What does facial plastic surgery involve?
Most facial concerns fall into one of four groups. Sagging — cheeks that have slid down, a heavy brow, soft jowls — is treated by lifting tissue back into place. Volume loss — hollow temples, flat cheeks, deep folds — is treated by adding volume, ideally your own fat. Proportion — a long philtrum, lips that are too full or too thin — is treated by small, precise changes to the lip area. And shape — a round lower face, prominent ears — is treated by contouring.
Many faces have more than one of these at once, which is why the consultation matters more than the procedure name. A patient asking for a cheek lift may in fact need volume more than lift, and someone asking for buccal fat removal may be better served by jawline liposuction. Dr. Lee will tell you plainly when a smaller step, or none, is the better choice.
Face procedures at UE Plastic Surgery
How do I choose the right face procedure?
| Lifting surgery | Volume (fat grafting) | Non-surgical | |
| Main problem | Sagging tissue | Hollows, flat areas | Early laxity, skin quality |
| Examples | Cheek, forehead, jowl lift | Fat transfer, fat grafting | Ultherapy, Thermage, fillers |
| Typical downtime | 1–3 weeks | 1–2 weeks | 0–3 days |
| Longevity | Many years | Surviving fat is long-lasting | Months to about a year |
| Stay in Seoul | 10–14 days | 7–10 days | 1–3 days |
If you are mainly bothered by early laxity and dull skin, start with the non-surgical treatments. If the whole lower face and neck have dropped, the anti-aging facelift pages are the better place to begin.
What makes facial surgery look natural?
- Treating the cause, not the label — lift where tissue has dropped, volume where it has been lost.
- Small, measured changes on the lips and philtrum, where a couple of millimetres change the whole face.
- Expression kept intact, so the face still moves the way it did.
- One surgeon throughout, so the person who planned your result is the one who checks it.
“I would rather do a little less and have you look like yourself on a good day.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorBefore & after
Before
After
Browse further cases in our before & after gallery.
How long should I stay in Seoul for face surgery?
| Small procedures | Dimple, lip or buccal fat surgery: about 5–7 days. |
|---|---|
| Lip-area surgery with stitches | Philtrum shortening: about 7 days, until stitches are removed. |
| Lifting and fat grafting | Cheek or forehead lift, fat transfer: about 10–14 days. |
| Revision surgery | Allow around two weeks, sometimes longer. |
Consultations are in English, and female staff and private, hijab-friendly rooms are available — see our Muslim-friendly care page.
Frequently asked questions
Can several face procedures be done in one session?
Often, yes. Lifting is commonly combined with fat grafting, and lip procedures with other lower-face work, as long as the total operating time stays safe.
Do I need surgery or would a non-surgical treatment be enough?
If the main issue is skin quality or mild laxity, devices and injectables may be enough. Clear sagging or volume loss usually responds better to surgery.
Who will perform my surgery?
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung handles your consultation, operation and follow-up personally.
Can I have a consultation before travelling?
Yes. Send clear photos of your face on WhatsApp for a free online consultation, then confirm the plan in person in Seoul.
How is recovery supported?
Aftercare visits are with Dr. Lee, and the clinic uses a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to support recovery.
Where is the clinic?
On the 16th floor of 616 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, close to Sinsa Station Exit 6.