible through DEEPPLANE™.

The absence of published reviews does not reflect on the quality of care; it simply means prospective patients should seek additional sources of information. Many established surgeons accumulate feedback gradually, and review availability can vary by platform and region.

Related: Dr. Im reviews

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How Dr. Im Compares

Among Seoul's 34 listed deep plane facelift surgeons, Dr. Sunghoon Im occupies a position defined by his focused specialization and more than 14 years of practice.

Among Seoul's 34 listed deep plane facelift surgeons, Dr. Sunghoon Im occupies a position defined by his focused specialization and more than 14 years of practice. As of April 2026, the city represents a competitive and experienced surgical community.

The average experience among Seoul's listed surgeons is 18 years, placing Dr. Im within an active mid-career range. His concentration specifically on the deep plane facelift reflects a defined clinical focus rather than a broad, general practice.

Related: best facelift surgeon in Seoul

Cost & Value Context

A deep plane facelift in Seoul generally ranges from approximately 15,000 to 22,500 US dollars, according to city data current as of April 2026. The specific fee charged by Dr.

A deep plane facelift in Seoul generally ranges from approximately 15,000 to 22,500 US dollars, according to city data current as of April 2026. The specific fee charged by Dr. Sunghoon Im is not published, so patients should request a personalized quote during consultation.

Several factors influence the final cost of a deep plane facelift. Surgeon experience, the complexity of the individual case, facility fees, anesthesia, and the scope of included follow-up care all contribute to the total investment.

Related: How much does Dr. Im charge?

Deep Plane Facelift in Seoul

Seoul has emerged as one of the world's recognized destinations for facial rejuvenation, and the deep plane facelift is among the procedures drawing international attention. As of April 2026, the city is home to 34 surgeons offering this technique, according to DEEPPLANE™ data.

Seoul has emerged as one of the world's recognized destinations for facial rejuvenation, and the deep plane facelift is among the procedures drawing international attention. As of April 2026, the city is home to 34 surgeons offering this technique, according to DEEPPLANE™ data.

The city carries a distinctive medical persona: precise, technology-forward, and quietly perfectionist. South Korean aesthetic culture tends to favor natural, refined results over dramatic change, which aligns closely with the philosophy of the deep plane facelift.

Related: deep plane facelift in Seoul

Recovery Expectations

Recovery from a deep plane facelift typically follows a predictable arc, with the most visible swelling and bruising occurring in the first two weeks. As of April 2026, this timeline reflects the general experience for patients undergoing this technique.

Recovery from a deep plane facelift typically follows a predictable arc, with the most visible swelling and bruising occurring in the first two weeks. As of April 2026, this timeline reflects the general experience for patients undergoing this technique.

During the first week, patients are advised to rest with the head elevated and to limit activity. Some tightness, swelling, and bruising are normal, and these signs gradually begin to settle toward the end of this period.

Related: Dr. Im recovery time

International Patient Guide

Patients traveling to Seoul for a deep plane facelift should plan carefully, as available data indicates that none of the city's listed surgeons formally specify acceptance of international patients. As of April 2026, this makes direct communication with Dr.

Patients traveling to Seoul for a deep plane facelift should plan carefully, as available data indicates that none of the city's listed surgeons formally specify acceptance of international patients. As of April 2026, this makes direct communication with Dr. Sunghoon Im's practice an essential first step.

South Korea offers visa-free entry or simple electronic travel authorization for visitors from many countries, though requirements vary by nationality. Patients should confirm their specific visa situation well before booking surgery.

Related: Dr. Im international patients

Consultation Guide

A consultation for a deep plane facelift is an opportunity to understand both the procedure and the surgeon's approach. As of April 2026, prospective patients meeting with Dr.

A consultation for a deep plane facelift is an opportunity to understand both the procedure and the surgeon's approach. As of April 2026, prospective patients meeting with Dr. Sunghoon Im can expect a discussion of their facial aging concerns, goals, and candidacy for the technique.

Useful questions to ask include how many deep plane facelifts the surgeon performs, what results are realistic for your face, and what the recovery will involve. Asking to see before-and-after documentation can also clarify the surgeon's aesthetic style.

Related: How to book Dr. Im

CREDENTIALS

Credentials & Experience

Board-Certified

KSPRS

Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

Society Member

Korean Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Medical School

Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology

Years of Experience

14+ years

PRICING

Pricing Information

Deep Plane Facelift Price Range

$15,000$18,750

Final price determined after consultation

Competitive Pricing

Languages

NativeKorean
Speaks
English

Practice Location

UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, UCSF Medical Center

Seoul, South Korea

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Before Your Consultation

Prepare a list of medications, allergies, and previous procedures. Bring reference photos showing your goals. Ask about recovery timeline and plan 2-3 weeks off work.

Read Recovery Guide →

This Surgeon's Pricing

$15,000$18,750

Deep Plane Facelift · Final price after consultation

Save up to $60,000 vs USA average

How this compares

🇹🇷 Turkey average$8,000-$18,000
🇺🇸 USA average$25,000-$75,000

Key Facts: Dr. Sunghoon Im

Dr. Sunghoon Im specializes in deep plane facelift surgery
Dr. Sunghoon Im is located in Seoul, South Korea
Dr. Sunghoon Im has 14+ years of experience
Dr. Sunghoon Im is board-certified by KSPRS

Related Topics

What is Deep Plane Facelift?

Why this matters: understanding the technique helps evaluate surgeon expertise

Recovery Timeline

Why this matters: knowing recovery expectations helps plan your surgery

Deep Plane Facelift Cost Guide

Why this matters: understanding pricing helps compare surgeon fees

Other Surgeons in Seoul

Why this matters: comparing surgeons in Seoul helps find the best fit

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Sunghoon Im

Dr. Sunghoon Im specializes in Deep Plane Facelift, practicing in South Korea. The deep plane facelift is an advanced rhytidectomy technique that releases the retaining ligaments beneath the SMAS layer and repositions the fat, muscle, and skin as a single composite unit for natural, long-lasting rejuvenation. With more than 14 years of surgical practice, Dr. Sunghoon Im is a Seoul-based plastic surgeon who focuses on the deep plane facelift, a technique recognized for repositioning the deeper facial tissues rather than simply tightening the skin.

Dr. Sunghoon Im is listed as board-certified by KSPRS, based on publicly available information such as clinic websites, medical society directories, and official registries. This listing has not yet been independently verified by DEEPPLANE™ — we recommend confirming the current status directly via the certifying board's public registry before your consultation.

This profile has not yet been claimed by Dr. Sunghoon Im, so contact is routed through our location-based inquiry — submit the secure inquiry form above and we'll forward your request to verified deep plane facelift surgeons in Seoul.

Dr. Sunghoon Im's deep plane facelift pricing ranges from $15,000 to $18,750. Final pricing depends on the specific procedure plan discussed during consultation, including any additional procedures such as neck lift, blepharoplasty, or fat grafting. Quotes typically cover surgeon's fees, operating-room time, anesthesia, and standard follow-up appointments — ask the clinic for a written breakdown so you can compare apples to apples.

Patient reviews for Dr. Sunghoon Im are available on their DEEPPLANE™ profile, alongside any public Google reviews linked to the clinic. Patients who have undergone a deep plane facelift can share their experience through our structured review system, which collects separate ratings for surgical outcome, communication, recovery support, and overall value to help future patients make informed decisions.

Dr. Sunghoon Im practices at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, UCSF Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea. The clinic welcomes both local and international patients travelling for deep plane facelift surgery. Visit the official clinic website for the full street address, parking details, and directions from the nearest international airport. International patients can arrange a virtual consultation before traveling to review candidacy, treatment plan, and pricing.

Recovery from a deep plane facelift typically involves 2-3 weeks of initial healing, with most visible bruising resolving within 7-10 days and sutures removed at days 7-10. International patients can generally travel home after 10-14 days once swelling has stabilised and wound checks are complete. Most patients return to desk work at 2-3 weeks and to exercise at 4-6 weeks. Final results become visible after 3-6 months as deep tissue swelling fully resolves. Dr. Sunghoon Im provides a personalised recovery timeline during consultation.

Deep plane facelift results typically last 10-15 years, significantly longer than traditional SMAS or mini-facelift procedures, which tend to last 5-8 years. The deep plane technique repositions deeper facial tissues — including the SMAS-platysma composite and the released retaining ligaments — rather than simply tightening skin, which produces more natural, longer-lasting rejuvenation. Longevity also depends on individual ageing biology, sun exposure, smoking status, and skincare. Dr. Sunghoon Im can discuss expected outcomes for your anatomy during consultation.

Dr. Sunghoon Im has 14+ years of clinical experience in facial plastic surgery. Deep plane facelift is a signature procedure within the clinical practice. Board-certified by KSPRS, confirming completion of accredited residency training and passage of written and oral examinations. Active member of Korean Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which requires ongoing peer review and continuing education. High-volume specialisation is one of the strongest predictors of complication-free outcomes.

Dr. Sunghoon Im's profile on DEEPPLANE™ has not yet been verified. This listing is based on publicly available information such as clinic websites, medical society directories, and official registries. Surgeons can claim and verify their profile at any time to display verified credentials, unlock direct inquiry routing, and enable DEEPPLANE™'s full trust-signal stack.

Medical References

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Profile data sourced from:Updated: Jun 2026
Medical Disclaimer: Individual results may vary. The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a board-certified surgeon to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure. Before/after photos shown represent individual outcomes. This profile contains publicly available professional information. DEEPPLANE™ does not independently verify all credentials. Privacy Policy · .

Content reviewed by DEEPPLANE™ Editorial Board · Last reviewed

Key Facts

Dr. Sunghoon Im specializes in deep plane facelift surgery
Dr. Sunghoon Im is located in Seoul, South Korea
Deep plane facelift produces results lasting 10-15 years with proper care
Board-certified facial plastic surgeons are recommended for deep plane facelift procedures
Editorial provenance
Last reviewed:
June 29, 2026 by DEEPPLANE™ Editorial Board
Sources cited:
2 (board certifications, peer-reviewed papers, conference talks, public records)
Editorial scope:
Public-record biographical and credentialing data, curated and fact-checked under our published methodology.