What is a facelift?
Beneath the skin lies the SMAS(superficial musculo-aponeurotic system), a sheet of fibrous tissue that holds the cheek fat and connects to the neck muscle. As the ligaments anchoring it loosen, the SMAS slides down and forwards, creating jowls, heavier smile lines and a blurred jaw. Pulling the skin alone does not fix this — and is what causes the windswept look of older techniques.
A modern facelift lifts the SMAS itself, then lets the skin settle over it without tension. Depending on how much the mid-face has fallen, Dr. Lee may recommend a standard SMAS lift, a deep plane facelift for heavier sagging, or a shorter mini facelift for early change.
Who is a good candidate for a facelift?
- Jowls and a broken jaw line visible at rest and in side profile.
- Cheeks that have dropped leaving deeper nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
- Early neck looseness under the jaw.
- Skin that no longer responds to Ultherapy, Thermage or threads.
- Good health and realistic goals — non-smokers, or willing to stop for several weeks.
If the neck is the main problem, a dedicated neck lift is often added. If you have had a facelift before that looks tight or has relapsed, see revision facelift.
SMAS facelift vs deep plane vs mini facelift
| SMAS facelift | Deep plane facelift | Mini facelift | |
| Layer lifted | SMAS plicated or trimmed | Below SMAS, ligaments released | SMAS, limited area |
| Best for | Moderate jowls and cheeks | Heavy mid-face, deep folds | Early jowls, 40s |
| Incision | Around the ear | Around the ear | Shorter, in front of the ear |
| Recovery | About 2 weeks | 2–3 weeks | 10–14 days |
| Neck correction | Upper neck | Upper neck, can add neck lift | Minimal |
How is facelift surgery performed?
Before & after
Before
After
Many more facelift cases are in our before & after gallery.
How long is facelift recovery?
| Day 1–2 | Dressing and any drain removed at the clinic; swelling and tightness are expected. |
|---|---|
| Day 7–10 | Stitches removed. Bruising fades; gentle walks and sightseeing are fine. |
| Week 2–3 | Most patients feel comfortable flying home and returning to desk work. |
| Month 3–6 | Residual swelling and numbness around the ears resolve; the result settles. |
“The skin is the envelope, not the engine. If I lift the right layer, the skin has no reason to look tight.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorHyperbaric oxygen sessions are available during recovery, and LDM soothing care can be added for comfort.
What are the risks of a facelift?
The most common issue is a haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin), which may need drainage. Other risks include temporary numbness around the ears, visible or widened scars, hair loss near the incision, asymmetry and, rarely, temporary or permanent weakness of a facial nerve branch. Smoking significantly raises the risk of skin healing problems. We discuss your personal risks at the consultation and plan conservatively.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a facelift last?
Most patients look younger than they would have without surgery for many years, typically around 7–10 years, though ageing continues.
Where are the facelift scars?
They run in the natural crease in front of the ear, around the earlobe and behind the ear into the hairline, and fade over several months.
Will I look like a different person?
No. The aim is to restore your own earlier contours, not change your features.
How long should I stay in Korea?
We recommend about two weeks, so stitches can be removed and Dr. Lee can review healing before you fly.
Can I combine a facelift with other procedures?
Yes. It is commonly combined with eyelid surgery, a brow lift, a neck lift or fat grafting.
Is a facelift painful?
Most patients describe tightness and discomfort rather than sharp pain, controlled well with prescribed medication.