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Facelift Surgery in Korea (SMAS)

Face Lift
in Korea

True rejuvenation is not just pulling the skin.
We reposition the SMAS layer and ligaments to reset gravity’s effect naturally.

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What Is
SMAS Facelift?

3–4 hr

Procedure

Gen/Sedation

Anesthesia

10 Years+

Longevity

A Face Lift (Rhytidectomy) is the most powerful method to correct severe sagging of the mid-to-lower face and neck.

Why "SMAS" matters: Underneath the skin lies the Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System (SMAS). If you only pull the skin, the face looks unnatural ("wind-tunnel" look) and scars stretch.

Korean Advanced Facelifts detach and lift this SMAS layer and release the retaining ligaments, ensuring the tension is carried by the strong deep tissues, not the delicate skin. This guarantees a natural expression and long-lasting results.

The "Deep Plane" Difference

Targeting the root cause of aging.

Ligament Release: The face is held down by strong ligaments (Zygomatic, Mandibular). Without cutting (releasing) these, the face cannot be lifted vertically. This is the key to the "Korean Deep Plane" technique.

Incision

Hidden Scars

Incisions are hidden inside the tragus (ear cartilage) and along the hairline. After healing, the scar is virtually invisible.

Technique

Vertical Vector

We lift tissues vertically (upwards), not horizontally (sideways), to restore the youthful heart-shaped volume.

Safety

Pixie Ear Prevention

We anchor the deep tissues firmly so there is no tension on the earlobe, preventing the "stretched ear" deformity.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

When non-surgical treatments (Lasers, Threads) no longer work.

Signs of Advanced Aging

  • Deep nasolabial folds & Marionette lines
  • Jowls (sagging jawline) disrupting the face shape
  • Loose skin on the neck (Turkey neck)
  • Previous thread lifts yielded minimal/short results

Age Considerations

  • 40s-50s: Often suitable for "Mini Facelift" or "MACS Lift".
  • 60s+: Usually require "Full Facelift" + Neck Lift.
  • *Note: Skin elasticity matters more than biological age.

Scared of the "Wind-Tunnel" Look?

Unnatural results come from pulling skin only.
Ask us about our "Ligament Release" technique for natural expressions.

Get a Free Surgeon Assessment

Surgical Options

Tailored lifting scope based on your sagging degree.

Standard

Extended SMAS Facelift

The gold standard. The incision extends from the temple, around the ear, to the lower scalp. The SMAS layer is dissected, lifted, and excess skin is removed.

  • Covers Mid-face + Lower-face + Jawline
  • Most durable result (10+ years)
Advanced

Deep Plane Facelift

Surgeons go deeper, under the SMAS, releasing retaining ligaments. This allows for lifting the mid-face (cheek fat pads) more effectively without tension.

  • Best for heavy nasolabial folds
  • Less bruising/swelling than traditional methods
Targeted

Mini Facelift (MACS Lift)

Smaller incision (front of ear only). Focuses on the jowls and lower face. Ideal for younger patients with moderate sagging.

  • Faster recovery
  • Less effective for neck sagging

Lifting Methods Comparison

Feature Thread Lift Mini Facelift Full Facelift (SMAS)
Invasiveness Non-Surgical Surgical (Minor) Surgical (Major)
Target Layer Subcutaneous Fat SMAS (Looping) SMAS (Resection/Fixation)
Longevity 6 mo – 1 Year 5 – 7 Years 10 – 15 Years +
Scars None (Needle hole) Short (Front of ear) Around ear + Hairline
Estimated Cost $1,000 ~ $3,000 $5,000 ~ $8,000 $9,000 ~ $15,000

* Neck lift combination usually adds $3,000 ~ $5,000 depending on platysmaplasty requirements.

Recovery Timeline

Recovery is quicker than expected due to advanced hemostasis.

Day 1-2

Drains & Bandage

Small blood drains may be used to prevent hematoma. Face will be wrapped. Rest is crucial.

Day 7-10

Stitch Removal

Front-of-ear stitches are removed first. Scalp staples/stitches removed around day 10-14.

2 W

Social Activity

Major bruising fades. Makeup can cover incision lines. You can return to work.

3-6 Mo

Scar Maturation

Scars turn from red to pink, then fade to skin color. Numbness in the cheeks resolves.

Safety & Possible Risks

Understanding potential complications.

Hematoma

Collection of blood under the skin. Controlled by drains and blood pressure management post-op.

Nerve Injury

Facial nerve branches (control movement) are near the SMAS. Temporary weakness can occur but permanent damage is rare with experts.

Hypertrophic Scar

If skin is pulled too tight (tension), scars widen. Prevention: All tension must be on the SMAS, not the skin.

Hair Loss

Temporary hair thinning near incision sites (Shock loss). Usually grows back within 3-6 months.

FAQ

Common questions, answered clearly.

Will I look like a different person?
No. A good facelift makes you look like a "younger version of yourself," not a stranger. The goal is to restore your anatomy to where it was 10 years ago.
Can I do Facelift and Eyelid surgery together?
Yes, Upper/Lower Blepharoplasty is the most common combination. It ensures the eyes match the rejuvenated face.
Is the scar visible?
Incision lines are placed inside the ear cartilage (tragus) and behind the ear. Once redness fades (3-6 months), they are very hard to detect even with short hair.

Pricing

Real operating price list (reference). Currency: USD. Reference ranges. Final quotation depends on anatomy, technique, revision status, anesthesia type, and clinic policy.

Item Price (USD) Conditions
Mini Facelift — Lower face/jowl focus; shorter incision. $6,500–11,000 Reference ranges. Final quotation depends on anatomy, technique, revision status, anesthesia type, and clinic policy.
SMAS Facelift (Standard) — Structural lift for mid‑lower face and jowls. $9,000–16,000 Reference ranges. Final quotation depends on anatomy, technique, revision status, anesthesia type, and clinic policy.
Deep Plane Facelift — Advanced; longer recovery; surgeon‑dependent. $12,000–22,000 Reference ranges. Final quotation depends on anatomy, technique, revision status, anesthesia type, and clinic policy.
Neck Lift (Add‑on) — Platysma tightening + contour. $3,500–8,500 Reference ranges. Final quotation depends on anatomy, technique, revision status, anesthesia type, and clinic policy.
Revision Facelift — Scar release and structural revision. $15,000–28,000 Reference ranges. Final quotation depends on anatomy, technique, revision status, anesthesia type, and clinic policy.
  • What’s included? Some clinics include design + local anesthesia; others bill anesthesia, meds, VAT, or hospital stay separately.
  • Final quote: after photo review + safety screening + (when needed) in-person exam.
  • Refund / revision policy: varies by clinic; always confirm before booking.

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