Korean Facelift Surgery Guide

Korea has become a global leader in facelift surgery thanks to its advanced surgical techniques, natural results, and highly trained specialists. Patients from around the world — especially from the U.S., Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe — travel to Seoul for facelifts because Korean surgeons prioritize natural elegance over dramatic pulling.

This Korean Facelift Surgery Guide covers everything you need to know, from facelift types to recovery, pricing, and popular combination procedures.

Why Choose Korea for Facelift Surgery?

Korean surgeons are known for:

✔ Deep-plane and SMAS expertise

They focus on lifting deep tissues, not just tightening the skin.

✔ Natural, soft, age-appropriate results

Avoids the “windswept” or over-tightened look.

✔ Minimal scarring

Incisions follow natural creases around the ear and hairline.

✔ Technology-supported care

3D imaging, ultrasound mapping, regenerative therapy, and precise anesthesia.

✔ Comprehensive aftercare

Korea offers exceptional post-op care including swelling care, LED therapy, lymphatic massage, and regenerative boosters.

Types of Facelift Surgeries in Korea

Korean facelifts are highly tailored. Here are the most common options:

1. SMAS Facelift (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System Lift)

One of the most popular choices.

Best For:

• Moderate sagging
• Jowls
• Nasolabial folds
• Lower face aging

How it works:

The SMAS layer is lifted and repositioned, tightening the lower face and jawline.

Results:

Natural improvement with 8–10+ year longevity.

2. Deep Plane Facelift (Advanced Technique)

Often called the “gold standard” in modern Korean facelifting.

Best For:

• Moderate to severe sagging
• Drooping cheeks
• Deep folds
• Aging in 50s–70s

How it works:

The surgeon releases and repositions the midface and deep tissues as a single unit.

Results:

• Most natural lift
• More youthful cheek shape
• Softer nasolabial folds
• Longer-lasting (10–15 years+)

3. Mini Facelift (Lower Facelift)

A lighter version of the full lift.

Best For:

• Mild sagging
• Early jowls
• Younger patients (late 30s–50s)

Results:

Subtle improvement with shorter recovery.

4. Midface Lift (Cheek Lift)

Targets the middle portion of the face.

Ideal For:

• Flat cheeks
• Drooping under-eye area
• Cheek sagging

Often combined with lower eyelid surgery for smooth under-eye transition.

5. Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)

A popular add-on for complete rejuvenation.

Corrects:

• Neck bands
• Skin laxity
• Double chin
• “Turkey neck”

Often combined with a facelift for a harmonious lower face/neck contour.

6. Endoscopic Brow Lift / Forehead Lift

Best For:

• Heavy brows
• Hooded eyelids
• Forehead wrinkles

Lifts the upper face subtly and opens the eyes.

7. Combination Facelift (Most Common in Korea)

Korean surgeons often combine multiple procedures for complete rejuvenation, such as:

• Deep plane facelift
• Neck lift
• Fat grafting
• Brow lift
• Eyelid surgery
• Laser resurfacing

Combination lifting creates the most harmonious, natural results.

Facial Fat Grafting: The Secret to Korean Facelift Results

Almost every facelift in Korea includes micro-fat or nano-fat grafting for volume restoration.

Why it’s important:

• Rebuilds youthful contours
• Softens sharp lines
• Restores hollow under-eye and temple areas
• Prevents the “tight-but-flat” look
• Extremely natural

Korean fat grafting is known for its softness, smooth texture, and high fat survival rate.

Who Is the Ideal Candidate for a Facelift in Korea?

You may be a good candidate if you have:

• Sagging cheeks or jowls
• Loose neck skin
• Volume loss under eyes or temples
• Deep lines around the mouth
• Drooping lower face
• Poor jawline definition
• Age 40–75+

Korea’s advanced facelifts deliver natural results even for older patients, as long as health conditions are stable.

Korean Facelift Surgery: Step-by-Step

1. Consultation

Includes:

• Facial analysis
• Custom lift planning
• 3D imaging
• Skin and volume assessment

2. Anesthesia

Usually sleep sedation + local anesthesia, sometimes general depending on the case.

3. Incisions

Carefully placed:

• Around the ear
• Behind the ear
• Within the hairline

Korean surgeons emphasize minimal visible scarring.

4. Lifting the SMAS or Deep Plane Layer

This is the key step. Korean surgeons lift deeper layers, not just skin, to ensure:

• Natural results
• Long-term improvement
• Less tension on the skin

5. Skin Redraping & Fat Grafting

Excess skin is removed and fat is added for soft youthful balance.

6. Closing & Fine Detailing

Ultra-thin sutures for discreet scars.

Recovery After Facelift Surgery in Korea

Typical timeline:

• Day 1–3: Swelling and tightness
• Day 4–7: Stitches removed
• Day 7–14: Bruising fades
• Week 3+: Visible improvement
• Month 1–3: Final settling

Korean clinics often include:

• LED therapy
• Anti-swelling injections
• Regenerative boosters
• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Scar care programs

This accelerates recovery dramatically.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Korea? (General Estimates)

Prices vary by technique, surgeon, and complexity.

Mini Facelift:

₩3,000,000–₩7,000,000

SMAS Facelift:

₩8,000,000–₩15,000,000

Deep Plane Facelift:

₩12,000,000–₩25,000,000+

Neck Lift Add-On:

₩5,000,000–₩12,000,000

Fat Grafting Add-On:

₩2,000,000–₩5,000,000

International patients should confirm inclusions like anesthesia, overnight stay, and aftercare.

Why Korean Facelifts Look More Natural

✔ Lift deeper layers, not the skin

✔ Add volume with fat grafting

✔ Do not over-tighten

✔ Prioritize harmony over dramatic change

✔ Use extremely precise scar placement

✔ Combine surgery with skin-quality treatments

This is why Korean facelifts age beautifully.

⭐ Final Thoughts

Korea offers some of the most advanced, natural-looking facelift techniques in the world. Whether you want a mini facelift, deep plane lift, SMAS lift, or full combination surgery, Korean surgeons specialize in structural lifting + volume restoration + skin refinement for truly youthful, elegant results.